Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urogynaecology and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) can lead to a presentation to urogynaecology services with multiple symptoms including vaginal prolapse, overactive bladder symptoms, voiding dysfunction, bladder pain syndrome, recurrent urinary tracts infections, stress urinary incontinence, recurring bladder diverticula, vesicoureteral reflux, pelvic floor pain or spasms, and complicated postnatal perineal wounds. This article explores the pathophysiology of these conditions in causing urinary urgency, incontinence, and infections; highlighting the key investigations and management considerations for women with EDS including conservative, pharmacological, and surgical.
Life-cycle inventory of a modern municipal solid waste landfill

The Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF), in conjunction with Ecobalance and researchers from the University of Wisconsin and North Carolina State, is nearing completion of a comprehensive 2-year project on the life-cycle inventory (LCI) of a modern municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. Data for the model came from both primary (over 100 landfills world-wide) and secondary data sources. Partners in the project included waste management companies from North America and Europe (including Waste Management Inc., SITA and CREED). In addition to the landfill LCI model, the project also includes the development of a software tool. The final report will provide a sound basis for assessing, on a life-cycle basis, the emissions and resource consumption associated with a modern MSW landfill. The model and report can be used to assess the importance of: ( 1 ) the various stages in the life- cycle system; (2) the time horizon selected; and (3) the air and water management techniques selected.
DESIGN AND DYNAMIC BEHAVIORS OF MARINE STRUCTURES

Understanding the dynamic behavior of ships in waves is essential not only for the design of hull structure but also those of equipments and fittings referred in IMO which is the United Nations agency concerned with safety of shipping and protection of the marine environment. Those out fittings such as Emergency Towing Arrangements （ ETS ） , towing and mooring equipments, doorways and ventilators, hatch covers, miscellaneous openings in freeboard and superstructure decks, windows and skylights are affected by dynamic behaviors of ship in wave. To design a securing system of container ship, induced loads due to ship motions in the sea should be the most important matters, especially for huge container ships which are recently built for efficiently sea transportation means. This paper reviews a number of papers by the author on the dynamic tensions of towlines and motion responses of various ships in short crested irregular waves to better understand and discuss the design criteria of out fittings of ships.
The Incidence of Iliac Screw-Related Complications After Long Fusion Surgery in Patients with Adult Spinal Deformity

Long fusion surgery with pelvic fixation using iliac screw resulted in higher incidence rates of iliac screw-related complications; however, the cases that required revision surgery were limited (7.3%). Iliac screw loosening and rod breakage at S1 and iliac had little effect on sagittal alignment deterioration. Study Design. Retrospective study. Objective. To investigate the long-term clinical outcome and incidence of iliac screw-related complications in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Summary of Background Data. Rigid lumbosacral fixation is crucial to achieve optimal global alignment and successful long-term clinical outcomes. Methods. The data of eligible patients with ASD who underwent spinopelvic fixation using bilateral iliac screws with at least 5-year follow-up periods were retrospectively analyzed. Iliac screw loosening and rod breakage between the S1 and iliac (S1/IL) screws were defined as distal instability (DI). Demographic data, health-related quality of life scores, and spinopelvic parameters in the DI group were compared with those in the non-DI group. Sub-group analyses were performed between the cases with and without alignment change after rod fracture at S1/IL. Results. Of the 159 patients, the data of 110 patients (15 men, 95 women; mean age, 67.8 yr) were analyzed. The follow-up rate was 69%. Forty-five (41%) patients showed DI (29 cases [26%] in screw loosening, 16 cases [15%] in rod breakage). Eight patients (7.3%) required revision surgery because of iliac screw-related complications. No significant differences were observed in the Oswestry Disability Index and Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (revised) scores between the DI and non-DI groups. The patients with iliac screw loosening showed significantly greater values of preoperative pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt (PT), and postoperative PT, and T1-pelvic angle. In patients with rod breakage at S1/IL, five patients (31%) who had associated mechanical complications showed an alignment change between pre and post rod breakage. They showed significantly higher and lower rates of high-grade osteotomies and L5/S interbody fusion, respectively. Conclusion. The incidence rate of iliac screw-related complications was relatively high. However, they had a little effect on sagittal alignment deterioration and there were few cases that required revision surgery. Level of Evidence: 4
Clinical Reasoning: A 57-Year-Old Man With Stepwise Progressive Paraparesis, Sensory Loss, Urinary Retention, and Constipation

