Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Human Factors Training in Air Rescue Service on Patient Safety in Hospitals: Results of an Online Survey

Background: Air rescue crew members work equally in aviation and medicine, and thus occupy an important interface between the two work environments of aviation and medicine. The aim of this study was to obtain responses from participants to a validated online-based questionnaire regarding whether hospitals may benefit from the commitment of a medical hospital staff which is also professionally involved in the aviation system as emergency physicians and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Technical Crew Members (HEMS TC). Furthermore, it focused on the question of whether the skills acquired through Crew Resource Management (CRM) training in the air rescue service might also be used in the ground-based rescue service and, if so, whether they may have a positive effect. Methods: Medical air rescue staff of 37 German air rescue stations was included. Between 27 November 2020 and 03 March 2021, 253 out of 621 employees (response rate: 40.7%) participated voluntarily in a validated anonymized online survey. A quantitative test procedure was performed using the modified questionnaire on teamwork and patient safety (German version). Results: The examination and interpretation of the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) resulted in the following reliabilities: Factor I (Cooperation): α = 0.707 (good); Factor II (Human factors): α = 0.853 (very good); Factor III (Communication): α = 0.657 (acceptable); and Factor IV (Safety): α = 0.620 (acceptable). Factor analysis explained 53.1% of the variance. Conclusions: The medical clinicians participating in this online survey believed that the skills they learned in human factors training such as CRM are helpful in their daily routine work in hospitals or other medical facilities, as well as in their ground-based rescue service activities. These findings may result in the recommendation to make CRM available on a regular to the medical staff in all medical facilities and also to ground-based rescue service staff aiming to increase patient safety and employee satisfaction.
Living with Insecurities During COVID-19: The Impact of Hard Restrictions on South Asian International Students in Australia

ABSTRACT The outbreak of COVID-19 exacerbated the structural vulnerabilities of marginalised populations globally. In Australia, international students experienced various forms of hardship due to state-mandated public health restrictions. In this exploratory study, we discuss the impacts of hard restrictions on South Asian international students studying at universities in Melbourne. Visa temporality, limited work rights, concentration into precarious and low-paid work, obligations to pay costly higher education fees, and exclusion from social security and universal healthcare contribute to the long-term structural vulnerabilities of international students in Australia. With restrictions in Melbourne leading to widespread job loss in the hospitality and accommodation services sectors during 2020-2021, the state response to pandemic caused further marginalisation of internaitonal students. We show how the public health response to the COVID-19 worsened, rather than protected or improved, self-reported health and wellbeing outcomes for our participants. By centring the lived experiences of South Asian international students, our research contributes to a growing body of evidence detailing how the public health response to pandemic has further subordinated temporary visa holders in Australia. In the future, we recommend inclusive, equitable public health responses which universalise key protective measures such as social security support, regardless of citizenship or visa status.
DermICNet: Efficient Dermoscopic Image Classification Network for Automated Skin Cancer Diagnosis

The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly increasing worldwide. The relevance of Skin Cancer Diagnosis (SCD) and the difficulty in achieving an accurate and consistent diagnosis have resulted in significant research interest. Furthermore, automated detection or classification would be even more helpful in a diagnostic assistance system. This study develops an efficient Dermoscopic Image Classification Network (DermICNet) for automated SCD. The proposed DermICNet is a deep learning architecture with an efficient arrangement of eight convolutional layers with small-sized convolution filters (3x3). The extracted features from the convolution layers are fed to the dense layer for classification. It consists of a neural network that uses stochastic gradient descent optimization to find the optimal solution for SCD. Finally, a softmax classifier is employed to classify the patterns in the dermoscopic images. The proposed DermICNet is assessed using PH2 database images. The classification results reported are based on the random-split (70:30) approach, which divides the PH2 database into training and testing. It is demonstrated that it is feasible to discriminate between abnormal and normal dermoscopic images with an average accuracy of 99.2% using the proposed DermICNet. The results suggest that the analysis of dermoscopic images using DermICNet has the potential as a diagnostic tool for SCD.
An Integral Identity for the Rademacher Functions

Abstract A useful integration identity for the Rademacher functions is derived. The value of the integral of a product of Rademacher functions against an arbitrary function of the symmetric Rademacher kernel is determined, with explicit expressions for the constants provided. Also, a limiting version of this identity is obtained, thereby yielding asymptotic formulas.
Interacting with personal robots and smart environments

