Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Critical points on egg production: causes, importance and incidence of eggshell breakage and defects

A ocorrencia de ovos quebrados depende diretamente da qualidade da casca. E importante considerar que o problema de ovos quebrados nao se deve a um unico fator, mas sim a uma combinacao de fatores. Defeitos de casca, irregularidades no formato da casca, textura e superficie sao comumente observados durante um ciclo regular de postura e as causas sao varias. A incidencia de ovos descartados ainda representa uma importante fonte de prejuizo economica a industria, em razao da perda desses ovos e necessidade de processamento adicional. E possivel obter significativa reducao no numero de ovos perdidos, pela qualidade inferior da casca ,focando-se em uma nutricao adequada, no controle de doencas do plantel, em boas praticas de producao e no uso de linhagens de aves que produzam ovos com melhor qualidade de casca.
Real time obstacle detection in a water tank environment and its experimental study

This paper presents a kind of real time obstacle detection method for underwater vehicles equipped with 2D forward looking sonar. Due to frequent failure or multipath effects, it is very often uneasy to get satisfactory sonar range measurements, especially in the water tank environment. How to extract as accurate as possible environmental information from these sonar raw (noisy) measurements is crucial for the vehicle's obstacle avoidance. In this paper, we propose a sort of occupancy grid mapping method to detect the obstacles in a cuboid tank environment, which is assumed to be unknown to the vehicle except for its dimensions. Some of Experimental studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of presented algorithm.
A Randomized, Prospective, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Novel Zinc-Monocysteine Compound in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that daily use of zinc-monocysteine (ZMC) supplement will be well tolerated and result in improved macular function in persons with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Eligible, consenting subjects were randomized to either ZMC 25 mg or placebo twice daily for 6 months. Both ZMC and placebo groups enrolled 40 participants, with best corrected visual acuity 20/25 to 20/70, macular drusen, and pigment changes. Masked personnel determined baseline, 3- and 6-month best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and light flash recovery time. Differences between ZMC and placebo were analyzed by a one-sided unpaired t-test of the paired differences between baseline and 3- and 6-month timepoints for right and left eyes separately. Results: By 6 months the ZMC group showed improved visual acuity (p < 0.0001) and contrast sensitivity (p < 0.0001). Macular light flash recovery time shortened in the ZMC group at 3 months by 2.1 sec (left eye, p = 0.0001) to 3.6 sec (right eye, p < 0.0001), and at 6 months by 7.2 sec (left eye, p < 0.0001) to 7.4 sec (right eye, p < 0.0001). This variable had no improvement in the placebo group. ZMC had a gastrointestinal irritation rate of under 2%. Conclusion: ZMC 25 mg twice daily was well tolerated and was associated with improved macular function in comparison to a placebo in persons with dry AMD.
Rotational Changes at the Knee after ACL Injury Cause Cartilage Thinning

We examined the relationship between specific gait changes after anterior cruciate ligament injury and the progression of osteoarthritis at the knee. The study was done using a finite-element model derived from subject specific three- dimensional cartilage volumes created from magnetic resonance images. Cartilage thinning was predicted using an iterative algorithm based on the octahedral shear stress. Simulations were done for a knee with normal alignment and for a knee with an internal tibial rotation offset, as associated with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. For the healthy knee, the model predicted patterns of cartilage thinning consistent with a previous clinical report of idiopathic osteoarthritis. For the ACL-deficient scenario the model predicted a more rapid rate of cartilage thinning throughout the knee, especially in the medial compartment. The results suggest that the progression of osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with a shift in the normal load bearing regions of the knee joint during normal function due to kinematic changes, and highlight the importance of restoring proper gait during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Content and style comparison of physician communication in teledermatology and in-person visits.

BACKGROUND The body of research is rapidly growing regarding the use of telemedicine in patient care, including cost-effectiveness, patient access, patient outcomes, etc. Less has been done describing physician communication during different aspects of the clinical visit (i.e., education, assessment, treatment, etc.) during actual versus virtual patient visits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dermatology healthcare providers' communication via both modalities with regard to content and style. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In-person and teledermatology patient visits were observed, audio-recorded, and transcribed over an 8-month period. A content analysis was performed. RESULTS The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the content differences between visit modalities for each category. A p value of 0.05 was considered as significant for all tests. There were no statistically significant differences between modalities in the average number of physician words in seven of eight communication categories: small talk, clinical assessment, psychosocial issues, patient education, patient compliance, patient treatment, and administrative issues (p value range, 0.16-0.91). As well, the same communication themes occurred in each modality to essentially the same degree. For instance, assessment and discussion of treatment occurred in 100% of in-person and teledermatology visits, as did small talk. CONCLUSIONS This research indicates that physician providers communicate with similar style and content whether using teledermatology or in-person.
Surveillance programme for the control of foodborne infections and intoxications in Europe: the first 6 years' experience in Scotland, 1980-85.

