Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV self-testing in Nigeria: Public opinions and perspectives

Nigeria views the HIV self-test (HIVST) as a possible mechanism to help increase HIV testing uptake and capture otherwise undiagnosed HIV cases. The purpose of this survey was to obtain perspectives of informed members of the Nigerian public on the use of the HIVST. A convenience sample of 1712 researchers, academics, journalists, community advocates, activists and HIV policy-makers and programmers including those working in the development sectors enlisted on the New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society listserv were sent a brief survey. Respondents were asked to provide a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to an enquiry if they support the introduction of HIVST into Nigeria. Reasons for their response were also recorded. Information was collected anonymously with no identifiers. Only 157 (9.2%) provided a response. While the majority (54.8%) supported the introduction of HIVST, a significant number of respondents were concerned about possible risk associated with self-testing, especially suicide and partner violence. Others were concerned about poor linkages to care. Introduction of HIVST would need to be paired with intense media campaigns and education about its use. Once Nigeria commences HIVST, efforts should also focus on approaches to reach people in hard to reach areas of the country.
Brain tissues segmentation for diagnosis of Alzheimer-type Dementia

We proposed a segmentation method of brain tissues on T2-weighted MR frontal image. In our previous work, we showed an image diagnosis support system for Alzheimer-type Dementia that extracts temporal lobe regions and an intracranial region as regions of interest (ROI) from a T2-weighted MR frontal image and uses the cerebral atrophy rates at the ROI. In this paper, we specifically discuss segmentation of brain tissues which are used for calculation of atrophy rate. We proposed a brain tissue segmentation method using two kinds of unsupervised neural networks: Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and Fuzzy Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART). The performance of proposed method was tested in two brain MR images used in daily diagnosis. Proposed method could segment CSF accurately with continuity of brain tissues.
The Lewy body, the hallucination, the atrophy and the physiology.

Sir, Recent publication of Whitwell et al. (2007) in Brain offers a useful addition to our understanding of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In a very large n study, they offer the most definitive evidence yet published of what previous studies have been hinting at in recent years; this being that cortical atrophy, particularly when compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD), is not a major feature of DLB. In contradistinction to a well-matched sample of AD patients, they found minimal cortical involvement in DLB and argued, very plausibly, that where atrophy was identified it could simply be a reflection of concomitant AD pathology. However, when discussing their findings with respect to visual hallucination they make the following comment: The specific structural locus of visual hallucinations is, however, unclear. Authors have suggested that deficits in the NBM (Perry and Perry, 1995; Josephs et al. , 2006), or midbrain may be critical (Manford and Andermann, 1998; Josephs et al. , 2006). Cortical regions have also been implicated (Imamura et al. , 1999; Harding et al. , 2002; Mori et …
Flow Diversion in Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Flow diversion is now an established technique to treat unruptured intracranial aneurysms not readily amenable to endovascular coil embolization or open microsurgical occlusion. The role of flow-diverting devices in treating ruptured aneurysms is less clear. PURPOSE: To estimate rates of angiographic occlusion and good clinical outcome in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with flow-diverting devices. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane databases, and EMBASE from inception to December 2015 for articles that included ruptured aneurysms treated with flow diversion. STUDY SELECTION: One hundred seventy-two records were screened, of which 20 articles contained sufficient patient and outcome data for inclusion. DATA ANALYSIS: Clinical and radiologic characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes were extracted from these reports. Aggregated occlusion rates and clinical outcomes were analyzed by using the Fisher exact test (statistical significance, α = .05). DATA SYNTHESIS: Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 90% of patients, and favorable clinical outcome was attained in 81%. Aneurysm size greater than 7 mm was associated with less favorable clinical outcomes (P = .027). Aneurysm size greater than 2 cm was associated with a greater risk of rerupture after treatment (P < .001). LIMITATIONS: Observational studies and case reports may be affected by reporting bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although not recommended as a first-line treatment, the use of flow diverters to treat ruptured intracranial aneurysms may allow high rates of angiographic occlusion and good clinical outcome in carefully selected patients. Aneurysm size contributes to treatment risk because the rerupture rate following treatment is higher for aneurysms larger than 2 cm.
Digital Image Authentication: A Review