In the future, interaction between humans and personal roots will become increasingly important as robots will, more and more, operate as assistants in our everyday life. Because of this, there is a need for a convenient, flexible, and general-purpose technique that we can use to interact with robots. Moreover, the same technique should also be usable when we interact with embedded systems in smart environments. In this paper, we will describe a technique that allows us to use a single simple handheld control device to interact not only with personal robots, but also with ubiquitous embedded systems. When a new system, whether a mobile robot or a VCR, is encountered, the control device downloads a mobile code from the system and executes it. The mobile code then sues the services provided by the control device to create a virtual user interface that we can use to interact with the particular syste. Our technique is flexible, simple, adaptive, and open. The technique draws much of its flexibility and simplicity from the mobile code. Adaptivity comes from the fact that the control device only needs minimal knowledge about each particular system. In addition, the technique does not place any restrictions on the type of mobile code that can be used. We will describe the architecture of the CUES system that utilizes our technique. We will also describe the architecture of the SMAF system, our test bed mobile code execution environment used in CUES. In addition, we will present a virtual user interface for a mobile robot that we can use to control the robot and to monitor its status information. The interface also operates as a terminal that we can use to access remote information in the Internet.
Constant pressure molecular dynamics simulation: The Langevin piston method

A new method for performing molecular dynamics simulations under constant pressure is presented. In the method, which is based on the extended system formalism introduced by Andersen, the deterministic equations of motion for the piston degree of freedom are replaced by a Langevin equation; a suitable choice of collision frequency then eliminates the unphysical ‘‘ringing’’ of the volume associated with the piston mass. In this way it is similar to the ‘‘weak coupling algorithm’’ developed by Berendsen and co‐workers to perform molecular dynamics simulation without piston mass effects. It is shown, however, that the weak coupling algorithm induces artifacts into the simulation which can be quite severe for inhomogeneous systems such as aqueous biopolymers or liquid/liquid interfaces.
Image reconstruction for electromagnetic field visualization by an inverse problem solution

The purpose of this article is to apply an inverse approach for image reconstruction during electromagnetic field visualization. The reconstruction of the images is formulated as an inverse problem. For the image color model, the Poisson equation with open boundary condition is imposed. The color source densities have been evaluated from the color distributions for electromagnetic field data set. The Generalized Vector Sampled Pattern Matching method is applied to solve an ill posed linear system of equations for the corresponding inverse problem. The new color distributions are generated and visualized using the obtained color source densities. With the proposed inverse approach the dark parts of the images can be reduced or completely removed. This article collects several examples for electromagnetic field visualization of the most commonly used sensor coil. Visualization techniques facilitate the examination of unknown data sets and play an integral role in modeling and investigation of electromagnetic devices. The field distribution is of main importance considering many identification, NDT or EMC problems (1). The Finite Element Method (FEM) or Boundary Element Method (BEM) are usually used for investigation of varies electromechanical devices. The results obtained are visualized using different visualization techniques. Sometimes the images are with not good quality or the data obtained do not correspond to the area of interest. To obtain new results, new FEM or BEM calculations are required which are accompanied by a lot of efforts and computational time. This is one of the main difficulties building interactive simulation and visualization systems. Many problems in medical diagnosis, as well as in industry quality control, require reducing the dark spots of the images. In order to reconstruct the images we propose an approach using formulation and solution of the inverse problem over the image. The image quality depends on the image resolution and color distribution. The image is considered as a 2D-distribution of color components - Red, Green, and Blue (RGB). The 2D-Poisson equation in Cartesian coordinate system is imposed to be satisfied by each of RGB color components with homogeneous open boundary conditions. In order to determine the color component distribution in the image part of interest we calculate the distribution of color component source densities utilizing Green functions. The inverse problem for color source densities
Short‐Term and Long‐Term Variations in Seismic Velocity at Shallow Depths of the Overriding Plate West of the Japan Trench

