Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and Adequacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Renal Biopsy in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Background Ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy (PCRB) is a commonly used technique to obtain renal tissue for histopathological diagnosis in children and adolescents. The objectives of this study include determining the indications for renal biopsy, documenting the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided PCRB, and documenting its complications along with histopathological findings in children. Methodology The Ethical Review Committee approved this cross-sectional study. Data of all children with either nephrotic or nephritic syndrome from January 2017 to September 2020 (at The Kidney Center Post Graduate Training Institute Karachi) who underwent ultrasound-guided PCRB were collected and analyzed. An ultrasonic examination was performed both before and after the biopsy. Results During the research period, 104 individuals underwent PCRB. The average age of the children biopsied was 7.44 ± 4.12 years (range = 1-17 years). The most prevalent reason for biopsy was nephrotic syndrome. Almost 94% of PCRBs were effective. Post-biopsy complications were detected in 16 cases, with peri-nephric hematoma being the most prevalent. Conclusions In children, ultrasound-guided PCRB can safely be performed under sedation in experienced hands with an automated biopsy gun needle. The use of real-time ultrasound guidance as well as the automated biopsy gun ensures good outcomes.
Danish farmers’ preferences for bio-based fertilisers – a choice experiment

Within the transition towards a “circular” economy, more farmers are searching for bio-based fertilisers, which are nutrient products based on animal manure. In Denmark, there are many collaborative agreements between farmers, and the need for manure processing is relatively low. Arable farmers typically receive the manure free of charge or for a relatively low cost (application or transport costs). However, Danish farmers might want to buy bio-based products from e.g. the Netherlands instead of mineral fertiliser depending on the product and the price. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how much Danish farmers are willing to pay for bio-based fertilisers and what characteristics of bio-based fertilisers are the most important for the farmers to start using them. We use the stated preference technique of a Choice Experiment, and present respondents with a choice between two bio-based fertiliser alternatives and their current mineral fertiliser, where the alternatives are characterised by selected fertiliser attributes. Data was collected from 202 Danish farmers. Results indicate that the farmers prefer a higher certainty in the N-content, low volume, organic carbon and hygienisation. The ideal bio-based product, which is like mineral fertiliser, but also includes organic material, typically can be sold at up to 50% of the mineral fertiliser price. The analysis also shows that some farmers are unlikely to accept bio-based fertilisers unless the product has the same properties as mineral fertilisers.
The influence of Emotional Intelligence on Driving Behavior in the Transportation Sector: A literature review

The spate of road accidents in transportation sector around the world is so worrying that, it is imperative to look into the behaviour of drivers. One key factor that influences the behaviour of drivers is emotional intelligence. The objective of this paper is to give a systematic review of literature on the relationship between emotional intelligence and driving behaviour. The results show that, different emotional states of drivers have different effects on the behaviour of drivers. Many of the findings show that, risky driving behaviour is more associated with high emotional states. Since the emotional states of drivers affect their behaviour, it is imperative that, transport companies track the emotional states of drivers at the time they are scheduled to drive. In addition, management of all transport companies and organisational policies should consider emotional intelligence as important since emotional intelligence training programs could enhance emotional intelligence.
Tunneling and Propping through Related Party Transactions in Pakistani Family Business Groups

The aim of this study is to analyze the agency issues like tunneling and propping while examining the impact of Related Party Transactions (RPTs) in firms with respect to family business groups of Pakistan.This study used a sample of 326 non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange in the period from 2008 to 2013 by examination of over four thousand five hundred RPTs. For data analysis, panel regression models with both firm and year fixed effects as well as logit model are applied.The findings depict that controlling shareholder in firms affiliated with family business groups mostly tunnel resources through cash payments and trade of goods & services and prop up resources through cash receipts transactions. The study also finds that tunneling related transactions are more significant in firms that have larger size, market value and other receivables balances. Whereas, propping related transactions are dominant in highly leveraged firms with lower return on assets.This study is limited to Pakistani nonfinancial sector. The results implied that interests of minority shareholders are considerably affected by the hidden operations of the majority shareholders in family business group firms. The minority shareholders need to be more cognizant of the family business group firms’ ownership structures, board members, directors’ shareholding and related party transactions.This study provides new insights on ‘propping’ besides ‘tunneling’ in Pakistani family-owned companies, which has received little attention in the context of emerging economies, and Pakistan.
Legislative Regulation of Waste Management System Development in Russian Federation