We present the case of a 57-year-old man with protein S deficiency and left leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 5 years earlier, who developed stepwise progressive bilateral lower limb weakness, numbness/paresthesia, gait imbalance, hesitancy of micturition, and constipation in the setting of recurrent left common femoral DVT treated with apixaban. Symptoms amplified with Valsalva, corticosteroids, and postlumbar puncture, with longitudinally extensive midthoracic T2-hyperintense lesion extending to the conus associated with hazy holocord enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), raising suspicion for spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (sDAVF). Initial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was negative for sDAVF. However, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 positive, and he was treated with antiviral therapy. Unfortunately, he continued to worsen despite treatment. Repeat neuroimaging 12 months after initial presentation demonstrated persistent lower thoracic/conus lesion in addition to cauda equina enhancement and subtle dorsal T2-hypointense flow voids. We raised red flags (e.g., lack of clinical prodrome, no herpetic rash, no CSF pleocytosis, and rostral extent of the lesion) that suggested the HSV2 nucleic acid detection was perhaps unrelated to the neurologic syndrome. Given the high index of suspicion for sDAVF, we repeated spinal vascular imaging. Spinal MRA demonstrated dilated right dorsal perimedullary veins from T10 to T11. Repeat DSA revealed a right T10 sDAVF. Microsurgical treatment rather than embolization of the fistula was successful without complication, with significant improvement in motor, sphincter, and to a lesser extent sensory function, with residual gait imbalance after inpatient rehabilitation 3 weeks postoperatively.
Case study: A positive cognitive outcome following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract Objective Time is critical with any out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The possibility of brain cell death increases, and the likelihood of a “good” outcome decreases with time. The most prominent impairments involve memory and attentional difficulties. Limited research and few cases have shown positive cognitive results following an OHCA to the extent that this case study depicts. Method The current case study presents a right-handed male in his late 40s, with master’s and law degrees, and a high-level functioning in the workplace who experienced an OHCA. He was treated for his OHCA and subsequently underwent neuropsychological testing less than 2 months following his hospital discharge. Results Expected results suggest impairments in key cognitive areas; however, a neuropsychological exam less than 2-months post-incident, testing pre-morbid IQ, overall cognitive ability, processing speed, attention, executive functioning, language, visuospatial abilities, and memory; each showing normal or better results. Additionally, self and collateral report questionnaires examining cognitive and emotional functioning reported no difficulties and no major changes since his cardiac arrest. Conclusions We speculate that this patient’s exceptional outcome might be due to his cognitive reserve, and the immediateness of his intervention (5–10 min of CPR and return-of-spontaneous-circulation from an AED shock) and use of a saline cooling procedure upon arrival to the hospital. Overall, we highlight a patient with a remarkable cognitive outcome, utilizing data from neuropsychological testing within 2-months post-incident, and propose protective factors in neuropsychological functioning following an OHCA.
Clinical Reasoning: A 31-Year-Old Man With Sequential Vision Loss

A 31-year-old healthy White man experienced painless sequential vision loss. Brain imaging and laboratory investigations for infectious, inflammatory, and nutritional conditions, in addition to targeted genetic testing for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), were all normal or negative. Despite systemic corticosteroid therapy and plasma exchange, vision continued to worsen. Eventually, mitochondrial whole-genome sequencing was performed, which demonstrated a mutation at the 13513G>A position confirming the diagnosis of LHON. The three primary mutations (11778G>A, 14484T>C, and 3460G>A) account for 90% of LHON cases; therefore, it is important to consider whole-genome mitochondrial sequencing in cases with a high index of clinical suspicion and negative primary mutation screening testing.
A cascade model of complex posttraumatic stress disorder centered on childhood trauma and maltreatment, attachment, and socio‐interpersonal factors