Long‐term and short‐term temporal variations in seismic velocity have been investigated using seismic interferometry, and significant short‐term changes are typically recognized as velocity reductions caused by large earthquakes. In this study, using a dense network of ocean bottom seismometers (Seafloor Observation Network for Earthquakes and Tsunamis along the Japan Trench: S‐net), we measured temporal variations in seismic velocity at the top of the overriding plate in the region between the Japanese Islands and the Japan Trench. We detected abrupt velocity reductions due to the nearby Mw 7‐class earthquakes in 2016 and 2021, and gradual velocity increases mainly observed near the trench. The sudden velocity reductions due to the shallow earthquake in 2016 within the overriding plate are large above the hypocenter, while those due to the three deep earthquakes in 2021 are large near the trench, although these earthquakes occurred far from the trench. The three earthquakes are located at the top of and within the subducting oceanic crust of the Pacific Plate. The spatial distributions of the velocity reductions for the four earthquakes are consistent with those of the peak ground velocities (PGVs). This indicates that for the three deep earthquakes, seismic waves trapped within the descending Pacific Plate reach to the trench, and the trapped waves induce large PGVs, and hence substantially reducing the velocity. Long‐term variations observed near the trench are possibly caused by the recovery process of coseismic velocity reductions due to large earthquakes and/or fluid migration induced by the tectonic stress field in the region.
Analysis approaches for the identification and prediction of N6-methyladenosine sites

ABSTRACT The global dynamics in a variety of biological processes can be revealed by mapping transcriptional m6A sites, in particular full-transcriptome m6A. And individual m6A sites have contributed to biological function, which can be evaluated by stoichiometric information obtained from the single nucleotide resolution. Currently, the identification of m6A sites is mainly carried out by experiment and prediction methods, based on high-throughput sequencing and machine learning model respectively. This review summarizes the recent topics and progress made in bioinformatics methods of deciphering the m6A methylation, including the experimental detection of m6A methylation sites, techniques of data analysis, the way of predicting m6A methylation sites, m6A methylation databases, and detection of m6A modification in circRNA. At the end, the essay makes a brief discussion for the development perspective in this area.
Farmers’ Perceptions towards Privatisation of Extension Services in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa

In South Africa, the state provides all extension and advisory support services to smallholder farmers. However, it appears that the government is struggling to provide adequate farmer support, and production among smallholders is not improving, leading to many calling for the states' withdrawal and the private sector to deliver extension services to farmers. The study aimed to assess farmers' perceptions of the privatisation of extension services in South Africa, and it was guided by the following research questions: 1) What are smallholder farmers' perceptions of the privatisation of extension services? 2) which factors influence these perceptions? 3 If extension services were privatised, would farmers be willing to pay? Research activities included a formal survey conducted on 265 farmers, selected using simple random and data collected using a structured questionnaire through interviews. Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression were employed to analyse descriptive and inferential statistics. The logistic regression showed that farmers who supported the privatisation of extension services had access to secure land tenure rights, a frequent response from extension officers, and were satisfied with extension visits. The study concluded that extension services should be privatised in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces, and farmers who exhibit these characteristics should be used as innovators. This study contributes to the growing understanding of the private sector’s involvement in smallholder agriculture in developing countries. The study's findings provide empirical evidence and direction to be considered by donors and policymakers in pursuing pluralistic agricultural extension services production in South Africa.
Sustained virological response after treatment with direct antiviral agents in individuals with HIV and hepatitis C co‐infection

Randomized trials and observational studies have consistently reported rates of sustained virological response (SVR), equivalent to hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure, as high as 95% following treatment with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in individuals with HIV and HCV co‐infection. However, large studies assessing whether SVR rates differ according to demographic and clinical strata are lacking. Additionally, the SVR rates reported in the literature were typically computed in non‐random samples of individuals with available post‐DAA HCV‐RNA measures. Here, we aimed to estimate the probability of SVR after DAA treatment initiation in persons with HIV and HCV co‐infection overall and by demographic and clinical characteristics with and without adjustment for missing HCV‐RNA testing.
Statin use improves the prognosis of ovarian cancer: An updated and comprehensive meta-analysis

Statins are lipid-lowering agents that have also been found to have anticancer effects. The relationship between statin use and clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer (OC) remains controversial, as previous assessments of the relationship between statin use and OC prognosis have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed in the present study to investigate this association. Studies were systematically retrieved by searching the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, and consulting reference lists of the related studies. The search timeframe was from database creation to September 1, 2022. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association. In the present meta-analysis, 16 studies with 37,660 patients with OC were included, of which 11,296 patients had been prescribed statins. The results showed that statin use markedly improved the overall survival time (OS; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73–0.85; P<0.00001) and OC-specific survival time (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.80–0.89; P<0.00001), especially the OS time in patients with serous OC (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74–0.89; P<0.0001) and endometrioid OC (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66–0.98; P=0.03). In addition, survival rate was higher in patients who used statins after OC diagnosis (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.73–0.85; P<0.00001). However, there was no statistically significant association between statin use and the prognosis of mucinous and clear cell OC. The results suggested that statin use markedly improved the OS in patients with OC, including in those with serous and endometrioid OC. Statins were also found to improve the prognosis of patients of both Asian and non-Asian ethnicities. In addition, both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins improved the survival in patients with OC, especially in patients using statins after OC diagnosis. However, the effect may vary depending on the statin type, duration of use and cancer type, and more well-designed studies are needed to further evaluate this.
Effects of High-Quality Carbon Nanowalls Ionization-Assisting Substrates on Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Performance

Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) is performed using carbon nanowalls (CNWs) for ionization-assisting substrates. The CNWs (referred to as high-quality CNWs) in the present study were grown using a radical-injection plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RI-PECVD) system with the addition of oxygen in a mixture of CH4 and H2 gases. High-quality CNWs were different with respect to crystallinity and C–OH groups, while showing similar wall-to-wall distances and a wettability comparable to CNWs (referred to as normal CNWs) grown without O2. The efficiency of SALDI was tested with both parameters of ion intensity and fragmental efficiency (survival yield (SY)) using N-benzylpyridinuim chloride (N-BP-CI). At a laser fluence of 4 mJ/cm2, normal CNWs had an SY of 0.97 and an ion intensity of 0.13, while 5-sccm-O2– high-quality CNWs had an SY of 0.89 and an ion intensity of 2.55. As a result, the sensitivity for the detection of low-molecular-weight analytes was improved with the high-quality CNWs compared to the normal CNWs, while an SY of 0.89 was maintained at a low laser fluence of 4 mJ/cm2. SALDI-MS measurements available with the high-quality CNWs ionization-assisting substrate provided high ionization and SY values.
Current limitations of SEM and AFM metrology for the characterization of 3D nanostructures

This contribution discusses the developed approaches as well as the limitations of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure topographic details of structures on lithographic masks and wafers aiming at uncertainties in the nanometre range or even below. In the first approximation, the SEM signal, that is the change of secondary electron (SE) yield, is interpreted as being due to the surface tilt contrast and SE diffusion from the sidewall. The signal is biased by the width of the initial electron beam and, in the case of smaller penetration depths of the initial electron beam, also by the corner rounding of the specimen. Oscillation mode AFMs have been operated such that steep edge regions could be resolved better than with standard scanning methods. A single-point probing strategy enables the instrument to approach the surface from any direction and to leave the probe in the interaction region for a minimum of time maintaining the tip geometry. The ambiguity of the AFM measurement due to the changing response behaviour of the oscillating probe at differing geometries is discussed.
Revised and extended analysis of five times ionized argon (Ar VI)

The spectrum of five times ionized argon, (Ar VI), has been observed in the 280-2100 A wavelength range. Eighty-seven lines have been identified as transitions between levels of the 3s23p, 3s3p2, 3s23d, 3p3, 3s3p3d, 3s24s, 3s24d and 3s3p4s configurations. For 33 of the lines the classification is new. Forty-one energy level values belonging to these configurations were analyzed and we propose 9 new energy level values for levels corresponding to odd parity configurations. The configurations are interpreted by fitting the theoretical energy expressions to the observed energy levels using leastsquares techniques. The parameter values are compared with results from Hartree-Fock calculations.
Message in a Scaffold: Natural Biomaterials for Three-Dimensional (3D) Bioprinting of Human Brain Organoids

Brain organoids are invaluable tools for pathophysiological studies or drug screening, but there are still challenges to overcome in making them more reproducible and relevant. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of human neural organoids is an emerging approach that may overcome the limitations of self-organized organoids. It requires the development of optimal hydrogels, and a wealth of research has improved our knowledge about biomaterials both in terms of their intrinsic properties and their relevance on 3D culture of brain cells and tissue. Although biomaterials are rarely biologically neutral, few articles have reviewed their roles on neural cells. We here review the current knowledge on unmodified biomaterials amenable to support 3D bioprinting of neural organoids with a particular interest in their impact on cell homeostasis. Alginate is a particularly suitable bioink base for cell encapsulation. Gelatine is a valuable helper agent for 3D bioprinting due to its viscosity. Collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid and laminin provide biological support to adhesion, motility, differentiation or synaptogenesis and optimize the 3D culture of neural cells. Optimization of specialized hydrogels to direct differentiation of stem cells together with an increased resolution in phenotype analysis will further extend the spectrum of possible bioprinted brain disease models.