Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of Occupational Physicians towards seasonal influenza vaccination: a cross-sectional study from North-Eastern Italy

Summary Introduction. The present study aims to characterize personal attitudes and knowledge of a sample of Italian Occupational Physicians (OPh) towards Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) in healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods. In total, 92 OPh (42.4% males, 57.6% females, mean age of 47.3 ± 10.4 years, 50 specialists in Occupational Medicine, 42 specialists in Hygiene and Public Health) were asked about their attitudes towards influenza vaccine, their general knowledge of vaccine practice, their propensity towards vaccines and, eventually, their risk perception about the influenza and influenza vaccine was investigated. A regression analysis was then performed in order to better characterize predictive factors for vaccine propensity. Results. Influenza was recognized as a vaccination recommended for HCWs in 89/92 of the sampled OPh (96.7%). However, prevalence of misconceptions about vaccines was relatively high, with 26/92 (28.3%) and 24/92 (26.1%) referring vaccinations as eliciting allergic and autoimmune diseases, respectively and identifying lethargic encephalitis (18/92, 19.6%), autism (17/92, 18.5%), diabetes mellitus (15/92, 16.3%) and multiple sclerosis (13/92, 14.1%) as causatively vaccine-related. Propensity towards influenza vaccination found a significant predictor in the general knowledge (beta coefficient 0.213, p value = 0.043), risk perception (beta coefficient 0.252, p value = 0.018) and general propensity towards vaccinations (beta coefficient 0.384, p value = 0.002). Discussion. In spite of a diffuse propensity towards SIV, adherence of OPh was still < 50% of the sample. Moreover, sharing of misbeliefs and misconceptions was significant. As knowledge and risk perceptions were identified as significant predictors of vaccine propensity, our results suggest that information and training programs for OPh should be appropriately designed.
Analytical Mutual Information Distribution and Delay-Limited Capacity for Spatially Correlated Multiple-Antenna Systems

In this paper, we derive the probability density function of the mutual information between transmitted and received complex signals of spatially correlated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. Using this density we study the most important information-theoretic measures, the so-called delay-limited capacity, outage capacity, ergodic capacity and capacity variance of spatially correlated MIMO channels. Numerical results show how the channel correlation degrades the information-theoretic measures of MIMO communication systems. We also show that the density of mutual information of correlated/uncorrelated MIMO systems can be approximated by a Gaussian density with derived mean and variance, even for a finite number of inputs and outputs
Fault Analysis and Excitation Requirements for Switched Reluctance Generators

Switched reluctance machines (SRM) are a prime candidate for aerospace starter/generators and various auto-motive applications. The choice of SRM for the starter/generator application is driven largely by the perceived reliability and fault tolerance of the machine and its electronics. An analysis of the SR generator's faults and excitation requirements is essential to utilize the full fault tolerance capability of the machine in this application. Thus, research has been undertaken to identify, analyze, and simulate the various fault modes of the SR generator. This research included an investigation of the generator's excitation requirements with and without faults. The investigation makes it possible to determine the size of the excitation source required during the initial buildup of the generator's output voltage and under fault conditions. The SR machine, controller, EMI filter, excitation source, and load were all modeled and integrated into a Matlab-Simulink model in order to analyze the SR generator system.
Response : Stronger Association of CDKN 2 BAS 1 Variants in Female Normal-Tension Glaucoma Patients in a Japanese Population