Abstract The present study proposes and tests a cascade model of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) focusing on childhood trauma and maltreatment, attachment, and socio‐interpersonal factors. Multigroup path analysis was used to examine data from 126 individuals formerly affected by compulsory social measures and placements (CSMP) in their childhood and/or adolescence (i.e., risk group [RG]; M age = 70.8 years) and an age‐matched control group (CG; n = 125; M age = 70.6 years). The final model confirmed the cascade structure, with stronger associations emerging in the RG. Childhood trauma and maltreatment were associated with attachment anxiety, β = |. 20|–. 30, which was related to all socio‐interpersonal factors (i.e., disclosure of trauma, social acknowledgment, and social support), β = . 27–|. 54|; the latter were associated with substantial aspects of the CPTSD symptoms as well as life satisfaction, β = |. 21|–. 42. Among participants in the CG, we observed more direct, rather than mediated, paths to CPTSD symptoms. Adulthood trauma exposure did not follow the full cascade pattern but was associated with the socio‐interpersonal factors. Nevertheless, more in‐depth clinical knowledge of CPTSD and potential targets for psychological treatment may be gained from the confirmation of this newly proposed cascade model of CPTSD.
The effects of blood pressure on post stroke cognitive impairment: BP and PSCI

Cognitive function following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical to prognosis and quality of life. Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke and is associated with post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, the optimal blood pressure parameters after AIS is unknown. This is a sub‐study of the Impairment of CognitiON and Sleep after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in Chinese patients (ICONS) study conducted between August 2015 and March 2018. Cognition was assessed at two‐week (2w), three‐month (3 m), and twelve‐month (12 m) by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A total of 682 participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The primary outcome was cognitive changes after 3 and 12 months post stroke. Among 682 participants, the mean age was 59.35 ± 10.40 years and 72.29% were men. PSCI patients with high systolic blood pressure (SBP ≥140 mm Hg) at 3 m not only had worse cognition as evidenced by MoCA scores at 3 m but also predicted worse scores at 12 m. When participants were stratified into cognitively stable/improved (MoCA score ≥0, 2w vs. 12 m) and cognitively impaired (MoCA score ≤‐2, 2w vs. 12 m), those with high SBP were more likely to be cognitively impaired (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.12–4.21, p < .05) and less likely to be cognitively stable/improved (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.44–0.99, p < .05). SBP more than 140 mm Hg is associated with worse cognitive performance after ischemic stroke. Patients with SBP lower than 140 mm Hg have better cognitive outcome at 3‐month and 1 year after stroke.
The world's worst industrial accident of the 1990s what happened and what might have been: A quantitative study

The world's most destructive industrial accident of the current decade, in terms of human lives lost (over 60) and damage to property (over $15 million), occurred at the petroleum refinery of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) at Vishakhapatnam, India, on September 14, 1997. In this paper we have used two computer automated tools recently developed by us, MAXCRED [7], and DOMIFFECT [8], to determine their ability to forecast the details of the incident. When the situation at Vishakhapatnam, prior to the accident, was studied with MAXCRED for potential accidents and their likely consequences, the tool was able to generate a scenario which forecast the incident quite closey. We then used MAXCRED and DOMIFFECT to tell us what else might have occurred.
A Practical Integrated Optics Device

We present the theory and experimental results of the performance of an integrated optics device that is composed of a prism-waveguide dual coupler. In the device, a circular and collimated beam of light is coupled into a LiNb03 Ti indiffused waveguide, with an efficiency of 94%, propagates 1 cm. in the waveguide, where electrodes can process the optical signal, and then the guided light is coupled out by the same prism with the same high efficiency. After presenting the theory, which is applicable to any type of waveguide, we show the experimental results that demonstrate the high efficiency throughput, and the high degree of collimation of the emerging beam.
FPGA Implementation of Real-Time Ethernet for Motion Control

