Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effect of pool therapy and land therapy on balance in elderly population

Balance is defined as the dynamic process by which the position of the body is maintained in equilibrium. As age increases balance decreases that lead to falls. To improve the balance, land, and pool therapies are used. Studies have shown that land-based exercises improve joint flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and reaction time in an older population. The physical properties of water are an effective rehabilitation program. Water-based exercises provide a viable alternative for the elderly who are unable to participate in land-based exercise programs as water exercise has reduced the risk of falls. The objective of the study is to compare the effect of pool therapy and land therapy on balance in the elderly population. The Study methodology: Quasi-experimental study.30 elderly people between 60-75 years (both male and female) were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Tinetti falls efficacy scale questionnaire was given to the subjects and they were asked to fill it and then a timed up and go test was done before and after the exercise protocol. The 30 individuals were divided into 2 groups of 15 members each (Group A and Group B). Group A was given pool therapy and Group B was given land-based therapy for 6 weeks. The results of statistical analysis showed a significant difference between land therapy and pool therapy. This study concludes that pool therapy is more effective in improving balance in the elderly population.
Infrared and Visible Image Fusion Based on Co-Occurrence Analysis Shearlet Transform

This study based on co-occurrence analysis shearlet transform (CAST) effectively combines the latent low rank representation (LatLRR) and the regularization of zero-crossing counting in differences to fuse the heterogeneous images. First, the source images are decomposed by CAST method into base-layer and detail-layer sub-images. Secondly, for the base-layer components with larger-scale intensity variation, the LatLRR, is a valid method to extract the salient information from image sources, and can be applied to generate saliency map to implement the weighted fusion of base-layer images adaptively. Meanwhile, the regularization term of zero crossings in differences, which is a classic method of optimization, is designed as the regularization term to construct the fusion of detail-layer images. By this method, the gradient information concealed in the source images can be extracted as much as possible, then the fusion image owns more abundant edge information. Compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms on publicly available datasets, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperformed in enhancing the contrast and achieving close fusion result.
Reputation or warranty, what is more effective against planned obsolescence?

ABSTRACT In determining the durability of its product a firm faces a trade off. Performing a policy of planned obsolescence by making their products less durable implies that the consumer needs to replace them earlier, which thus enhances demand. However, a lower quality of the product will result in a lower reputation, which in turn will affect demand negatively. In many cases, the government protects the consumer by implementing a warranty period. Our paper studies how a firm should optimally deal with this trade off and react to government policy. We obtain the following results. First, we find that the length of the warranty period has an inverted U-shaped effect on the product life time. Second, if more consumers are aware of the existence of a warranty period and ask for a free product replacement, this will increase the product life time. Third, increasing uncertainty about the breakdown of the product also has an inverted U-shaped effect on the product lifetime.
Theoretical Issues with Rayleigh Surface Waves and Geoelectrical Method Used for the Inversion of Near Surface Geophysical Structure

We numerically simulate the field measurements of Rayleigh surface waves and electrical resistivity in which the target depth is set to be less than 50-m. The Rayleigh surface waves are simulated in terms of fundamental mode group and phase velocities. The seismic field data is assumed to be collected through a conventional shot-gather. The group velocities are found from the application of the multiple filter technique in a single-station fashion while for the phase velocities the slant stacking, or linear radon transform are applied in fashion of multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The average seismic structure from the source to the receiver (or geophone) is represented by the group velocity curve while the average seismic structure underneath the geophone array is represented by the phase velocity curve. The single-station group velocity curves are transformed into local group velocity curves by setting a linear system through grid points. The shear-wave velocity cross section underneath the examined area is constructed by inverting these local group velocity curves. The electrical resistivity structure of the underground is similarly studied. The field compilation of the resistivity data is assumed to be completed by the application of the multiple electrode Pole-Pole array. The actual resistivity assemble underneath the analyzed area is inverted by considering the apparent (measured) resistivity values. Unique forms such as ore body, cavity, sinkhole, melt, salt, and fluid within the Earth may be examined by joint interpretation of electrical resistivities and seismic velocities. These formations may be better outlined by following their distinct signs such as high/low resistivities and high/low seismic velocities. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2021-02-03-01 Full Text: PDF
Boswellia sacra Extract-Loaded Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nano Particles: Synthesis and Biological Effects