We read with great interest the letter to the editor by Mori et al. entitled ‘‘Stronger Association of CDKN2B-AS1 Variants in Female Normal-Tension Glaucoma Patients in a Japanese Population. ’’ As pointed out in our original publication, the robust replication of genetic findings in independent populations is vital in understanding the significance of any reported association. Mori et al. have provided strong additional evidence for a sex-biased association with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) at this locus. This finding vastly improves confidence in the results in our original report. Due to differences in the genotyping methods in the underlying studies, Mori et al. present data at variants that were not dissected in detail in our original study, although a nominal association with POAG in the full Australian dataset was reported at the same variants. There are clear populationspecific allele frequency differences between Europeans and Asians at this locus; however, Mori et al. show a very similar finding of stronger association in females and in particular in females with NTG. To reach the same conclusion in a population of different ethnicity adds significant further weight to the findings, indicating similar biology and mechanisms between the groups, despite different genetic architecture at this locus. Since conducting our work looking at just the 9p21 region, we have looked genome-wide to see if there are differences in the genetic contribution to POAG risk in males and females. We found that the genetic correlation estimated from markers genome-wide was substantially less than 1 (correlation 0.33, with standard error 0.24). Our findings on POAG are in contrast to findings across other complex traits, where the genome-wide genetic correlation between males and females is typically close to 1. For example, in age-related macular degeneration, the genetic correlation is not significantly different to 1 (estimated to be 0.71, with standard error 0.23). It should be emphasized that a higher prevalence in one sex does not prohibit there being a very high genetic correlation; for example, in esophageal cancer there are eight times as many male as female cases, and yet the genetic correlation is estimated to be 1. A low genetic correlation between the sexes implies that a proportion of the genetic variants that influence POAG risk in one sex have little or no effect in the opposite sex. Such a finding means that future studies should consider routinely stratifying genetic association analysis by sex. It is also likely that some of the difference in POAG prevalence between sexes is due to heritable factors. However, as for our finding at 9p21 we have only estimated the genome-wide genetic correlation in one population (Australians of European ancestry). It would be interesting to investigate sex differences genome-wide in other populations.
Trade-Offs in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: Disease Resistance, Growth Responses and Perspectives for Crop Breeding

There is an increasing need to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant crops and reduce fertilizer usage. Combining disease resistance with efficient nutrient assimilation through improved associations with symbiotic microorganisms would help to address this. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with most terrestrial plants, resulting in nutritional benefits and the enhancement of stress tolerance and disease resistance. Despite these advantages, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) interactions are not normally directly considered in plant breeding. Much of our understanding of the mechanisms of AM symbiosis comes from model plants, which typically exhibit positive growth responses. However, applying this knowledge to crops has not been straightforward. In many crop plants, phosphate uptake and growth responses in AM-colonized plants are variable, with AM plants exhibiting sometimes zero or negative growth responses and lower levels of phosphate acquisition. Host plants must also balance the ability to host AMF with the ability to resist pathogens. Advances in understanding the plant immune system have revealed similarities between pathogen infection and AM colonization that may lead to trade-offs between symbiosis and disease resistance. This review considers the potential trade-offs between AM colonization, agronomic traits and disease resistance and highlights the need for translational research to apply fundamental knowledge to crop improvement.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND MINERAL SAFETY INDEX OF FIVE INSECTS COMMONLY EATEN IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

The proximate and mineral composition of Apis mellifera, Macrotermes belliccosus, Imbrasia belina, Oryctes boas and Sitophilus zeamais were determined. The protein and carbohydrate conte nts varied from at 14.0 – 17.2 g/100g and 60.5 – 71.8 g/100g, respecti vely. Crude fat content was low (2.98 g/100g) in Oryctes boas. Total energy (1505-1569 kJ/100g) and protein ener gy contribution (PEC %) (67.6-77.8) were generally low. Among the minerals (mg/100 g) evaluated, Na (1 40 – 402), K (198 – 2515) and P (618 – 1443) were t he most concentrated; Ca was low at 9.28 – 22.8 mg/100g . Zn was high at 15.3 – 45.2 mg/100g; Fe (9.48 – 13 .7 mg/100g) was low except in Sitophylus zeamais (22.5 mg/100g) whereas Mn (1.08 – 4.25 mg/100 g) w as low in all the samples. Pb recorded 0.00 mg/100g in Apis mellifera, Macrotermes belliccosus , and Imbrasia belina but not detected in Oryctes boas and Sitophylus zeamais . Cu (0.097 – 0.196 mg/100g) and Cd (0.09 – 0.39 mg/100g) were generally low in the samples. In the mineral ratios, all the samples were less than 0.5 in Ca/P and 1.0 in Ca/Mg. In Na/K, only Apis mellifera, and Macrotermes belliccosus, had values above the recommended 0.6. The mineral safety index showed th at Na, Ca, Mg and Cu were all lower than the standards whereas Zn was higher in all the samples. Fe was outside the index in Sitophylus zeamais and P in Oryctes boas whereas the two minerals were within the standard i n the remaining insect samples. Standard mineral safety index values are Na (4.80), Ca (10.0) , Mg (15.0), Zn (33.0), Fe (6.70), Cu (33.0) and P (10.0).
Moving target detection with multi-look SAR

