Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chapter 2 Thin Film Capacitive Sensors

Achievements in microtechnology have encouraged the development of a large variety of very small humidity sensors for miscellaneous applications to measure the water vapour content in gaseous systems. Today, more than 75 % of these miniaturised humidity sensors in the market use a capacitive technique (Rittersma 2002). Most of these capacitive sensors are based on dielectric changes of thin films upon water vapour uptake as a measure of the water vapour content. The porous polymer material acts as a hydroactive sponge whereby the water molecules within the polymer material are in thermodynamic equilibrium with the gas phase, i.e. the rate of adsorption of molecules onto the surface is exactly counterbalanced by the rate of desorption of molecules into the gas phase (Anderson 1995). The water adhesion is characterized by physical hydrogen bonds through the “weak” Van der Waals interaction of water molecules with the hydrophilic groups of the polymer molecules (Matsuguchi et al. 1998, e.g.). The capacitive thin-film moisture sensor responds to changes of relative, rather than absolute humidity in the surrounding air as well as to changes of temperature. It is, therefore, commonly calibrated in terms of relative humidity (RH). The response time of the humidity sensor is dependent on the polymer’s ability to adsorb and desorb water vapour and on the sensor design, whereby it is strongly dependent on the temperature of the sensor. The sensor is sensitive to chemical contamination by either additional bonding of the non-water molecules or reducing the ability of the polymer to adsorb water molecules, which may cause either a dry bias or reduce the sensitivity of the sensor. The best known meteorological application is the Humicap sensing element developed by Vaisala (Finland) in 1970’s (Salasmaa and Kostamo1975), which is being used on their radiosondes since 1980. Based on thin-film technology the sensor consists of a hydroactive polymer film as dielectric between two electrodes applied on a
Assessing Climate Variability Effects on Dengue Incidence in San Juan, Puerto Rico

We test the hypothesis that climate and environmental conditions are becoming favorable for dengue transmission in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sea Level Pressure (SLP), Mean Sea Level (MSL), Wind, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Air Surface Temperature (AST), Rainfall, and confirmed dengue cases were analyzed. We evaluated the dengue incidence and environmental data with Principal Component Analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, Mann-Kendall trend test and logistic regressions. Results indicated that dry days are increasing and wet days are decreasing. MSL is increasing, posing higher risk of dengue as the perimeter of the San Juan Bay estuary expands and shorelines move inland. Warming is evident with both SST and AST. Maximum and minimum air surface temperature extremes have increased. Between 1992 and 2011, dengue transmission increased by a factor of 3.4 (95% CI: 1.9–6.1) for each 1 °C increase in SST. For the period 2007–2011 alone, dengue incidence reached a factor of 5.2 (95% CI: 1.9–13.9) for each 1 °C increase in SST. Teenagers are consistently the age group that suffers the most infections in San Juan. Results help understand possible impacts of different climate change scenarios in planning for social adaptation and public health interventions.
Methods for the experimental functional assessment of rat sciatic nerve regeneration

Abstract In experimental peripheral nerve studies, the rat sciatic nerve model is widely used to examine functional changes after different surgical repairs or pharmacological treatments, following nerve injury. The number and diversity of tests which have been used to assess functional recovery after experimental interventions often makes it difficult to recommend any particular indicator of nerve regeneration. Functional assessment after sciatic nerve lesion has long been focused on walking track analysis, therefore, this article describes in more detail the method to obtain and measure the walking tracks in order to calculate the sciatic functional index (SFI). However, it is important to note that the validity of the SFI has been questioned by several researchers. In addition, the present review includes other traditional tests described in the experimental peripheral nerve literature regarding the rate of return of motor function and sensation, such as the extensor postural thrust (EPT), nociceptive function, and the gastrocnemius-soleus weight parameters. In the last decade, several authors have designed a series of sensitive quantitative methods to assess the recovery of hind limb locomotor function using computerized rat gait analysis. This study aims to review kinematic measures that can be gathered with this technology, including calculation of sciatic functional index, gait-stance duration, ankle kinematics and toe out angle (TOA). A combination of tests, each examining particular components of recovered sensorimotor function is recommended for an overall assessment of rat sciatic nerve regeneration.
A Restricted Role for Sperm-Borne MicroRNAs in Mammalian Fertilization1