Digital image authentication refers to all the techniques performing anti-falsification, digital image copyright protection, or access control. A large number of DIA techniques have been developed to authenticate digital images, including cryptography-based digital image authentication CBDIA techniques and data-hiding-based digital image authentication DHBDIA techniques. This paper not only provides some practical applications on image authentication, but also describes general frameworks of image watermarking and the general techniques, including robust watermarking, fragile watermarking, and semi-fragile watermarking. This paper also addresses the potential issues on future research directions, including managing the PRNU database, development of advanced PRNU-based blind authentication techniques, and search for digital fingerprints.
Factores de éxito para la implantación de sistemas ERP: una revisión de la literatura

La implantacion de sistemas ERP es una de las alternativas de las que disponen las empresas industriales para tratar de consolidar su posicion competitiva mediante la integracion de sus actividades. Sin embargo, a pesar de su gran potencial, este tipo de herramientas a menudo no produce el nivel de rendimiento esperado. Tras analizar la incidencia del proceso de implantacion del sistema sobre su rendimiento posterior, se lleva a cabo una revision de la literatura relativa a los factores criticos a considerar dentro del proceso para su desarrollo optimo, a partir de la cual formulamos nuestras conclusiones, que ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de realizar actividades de reingenieria de procesos de negocio con caracter previo a la implantacion, prestar particular atencion a la formacion de los empleados, y de un modo general, la importancia de disponer de mecanismos que faciliten la integracion entre los diferentes sistemas de la empresa y las TICs.
Disaster risk reduction of Mount Kelud eruption based on capacity building: A case study in Kasembon District, Malang Regency

The ability to respond and recover from disasters is highly dependent on the community’s capacity. This study assessed the community’s capacity level in Kasembon District, an area that was impacted by the Mount Kelud eruption in 2014. Capacity level assessment is done by identifying pentagon asset components, covering human capital, social capital, financial capital, natural capital and physical capital. Bayem is a village with the medium capacity in spite of the low ownership of natural capital, financial capital and physical capital as it has been supported by the active participation of the community within the village organization. Pondok Agung, Kasembon, Sukosari and Pait are four villages which are almost the same with Bayem, but the involvement of the community is not as active as in Bayem. Based on the results of the research, villages that are socially active, tend to have a higher capacity.
Peripheral Muscle Targets and Central Projections of the Mesencephalic Trigeminal Nucleus in Macaque Monkeys

The mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MesV) contains the somata of primary afferent neurons that innervate muscle spindles in masticatory muscles and mechanoreceptors in the periodontal ligaments. There are conflicting reports about additional peripheral targets of MesV, such as the extraocular muscles, as well as about its central targets. In addition, only limited primate data are available. Consequently, we examined MesV projections in macaque monkeys. The retrograde tracer wheat germ agglutinin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) was injected into masticatory or extraocular muscles to define the peripheral targets of the primate MesV. Numerous labeled neurons were found in ipsilateral MesV after masticatory muscle injections. The scattered distribution of labeled cells, and their presence among clusters of unlabeled cells, suggests the muscle representations overlap. Just a few MesV neurons were labeled after extraocular muscle injections. This correlates with the small number of muscle spindles present in macaque extraocular muscles, suggesting MesV cells supplying extraocular muscle spindles may contribute a minor component to oculomotor proprioception. To examine the central connections of MesV, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Vs). The presence of retrogradely labeled MesV cells indicated a projection to Vs from MesV. These injections also anterogradely labeled terminals that lay in close association with MesV cells, suggesting an ascending projection from Vs to MesV. Finally, a small number of MesV neurons were labeled after WGA‐HRP injections into the upper cervical spinal cord. This pattern of central connections indicates MesV and Vs information is combined to guide mastication. Anat Rec, 291:974–987, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Latitudinal gradients of parasite species richness in primates

Infectious disease risk is thought to increase in the tropics, but little is known about latitudinal gradients of parasite diversity. We used a comparative data set encompassing 330 parasite species reported from 119 primate hosts to examine latitudinal gradients in the diversity of micro and macroparasites per primate host species. Analyses conducted with and without controlling for host phylogeny showed that parasite species richness increased closer to the equator for protozoan parasites, but not for viruses or helminths. Relative to other major parasite groups, protozoa reported from wild primates were transmitted disproportionately by arthropod vectors. Within the protozoa, our results revealed that vector‐borne parasites showed a highly significant latitudinal gradient in species richness. This higher diversity of vector‐borne protozoa near the tropics could be influenced by a greater abundance or diversity of biting arthropods in the tropics, or by climatic effects on vector behaviour and parasite development. Many vector‐borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and malaria pose risks to both humans and wildlife, and nearly one‐third of the protozoan parasites from free‐living primates in our data set have been reported to infect humans. Because the geographical distribution and prevalence of many vector‐borne parasites are expected to increase because of global warming, these results are important for predicting future parasite‐mediated threats to biodiversity and human health.
Regulating Virtual Interactions