The problem of detection of moving targets and estimation of their parameters by means of a multi-look single-antenna synthetic aperture radar is considered. The detection of moving targets is based on the displacement of the target images with respect to the static ground scene on the consequent looks. A system of linear algebraic equations has been derived in order to estimate the range to the moving target, the module and the radial component of the relative velocity vector of the target. It is shown that for the target moving uniformly and rectilinearly along a known path its location and own velocity can be found from a system of quadratic algebraic equations. The proposed approach is illustrated with both simulated and real data.
Chlorine in Water Disinfection

Abstract Disinfection of drinking-water is one of the main achievements of our time in the protection of public health. The use of chlorine for the destruction of microbiological pathogens is essential to protect the public from outbreaks of waterborne disease. Chlorine, as well as other disinfectants, produces a variety of chemical by-products. The risk from the presence of microbial pathogens in drinking-water is estimated to be several orders of magnitude greater than the risk from chlorination by-products. Any efforts to control these by-products must not compromise the microbiological quality of drinking-water.
A buck converter using accurate synthetic ripple hysteresis control scheme

This paper presents a dc-dc buck converter using hysteresis current control mode for fast response. A synthetic ripple voltage is proposed to sense the voltage across the inductor and to generate a saw tooth waveform for hysteresis band control. The proposed sensing circuit acts like a low-pass filter and has a local feedback loop to reduce the switching noise. Full chip simulation results indicate that the synthetic ripple slope has accuracy about 95%. The range of the operation voltage of the proposed design is from 2.7 to 4.2V; the low noise design is particularly suitable for portable device with a Li-ion battery power supply.
Characterization of optically dense, doped semiconductors by reflection THz time domain spectroscopy

We present reflection THz-time domain spectroscopy measurements of the complex conductivity of n-type, 0.038 Ω cm GaAs and n-type, 0.22 Ω cm Si wafers. These measurements clearly demonstrate the efficacy of the reflection technique on highly conductive, optically dense samples and approach the precision of THz–TDS transmission measurements. Because the THz-bandwidth, reflection measurements extend beyond the carrier collision frequency, we obtain direct measures of the mobility and the carrier number density.
A modified PCA-based approach for process monitoring

Principal component analysis (PCA) has been widely utilized for process monitoring owing to its simplicity, easy understanding and high efficiency in dealing with large numbers of process variables. Aimed at its disadvantages including relatively low detectability, this paper mainly presents a modified PCA (MPCA) approach based on the combination of the two test statistics for process monitoring. Thus, the monitoring chart will be reduced to one and the fault detectability will be improved. Then, several other PCA-based approaches are described briefly. Besides, theoretical discussions are made among these schemes to demonstrate the virtues of MPCA. The results of theoretical analysis indicate that MPCA-based approach has lower computational complexity and higher fault detection rate. An industrial benchmark of Tennessee Eastman (TE) process is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of MPCA-based approach according to the comparison of simulation consequences.
Equilibrium Thermodynamics, Formation, and Dissociation Kinetics of Trivalent Iron and Gallium Complexes of Triazacyclononane-Triphosphinate (TRAP) Chelators: Unraveling the Foundations of Highly Selective Ga-68 Labeling