Currently, environmental pollution by production and consumption wastes is a particularly urgent. It is necessary to increase the volume of processing and to use non-waste production. The state regulates the waste management system using environmental legislation. In Russia, the extended manufacturers’ responsibility is implemented; the environmental fee is the main method of state regulation of processing and disposal of waste. There is a positive trend, but problems remain that need further solutions. The main problem is the lack of municipal solid waste collection and sorting infrastructure, which needs to be regulated and stimulated at the legislative level.
Using Mathematically-Grounded Metaphors to Teach AI-Related Cybersecurity

This position paper describes our research project to improve middle school students’ use of security “best-practices” in their day-to-day online activities, while enhancing their fundamental understanding of the underlying security principles and math concepts that drive AI and cybersecurity technologies. The project involves the design and implementation of a time-and teacher-friendly learning module that can be readily integrated into existing middle school math curricula. We plan to deploy this module at a high-needs, rural-identifying middle school in South Carolina that serves underrepresented students.
Measurement of heavy metals in soil, plants and water samples based on multi-walled carbon nanotube modified with Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Heavy metals (HMs) are considered as the major environmental pollutants that accumulated in soil and plant. Consumption of such contaminated plants by humans and animals would ultimately harm the health of communities. This study aims to evaluate the amount of copper(Co), cadmium(Cd), and lead(Pb) in soil and cultivated plants that are irrigated by the city of Zabol’s wastewater. Also, the heavy metals determined in 20 mL of Zabol’s water based on Bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide TEOSiP-TS) modified on MWCNTs as an adsorbent by the uniform dispersive -micro-solid phase extraction (UD-µ-SPE) at optimized pH. In this study, 52 samples including wheat, corn grain, and wild spinach, as well as agricultural soil were selected randomly from three village stations. The concentrations of heavy metals in plants, soils, and water samples were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (F-AAS). The one-way ANOVA test was applied to compare the mean value of heavy metals at the three mentioned stations. The results indicate that the amount of lead at all three stations and in all types of plants exceeds the permissible range. The amount of copper in plant species and water is lower than the permitted range, while it is higher in agricultural soil. By optimizing parameters, the linear range (LR) and the detection limit (LOD) of Cu, Cd, and Pb were obtained 1.5-1000 μg L -1 , 1-200 μg L -1 , 5-1500 μg L -1 and 0.5 μg L -1 , 0.25 μg L -1 , 1.5 μg L -1 , respectively in water samples (RSD%<2). This study indicates that irrigation of agricultural fields using wastewater causes the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus Strain CPT56D-587-MTF, Isolated from a Nitrate- and Metal-Contaminated Subsurface Environment

Bacillus cereus strain CPT56D-587-MTF was isolated from nitrate- and toxic metal-contaminated subsurface sediment at the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) (Oak Ridge, TN, USA). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this strain to provide genomic insight into its strategies for survival at this mixed-waste site. ABSTRACT Bacillus cereus strain CPT56D-587-MTF was isolated from nitrate- and toxic metal-contaminated subsurface sediment at the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) (Oak Ridge, TN, USA). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this strain to provide genomic insight into its strategies for survival at this mixed-waste site.
Uma Abordagem para Melhoria Contínua do Processo de Desenvolvimento de Software

Designing software processes for large enterprises is a hard task, but evolving this process can be even harder. This article describes an approach to address typical issues regarding organizational standard software process improvement and to foster continuous evolution of it. We present GM-PSDS, a process improvement support tool that manages the improvement proposals flow. GM-PSDS is being used at Brazil’s Federal Data Processing Service(Serpro), a very large software organization. Its facilities are described having the organizational process that supports them as a backbone. We discuss how GM-PSDS contributes to a more effective process improvement, based on analyses elaborated upon the tool corporate database.
On Multi-Valued Indexing in AsterixDB

Secondary indexes in relational database systems are traditionally built under the assumption that one data record maps to one indexed value. Nowadays, particularly in NoSQL systems, single data records can hold collections of values that users want to access efficiently in an ad-hoc manner. Multi-valued indexes aim to give users the best of both worlds: (i) to keep a more natural data model of records with collections of values, and (ii) to reap the benefits of a secondary index. In this paper, we detail the steps taken to realize multi-valued indexes in AsterixDB, a Big Data management system with a structured query language operating over a collection of documents. This includes (a) creating the specification language for such indexes, (b) illustrating data flows for bulk-loading and maintaining an index, and (c) discussing query plans to take advantage of multi-valued indexes for use in predicates with existential and universal quantification. We conclude with experiments that compare AsterixDB multi-valued indexes against similar indexes in MongoDB and Couchbase Query.
No Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Eradication of Colonization by Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium or Microbiome Diversity in Hospitalized Adult Patients