The evolution of internet has brought about many forms of virtual interactions, like e-learning or e-goverment, whose aim is to achieve an objective that is shared by those parties that interact. It is not unusual that in order for such interactions to be effective, they may require the explicit definition of conventions that participants should abide by, not unlike traditional social interactions. In this paper I explore one way of organizing virtual interactions that is known as an electronic institution. My purpose is to break ground for a discussion with legal thinkers by showing how these artifacts address some of the concerns that have traditionally been in the domain of legal reasoning in as much as they constitute a particular type of regulated social environment where participants may be humans as well
A Comparison of Lipid and Lipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100) Levels in the Umbilical Cord Blood of Male and Female Newborns and the Assessment of their impact on Neonatal Anthropometric Indices

Controversial findings exist regarding the association between neonate gender and umbilical cord blood lipid levels. This study aims to compare the levels of lipids and lipoprotein B-100 in the umbilical cord blood of male and female newborns and assess the impact of these factors on neonatal anthropometric measurements. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 75 healthy, term (34 male and 41 female) newborns. A total of 5 ml of umbilical cord blood was obtained immediately after delivery and analyzed on the same day to estimate lipid concentrations and apolipoprotein B-100. Additionally, we measured and recorded neonatal anthropometric indicators. The independent sample t-test was used for comparison of mean values in the two groups. The relationship of cord blood lipid profile with anthropometric data was assessed by the Pearson correlation test and multiple linear regression. Results: The cord blood from female newborns had higher levels of low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) compared to male newborns, whereas levels of lipoprotein B-100 and triglyceride (TG) were higher in males compared to female newborns. These differences were not statistically significant. In female newborns there was a significant inverse correlation between TG level and head circumference (P=0.038). In males, there was no statistically significant association between lipid levels and anthropometric parameters. Conclusion: Gender did not impact lipid and apolipoprotein B-100 levels in newborns. This study showed a significant inverse correlation between TG level and head circumference in female newborns.
A Retrospective Study of the AL Technology Implant System used for Single-Tooth Replacement

Objective: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate of ALTechnology implants used for single tooth replacement after a minimum of three years of loading at Center for Dentistry, Research & Aesthetics, Jatt, Almothalat, Israel. Method: Dental records for 43patients who underwent single tooth replacement using ALTechnology implant system at Center for Dentistry, Research & Aesthetics, Jatt, Almothalath, Israel during a three years period (2010-2012) were retrospectively analyzed. Only implants that were functioning for at least three years were included. Results: 152 AL-Technology implants were used for the replacement of single teeth in 43patients, 114(75%) implants were placed in the posterior regions, and 38 (25%) implants were placed in the anterior regions. All implants were restored with cement-retained crowns and have been in function for at least three years. Out of the total 152implants, two (1,3%) were considered failures as a result of significant radiographic bone loss. Therefore, the survival rate at three years was 98,7%. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that AL-Technology implants could be a satisfactory choice for anterior and posterior single tooth restorations.
Evaluation of Reconstruction Windows for Multislice Computed Tomography in Quantification of Coronary Calcium

Gerber TC, O’Brien PC, Pastor K, et al. Evaluation of reconstruction windows for multislice computed tomography in quantification of coronary calcium. Invest Radiol 2003;38:108–118. Rationale and Objectives.To search for an optimum reconstruction window in retrospectively gated multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for quantification of coronary calcium. Materials and Methods.Coronary calcium quantified was examined as Agatston and volume scores by two experienced observers at 10 time points across the R-R interval of the electrocardiogram in 42 patients. A combination of statistical approaches was used to evaluate the distributions of minimum and maximum scores and of interobserver variability for both scoring methods across the cardiac cycle. Results.Based on the combination of evaluation approaches, 60% to 70% of the R-R interval appeared to be the optimum time point for obtaining maximum calcium scores with minimum interobserver variability. The optimum time point was more clearly defined for the Agatston score than for the volume score. Conclusion.A reconstruction window beginning at 60% to 70% of the R-R interval seems to be most advantageous for retrospective gating of MSCT studies performed to quantify coronary calcium.
Arabic-Speaking Worlds and Media