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are being increasingly considered for numerous biomedical applications. The loading of natural compounds onto BGs to increase the BG biological activity is receiving increasing attention. However, achieving efficient loading of phytotherapeutic compounds onto the surface of bioactive glass is challenging. The present work aimed to prepare novel amino-functionalized mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) loaded with the phytotherapeutic agent Boswellia sacra extract. The prepared amino-functionalized MBGNs showed suitable loading capacity and releasing time. MBGNs (nominal composition: 58 wt% SiO2, 37 wt% CaO, 5 wt% P2O5) were prepared by sol-gel-modified co-precipitation method and were successfully surface-modified by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). In order to evaluate MBGNs loaded with Boswellia sacra, morphological analysis, biological studies, physico-chemical and release studies were performed. The successful functionalization and loading of the natural compound were confirmed with FTIR, zeta-potential measurements and UV-Vis spectroscopy, respectively. Structural and morphological evaluation of MBGNs was done by XRD, SEM and BET analyses, whereas the chemical analysis of the plant extract was done using GC/MS technique. The functionalized MBGNs showed high loading capacity as compared to non-functionalized MBGNs. The release studies revealed that Boswellia sacra molecules were released via controlled diffusion and led to antibacterial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. Results of cell culture studies using human osteoblastic-like cells (MG-63) indicated better cell viability of the Boswellia sacra-loaded MBGNs as compared to the unloaded MBGNs. Therefore, the strategy of combining the properties of MBGNs with the therapeutic effects of Boswellia sacra represents a novel, convenient step towards the development of phytotherapeutic-loaded antibacterial, inorganic materials to improve tissue healing and regeneration.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Liposomal Formulations Containing Tobramycin and N-Acetylcysteine against Tobramycin-Resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii

The antibacterial activity and biofilm reduction capability of liposome formulations encapsulating tobramycin (TL), and Tobramycin-N-acetylcysteine (TNL) were tested against tobramycin-resistant strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii in the presence of several resistant genes. All antibacterial activity were assessed against tobramycin-resistant bacterial clinical isolate strains, which were fully characterized by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). All isolates acquired one or more of AMEs genes, efflux pump genes, OMP genes, and biofilm formation genes. TL formulation inhibited the growth of EC_089 and KP_002 isolates from 64 mg/L and 1024 mg/L to 8 mg/L. TNL formulation reduced the MIC of the same isolates to 16 mg/L. TNL formulation was the only effective formulation against all A. baumannii strains compared with TL and conventional tobramycin (in the plektonic environment). Biofilm reduction was significantly observed when TL and TNL formulations were used against E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains. TNL formulation reduced biofilm formation at a low concentration of 16 mg/L compared with TL and conventional tobramycin. In conclusion, TL and TNL formulations particularly need to be tested on animal models, where they may pave the way to considering drug delivery for the treatment of serious infectious diseases.
Compact Broadband Circularly Polarized CPW-Fed Antenna with Characteristic Mode Analysis

A compact circularly polarized (CP) antenna is proposed for low-profile and wideband operation based on characteristic mode analysis (CMA). A ring patch with a gap and two arc-shaped metallic stubs as the radiator is analyzed and optimized by CMA to figure out the orthogonal modes and operating frequency band for potential good axial ratio (AR) performance. The studies of these CP modes provide a physical insight into the property of broadband circular polarization. Such an in-depth understanding paves the way for the proposal of novel CP antenna with separation between the design of radiator and feeding network. A 50-Ω coplanar waveguide (CPW) is introduced and placed appropriately to excite the desired modes based on the information from CMA, which employs two asymmetric ground planes to improve the performance in terms of AR and impedance matching. The antenna with a compact size of 0. 71λ0 × 0. 76λ0 × 0. 038λ0 (λ0 is the free-space wavelength at the center frequency of the 3-dB AR bandwidth) is fabricated and measured for validation. The realized gain varies from 1.6 to 3.1 dBic over the operating bandwidth characterized by the measured 10-dB impedance bandwidth of 83.8% (3.98–9.72 GHz) and 3-dB AR bandwidth of 70.3% (4.59–9.57 GHz), respectively.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults with obesity and chronic pain: the role of anxiety sensitivity