Whereas other studies exploring the effect of L. rhamnosus in clearing VREfm from the intestine included children and adults, with a wider age range, our study consisted of a geriatric patient cohort. The natural clearance of VREfm in this study was almost 60% after 4 weeks, thus much higher than described previously. ABSTRACT The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 4-week supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in eliminating the gastrointestinal carrier state of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in hospitalized adults. The primary outcome of the study was the number of patients with cleared VREfm colonization after the 4-week intervention. Secondary outcomes were clearance of VREfm colonization at weeks 8, 16, and 24, number of VREfm infections (isolated from nonintestinal foci), and changes in fecal microbiome diversity after the intervention. The trial was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in hospitalized adult VREfm carriers. Patients were enrolled and randomized to receive 60 billion CFU of LGG daily or placebo for 4 weeks. For a subgroup of patients, rectal swabs for VREfm were collected also at 8, 16, and 24 weeks and analyzed using shotgun metagenomics. Patients ingesting a minimum of 50% of the probiotic during the 4-week intervention were included in subsequent outcome analyses (48 of 81 patients). Twelve of 21 patients in the LGG group (57%) compared to 15 of 27 patients in the placebo group (56%) cleared their VREfm carriage. Eighteen patients completed the entire 24-week intervention with the same minimum compliancy. Of these, almost 90% in both groups cleared their VREfm carriage. We found a statistically significant difference between VREfm clearers and nonclearers regarding metronidazole and vancomycin usage as well as length of hospitalization after inclusion. The microbiome analyses revealed no significant difference in alpha diversity between the LGG and the placebo group. Beta diversity differed between the groups and the different time points. This study did not show an effect of LGG in eradication of VREfm after a 4-week intervention. IMPORTANCE Whereas other studies exploring the effect of L. rhamnosus in clearing VREfm from the intestine included children and adults, with a wider age range, our study consisted of a geriatric patient cohort. The natural clearance of VREfm in this study was almost 60% after 4 weeks, thus much higher than described previously. Also, this study characterizes the microbiome of VREfm patients in detail. This article showed no effect of the probiotic L. rhamnosus in clearing VREfm from the intestine of patients.
Effect of two methods of soft tissue augmentation for socket closure on soft tissue landmarks and ridge dimensions- Results from software-based analysis of clinical data

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of connective tissue grafts (CTG) and pediculated connective tissue grafts (P-CTG) for extraction socket closure on soft tissue landmarks and ridge dimensions. Methods: 45 subjects were randomized into two groups, where the soft tissue closure of extraction sockets was done by pediculated connective tissue grafts (P-CTG group) and connective tissue grafts (CTG group). On photographs taken at different time-points, four markers corresponding to marginal gingiva (MG), mucogingival junction (MGJ), mesial papilla (MP) and distal papilla (DP) were placed. After image alignment and stacking, the markers were tracked through five photographs taken during the course of the therapy. The displacement, total displacement (TD), divergence and angle of maximum divergence (AMD) for each marker were recorded. Buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions of edentulous sites were measured, and the difference from the baseline to 6-months in both the dimensions was calculated and was described as buccolingual gain (BL gain) and mesiodistal gain (ML gain) respectively. Results: Intergroup comparison of displacement and divergence of markers across both the groups showed varying levels of significance. P-CTG resulted in higher buccolingual dimensions at 3 months (P=0.001) and 6 months (P=0.002) when compared to the CTG group. From baseline to 6-months, the BL and MD gains were 2.82 & 1.68mm and 1.27mm & 1.48mm in P-CTG and CTG group respectively. In the P-CTG group, TD (r=0.4; P=0.001) & AMD (r=0.5; P=0.05) of MG and TD (r=0.2; P=0.005) of MGJ resulted in BL gains. In the CTG group, TD (r=0.7; P=0.004) and AMD (r=0.3; P=0.004) of MP and AMD of MGJ was associated with a significant BL gain. Conclusions: P-CTG and CTG had significant effects on displacement and divergence of soft tissue landmarks respectively. The relocation of these landmarks, seem to result in an improvement in the buccolingual dimensions of the post-extraction ridge.
Dissociable use-dependent processes for volitional goal-directed reaching

Repetition of specific movement biases subsequent actions towards the practiced movement, a phenomenon known as use-dependent learning (UDL). Recent experiments that impose strict constraints on planning time have revealed two sources of use-dependent biases, one arising from dynamic changes occurring during motor planning and another reflecting a stable shift in motor execution. Here, we used a distributional analysis to examine the contribution of these biases in reaching. To create the conditions for UDL, the target appeared at a designated ‘frequent’ location on most trials, and at one of six ‘rare’ locations on other trials. Strikingly, the heading angles were bimodally distributed, with peaks at both frequent and rare target locations. Despite having no constraints on planning time, participants exhibited a robust bias towards the frequent target when movements were self-initiated quickly, the signature of a planning bias; notably, the peak near the rare target was shifted in the frequently practiced direction, the signature of an execution bias. Furthermore, these execution biases were not only replicated in a delayed-response task but were also insensitive to reward. Taken together, these results extend our understanding of how volitional movements are influenced by recent experience.
Phenological sensitivity and seasonal variability explain climate-driven trends in Mediterranean butterflies

