Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed layer controlled deposition of ZnO films with a tilted c-axis for shear mode resonators

We investigate different procedures for achieving ZnO films with the c-axis tilted with respect to the normal for their application in acoustic resonators operating in the shear modes. The approach consists in combining the use of textured surfaces of different nature with off-axis sputtering, which promotes the growth of ZnO with inclined microcrystals. The rough surfaces investigated are porous-SiO2 and AlN and ZnO seed layers films specifically prepared to exhibit textured surfaces. The suitability of these films for the intended applications is tested by analyzing the frequency response of ZnO-based solidly mounted resonators. Electromechanical coupling factors for the shear modes up to 3.3% are achieved.
Galectin-3 and HBME-1 Expression on Agarose Cell Blocks from Fine-needle aspirates of Follicular Cell-derived Thyroid Tumors

Aim: To test the expression of galectin-3 (gal-3) and Hector Battifora mesothelial antigen-1 (HBME-1) on agarose cell blocks (CBs) of fine-needle aspirates aiming to determine their diagnostic value in thyroid follicle cell-derived tumors. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with thyroid nodule were enrolled. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was done and processed to produce smears and CBs. Immune staining was done on CBs using antibodies to gal-3 and HBME-1. Diagnostic value of tests was determined in comparison to pathology. Results: Current study included 17 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 15 follicular adenoma, and 8 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). In PTC diagnosis, co-expression of gal-3/HBME-1 had a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 73.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 80%, negative predictive value (NPV) 91.7%, and accuracy of 84.4%. In FTC diagnosis, combined gal-3/HBME-1 expression had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 78.6%, PPV of 50%, NPV of 91.7%, and accuracy of 77.8%. Co-expression of gal-3/HBME-1 raised the sensitivity of detection of differentiated thyroid carcinomas from 40% with cytomorphology to 92% and accuracy from 62.5% to 85%. Conclusion: The combined immunocytochemical expression of gal-3 and HBME-1 utilizing fine-needle aspirates can improve the sensitivity of detection and diagnostic accuracy of differentiated follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas.
Disposition kinetics and dosage regimen of vitamin E administered intramuscularly to sheep

Three experiments were conducted to estimate the effects of single intramuscular (IM) administrations of vitamin E on blood plasma and tissue concentrations of α-tocopherol in sheep. In Expt 1, plasma kinetics of α-tocopherol in sheep (n 30) were investigated following IM administration of three doses (ten sheep/dose) of DL-α-tocopheryl acetate, (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg live weight). Plasma profiles of α-tocopherol consisted of a lag phase followed by an apparent first-order absorption and elimination phase. The rate of absorption and elimination, as well as the lag phase, were independent of the dose, but the extent of absorption was directly proportional to dose. In Expt 2 (eighteen experimental and five control sheep), the animals were injected as in Expt 1 and were killed at 0, 80 and 176 h. Increases in α-tocopherol levels in organs were much higher than in plasma. Some tissues such as liver, spleen, lung and adrenal appeared to exhibit rapid absorption and elimination phases. The amount absorbed was proportional to the dose administered. Other organs such as heart, kidney and pancreas had a slow elimination rate. In Expt 3, D-α-tocopherol was injected IM into ten sheep at either 604 mg or 1208 mg. The mean hepatic α-tocopherol concentrations in both groups rose rapidly and after 4 weeks of dosing its concentrations were higher than the predosing levels. The increase in hepatic tocopherol concentrations were higher following 1208 mg dosing than 604 mg D-α-tocopherol. No simple relationship existed between plasma and hepatic α-tocopherol concentrations. This suggests a difference in body mechanisms controlling vitamin E in blood and liver.
Modelul credintelor cu privire la sanatate