In 1979 WHO recommended the establishment of a surveillance programme in Europe for foodborne infections and intoxications that incorporated an early warning system for incidents affecting more than one country as well as a routine reporting system to record details of outbreaks of foodborne disease. The Early Warning System was introduced in Scotland in July 1979 and the Routine Reporting System in January 1980. By the end of 1985, 23 European countries were participating in the programme.The introduction of the surveillance programme in Scotland permitted the formation of a standard national reporting system for foodborne infections and intoxications. During the 6 years from 1980 to 1985, the major features of the programme in Scotland have been the introduction of compulsory pasteurization of cows' milk, in 1983, with the consequent eradication of general outbreaks of milkborne salmonellosis; the emergence of poultry meat as the major food vehicle of infections; and the development of techniques for costing foodborne disease outbreaks.
Interlinkage between Real Exchange rate and Current Account Behaviors: Evidence from India

The study analyzes the dynamic interlinkage between Indias real effective exchange rate and real current account deficit using standard VAR and structural VAR (SVAR). The empirical analysis suggests that a real currency appreciation leads to an improvement in the current account deficit, thereby highlighting the occurrence of permanent shocks such as technical innovations, productivity shocks, and changes in tastes and preferences. A positive shock to the current account deficit leads to an appreciation in the real exchange rate. Moreover, both current account and real exchange rates are found to be affected by the changes in these variables themselves rather than changes in the other variables in the system.
Caregiver burden for informal caregivers of patients with dementia: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND Dementia is an irreversible illness. The caregiver is expected to assume increased responsibility as the condition of the person with dementia declines. It is important to explore the factors constituting caregiver burden on the informal caregivers of people with dementia. AIMS The purpose of this article is to identify the factors constituting caregiver burden on the informal caregivers of people with dementia living in the community. METHODS A systematic review of the four databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, was carried out to access relevant articles published between 2003 and 2012. Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria of this study. RESULTS Behavioural problems or psychological symptoms were the primary factor of the person with dementia that is associated with caregiver burden. Caregiver socio-demographical factors and psychological factors were the two primary factors of the caregiver burden. LIMITATIONS Several results of this study were based on studies that had their own limitations. Furthermore, the concept of caregiver 'burden' was not clearly defined in some of the studies; instead, the term was broadly defined. CONCLUSION Factors of caregiver burden in regard to people with dementia living in the community were clarified in this review study. By identifying all of the factors, healthcare professionals can deliver appropriate assistance to relieve caregiver burden and improve the quality of caregiving for people with dementia. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY It is important to identify the factors of the burden on the caregivers of people with dementia living in the community to prevent early nursing home placement, deterioration of caregiver's health and reduce the adverse health outcomes for care recipients. A health-related policy should be formulated to help informal caregivers receive more professional assistance. Training opportunities should be provided for family caregivers to reduce the impact of caregiving on the delivery of effective care.
Fetal and Maternal Transforming Growth Factor-β1 May Combine to Maintain Pregnancy in Mice1

Abstract One of the mysteries of pregnancy is why a mother does not reject her fetuses. Cytokine-modulation of maternal-fetal interactions is likely to be important. However, mice deficient in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and other cytokines are able to breed, bringing this hypothesis into question. The phenotype of TGFβ1 null-mutant mice varies with genetic background. We report here that, in outbred mice, the loss of TGFβ1- deficient embryos is influenced by the parity of their mother. This is consistent with the loss of mutants being due to immune rejection. An inbred line of TGFβ1+/− mice that supported TGFβ1-deficient fetuses had high levels of TGFβ1 in their plasma. Analysis of the amniotic fluids in this line indicated that biologically relevant levels of maternal TGFβ1 were present in the TGFβ1−/− fetuses. These data are consistent with maternal and fetal TGFβ1 interacting to maintain pregnancy, within immune-competent mothers.
Associations between self-reported in-home smoking behaviours and surface nicotine concentrations in multiunit subsidised housing