Interest in Arabic media is nothing new, but the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States heightened and broadened publicly stated interest in relation to public opinion in Arabic and, more generally, Islamic countries, including in numerous recent academic publications and collections (Ayish, 2003; Hafez, 2001; Hafez, 2002; Schlesinger, Mowlana, 1993 ; Middle East Report, 1993; Middle East Journal, 2000; Sakr, 2001). These have addressed, for example, Arabic media systems, representati.
Infant growth modelling using a shape invariant model with random effects

Models for infant growth have usually been based on parametric forms, commonly an exponential or similar model, which have been shown to fit poorly especially during the first year of life. An alternative approach is to use a non‐parametric model, based on a shape invariant model (SIM), where a single function is transformed by shifting and scaling to fit each subject. In the model a regression spline is used as the function, with log transformation of the data and a simplification of the SIM, obtained from the relationship with the exponential model. All subjects are fitted as a nonlinear mixed effects model, allowing the variation in the parameters between subjects to be determined. Methods for the inclusion of covariates in growth models based on SIM are developed, with parameters for time independent covariates included in the model by varying either the shape, the size parameter or the growth parameter and time‐dependent co‐variates included by transforming the time axis, to either increase or decrease the growth rate dependent on the co‐variate, similar to methods used for accelerated failure‐time models. The model is used to fit weight data for 602 infants, measured from 0 to 2 years as part of the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS) trial, and to determine the effect of breastfeeding on infant weight. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microenvironment and Immunology VISTA Is an Immune Checkpoint Molecule for Human T Cells

V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a potent negative regulator of T-cell function that is expressed on hematopoietic cells. VISTA levels are heightened within the tumor microenvironment, in which its blockade can enhance antitumor immune responses in mice. In humans, blockade of the related programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) pathway has shown great potential in clinical immunotherapy trials. Here, we report the structure of human VISTA and examine its function in lymphocyte negative regulation in cancer. VISTA is expressed predominantly within the hematopoietic compartment with highest expression within the myeloid lineage. VISTA-Ig suppressed proliferation of T cells but not B cells and blunted the production of T-cell cytokines and activation markers. Our results establish VISTA as a negative checkpoint regulator that suppresses T-cell activation, induces Foxp3 expression, and is highly expressed within the tumor microenvironment. By analogy to PD-1 and PD-L1 blockade, VISTA blockade may offer an immunotherapeutic strategy for human cancer. Cancer Res; 74(7); 1924–32. 2014 AACR.
Special Issue on Ruthenium Complexes

The organic chemistry of ruthenium has been one of the most vigorously growing research areas over the past decades. Considerable effort has been extended towards the design and application of a broad series of ruthenium complexes, which culminated with the development by Ryoji Noyori (2001 Nobel Prize for Chemistry) of chiral ruthenium catalysts for stereoselective hydrogenation reactions [1], and the discovery by Robert H. Grubbs (2005 Nobel Prize for Chemistry) of well-defined ruthenium- benzylidene catalysts for olefin metathesis [2] [. ].
Comparison of the crystal structures of 4,4′-bis[3-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]-1,1′-biphenyl and 4,4′-bis[3-(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]-1,1′-biphenyl

The crystal structures of the two title compounds display chair conformations of the piperidine rings in their molecules. In compound (I), the biphenyl system has a twisted conformation with a dihedral angle of 26.57 (6)° while in compound (II) the two phenyl rings are exactly coplanar.
A $\hbox{Pb}(\hbox{Zr}_{0.55}\hbox{Ti}_{0.45}) \hbox{O}_{3}$-Transduced Fully Differential Mechanically Coupled Frequency Agile Filter

This letter reports on the performances of a frequency-tunable lead-zirconate-titanate-transduced fully differential mechanically coupled high-overtone width-extensional filter. The demonstrated electric field tuning provides channel agility and bandwidth adjustability for the incorporation of analog spectral processors in modern radio receiver architectures. We designed and experimentally characterized the higher overtone frequency response of a fully differential width-extensional filter. The filter demonstrates a center frequency (fC) tuning range of 7 MHz at 260 MHz and an adjustable bandwidth from 3 to 6.3 MHz while maintaining a maximum frequency shift due to hysteresis effects below 0.14% and a stopband rejection floor of -60 dB.
On the role of posture in the control of balance and preparation of movement: understanding intermuscular and inter-segmental coordination during reaching

University of Wollongong Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. The University does not authorise you to copy, communicate or otherwise make available electronically to any other person any copyright material contained on this site. You are reminded of the following: This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this work may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of the author. Copyright owners are entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. A reproduction of material that is protected by copyright may be a copyright infringement. A court may impose penalties and award damages in relation to offences and infringements relating to copyright material. Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form. Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.