Conf.Dr. Floarea Mocean – UMF Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj Napoca This article presents an introduction to the Health Belief Model (HBM). The HBM states that the perception of a personal health behavior threat is influenced by at least three factors: general health values, interest and concern about health; specific beliefs about vulnerability to a particular health threat; and beliefs about the consequences of the health problem. Once an individual perceives a threat to his health and is simultaneously cued to action, if his perceived benefits outweighs his perceived costs, then the individual is most likely to undertake the recommended preventive health action.
Changes in Neurotrophin Levels in Umbilical Cord Blood From Infants With Different Gestational Ages and Clinical Conditions

Apoptotic neuronal loss may be responsible for altered brain development associated with prematurity and perinatal insults. Neurotrophins play crucial roles in protecting neurons from entering or progressing along an apoptotic pathway. The present study examined levels of neurotrophins in human umbilical cord blood from infants at different gestational ages and clinical conditions. We collected 60 samples of cord blood and categorized them accordingly into three gestational age groups: group A (24–28 wk), group B (29–35 wk), and group C (≥36 wk). Neurotrophin levels were determined by using brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT3) ELISA. Clinical data were obtained by medical chart analysis. The BDNF levels were 884 ± 386, 1421 ± 616, and 2190 ± 356 pg/mL in group A, group B, and group C, respectively. Significant differences were found between groups A and B (p = 0.038), groups A and C (p = 0.0001), and groups B and C (p = 0.001). Infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage had significantly lower cord blood BDNF levels (925 ± 513 pg/mL) compared with their normal counterparts (1650 ± 674 pg/mL;p = 0.021). NT3 levels did not show significant change either across gestational ages or with the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage. Cord blood levels of BDNF may reflect the degree of neural maturity in premature infants. Interestingly, when a complete course of antenatal steroids was given, BDNF and NT3 cord blood levels were higher than when no steroid was given. Increased neurotrophins levels may also mediate improved neurodevelopmental outcome in infants who received antenatal steroids.
Intraflagellar transport.

It has been a decade since a novel form of microtubule (MT)-based motility, i.e., intraflagellar transport (IFT), was discovered in Chlamydomonas flagella. Subsequent research has supported the hypothesis that IFT is required for the assembly and maintenance of all cilia and flagella and that its underlying mechanism involves the transport of nonmembrane-bound macromolecular protein complexes (IFT particles) along axonemal MTs beneath the ciliary membrane. IFT requires the action of the anterograde kinesin-II motors and the retrograde IFT-dynein motors to transport IFT particles in opposite directions along the MT polymer lattice from the basal body to the tip of the axoneme and back again. A rich diversity of biological processes has been shown to depend upon IFT, including flagellar length control, cell swimming, mating and feeding, photoreception, animal development, sensory perception, chemosensory behavior, and lifespan control. These processes reflect the varied roles of cilia and flagella in motility and sensory signaling.
M-Government services in Malaysia: Issues, challenges and better services to citizen

In Malaysia, M-Government has evolved and improved significantly as there are 349 agencies involved in providing m-Government services to citizens. However, increasing citizens' awareness of the advantages and benefits of m-Government faces many challenges and issues which were raised in previous studies. This study explored the issues, benefits and better services to encourage the use of m-Government services among citizens. This study used a questionnaire survey method, in which 500 respondents responded to the survey. The results of the survey found that the issues that need to be considered of m-Government are the design of the service, content, policy, technology and citizen awareness. In conclusion, to enable better access to citizens' information and provide efficient services, the highlighted issues in this paper need to be considered by the Malaysian government.
Recovery of Spores from Thermophilic Dairy Bacilli and Effects of Their Surface Characteristics on Attachment to Different Surfaces