In order to rationalize the influence of FeIII contamination on labeling with the 68Ga eluted from 68Ge/68Ga-generator, a detailed investigation was carried out on the equilibrium properties, formation and dissociation kinetics of GaIII- and FeIII-complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-tris(methylene[2-carboxyethylphosphinic acid]) (H6TRAP). The stability and protonation constants of the [Fe(TRAP)]3− complex were determined by pH-potentiometry and spectrophotometry by following the competition reaction between the TRAP ligand and benzhydroxamic acid (0.15 M NaNO3, 25°C). The formation rates of [Fe(TRAP)] and [Ga(TRAP)] complexes were determined by spectrophotometry and 31P-NMR spectroscopy in the pH range 4.5–6.5 in the presence of 5–40 fold HxTRAP(x−6) excess (x = 1 and 2, 0.15 M NaNO3, 25°C). The kinetic inertness of [Fe(TRAP)]3− and [Ga(TRAP)]3− was examined by the trans-chelation reactions with 10 to 20-fold excess of HxHBED(x−4) ligand by spectrophotometry at 25°C in 0.15 M NaCl (x = 0,1 and 2). The stability constant of [Fe(TRAP)]3− (logKFeL = 26.7) is very similar to that of [Ga(TRAP)]3− (logKGaL = 26.2). The rates of ligand exchange reaction of [Fe(TRAP)]3− and [Ga(TRAP)]3− with HxHBED(x−4) are similar. The reactions take place quite slowly via spontaneous dissociation of [M(TRAP)]3−, [M(TRAP)OH]4− and [M(TRAP)(OH)2]5− species. Dissociation half-lives (t1/2) of [Fe(TRAP)]3− and [Ga(TRAP)]3− complexes are 1.1 × 105 and 1.4 × 105 h at pH = 7.4 and 25°C. The formation reactions of [Fe(TRAP)]3− and [Ga(TRAP)]3− are also slow due to the formation of the unusually stable monoprotonated [*M(HTRAP)]2− intermediates [*logKGa(HL) = 10.4 and *logKFe(HL) = 9.9], which are much more stable than the [*Ga(HNOTA)]+ intermediate [*logKGa(HL) = 4.2]. Deprotonation and transformation of the monoprotonated [*M(HTRAP)]2− intermediates into the final complex occur via OH−-assisted reactions. Rate constants (kOH) characterizing the OH−-driven deprotonation and transformation of [* Ga(HTRAP)]2− and [*Fe(HTRAP)]2− intermediates are 1.4 × 105 M−1s−1 and 3.4 × 104 M−1s−1, respectively. In conclusion, the equilibrium and kinetic properties of [Fe(TRAP)] and [Ga(TRAP)] complexes are remarkably similar due to the close physico-chemical properties of FeIII and GaIII-ions. However, a slightly faster formation of [Ga(TRAP)] over [Fe(TRAP)] provides a rationale for a previously observed, selective complexation of 68GaIII in presence of excess FeIII.
Lipids and lipid peroxidation in diabetes mellitus with complications

Diabetes Mellitus comprises a group of heterogenous metabolic disorders that share a phenotype of hyperglycemia. Due to hyperglycemia, the metabolic disorders are progressed to lead into a endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and alterations in the large blood vessels. Dyslipidemia is one of the important pathogenic factors for micro (nephropathy) and macro vascular diseases (Cardiac complications). Hyperglycemia is widely known cause of enhanced plasma free radical concentrations of oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the important marker for the oxidative stress. In the present study, an attempt was made to study the influence of dyslipidemia during the complications of Diabetis Mellitus and how the lipid peroxidation will induce the damage to various organs in diabetics. During the study, 120 Type-2 Diabetic patients were selected under test group and estimated the parameters like Fasting Plasma Glucose, Urea, Creatinine, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL fractions of Cholesterol by standard kit methods and Malondialdehyde by TBA reaction using spectrophotometer and compared the values with age, sex matched controls number 50. It was observed that a significant increase in the TG (P>0.001) and Total Cholesterol (P>0.001), VLDL (P> 0.001) during all the three complications due to Diabetes Mellitus and lower levels of HDL cholesterol was observed. LDL Cholesterol was elevated significantly during the complications of Cardiac (P- 0.001) and vascular diseases (P- 0.001) and Vascular (p>0.001) conditions indicating the increased free radical production. Enhanced MDA has been proposed to be one of the mechanisms that influenced the rapid progression of diabetic vasculopathy. The peroxidative lipid damage can increase coagulability, alter phospholipid organisation and reduce the survival of cell, due to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which might generate toxic reactive oxygen species.
Neurodrawing: neurofeedback for enhancing attention by drawing