Abstract Prototypical microRNAs (miRNAs) are 21~25-base-pair RNAs that regulate differentiation, carcinogenesis, and pluripotency by eliminating mRNAs or blocking their translation, in a process that is collectively termed RNA interference (RNAi). In zebrafish, RNAi mediated by miRNAs regulates early development, and in mice embryos that lack the miRNA precursor processor Dicer are nonviable. However, the roles of miRNAs in mammalian fertilization are unknown. In this report, we show using microarrays that miRNAs are present in mouse sperm structures that enter the oocyte at fertilization. The sperm contained a broad profile of miRNAs and a subset of potential mRNA targets, which were expressed in fertilizable metaphase II (mII) oocytes. Oocytes contained transcripts for the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) catalytic subunit, EIF2C3 (formerly AGO3). However, the levels of sperm-borne miRNA (measured by quantitative PCR) were low relative to those of unfertilized mII oocytes, and fertilization did not alter the mII oocyte miRNA repertoire that included the most abundant sperm-borne miRNAs. Coinjection of mII oocytes with sperm heads plus anti-miRNAs to suppress miRNA function did not perturb pronuclear activation or preimplantation development. In contrast, nuclear transfer by microinjection altered the miRNA profile of enucleated oocytes. These data suggest that sperm-borne prototypical miRNAs play a limited role, if any, in mammalian fertilization or early preimplantation development.
Prevalence, causes, severity, impact, and management of chronic pain in Australian general practice patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of chronic pain, its causes, severity, management, impact on sleep, mood and activity levels, and general practitioner (GP) and patient satisfaction with pain management. DESIGN A subset of 197 GPs and 5,793 patients from the BEACH program, a continuous, national cross-sectional survey of Australian general practice. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic pain was 19.2% (95% confidence interval: 17.4-21.0) (N = 1,113). The most commonly reported causal conditions were osteoarthritis (48.1%) and back problems (29.4%). For pain severity (using Von Korff's pain grades), 25.2% were at Grade I (lowest); 37.1% were at Grade II; 28.3% at Grade III; and 9.4% at Grade IV (highest). Medication was used for pain management by 86.1% of patients, and one third also used nonpharmacological managements. One third of patients were taking opioids, most commonly those at the highest pain severity grades. On "Live Better with Pain Log" scale, the impact of pain was similar across activity (mean = 4.0), sleep (mean = 4.8), and mood (mean = 4.8). On a scale of 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest), GPs' satisfaction (mean = 2.5) was highly correlated (r = 0.7) with patients' satisfaction (mean = 2.6) with pain management. CONCLUSIONS Chronic pain impairs patient quality of life, and is a public health burden. This study provides a national overview of the prevalence, causes, severity, management and impact of chronic pain in Australian general practice patients, and the parity between GP and patient satisfaction with pain management.
A 2-Arylbenzofuran Derivative from Hopea Mengarawan

A new 2-arylbenzofuran derivative (diptoindonesin G) (1), along with nine known oligostilbenes, have been isolated and identified from the acetone extract of the tree bark of Hopea mengarawan. The structures of these compounds were determined based on spectroscopic data, including 2D NMR and HREIMS spectra. On cytotoxic evaluation of the isolated compounds against murin leukemia P-388 cells, compound 1 was the strongest in inhibiting the growth of the cells.
Tramadol intoxication: a review of 114 cases

Tramadol as a centrally acting analgesic is extensively used in the management of moderate to severe pain. It slightly affects opioid receptors and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrin and serotonin in the CNS. There are reports about toxicity and abuse of tramadol. The objective of the present study was to evaluate epidemiology of intentional tramadol intoxications. All poisoning cases that admitted to Loghman-Hakim Hospital Poison Center from April to May 2007 were studied. A total of 114 cases (82 men and 32 women) of intentional tramadol intoxications with the median age of 23.66 ± 6.87 years (range 16–54 years) were identified. Other illicit drugs were found to be used in combination with tramadol in some of the cases, which among them benzodiazepines were the most common. Tramadol overdose has been one of the most frequent causes of drug poisoning in the country in the recent years, especially in male young adults with history of substance abuse and mental disorders. Nausea, vomiting, Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, tachycardia, and seizure are the most common findings in this kind of poisoning. Cardiopulmonary arrest was found as the cause of death in cases who had ingested more than 5000 mg tramadol.
Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strengthening Training (CHRIST)-induced morphological changes in muscle size and associated motor improvement in a child with cerebral palsy: an experimenter-blind study.

PURPOSE This case study was conducted to determine Comprehensive Hand Repetitive Intensive Strengthening Training (CHRIST)-induced morphological changes in the commonly affected extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and triceps brachii (TRI) muscle and associated muscle strength and motor performance in a child with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP) using standardized clinical tests and ultrasound imaging. DESIGN A single case study with pre-/post-test. SUBJECT A 4.9-year-old female, diagnosed with hemiparetic CP. METHOD The child received a 5-week course of CHRIST course, comprising of 60-minute periods a day, five times a week. A real-time ultrasound imaging was performed to determine the CHRIST-induced changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ECR and TRI. Clinical tests including the modified Wolf Motor function test (WMFT), the modified Jebsen-taylor hand function test (Jebsen hand) and the modified Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL) questionnaire were used to compare the intervention-related changes in motor performance in upper extremity. RESULTS Ultrasound imaging data showed that the CSAs of both ECR and TRI muscles of the affected upper limb at relaxation and contraction states were enhanced and these therapy-induced morphological changes were associated with enhanced muscle strength and gross motor performance in reaching and grasping skills. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the CHRIST is effective in treating muscle weakness and motor function in a child with hemiparetic CP. This is the first evidence in literature that might shed light on the therapeutic efficacy of our novel intervention on muscle size, associated muscle strength and motor improvement.
Barriers to E-Commerce Adoption and Implementation Strategy: Empirical Review of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ghana