Introduction Smoke-free policies are being increasingly promoted and adopted in subsidised multiunit housing to address disparities in residential secondhand smoke exposure. In order to inform the planning and evaluation of these policies, this study examined associations between self-reported in-home smoking and surface nicotine concentrations. Methods A face-to-face, cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2011 with leaseholders in a probability sample of private subsidised housing units in Columbus, Ohio, without an existing smoke-free housing policy (n=301, 64% response rate). After the survey, a wipe sample was collected from a wood surface in the living room to measure surface nicotine concentrations (n=279). Results In-home smoking was reported by 56.6% of respondents. Geometric mean surface nicotine concentrations differed between non-smoking and smoking homes (11.4 vs 90.9 μg/m2; p<0.001), and between homes with complete, partial and no voluntary home smoking restrictions (8.9 vs 56.3 vs 145.6 μg/m2; p<0.001). Surface nicotine concentrations were moderately correlated (r=.52) with the total number of cigarettes smoked indoors per week. Smoking behaviours of respondents, other household members and visitors, and length of stay were independently associated with surface nicotine concentrations in a multivariable model, explaining 52% of the variance. Conclusions Surface nicotine concentrations were significantly associated with a range of self-reported in-home smoking behaviours. This measure should be considered for evaluating changes in in-home smoking behaviours after implementation of smoke-free policies by subsidised housing providers. More research is needed about how surface nicotine concentrations differ over space, time and various indoor surfaces.
Regulation of transforming growth factor‐β and bone morphogenetic protein signalling by transcriptional coactivator GCN5

Smad proteins are intracellular signalling mediators of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily. In the nucleus, activated Smad complexes regulate transcriptional responses of the target genes in cooperation with transcriptional coactivators and corepressors. To identify new components of transcriptional complexes containing Smad proteins, we purified DNA‐binding proteins from human breast cancer MCF‐7 cell nuclear extract using a Smad‐binding DNA element as bait, and identified a coactivator GCN5 as a direct partner of activated Smad complexes. GCN5 is structurally similar to PCAF, which was previously identified as a coactivator for receptor‐regulated Smads (R‐Smads) for TGF‐β signalling pathways. GCN5 functions like PCAF, in that it binds to TGF‐β‐specific R‐Smads, and enhances transcriptional activity induced by TGF‐β. In addition, GCN5, but not PCAF, interacts with R‐Smads for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathways, and enhances BMP‐induced transcriptional activity, suggesting that GCN5 and PCAF have distinct physiological functions in vivo. Moreover, silencing of the GCN5 gene by RNA interference results in repression of transcriptional activities induced by TGF‐β. In conclusion we identified GCN5 as a Smad‐binding transcriptional coactivator which positively regulates both TGF‐β and BMP signalling pathways.
Estimation of the Leukemia Risk in Human Populations Exposed to Benzene from Tobacco Smoke Using Epidemiological Data

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between occupational benzene exposure and increased leukemia risk, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there is still uncertainty as to the risk to the general population from exposure to lower environmental levels of benzene. To estimate the excess risk of leukemia from low‐dose benzene exposure, various methods for incorporating epidemiological data in quantitative risk assessment were utilized. Tobacco smoke was identified as one of the main potential sources of benzene exposure and was the focus of this exposure assessment, allowing further investigation of the role of benzene in smoking‐induced leukemia. Potency estimates for benzene were generated from individual occupational studies and meta‐analysis data, and an exposure assessment for two smoking subgroups (light and heavy smokers) carried out. Subsequently, various techniques, including life‐table analysis, were then used to evaluate both the excess lifetime risk and the contribution of benzene to smoking‐induced leukemia and AML. The excess lifetime risk for smokers was estimated at between two and six additional leukemia deaths in 10,000 and one to three additional AML deaths in 10,000. The contribution of benzene to smoking‐induced leukemia was estimated at between 9% and 24% (UpperCL 14–31%). For AML this contribution was estimated as 11–30% (UpperCL 22–60%). From the assessments carried out here, it appears there is an increased risk of leukemia from low‐level exposure to benzene and that benzene may contribute up to a third of smoking‐induced leukemia. Comparable results from using methods with varying degrees of complexity were generated.
Mitigation of electromagnetic field leakage from apertures and enclosures using electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures

We present novel strategies to mitigate radiated emissions through apertures and enclosures using electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. The proposed technique comprises loading EBG surfaces immediately around the apertures opening in order to suppress surface currents. Numerical full-wave simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the EBG surface. In fact, by using EBG structures, more than 20-dB reduction in field leakage is achieved in the near-and far-field radiation without affecting the aperture size. The proposed technique is compared against unloaded aperture and other loaded apertures with lossy resistive sheets. A practical case study from real-world environment is discussed and the concept is validated using measurements.
Introduction to “Are Private Schools Really Better?”

