Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Humor in Medicine: A Literature Review of Humor’s Potential Therapeutic Value in Health Care

Using humor and laughter within the health care field has the potential to be relevant to patients during treatment, to the patient-caregiver relationship, to the subjective well-being of health care providers, and to the environments’ (e.g., work settings) impact on group relationships (e.g., colleagues). A review of the literature examines how the psychological and physiological effects of laughter and humor within the human body impact health and well-being, how humor and laughter improve the patient-practitioner relationship, and if humor and laughter can potentially impact physician burnout. Several possible implications for these findings are discussed, such as professional medical comedians, improvements to medical education, and a theoretical technological application. HUMOR IN MEDICINE: A LITERATURE REVIEW 3
A semiparametric method for estimating the progression of cognitive decline in dementia

ABSTRACT Although many patients develop cognitive decline, their trajectories of cognitive decline are diverse and incompletely understood. Accurate prediction of the cognitive decline process is critical for early treatment and management of dementia. We used the Clinical Dementia Rating Score Sum of Boxes (CDR SUM) score as a cognitive decline proxy, and investigated factors that are potentially associated with cognitive decline, including duration, age at onset, sex, education, health-related symptoms, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We analyzed data from an established 10-year longitudinal patient registry of patients diagnosed with non-normal cognition. We compared a multi-level polynomial regression model and two semiparametric mixed-effects models, and applied Nakagawa and Schielzeth's R2GLMM and correlation coefficient as model selection criteria. The semiparametric method was selected to describe and predict the cognitive decline trajectory. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were indicators of a higher CDR SUM score. History of stroke, presence of disinhibition, and nighttime behavior disturbances were also associated with higher CDR SUM score. Older age of onset (> 86 years), educational level higher than high school education (≥ 12 education years), and the presence of irritation were indicators of slower cognitive decline. The semiparametric model can assist in estimating cognitive decline in terms of CDR SUM score, given individual characteristics.
Using Literacy as a Tool to Foster an Understanding of Content Language Literacy for Preservice Teachers

In this qualitative study, data were collected on 60 junior level preservice teachers who utilized a semantic feature analysis chart over a 5-week summer semester study of content language literacy in elementary settings. Viewing literacy as a tool, participants analyzed strategies for the ability to support content language fluency through the use of multiple literacies (i.e., reading, writing, speaking, listening, and thinking). Findings indicate that use of the chart helped these preservice teachers build pedagogical content knowledge for the concept of content language literacy as well as to strengthen the ability to analyze teaching strategies that developed fluency in content language use. Over the course of the study, the preservice teachers also developed awareness of their growing confidence and ownership in selecting literacy strategies that would foster content language fluency in student learning.
Protecting OpenFlow using Intel SGX

OpenFlow flow tables in Open vSwitch contain valuable information about installed flows, priorities, packet actions and routing policies. Their importance is emphasized when collocated tenants compete for the limited entries available to install flow rules. OpenFlow flow tables are a security asset that requires confidentiality and integrity guarantees. However, commodity software switch implementations - such as Open vSwitch - do not implement protection mechanisms capable to prevent attackers from obtaining information about the installed flows or modifying flow tables. We adopt a novel approach to enabling OpenFlow flow table protection through decomposition. We identify core assets requiring security guarantees, isolate OpenFlow flow tables through decomposition and implement a prototype using Open vSwitch and Software Guard Extensions enclaves. An evaluation of the prototype on a distributed testbed both demonstrates that the approach is practical and indicates directions for further improvements.
Psychosomatische Schmerzquelle beim Schulter-Arm-Syndrom

Wenn sich trotz sorgfältiger Diagnostik und Behandlung die Schmerzen eines Patienten nicht bessern, ist man als Physiotherapeut ratlos und frustriert. Wie wichtig es in einem solchen Fall sein kann, auch psycho-soziale Belastungsfaktoren zu berücksichtigen, wird angesichts eines realen Falls aus der Praxis deutlich. Im Folgenden wird die Behandlung eines Schulter-Arm-Syndroms mittels der Integrativen Bewegungstherapie vorgestellt.
Traffic Scheduling Strategy of Power Communication Network Based on SDN

Due to the complicated structure, power communication network is difficult to guarantee the quality of service (QoS) of power services. A two-level scheduling algorithm based on software defined network (SDN) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the priority-based scheduling method is used to meet the latency-sensitive of power service. Then, in order to alleviate congestion, queue bandwidth is adjusted according to network state information, which can be collected by the centralized control of SDN. Finally, the Mininet and Ryu controller are made use of building simulation environment. The test results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper reduce delay and packet loss rate significantly, which achieves QoS.
Rates Changes and Earnings Management in the Domestic Energy Suppliers