Most of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the developing countries are yet to espouse and witness the full potential of electronic commerce (e-commerce) in their business operations despite its popularity in the developed countries. SMEs indispensable role in economic growth regarding employment creation and their contribution to GDP is globally acknowledged. A successful adoption and implementation of e-commerce may be the catalyst for the economic growth of Ghana and many developing countries. Unfortunately, the application of e-commerce by the SME sector in Ghana lacks depth and has been scrimpy. Numerous reasons and factors account for the low adoption rate of e-commerce by Ghanaian SMEs. This study aspires to address this scantiness by investigating e-commerce adoption models to overcome the barriers that confront the SME sector in their quest to adopt and implement e-commerce. Unstructured and face-to-face interviews, web-site and document analysis were the methods of data collection. Quantitative approaches using questionnaires with 120 respondents were used for the data Original Research Article Modzi et al.; BJEMT, 13(1): 1-13, 2016; Article no.BJEMT. 25177 2 analysis. To determine these factors, both adopters and non-adopters of e-commerce in the SME sector were tasked to select and discuss their major inhibiting factors in their adoption and implementation of e-commerce. Financial barrier was the most relevant among the six group of barriers. However, technical and Internet security prove to impede the adoption too. Thus to stimulate the adoption of e-commerce to increase productivity and enhance global competiveness, stakeholders and the government should invest in e-commerce and its components.
A 3/sup rd/-order elliptic syllabic-companding tanh filter

This paper presents a systematic design of a syllabic-companding, 3/sup rd/-order elliptic filter based on the nonlinear hyperbolic tangent function. The proposed filter, which includes a new current-mode peak detector, is realised by using a 0.8 /spl mu/m BiCMOS technology. Circuit simulation shows that the filter can achieve a maximum input dynamic range of 81.5 dB, while draining 0.8 mA quiescent current from a3 V power supply voltage.
The Stages of Type 1A Diabetes

Abstract: We can now predict the development of type 1 diabetes in man because it is a chronic autoimmune disorder with defined stages of disease. We can also readily prevent the disorder in animal models. A major goal is safe prevention in man, and for this we will almost certainly need a better understanding of pathogenesis, coupled with rigorous clinical trials.
A randomised controlled trial comparing a thermal massager with artificial teardrops for the treatment of dry eye

Background To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a thermal massager for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Methods Ninety-five patients with dry eye syndrome were randomly assigned to receive either the thermal massager or artificial tears treatment. Thermal massage consisted of vibration, massage and thermotherapy and was carried out twice daily. Patients in the artificial tears group received 0.1% sodium hyaluronate solution five times daily. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, fluorescein staining of the cornea, tear osmolarity test and adverse events were evaluated after 4 weeks. Results OSDI showed a significant improvement in both groups and improvement was significantly greater in thermal massager group (p=0.032). BUT and fluorescein staining also indicated significant improvement. No differences were found between the two groups in measures other than the OSDI. Adverse events were mild and transient. Conclusions Thermal massage was effective in improving dry eye syndrome both subjectively and objectively. It was safe and seems to be a useful treatment option.
Genie-aided adaptive normalized min-sum algorithm for LDPC decoding

This paper proposes an algorithm for the decoding of low-density parity check (LDPC) codes, aiming to retrieve the performance degradation of conventional normalized min-sum algorithm, especially for irregular LDPC code. In our proposed algorithm, normalization factors are adjusted dynamically and adaptively during iterative decoding process according to look-up tables obtained by training and simulation in our proposal. The look-up tables construct the relationship between normalization factor a and the failed parity-check equation proportion p, which could be calculated in each decoding process. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve a performance closer to the sum-product algorithm and a coding gain of around 0.2dB compared to the conventional normalized min-sum algorithm for rate 2/3 irregular LDPC codes over the AWGN channel. Our proposal is independent from the channel characteristics and retains low complexity. The implementation facility and the excellent performance make the proposed algorithm expect a wide application.
Does subclinical hypercortisolism adversely affect the bone mineral density of patients with adrenal incidentalomas?