The political landscape concerning private school vouchers in the United States has changed dramatically since the time when “Are Private Schools Really Better? ” was written. In 2000, California and Michigan became the latest states to reject school voucher programs proposed through voter initiatives, and it appeared as if all of the momentum regarding school choice in the United States was leaning toward public school choice programs – within-school district open enrollment programs and charter schools. A decade later, the political sands have shifted dramatically: With 13 states establishing or expanding state-sponsored private school choice programs in 2011, the Wall Street Journal declared 2011 “The Year of School Choice. ” And at the time of writing, in 2012, a dozen additional states are entertaining new private school voucher programs, including potential new programs in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Moreover, while a decade ago religious schools were largely excluded from publicly funded voucher programs, today’s voucher programs permit religious schools to participate, and since the voucher programs are largely aimed at low-income families, religious schools are the most likely home of participants in the new voucher programs. With the expansion of private school voucher programs, the need for solid causal evidence regarding the relative performance of public and private schools is greater than ever. When we wrote “Are Private Schools Really Better? ” the
Memory without context: amnesia with confabulations after infarction of the right capsular genu.

OBJECTIVE--To explore the mechanism of an amnesia marked by confabulations and lack of insight in a patient with an infarct of the right inferior capsular genu. The confabulations could mostly be traced back to earlier events, indicating that the memory disorder ensued from an inability to store the temporal and spatial context of information acquisition rather than a failure to store new information. METHODS--To test the patient's ability to store the context of information acquisition, two experiments were composed in which she was asked to decide when or where she had learned the words from two word lists presented at different points in time or in different rooms. To test her ability to store new information, two continuous recognition tests with novel non-words and nonsense designs were used. Recognition of these stimuli was assumed to be independent of the context of acquisition because the patient could not have an a priori sense of familiarity with them. RESULTS--The patient performed at chance in the experiments probing knowledge of the context of information acquisition, although she recognised the presented words almost as well as the controls. By contrast, her performance was normal in the recognition tests with non-words and nonsense designs. CONCLUSION--These findings indicate that the patient's amnesia was based on an inability to store the context of information acquisition rather than the information itself. Based on an analysis of her lesion, which disconnected the thalamus from the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala, and considering the similarities between her disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and the amnesia after orbitofrontal lesions, it is proposed that contextual amnesia results from interruption of the loop connecting the amygdala, the dorsomedial nucleus, and the orbitofrontal cortex.
Inclusion, exclusion and social media: IT-based initiatives and future opportunities

This paper focuses on IT-based and more specifically social media-based initiatives for inclusion. It presents a state-of-the-art overview of existing initiatives that was based on a review of scientific literature, interviews with practitioners in the field and a thorough internet search. The initiatives were sorted in eight main categories: providing access to computer and the internet, increasing skills, cooperation with others, changing attitudes, providing a sense of belonging, increasing visibility, adapting to personal wants and needs and digitalising content. Moreover, a separate category was created for initiatives incorporating social media. Based on this overview, it was concluded that the majority of initiatives still focuses on providing access to computers and the internet and IT-training, whereas only a minority aims at improving empowerment by actively involving users. Secondly, many existing initiatives contend with communication issues. It further appears that social media initiatives mostly use a bottom-up approach, whereas more classic IT-based inclusion initiatives employ top-down approaches. Finally, growing decentralisation makes overlooking the field difficult and finally results or evaluations are rarely available. Recommendations for future initiatives and future research are discussed in this paper.
Previously undetected metabolic syndromes and infectious diseases among psychiatric inpatients.

OBJECTIVE This study identified previously undetected metabolic and infectious disease among persons with serious mental illness who were admitted to psychiatric inpatient units. METHODS Observational-naturalistic methods were used to simulate universal screening in order to document evidence of undetected disease among 588 adult psychiatric patients. Data were obtained from medical records and laboratory tests. RESULTS Laboratory results showed that 10% of patients had HIV, 32% had hepatitis B, and 21% had hepatitis C. Glucose levels were elevated in 7%, and total cholesterol levels were elevated in 22%. Nearly 60% had body mass indices above 25. The treatment team missed a considerable proportion of infectious disease (95% of hepatitis B cases, 50% of hepatitis C cases, and 21% of HIV cases) and metabolic disorders (89% of cases with elevated total cholesterol levels and 97% of cases with elevated triglyceride levels). By contrast, only 18% of cases with elevated glucose levels were missed. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated very high prevalence of both metabolic disorders and infectious diseases in a psychiatric inpatient population.