Objective: To verify whether the concessionaires of electric energy adopt earnings management (EM) practices, before and after the Periodic Tariff Review (PTR), in order to obtain better rates and attract investors and/or pay bonuses to their managers. Method: The sample of this study contains all electric power utility companies of B3, covering the period of 2010-2016. We analyzed the impact of PTR using the panel data method. Originality/Relevance: It was analyzed whether the EM is related to PTR, since the interest of the consumer, the government and the investors is different of the concessionary´s interest with respect to the value of the tariff. Notice that investors can make better decisions on how and when to allocate their resources to a specific PTR event. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The findings indicate that in the years of tariff review, there is a greater generation of accruals and dimishments 2 years after the PTR. On the other hand, in EM (operational) the cyclical behavior is similar, but the PTR is negative in the year of the tariff review and positive two periods ahead. Social contributions to management: These results are understood as long as the concessionaires know that the result of the year of PTR will not influence the Regulatory Agency in the determination of the present revision and reverse them 2 periods ahead, in order to anticipate for the next PTR.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence Holmskioldia sanguinea retz., an ornamental plant of Lamiaceae

Abstract Holmskioldia sanguinea Retz. (Lamiaceae) is a widely cultivated ornamental plant. As a first report in the genus, we present the complete chloroplast genome sequence of H. sanguinea using genome skimming of paired-end NGS data. The total genome size measures 153,273 bp in length containing four subregions: 84,693 bp of large single-copy region, 17,330 bp small single-copy region, and a pair of inverted repeat regions, measuring 25,625 bp. The genome contains 115 genes including 80 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNAs, and 31 tRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. sanguinea is a sister to Scutellaria in the subfamily Scutellarioideae of Lamiaceae.
The Internet and Participation Inequality: A Multilevel Examination of 108 Countries

This study investigates the role of the Internet in civic participation inequality across 108 countries. Merging individual-level survey data from the 2016 Gallup World Poll with country-level indices, we conduct multilevel analyses to answer three broader sets of questions: (1) Does access to the Internet increase the likelihood of civic participation? (2) Does Internet access amplify or lessen socioeconomic stratification in civic participation? (3) Do press freedom and government intervention as contextual factors shape the role of the Internet in civic participation inequality? The findings suggest that Internet access increases the likelihood of civic participation while it also deepens socioeconomic stratification in participation. Cross-level interactions unveil that the intervening role of the Internet remains unaffected by press freedom, but government intervention through the promotion of ICT use can help control the growing inequality. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for political inequality research and the applied global significance.
Filament genes and biofilm formation in Streptococcus agalactiae

ISSN Streptococcus agalactiae is the prominent cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in neonates and is also the contributing agent of a number of serious infections in immunocompromised adults. S. agalactiae run into multiple niches through an infection, suggesting that regulatory mechanisms control the expression of specific virulence factors in this bacterium. Like other Gram-positive bacteria, Group B streptococcus (GBS) can create three-dimensional structures, such as biofilms that can increase their ability to colonize and maintain in the host. Biofilm formation has been investigated by GBS under laboratory conditions and is clearly controlled under environmental conditions. Significantly, antibodies that act against the proteins of the pili can prevent the creation of biofilms. The consequences of biofilm formation in the field of asymptomatic colonization and its dissemination remain invasive and its details are examined. The complex pathway leading to biofilm development in different species of microorganisms involves the contribution of both environmental conditions and genetic factors. Numerous genes or factors have been identified as being essential or required for biofilm formation. Such genes include those that regulate surface-exposed proteins, appendages, such as pili or fimbriae, and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix materials. Pilus seems to play a key role in adhesion and attachment to host cells both in Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. Their involvement in the transition from planktonic growth to a surface-attached multicellular community has also been demonstrated in many studies. Three different types of pili have been characterized in GBS as potential virulence factors. For example, type 2a pili are involved in biofilm formation. Copyright 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma presenting as sternal swelling

Lymphomas involving the sternum are very rare. We report a case of lymphoma presenting as lytic sternal lesion. A 14-year-old girl presented with history of painless swelling of central chest (sternum) of 3 months duration. Fine needle aspiration cytology from the site revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. She underwent treatment with chemotherapy but succumbed to her illness after six months of treatment.
Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation: Effectiveness Approaches and New Perspectives

Parkinson’s disease has been considered one of the most important and common neuro- degenerative diseases in the world. Its motor and nonmotor signs determine a huge functional loss, leading the individuals to lose their independence. Although the treatment requires a pharmacological approach, physical therapy has confirmed its importance in this process. Today, neurorehabilitation is indispensable to increase many of the cardinal signs of the disease. Using traditional or technological approaches, physical therapy has reached good results in improving motor and nonmotor functions, as well as the quality of life of Parkinsonians. However, it is important to develop and to fortify the physical therapy approach so that we can provide stronger evidence about our practice.
Behavioral phenotyping in rats 5 to 30 weeks after multiple injections of gadobutrol and gadodiamide