This paper provides an applicable implementation of real-time Ethernet named CASNET, which modifies the Ethernet medium access control (MAC) to achieve the real-time requirement for motion control. CASNET is the communication protocol used for motion control system. Verilog hardware description language (VHDL) has been used in the MAC logic design. The designed MAC serves as one of the intellectual properties (IPs) and is applicable to various industrial controllers. The interface of the physical layer is RJ45. The other layers have been implemented by using C programs. The real-time Ethernet has been implemented by using field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology and the proposed solution has been tested through the cycle time, synchronization accuracy, and Wireshark testing.
Research on Workspace of Masticatory Bionic Robot Based on the 3/3-RRRS Parallel Manipulator

masticatory movement of mankind is a very complicated process of food processing. In order to research the mechanism of masticatory,firstly, a bionic robot must be designed to achieve chin’s multi-degree of freedom motion and chewing. By 3/3-RRRS parallel mechanism driving teeth up and down, it achieved full chewing of food. The study of this article is done in the condition of each given attitude and location of the moving platform, using the method of the three dimensional boundary search for location workspace. Through the research on workspace, it can be used to analyze the change law of workspace, and provide a theoretical basis for chewing bionic robot’s design with specific chewing campaign parameters.
ACCEPTED AUTHOR VERSION OF THE MANUSCRIPT: The importance of nutrition in alleviating high stocking density stress in poultry

In recent decades, the number of birds reared per unit area has dramatically spiked to increase profitability in egg and meat production. However, nowadays, the increase in sensitivity to animal welfare and consumer demands brings along with it a raised interest in stocking density. Stocking density is defined either as the number of animals or body weight per unit area or as the area per animal. High stocking density, which is a stress factor, can be defined as an increase in the number of animals per unit area or a decrease in the area per animal. Stress caused by high stocking density negatively affects the bird’s physiology and performance as well as the quality of the product obtained. The ideal stocking density should be 9 laying hens, 35 kilogrammes for broilers, and 45 quails per square metre. Otherwise, one will observe stress indicators in birds reared in more than the recommended stocking density per unit area and, consequently, a decrease in bird growth, egg production, feed efficiency, and egg or meat quality. Apart from increasing the concentrations of amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan and arginine, minerals such as selenium and chromium, and vitamins such as C and E in the diet, the addition of additives such as probiotics, humates, phytophenol compounds, and propolis is also effective in reducing or eliminating these negative effects caused by high stocking density. As a result, regulations in the nutrition of animals are effective in reducing/preventing such negative effects, thus improving animal welfare and ensuring the maintenance of optimum yield.
The effect of the application of diets with varied proportions of arginine and lysine on biochemical and antioxidant status in Turkeys

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two proportions of arginine (95% and 105%) relative to lysine (Lys), where Lys content in the diet is in accordance with NRC (1994) recommendations or 10% higher, on the metabolism, antioxidant status, and growth performance of turkeys. The experiment had a 2x2 factorial design with two levels of Lys and Arg. The diets with a low level of Lys were according to the NRC (1994) requirements. In the diets with a high level of Lys, the content of Lys was increased by 10% relative to the low level Lys. The two Arg levels in the experimental diets were determined so as to provide 95% and 105% Arg relative to the content of dietary Lys. An increase in the amount of Lys in the diet of turkeys by 10% relative to NRC nutritional recommendations (1994) was not shown to improve growth performance, but had beneficial effects on the metabolism and antioxidant status of the birds, as evidenced by the improvement of hepatic indices (reduction of AST and ALT activity at 9th week of life) and renal indices (reduction of UREA at 9th week of life and reduction of TP and increase level of ALB levels at 16th week of life), as well as an increase in the level of glutathione with strong antioxidant properties at 16th week of life. In comparison to the lower level of Arg in the diet, an increase in the amount of this amino acid to 105% Lys did not improve growth performance, metabolism, or antioxidant status. An Arg level of 95% Lys can be used in a diet for turkeys containing 10% more Lys than the level recommended by the NRC (1994).
ACCEPTED AUTHOR VERSION OF THE MANUSCRIPT: The effect of light/dark cycles on performance and welfare in broiler