ABSTRACT Spores from four Geobacillus spp. were isolated from a milk powder manufacturing line in New Zealand. Liquid sporulation media produced spore yields of ∼107 spores ml−1; spores were purified using a two-phase system created with polyethylene glycol 4000 and 3 M phosphate buffer. The zeta potentials of the spores from the four isolates ranged from −10 to −20 mV at neutral pH, with an isoelectric point between pH 3 and 4. Through contact angle measurements, spores were found to be hydrophilic and had relative hydrophobicity values of 10 to 40%, as measured by the microbial adhesion to hexadecane assay. The most hydrophilic spore isolate with the smallest negative charge attached in the highest numbers to Thermanox and stainless steel (1 × 104 spores cm−2), with fewer spores attaching to glass (3 × 103 spores cm−2). However, spores produced by the other three strains attached in similar numbers (P > 0.05) to all substrata (∼1 × 103 spores cm−2), indicating that there was no simple relationship between individual physicochemical interactions and spore adherence. Therefore, surface modifications which limit the attachment of one strain may not be effective for all stains, and control regimens need to be devised with reference to the characteristics of the particular strains of concern.
Reliability of the assessment of peripheral muscle fatigue induced by high-intensity intermittent exercise.

AIM Reliability of the assessment of peripheral fatigue induced in knee extensors by high-intensity intermittent running exercise (HIE) was established in ten amateur soccer players (age: 18±1, height: 178±5 cm, weight: 68±8 kg). METHODS Transcutaneous electrical stimulations before and after HIE determined muscle contractile properties on three separate occasions (T1, T2 and T3), each separated by 7 days. RESULTS No significant differences were noted for any of the parameters measured (P=0.101). The ICC values for peak torque (PT) varied from moderate to high, with the exception of PT at 10-Hz calculated comparing T2 vs. T1 (range PRE=0.78-0.92; POST=0.76-0.97). The ICC derived from PT percentage decrements data were all low, with the exception of PT decrements at 1 Hz calculated comparing T3 vs. T2 (ICC=0.85, moderate). The TE for all contractile parameters obtained using 1-Hz and 100-Hz electrical stimulations were below 10%, including some that demonstrated a TE lower than 5%. Muscle contractile properties determined using 10-Hz stimulations showed a higher level of TE (range: 3.2-15.1%). Similar results were obtained for maximal rate of torque development and torque relaxation. CONCLUSION From the results of this study it can be concluded that muscle contractile properties express a good level of reliability in baseline and postexercise measures following familiarization.
Lane detection for driver assistance and intelligent vehicle applications

Since the 1990s, there have been various lane detection systems designed to suit various road conditions such as highways, urban and rural roads. Current research has shown to predominantly detect only 1 lane marking set in real time and is unable to provide additional lanes for support in situations such as lane closures, road work conditions and car accidents that may obstruct the driving lane. These driver assistance systems are limited in their ability to assist the driver in these conditions. In this paper we propose a method to determine the markings of 2 lanes which can be used in conjunction with a detection system to detect obstacles present in front of the driver on the road. We first determine a suitable threshold for the perspective image to extract these road markings and signs, then apply morphological transformations to counter possible 'deviations' that may arise in this feature extraction technique. This method provides a robust approach to lane detection and works considerably well in various weather conditions. The resulting images show that the method developed can be used for lane-departure warning, as well as for obstacle detection, in driver assistance.
World Society on the Couch: Anti-Terror Consultancy as an Object and Test-Bed of Professional Sociology

This paper is about the re-establishment of a professional, that is, a neutral perspective on terror; most research on terrorism is partisan in terms of biased culturalist studies on the ‘index patients’ of an international conflict. At the same time, there is very little research on the forms and functions of so called anti-terror measures which are commonly treated as acts of self- defence. In contrast to this, from a sociological point of view we find that it takes two to make the terror: an act of violence, and an act of labelling this violence as terror, too. Thus, we argue that Western societies should take full responsibility for their own perceptions, attributions, and actions within an international conflict system, instead of continuing to externalize these. Finally, we state that sociology has a demand for research on the applicability of the concepts of systemic therapy on the field of the intervention into stable inter-cultural conflict systems.
The Impact of Announcemement Days on the VIX