Although climate-driven phenological shifts have been documented for many taxa across the globe, we still lack knowledge of the consequences they have on populations. Here, we used a comprehensive database comprising 553 populations of 51 species of north-western Mediterranean butterflies to investigate the relationship between phenology and population trends in a 26-year period. Phenological trends and sensitivity to climate, along with various species traits, were used to predict abundance trends. Key ecological traits accounted for a general decline of more than half of the species, most of which, surprisingly, did not change their phenology under a climate warming scenario. However, this was related to the regional cooling in a short temporal window that includes late winter and early spring, during which most species concentrate their development. Finally, we demonstrate that phenological sensitivity—but not phenological trends—predicted population trends, and argue that species that best adjust their phenology to inter-annual climate variability are more likely to maintain a synchronization with trophic resources, thereby mitigating possible negative effects of climate change. Our results reflect the importance of assessing not only species' trends over time but also species’ abilities to respond to a changing climate based on their sensitivity to temperature.
3D Silk Fibroin-Gelatin/Hyaluronic Acid/Heparan Sulfate Scaffold Enhances Expression of Stemness and EMT Markers in Cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Aim: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a stem cell-based cancer. The in vivo tumor microenvironment is not present in two-dimensional (2D) cultures, which is one of the limitations in cancer stem cell (CSC) research. Thus, we aimed to establish three-dimensional (3D) culture mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) that could serve as a niche for CSC enrichment in CCA. Materials and Methods: Silk fibroin-gelatin/hyaluronic acid/heparan sulfate (SF-GHHs) scaffolds were fabricated by lyophilization in various ratios and compared to silk fibroin (SF) scaffold. The physical and biological characteristics of the scaffolds were investigated. Results: The SF-GHHs 1:2 scaffold with pore size of 350±102 μm harbored optimal porosity, good water uptake, and stable beta-sheet that supported the increase in KKU-213A cell proliferation and aggregation. The CSC and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were significantly upregulated in this scaffold compared to 2D. Moreover, drug sensitivity against cisplatin and gemcitabine in 3D culture was significantly higher than that in 2D culture. Conclusion: The SF-GHHs 1:2 scaffold could simulate ECM that may serve as a CSC niche of CCA, and reinforce stemness and EMT properties, suggesting its suitability for 3D CCA model, which supports CSC and new targeting drug research in CCA.
Type I-E CRISPR-Cas System as a Defense System in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genetic inactivation of viruses and other MGEs is an important tool with application in both research and therapy. Gene editing using, e.g., Cas9-based systems, can be used to inactivate MGEs in eukaryotes by introducing specific mutations. ABSTRACT Defense against viruses and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs) is important in many organisms. The CRISPR-Cas systems found in bacteria and archaea constitute adaptive immune systems that can acquire the ability to target previously unrecognized MGEs. No CRISPR-Cas system is found to occur naturally in eukaryotic cells, but here, we demonstrate interference by a type I-E CRISPR-Cas system from Escherichia coli introduced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The designed CRISPR arrays are expressed and processed properly in S. cerevisiae. Targeted plasmids display reduced transformation efficiency, indicative of DNA cleavage. IMPORTANCE Genetic inactivation of viruses and other MGEs is an important tool with application in both research and therapy. Gene editing using, e.g., Cas9-based systems, can be used to inactivate MGEs in eukaryotes by introducing specific mutations. However, type I-E systems processively degrade the target which allows for inactivation without detailed knowledge of gene function. A reconstituted CRISPR-Cas system in S. cerevisiae can also function as a basic research platform for testing the role of various factors in the interference process.
A Performance Study of One-dimensional Learned Cardinality Estimation

The latest proximity query processing methods benefit from learned models (indexes) and have shown better performances than non-learned indexing approaches. This paper focuses on one-dimensional data, because querying one-dimensional data is one of the most important operations in database management systems. Specifically, we address the one-dimensional cardinality estimation problem and consider the questions: Are learned methods suitable for one-dimensional cardinality estimation? If so, how good are they ? To answer these questions, we first design a prototype of a learned method for one-dimensional cardinality estimation. Second, we empirically evaluate the learned method together with existing methods. Then, we analyze the strong and weak points of these methods and find suitable cases for learned methods.