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that measures brain signals that can be used as feedback to teach self-regulation of brain function. Neurofeedback commonly used treatment for patients and improves the ability for healthy people. Recently, neurofeedback widely uses in the brain-computer interface. This study proposes the neurofeedback system based on drawing for attention improvement. In addition, this study proposes attention inducement method using guideline. This system uses eye tracker for tracking user's eye gazes and EEG electrodes for computing attention score. Based on the neurofeedback drawing system, the user can train attention. The results revealed the neurofeedback drawing system can improve the user's attention and attention rate.
OPTICAL BIOSENSORS : FUNDAMENTALS & TRENDS

Because of the need in medical diagnostics and more recently, the worldwide concern of the threat of chemical and bioterrorism great demand of bio-intelligence arises. Here, the review of biosensors technology with specific concentration on optical biosensors is provided. Remarkable developments have been reported in the last few years in the field of optical biosensors. Optical biosensors utilize optical techniques to detect and identify chemical or biological species. Due to tremendous advantages, the field of optical biosensors has been emerged as a topic of great interest. In this review article the basic principle, classification, biorecognization systems and immobilization techniques are explained. Finally, some examples of current applications and opportunities for future developments including nanomaterial and nanotechnology are explored.
A Novel Reduced-Size Edge-Shorted Patch Antenna for UHF Band Applications

In this letter, we present a novel printed patch antenna design in the UHF band. This antenna consists of an edge-shorted patch, parasitic element, and metal reflector, making it easy to combine directional, high-gain, low cross-polarization and wide bandwidth. Reduction in patch size of up to 50% with respect to a traditional rectangular patch operating at the same frequency is obtained. The experimental results of the constructed prototype are presented.
Compreendendo os Mecanismos Atencionais

A atencao e uma funcao crucial que permite a interacao eficaz do individuo com o seu ambiente, alem de subsidiar a organizacao dos processos mentais. Com a atencao, nos podemos selecionar qual estimulo sera analisado em detalhes e qual sera levado em consideracao para guiar nosso comportamento. Avancos recentes nos estudos usando metodos de neuroimagem e outras medidas neurobiologicas tem permitido a investigacao dos mecanismos especificos do sistema cerebral de atencao. No presente artigo, nos revisamos diversos aspectos dos mecanismos atencionais. Primeiramente, nos apresentamos a definicao e tipos de atencao (seletiva, sustentada e dividida). Em seguida, descrevemos as bases neurais e algumas tecnicas de avaliacao em pesquisas e contexto clinico.
Notice of RetractionThe study on equity of public information service in China

Public information service is a kind of public service, in its providing process there being inequity between urban and rural, among regions, and among social groups. And the inequity is a barrier to building harmonious society. The inequity enables the public to divide into the information-rich group and the information-poor group when they access and use public information service. This paper puts forward measures and plans to deal with inequity on the basis of analyzing these three inequity styles status and causes, according to the research on the spot.
A study of conceptual parallel powertrains for offshore wind turbines focusing on availability

Improving key performance drivers such as availability for offshore wind turbines is imperative for reducing the cost of offshore wind energy. Generally, this paper considers the option of increasing availability of the wind turbine powertrain (generator and power converter) by using N parallel components; a scenario where the wind turbine remains operational (albeit at (N-1)/N capacity) when failure occurs in one element of the powertrain. Although high capital costs are expected for multiple output powertrain topologies, this paper seeks to define how enhanced availability can rather reduce the lifetime cost of energy. This paper explored new strategies of availability enhancement by applying reliability modelling techniques, reliability block diagrams and Markov state space model to multiple output gearboxes with parallel generators and converters. A baseline powertrain was modelled and then the reliability and availability of the proposed strategy evaluated using wind turbine powertrain failure rate and mean time to repair data. Reliability block diagrams were used to optimize the number of parallel systems for producing high availability in the proposed powertrain.