The purpose of this study was to compare a continuous lighting programme (23 hours of lighting (L) / 1 hour of darkness (D)) with intermittent lighting programmes (16L: 8D) and also to investigate the effects of the length of the dark cycle in the intermittent programme on the performance, carcass characteristics, water consumption, uniformity, metabolic parameters, and ammonia burns of chickens. Thus, five hundred Ross-308 male chicks were used. The 23L:1D was applied to the chicks for 7 days. On day 7, they were divided into four groups by balancing their live weight; group I: continuous 23L: 1D; group II: intermittent 4x (4L: 2D); group III: intermittent 2x (8L: 4D); group IV: continuous 16L: 8D. The study took place between days 7 and 42. At the end of the study, 10 chickens from each group were slaughtered, their carcass, blood, and bone properties were analysed. Body temperatures and ammonia burns were assessed for all broiler chickens. The mean live weight of group IV was the lowest. The difference among the groups in terms of live weight gains, feed intakes, feed conversion ratios, and survival rates was non-significant. Long-period darkness in group IV significantly dropped the water consumption. On day 21, group III’s best uniformity was calculated; but on day 42, the difference was non-significant. The highest breast ratio and the lowest wing ratio beloged to chicks in group I. Their free T 4 , glucose, and uric acid levels were lower; whilst their were similar across all of the groups. The intermittent lighting programmes increased the number of ammonia burns. Consequently, the long-term darkness negatively affected both the chickens’ performance and well-being.
Kinematic Effects of the Target on the Velocity of Taekwon-Do Roundhouse Kicks

Abstract The phenomena of target kinematic effects under different striking conditions and applying different techniques constitute one of the fields of research for sports biomechanics. However, the influence of some kinematic variables which change under different strike conditions for specific parts of the lower limb remains unknown. The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge on how targets of different shapes or the lack of a physical target would affect maximal velocity registered by a marker placed on the foot, knee and hip during the execution of a roundhouse kick. In total, 15 adult males were included in this study. All participants were taekwon-do elite athletes. The displacement of markers placed on the lateral side of the foot, knee and hip during movement execution was registered by a stereophotogrammetry apparatus. Participants performed taekwon-do roundhouse kicks for three target types (into the air, a table tennis ball and a training shield) applying either a sport or a traditional style. The highest maximal velocity was obtained for kicking into the training shield. When applying the sport style, the highest maximal velocity of foot markers for the executed kicks was registered. Kicking into air resulted in higher velocities for proximal body parts than kicking into a tennis ball, but the effect was reversed for the foot marker. In conclusion, a large resistance target is suitable for athletes’ motor preparation as it allows the highest maximum velocity to be reached. Small non-resistant targets are recommended for technical training.
Real-Time Lane Line Tracking Algorithm to Mini Vehicles

Abstract Autonomous navigation is important not only in autonomous cars but also in other transportation systems. In many applications, an autonomous vehicle has to follow the curvature of a real or artificial road or in other words lane lines. In those application, the key is the lane detection. In this paper, we present a real-time lane line tracking algorithm mainly designed to mini vehicles with relatively low computation capacity and single camera sensor. The proposed algorithm exploits computer vision techniques in combination with digital filtering. To demonstrate the performance of the method, experiments are conducted in an indoor, self-made test track where the effect of several external influencing factors can be observed. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm works well independently of shadows, bends, reflection and lighting changes.