ABSTRACT Obesity and chronic pain frequently co-occur, and this co-occurrence can have potential negative consequences, particularly as it relates to mental health. As such, there is a need to understand potential risk factors for poor mental health among this co-morbid population. Thus, the current study examined the predictive role of anxiety sensitivity (and its sub-facets) on anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults (82.5% female, Mage = 40.2 years, SD = 10.92) with obesity and chronic pain. Results revealed that greater levels of anxiety sensitivity were associated with greater levels of both anxiety and depressive symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. Post hoc analyses also indicated that specific sub-facets of anxiety sensitivity (cognitive and social concerns) were significant predictors of the criterion variables. The current study highlights the potential clinical utility in targeting anxiety sensitivity among individuals with co-occurring obesity and chronic pain in the treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Bone strength of the human distal radius under fall loading conditions : an experimental and numerical study

Fragility fractures represent a public health problem for elderly. The assessment of the bone strength and of the risk of fracture by the gold standard method (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry - DXA) is limited. Micro-finite element models (µFEM) have shown to better predict the bone strength, but it is not possible to confirm that they do better than the density measured by DXA to estimate the risk of fracture. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to evaluate whether including realistic loading conditions could improve the level of prediction of the FEM. First, we reproduced the loading conditions of a forward fall on 32 radii in an ex-vivo experiment. This experiment leaded to two groups: one fractured and one non - fractured. Then, we evaluated the prediction capability of a segment FEM (9 mm of the distal radius) created using the High Resolution peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography. This segment FEM was tested under the axial loading (standard analysis), and under five additional non-axial configurations. It was found that the prediction capability of the segment FEM was not improved by the implementation of non-axial loadings. Finally, a heterogeneous FEM of the whole distal radius was created using data from a Cone Beam Computed Tomography. This model considers the fall loading configurations in orientation and speed of the ex-vivo experiment. The FEM of the whole distal radius has a better accuracy to predict the experimental failure load than the segment FEM. This study proposes original data for model validation dedicated to further improvements of fracture risk prediction
Effect of plateau pika presence on the ecosystem services of alpine meadows

Abstract. The activity of small mammalian herbivores influences grassland ecosystem services in arid and semi-arid regions. This study took plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) as example animal to investigate the effect of small mammalian herbivores on meadow ecosystem services in alpine regions. In this study, a home-range scale was used measure the forage availability, water conservation, carbon sequestration and soil nutrient maintenance services (total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) of topsoil layer; and a quadrat scale was used to assess the biodiversity conservation service of alpine meadows. This study showed that plateau pika presence led to lower forage availability and water conservation services, and led to higher biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, soil nitrogen and phosphorus maintenance services of meadow ecosystem, whereas it had no impact on soil potassium maintenance service of meadow ecosystem in alpine regions. This study further found that the forage availability, biodiversity conservation, and soil nutrient maintenance services of meadow ecosystem in alpine regions firstly increased, and later decreased as the disturbance intensity of plateau pikas increased, whereas the water conservation service tended to decrease with the increasing disturbance intensity of plateau pikas. These results not only present a possible pattern of plateau pikas influencing the ecosystem services of meadow ecosystem in alpine regions, and consummate the small mammalian herbivores in relation to grassland ecosystem services.
Summary of the Advanced Servo Control Strategies Applied in Optoelectronic Tracking System

Servo control in optoelectronic tracking system is one of the key technologies to realize the high precision tracking. The improvement of the current automation level offers the necessary technical conditions for the realization of the advanced servo control strategies. In this paper, the author summaries the technologies in the area to provide the basic support for the engineering research.
Know Your Safe Drinking Skills: Adaptation Strategies for the College Effect

Objective: The current study investigates the effects of an alcohol-prevention program delivered to college students in a formal classroom setting. Participants: The sample comprised 231 first-year college students who enrolled in a multisection “First Year Experience” course at a large northeastern university in the United States. Method: A naturalistic experiment was conducted, with a baseline evaluation at the beginning of the semester and a post-experiment evaluation near the end of the semester. Results: Social drinking attitudes, proximal drinking norm and the college effect are significant predictors of pre- and post-intervention episodic drinking frequency. The intervention reduced episodic drinking frequency as well as perceived distal and proximal drinking norms. It also increased drinking attitudes and did not change perceived efficacy or drinking-outcome expectancies. Conclusions: Practitioners could consider implementing a similar intervention to allow students to learn and practice safe drinking skills in the first year of their college life.
Predictors of Glycemic Outcomes at 1 Year Following Pediatric Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation.