This paper examines the impact of different macroeconomic announcements on the implied volatility index of the S&P 500 (VIX). We focus on FOMC, employment, PPI, and CPI announcements over the sample period of January 2004 to December 2015. As expansion to other papers, the analysis will consider whether the observed changes in the VIX are due to the announcements or if they can be explained by other factors, such as seasonal patterns. Similar to previous studies, we find that on days where FOMC and employment announcements are published, the change in the VIX is on average negative. In contrast to previous research, we show that the average decreasing effect in the VIX for PPI and CPI announcements can be explained by seasonal patterns. Furthermore, the results indicate that the impact of FOMC and employment is independent of “good” and “bad” announcements, while PPI reports have a reducing effect for “extreme” announcements and during times of high uncertainty. All in all, our findings are in line with the definition of the VIX as a measure of uncertainty.
Determinants of stunting at 6, 12, 24 and 60 months and postnatal linear growth in Pakistani children

A “nested” case‐control design was used to identify cases from a longitudinally followed cohort of 1236 newborns registered during 1984–1987, living in three socioeconomically different areas. The children had a length <–2SDS (standard deviation scores) at 6, 12, 24 and 60 mo of age using the NCHS reference. The controls were matched for gender, area and month of birth. A logistic regression analysis was used for determining the risk factors for stunting at each age. Postnatal linear growth was also examined in these two groups of children and body size was compared with the NCHS reference and that of upper‐middle‐class children (n= 240). At 6 mo of age, prematurity and duration of breastfeeding showed a significant association with stunting. At 12 mo, maternal height, birthweight and stunting at 6 mo, while at 24 mo, stunting at 6, 12 and 18 mo were identified as important factors. At 60 mo, no other factors besides previous stunting could be identified. The mean height reached at 60 mo showed a deficit of 6 and 13 cm for the controls and the cases, respectively, compared to the NCHS reference. Twenty‐eight percent of the children from the two poor areas who were stunted at 6 mo had improved by 60 mo of age.
Updated index weights for the Australian profit ranking in dairy cattle.

Several alternative selection indexes for dairy cattle are reviewed as possible replacements for the current version of Australia Profit Ranking (APR) including: an economically optimal solution (the economic index) and two alternative indexes where the relative emphasis on fertility and fitness (compared to protein) is increased. As survival is positively correlated to yields of milk, fat and protein (production), the economic index is close to the maximum response which could be achieved for survival. However, fertility is more difficult to improve because the correlation between fertility and production is negative. To achieve a significant increase in response for fertility, its weight would have to increase considerably. Arbitrary multiples of the economic weight for survival and fertility were considered to investigate the impact on responses to selection. The index weight on survival was doubled and fertility quadrupled in the fitness index and the weight on fertility was doubled in the fertility index. Compared to the economic index, the loss in economic response was $1.40 (6%) for the fitness index and $0.21 (1%) for the fertility index. In the economic index, 53% of the total response is due to improvements in production traits, 37% is due to improved survival and 5% is due to fertility, with the remaining 5% for cell count, liveweight, temperament and milking speed. In the fitness index, the proportion of response due to production traits is 44%, survival 41% and fertility 9%. An index with more emphasis on fitness traits may improve the uptake of the APR. If this occurred it would have a favourable effect on overall genetic improvement of Australian dairy cattle.
Roma Integration in Europe: Why Minority Rights are Failing

This article aims to show the current dysfunctional dialogue between the Roma community and activists, national governments and political majorities, and European institutions. Despite the fact that these entities apply a multi faceted approach toward the common goal of improving the situation of the Roma in Europe, their efforts are caught in the vortex of, and to a large extent are immobilized by, the powerful, morally charged social tension between Roma and non-Roma. As this Note will show, the Roma community lacks a unified ethnic identity or strategy, national governments operate under a pervasive lack of political will for Roma integration, and the European authorities advocate and invest in a formalistic application of minority rights, while all ignore the core social tension around the issue of Roma integration. This social tension, formed and solidified over centuries, defines the two-sided animosity and mistrust between Roma and non-Roma and forms a powerful shield against the successful application of legal norms and effective social policies for Roma inclusion.
Prescribing systemic antibiotics in general practice. A report from the Møre & Romsdal Prescription Study.