Poster: "ECR 2018 / C-2326 / Behavioral phenotyping in rats 5 to 30 weeks after multiple injections of gadobutrol and gadodiamide" by: "J. Habermeyer1, S. von Horsten1, G. Schutz2, H. Pietsch2; 1Erlangen/DE, 2Berlin/DE"
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and the Role of Regular Exercise in Preventing the Disease: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global metabolic disorder currently affecting over 450 million people and this number is rising rapidly. Heart failure (HF) is the major cause of death among diabetic patients. The disorder is due to elevated blood glucose level beyond physiological range or hyperglycaemia (HG), which in turn leads to a number of long-term complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) over time. Around 80% of all diabetics will eventually die from DC. If left untreated, DC has been shown to be a critical factor in HF, independent of atherosclerosis, hypertension and valvular malfunction. The inability to maintain glucose homeostasis in the myocardium compromises cardiac structure and function in human diabetic subjects and also in animals with experimental diabetes. Daily exercise is known to protect the heart from sudden cardiac death. Exercise training (ET) is a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). ET can induce cardio-protection in normal hearts and also in a partially diseased heart through a range of molecular mechanisms. The cardio-protective effect of ET is associated with the improvement of antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial viability and it can activate physiological cardiac growth, which are all mediated via distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms compared to those in pathological hypertrophy. Beneficial cardiac protection following regular ET in diabetes has been reported in both clinical and experimental animal studies. ET is a cost-effective strategy for prevention and treatment DC. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying DC and HF in diabetes and how regular exercise can reverse the pathology are not fully clear and further research should be carried out.
Pengaruh Akupresur Pada Titik Zusanli Terhadap Kebugaran Dan Kadar Gula Darah Pada Penderita Diabetes Tipe Ii Yang Mendapat Oral Anti Diabetes

Secara teoritis akupresur pada titik akupuntur dapat digunakan sebagai terapi komplementer pada penderita diabetes. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan bukti empiris pengaruh akupresur pada titik Zusanli terhadap kebugaran (VO2maks) dan kadar gula darah pada penderita diabetes tipe II yang mendapat oral anti diabetes. Penelitian ini berjenis analitik dengan pendekatan eksperimental terkontrol randomisasi (RCT). Sebanyak 30 orang penderita diabetes melitus tipe II yang mendapat oral anti diabetes dicuplik dengan tehnik random sampling dari semua penderita diabetes melitus tipe II yang datang berobat ke klinik Pratama Kediri. Sebanyak 15 orang sampel mendapat akupresur sedang 15 orang tanpa pemijatan akupresur. Variabel bebas adalah akupresur pada titik akupuntur Zusanli, Variabel tergantung adalah kadar gula darah dan kebugaran (VO2maks). Data dianalisis dengan model regresi linier ganda menggunakan program SPSS 17. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan tidak terdapat pengaruh yang secara statistik signifikan akupresur pada titik Zusanli terhadap kadar gula darah pada penderita diabetes tipe II yang mendapat oral anti diabetes (b= 1.4; p= 0.959; CI 95% -55.6 hingga 58.5). Akupresur pada titik Zusanli tidak memberikan pengaruh yang secara statistik signifikan terhadap kebugaran (VO2maks) pada penderita diabetes melitus tipe II yang mendapat oral anti diabetes (b= 0.2; p= 0.627; CI 95 % -0.6 hingga 0.9). Penelitian ini menyimpulkan tidak terdapat pengaruh yang secara statistik signifikan akupresur pada titik Zusanli terhadap kebugaran (V02maks) dan kadar gula darah pada penderita diabetes melitus II yang mendapat oral anti diabetes. Disarankan untuk dilakukan penelitian lebih lanjut yang menggunakan akupresur dengan kombinasi beberapa titik akupuntur dan waktu akupresur yang lebih lama.
Last point to react for collision avoidance in a robotized framework for autonomous driving verification