objective Subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) is detected increasingly in a substantial proportion of patients with incidentally discovered adrenal adenomas. The clinical implications of SH are currently unclear. Osteoporosis is a well‐known complication of glucocorticoid excess. So far, the impact of SH on bone mineral density (BMD) has been studied in a limited number of reports with discordant results. In the present study we evaluated the BMD in a large cohort of post‐menopausal women with adrenal incidentalomas.
A broadband probe-fed 4×4 array antenna

A broadband probe-fed array antenna for Ku-band application is proposed. The configuration of the antenna is adopted as 4×4 array, and it is used the parallel feeding network to set up the current magnitude and phase. The operating band is covering 10.3∼12.7 GHz which bandwidth is 2.3 GHz. The array is utilized an intermediate pillars to connect the array and feeding network, which is hoped to reduce the surface wave loss and increased operating bandwidth. The operating bandwidth of the array is about 25 percent; the radiating gain of the antenna system is about 16.3dB. The gain flatness within operating band is about 0.25 dB, the aperture efficiency is about 38%. Moreover, we use of simulation software to explore different substrates loss for the gain change, and find out the lower cost to be applied to the substrate on the Ku-band array applications.
In vivo Estimation of Redox States with Autofluorescence Spectroscopy in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients: A Pilot Study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a common premalignant condition occurring in Southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent. An early diagnosis and prompt treatment with patient counseling helps in the cure of the disease. Aim: The aim of this pilot study is to study and assess the redox ratio in patients with OSMF and normal patients. Materials and methods: This pilot study was carried out on in 10 patients visiting the Oral Medicine Department of our institution. After a thorough history, clinical examination and incisional biopsy the proven cases of OSMF were taken up for autofluorescence study. The representative site in the buccal mucosa was chosen based on clinical examination and the site was subjected to excitation with a light of wavelength 350 and 450 nm. This corresponds to the excitation wavelength of NADH and FAD respectively. The resulting emission intensities were obtained and the redox ratio was calculated. For control, about 10 cases of age-matched patients who had the habit of tobacco usage but without any lesions were chosen. Results: The redox ratio of patients with OSMF was 0.58 t 0.08 and in normal patients was 0.37 ± 0.04. Inference: The redox ratio is an indication of metabolic activity of the tissue being examined- From this study it could be concluded that an increase in redox ratio with a decreased cellular activity is seen in patients with OSMF.
The Effects of Electrode Montage on the Amplitude of Wave V in the Auditory Brainstem Response to Maximum Length Sequence Stimuli

The use of maximum length sequence (MLS) stimuli to elicit an auditory brainstem response (ABR) has been limited, in part, by the observation that these stimuli reduce ABR wave amplitudes. This study recorded ABR waveforms from 14 normally hearing adults using MLS click stimuli (maximum stimulus rate = 250 clicks per second) at stimulus levels of 70, 60, 50, 40, 30 and 20 dB nHL, with a vertical and then an ipsilateral electrode montage. The vertical electrode montage produced significantly larger (p < 0.05) wave V amplitudes, with no change in wave V latencies (p > 0.05), at all stimulus levels. This result suggests a vertical electrode montage could be used to counter some of the loss in wave V amplitude observed when using MLS stimuli.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors forspecific and multiple helminth infections in a remote city of the Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION Few studies have described the risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in the Amazon. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed in a City of the State of Amazonas (Brazil) to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and determine the risk factors for helminth infections. RESULTS Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite. The main risk factors determined were: not having a latrine for A. lumbricoides infection; being male and having earth or wood floors for hookworm infection; and being male for multiple helminth infections. CONCLUSIONS We reported a high prevalence of intestinal parasites and determined some poverty-related risk factors.
Active microrheology with optical tweezers: a versatile tool to investigate anisotropies in intermediate filament networks

Mechanical properties of cells are determined by the cytoskeleton and especially by intermediate filaments (IFs). To measure the contribution of IFs to the mechanics of the cytoskeleton, we determine the shear moduli of in vitro assembled IF networks consisting of keratin 8/18 and MgCl2, serving as a crosslinker. In this study we want to present a new method, a combination of active and passive microrheology, to characterize these networks. We also show the applicability of the new method and discuss new findings on the organization and force transmission in keratin networks gained by the new method. We trap and move embedded polystyrene particles with an optical tweezers setup in an oscillatory manner. The amplitude response of the trapped particle is measured and evaluated with a lock-in approach in order to suppress random motions. With this technique we determine the degree of isotropy of the assembled network and sense preferred directions due to inhomogeneities of the network. Furthermore, we show that we can deliberately create anisotropic networks by adjusting the assembly process and chamber geometry. To determine whether there are local network anisotropies in a globally isotropic network, we altered the evaluation method and included the motion of embedded particles in the vicinity of the trapped one. The correlations of the observed motions enable us to map local network anisotropies. Finally, we compare mechanical properties determined from passive with ones from active microrheology. We find the networks measured with the active technique to be approximately 20% more compliant than the ones from passive measurements.