OBJECTIVE To describe general practitioners' (GPs) prescribing patterns for antibiotics and to compare them with therapeutic guidelines. DESIGN Cross-sectional, observational study. SETTING In the Norwegian county Møre & Romsdal the GPs recorded all contacts with patients and prescriptions during two months. SUBJECTS 69,843 contacts with 56,758 prescriptions, of which 7905 were for systemic antibiotics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prescriptions in relation to diagnosis, kind of consultation, and patients' age and sex. RESULTS 61% of all antibiotic prescriptions were for females, 26% were issued during indirect contacts, and 14% were repeat prescriptions. Phenoxymethylpenicillin was prescribed most frequently (32%), followed by co-trimoxazole (19%), tetracyclines (18%), erythromycin (16%), and penicillins with extended spectrum (6%). Urinary tract infection was the most frequent diagnosis for antibiotic prescribing (24%), followed by acute bronchitis (13%), ear infections (9%), upper respiratory tract infections (8%), and acute tonsillitis (8.2%). A regression analysis showed that first-time consultations for tonsillitis and otitis, but not for acute bronchitis and pneumonia, patient age 13-64 years, female physician, urban practice location, and a fixed. GP salary were associated with the prescribing of phenoxymethylpenicillin in contrast to other antibiotics. CONCLUSION Antibiotics are often prescribed for viral infections (e.g., acute bronchitis). Broad spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed for diagnoses where penicillin is recommended as first choice. The issue of antibiotic misuse should be addressed more explicitly in general practice.
Preventable ground wire accidents and fires

When wiring a home or business for single phase operation, it is well known that using a 3-wire system is safer than a 2-wire system, where the 3rd wire is a direct connection to earth ground. We cite several recent investigations where failure to adhere to this simple safety protocol has resulted in damage to humans and property: (1) A bond wire used as if it were an earth ground failed to provide protection during a low current short circuit in a power tap; this resulted in a massive house fire. (2) A homeowner had paid to have a 3-wire electrical hookup in his house, but only 2-wires of the 3 were ever installed - hot (120 VAC RMS) and neutral (nominally at zero volts). An overload in the home computer and/or computer appliance resulted in a massive fire since the neutral was NOT strong enough to sink the excess current safely. (3) Two workers testing HID lamps in a sports arena were electrocuted by a short in the bulb's metal frame; the arena had been built in the 1950's and even though town codes and product codes called for the installation of a ground wire, the electrical infrastructure was never upgraded. (4) A subway rider is pushed on to the 3rd rail. A switch is thrown to divert all of the electric currents to ground, but an improper hookup reduces the electric current that diverts to ground, and so the human lives, but he is severely injured.
Faster Heart Rate Recovery With Increased RPE: Paradoxical Responses After an 87-km Ultramarathon

Abstract Mann, TN, Platt, CE, Lamberts, RP, and Lambert, MI. Faster heart rate recovery with increased RPE: paradoxical responses after an 87-km ultramarathon. J Strength Cond Res 29(12): 3343–3352, 2015—The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between heart rate recovery (HRR) and an acute training “overload” by comparing HRR responses before and after an ultramarathon road race. Ten runners completed a standardized laboratory protocol ∼7 days before and between 2 and 4 days after participating in the 87-km Comrades Marathon. The protocol included muscle pain ratings, a 5-bound test, and 20 minutes of treadmill exercise at 70% of maximal oxygen uptake followed by 15 minutes of recovery. Respiratory gases and heart rate measurements were used to calculate steady-state exercise responses, HRR, and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), and participants also provided a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise. The RPE was significantly increased (13 ± 2 vs. 11 ± 1) (p < 0.01), and HRR was significantly faster (35 ± 5 beats vs. 29 ± 4 beats) (p < 0.01) following the postrace vs. prerace submaximal exercise bout, with no significant changes in respiratory or heart rate parameters during exercise or in EPOC. Although previous studies have shown that faster HRR reflected an “adapted” state with enhanced training status, the current findings suggest that this may not always be the case. It follows that changes in HRR should be considered in the context of other factors, such as recent training load and RPE during submaximal exercise.