Autonomous driving has been lately the focus of the automotive industry for its potential to improve traffic safety. In order to commercialize this promising technology, numerous tests must be carried out to guarantee its reliability. This master thesis proposes a supervisor module for an autonomous driving test framework ensuring the safe execution of the test case when emergency situations arise by forcing the test vehicles to follow safe trajectories. We have been focusing on a specific vehicle in the loop (VIL) test environment comprised of a robotized framework where test vehicles are equipped with a specialized driving robot that can actuate the throttle and brake pedals as well as the steering wheel. Over a 4G network, a server sends trajectories to the target vehicles which they follow to recreate a desired traffic scenario. All vehicles on the test track communicate their current states with the server to ensure closed -loop control. Hence, the supervision and control strategy is developed based on a geometrical approach considering the vehicle’s motion limitations. According to the vehicles’ states at a given time instant, we estimate future trajectories of the vehicles, predict potential collisions, and generate steering and braking maneuver-based trajectories for collision avoidance. As our aim is to only intervene in case of emergency , we compare the activation time of each proposed maneuver in order to define the last point to react for collision avoidance. A set of experiments for speeds between 20kph and 60kph were performed on a test vehicle equipped with the driving robot that will be used in the previously-mentioned framework. The results have revealed that, for the majority of the scenarios investigated in this thesis work, the last point to react is 1 second before collision. The driving robot is effectively able to follow the generated trajectories, even for cases that require high levels of lateral or longitudinal acceleration. However, analysing less conservative safety maneuvers could significantly improve the intervention time.
Different detection capabilities by mycological media for Candida isolates from mono- or dual-species cultures

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the Candida bromcresol green (BCG) medium with the chromogenic (CHROM) Brilliance Candida agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) media in regard to their capability of detecting Candida isolates from mono-or dual-species cultures. Methods We prepared Candida isolates’ suspensions to obtain mono-species (n = 18) or dual-species (n = 153) culture plates per each medium, and three readers independently observed 513 plates at 24-h, 48-h and 72-h incubation time. We scored reading results as correct, over or under detection compared to the expected species number(s). Results BCG showed significantly higher correct-detection and lower under-detection rates for all Candida species when observed by at least one reader. At 24-h reading, 12 mono-species cultures had correct (or over) detections in all media, whereas 106, 60 and 78 dual-species cultures had correct (or over) detections in BCG, CHROM or SDA, respectively. Conclusion BCG provides the basis for an accurate laboratory diagnosis of Candida infections.
Predictive Models for Functional MRI Data

In this study, we analyze brain activity data describing functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging of 820 subjects with each subject being scanned at 4 different times. This multiple scanning gives us an opportunity to observe the consistency of imaging characteristics within the subjects as compared to the variability across the subjects. The most consistent characteristics are then used for the purpose of predicting subjects’ traits. We concentrate on four predictive methods (Regression, Logistic Regression, Linear Discriminant Analysis and Random Forest) in order to predict subjects’ traits such as gender and age based on the brain activities observed between brain regions. Those predictions are done based on the adjusted communication activity among the brain regions, as assessed from 4 scans of each subject. Due to a large number of such communications among the 116 brain regions, we performed a preliminary selection of the most promising pairs of brain regions. Logistic Regression performed best in classifying the subject gender based on communication activity among the brain regions. The accuracy rate was 85.6 percent for an AIC step-wise selected Logistic Regression model. On the other hand, the Logistic Regression model maintaining the entire set of ranked predictor was capable of getting an 87.7 percent accuracy rate. It is interesting to point out that the model with the AIC selected features was better classifying males, whereas the complete ranked model was better classifying females. The Random Forest technique performed best for prediction of age (grouped within five categories as provided by the original data) with 48.8 percent accuracy rate. Any set of predictors between 200 and 1600 was presenting similar rates of accuracy.
Finger photoplethysmograph as a monitoring device for lipid profile in men with cardiovascular risk

Photoplethysmogram is a non-invasive optical technique that is widely used to measure the variation of blood volume by using infra-red light. It is a potential technique for early screening of atherosclerosis and lipid profiling. An intervention program of 12 weeks was done in monitoring the changes in lipid profile in the blood vessel and the morphological changes in the PPG signal. A total of 35 young men aged 20 to 40 years old were selected and the subjects were leading a sedentary lifestyle with less than 5000 steps of walking per day and having two or more CV risk factors. The subjects recruited were divided into two groups that were Group P (n=19) and Group C (n=16). Parameters that were recorded along the intervention were vascular age and fitness index (PPGF) from PPG, lipid profiling, pulse wave velocity (PWV), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A first derivative of PPG was done in determining the crest time (CT). The data were recorded at three different stages, baseline, 6 th week and 12 th week. The morphological analysis clearly differentiates the subjects with different combination of lipid profiles. Results show that there is a significant improvement on PPGF and CT at the first 6 weeks whereas on the lipid profiling of TG, HDL and LDL shows consistent improvement throughout the 12 weeks’ intervention. The intervention for health maintenance has potential in adopting walking as an exercise and PPG device as a health measurement tools. The identified morphological classification will need further analysis and automated classification to establish a non-invasive low cost optical based screening method for lipid profiling in future.