OBJECTIVE Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is indicated to alleviate debilitating pancreas-related pain and mitigate diabetes in patients with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis when medical/endoscopic therapies fail. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of insulin requirement at 1 year following TPIAT in a cohort of children. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a review of 43 pediatric patients followed after TPIAT for 1 year or longer. Primary outcome was insulin use at 1 year, categorized as follows: insulin independent, low insulin requirement (<0.5 units/kg/day), or high insulin requirement (≥0.5 units/kg/day). RESULTS At 1 year after TPIAT, 12 of 41 (29%) patients were insulin independent and 21 of 41 (51%) had low and 8 of 41 (20%) had high insulin requirement. Insulin-independent patients were younger than those with low and high insulin requirement (median age 8.2 vs. 14.6 vs. 13.1 years, respectively; P = 0.03). Patients with insulin independence had a higher number of transplanted islet equivalents (IEQ) per kilogram body weight (P = 0.03) and smaller body surface area (P = 0.02), compared with those with insulin dependence. Preoperative exocrine insufficiency was associated with high insulin requirement (P = 0.03). Higher peak C-peptide measured by stimulated mixed-meal tolerance testing (MMTT) at 3 and 6 months post-TPIAT was predictive of lower insulin requirement at 1 year (P = 0.006 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that insulin independence following pediatric TPIAT is multifactorial and associated with younger age, higher IEQ per kilogram body weight transplanted, and smaller body surface area at time of operation. Higher peak C-peptide measured by MMTT following TPIAT confers a higher likelihood of low insulin requirement.
Ultrasonic Intelligent Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on Machine Learning

Thyroid diseases are divided into papillary carcinoma and nodular diseases, which are very harmful to the human body. Ultrasound is a common diagnostic method for thyroid diseases. In the process of diagnosis, doctors need to observe the characteristics of ultrasound images, combined with professional knowledge and clinical experience, to give the disease situation of patients. However, different doctors have different clinical experience and professional backgrounds, and the diagnosis results lack objectivity and consistency, so an intelligent diagnosis technology for thyroid diseases based on the ultrasound image is needed in clinic, which can give objective and reliable diagnosis opinions on thyroid diseases by extracting the texture, shape, and other information of the image and assist doctors in clinical diagnosis. This paper mainly studies the intelligent ultrasonic diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer based on machine learning, compares the ultrasonic characteristics of PTMC diagnosed by using the new ultrasound technology (CEUS and UE), and summarizes the differential diagnosis effect and clinical application value of the two technology methods for PTMC. In this paper, machine learning, diffuse thyroid image features, and RBM learning methods are used to study the ultrasonic intelligent diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer based on machine learning. At the same time, the new contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technology and ultrasound elastography (UE) technology are used to obtain the experimental phenomena in the experiment of ultrasonic intelligent diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. The results showed that 90% of the cases were diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and confirmed by postoperative pathology. CEUS and UE have reliable practical value in the diagnosis of PTMC, and the combined application of CEUS and UE can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of PTMC diagnosis.
Effect of P fertilizer and precipitation on wheat under permanent beds in the absence of N fertilizer application

Abstract Environmental conditions contribute to a large percentage of wheat yield variability. This phenomenon is particularly true in rainfed environments and non-responsive soils to N. However, the effect of P application on wheat is unknown in the absence of N fertilizer application. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2019 in permanent beds established in 2005. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design and consisted of superimposing three P treatments (foliar, banded and broadcast application) plus a check (0P) within each one of four preceding N treatments (applied from 2005 to 2009). Foliar P generally showed a greater response than granular P treatments even though the soil tests high P (>30 mg/kg). Precipitation estimated for two different growth intervals explained through regression procedures the Years' effect. Seasonal precipitation (224–407 mm) explained variation of relative yield, N harvest index (NHI) and P agronomic efficiency (AE). Reproductive stage precipitation (48–210 mm) explained soil N supply. In dry years, foliar P application improved predicted relative yield 14% and AE 155 kg grain/kg P compared to granular P treatments. Similarly, soil N supply increased 15 kg/ha in dry moisture conditions during the reproductive stage. The NHI consistently improved over the crop seasons. This improvement was relatively larger for 0 kg N/ha. On average, NHI increased from about 0.57 to 0.72%. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) readings at the booting growth stage were negatively associated with NHI. Foliar P in this non-responsive soil to N showed the potential to replace granular P sources. However, the omission of granular P needs to be further studied to estimate the long-term effect on the soil P test.