Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the context of Type II diabetes mellitus among a Tz'Utujil Maya population in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala

OF THE THESIS Exploring the Context of Type II Diabetes Mellitus Among a Tz’Utujil Maya Population in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala by Blanca Azucena Pacheco Master of Public Health and Master of Arts in Latin American Studies with a Concentration in Health Promotion San Diego State University, 2015 This study was conducted to identify the Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) health beliefs, biomedical knowledge, health care utilization and management practices among a Tz’utujil Maya population, and examine whether these overlap with the reported T2DM health beliefs and behaviors reported in the current “Latino” health beliefs literature. A convenience sample of Tz’utujil Maya adults previously diagnosed with T2DM residing in the town of Santiago Atitlan was recruited through various health care institutions and chain referrals. The study was conducted in two phases. A semi-structured interview (n = 10) based on Kleinman’s Explanatory Model framework was conducted in the first phase. Results informed the tailoring of the ECSDA questionnaire used in Phase 2 (n = 99) which examined the T2DM health beliefs, biomedical knowledge, and health behaviors. Phase 1 data were analyzed using thematic analysis methodology, while Phase 2 data were analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics. Study results demonstrated that while there is some overlap on T2DM causative and curative beliefs among the ECSDA study participants and the larger “Latino” health beliefs reported in the literature, there are also key differences which require further evaluation to truly capture the local diabetes explanatory model. Additionally, this population is receptive to health providers’ treatment recommendations including taking prescribed medications and attempting recommended behavior modifications. However, a major barrier to diabetes management was cost, as half of the participants reported having difficulty purchasing prescribed medications. Finally, despite low scores on theT2DM biomedical knowledge scale, this population understands the importance of managing this condition. This population functions within a pluralistic health system in which they maintain cultural-related explanations of diabetes causation, while demonstrating a trust and preference for biomedical treatment for this condition. A community-based participatory action research (PAR) approach that is inclusive of the local resident’s health beliefs, social norms, and recommendations for management strategies, would best inform the development of future T2DM management programs.
Removal of surface-related wave phenomena - The marine case

Removal of the effects of the free surface from seismic reflection data is an essential preprocessing step before prestack migration. The problem can be formulated by means of Rayleigh’s reciprocity theorem which leads to an integral equation of the second kind for the desired pressure field that does not include these free‐surface effects. This integral equation can be solved numerically, both in the spatial domain and in the double Radon domain. Solving the integral equation in the double Radon domain has the advantage of reducing the computation time significantly since the kernel of the integral equation becomes dominant diagonally. Two methods are proposed to solve the integral equation: direct matrix inversion and a recursive subtraction of the free‐surface multiples using a Neumann series. Both methods have been developed and tested on a synthetic data set, which was computed with the help of an independent forward‐modeling scheme.
An Approach in Brain Tumor Classification: The Development of a New Convolutional Neural Network Model

Brain tumor diagnosis is a complex problem that requires specialized skills and knowledge. Manual analysis is often time-consuming, and there can be high subjectivity in interpreting results. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as a promising solution for automatically classifying brain tumors from magnetic resonance images (MRI). CNNs are a type of neural network that can automatically learn and extract relevant features from images, making them particularly suited to this task when applied in deep learning algorithms. The use of CNNs for brain tumor diagnosis has been widely explored in the literature, with many studies reporting promising results. By leveraging datasets of labeled MRI, CNNs can learn to accurately detect and classify different types of brain tumors, including gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas. These models have been shown to outperform traditional machine-learning algorithms and even human experts in some cases. This article presents a CNN model designed to identify and classify brain tumors from MRI. The model was trained on a large dataset of MRI, and its performance was evaluated on an independent test set. The model achieved an accuracy of 99% considering all validation steps and outperformed state-of-the-art methods for brain tumor classification. When considering individual classes, the accuracy percentages were 100%, 98%, 99%, and 99% for glioma, meningioma, notumor, and pituitary, respectively. The development of accurate and efficient methods for brain tumor diagnosis is critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This article can advance our understanding of leveraging these powerful algorithms best to solve real-world healthcare problems by contributing to the growing literature on deep learning for medical image analysis.
Assessing Levels of Hazardous Metals in Soil and Medicinal Plants Samples from Asafo, Suame and Asante-Mampong Auto-Mechanic Workshops

Contents of hazardous metals (Pb, As and Cd) were assessed in medicinal plants and soil samples from auto-mechanic workshops and background soils in Suame and Asafo suburbs of Kumasi and Asante-Mampong the administrative capital of Mampong - Municipal, Ghana with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Geo-accumulation index (I geo ) by Muller was employed to determine the extent of contamination. SAWS was uncontaminated with As (I geo = - 2.43), “moderately to heavily contaminated” with Pb (I geo = 2.79) and Cd (I geo = 2.26). MAWS was uncontaminated with Pb (I geo = 0.02), Cd (I geo = 0.69) and As (I geo = - 1.38). AAWS was “moderately to heavily contaminated” with Pb (I geo =2.84) and Cd (I geo = 1.18) but uncontaminated with As (I geo = -1.38). Lead, Cd and As levels in the medicinal plants from sampled sites were related to the ranges of hazardous metals in plants and critical plants concentrations (µgg -1 ) by Radojevic & Bashan. Lead: 0.2 µgg -1 < SAWS (2.48 – 20.88) µgg -1 (90% of medicinal plants),
A ORGANIZAÇÃO DO ESPAÇO URBANO E SUA INFLUÊNCIA NO COMPORTAMENTO TÉRMICO DE AMBIENTES ABERTOS: ESTUDO DE CASO NA CIDADE DE CUIABÁ-MT

Climate change in the urban environment can be observed at different scales and climatic limits of the atmosp heric layer. The most important features of the urban environment are; structure, coverage, and tissue metabolism. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis in three neighborhoods in the city of Cuiaba - MT (Boa Esperanca, Santa Cruz e Jardim Universitario) where there are green areas and natural rivers still preserved, checking what influence these factors have on local thermal characteristics. So micrometeorological data collections were performed on a route where it was determined 23 points. The methodology adopted was the mobile transect data collection occurred in three hours (8a.m., 14 p.m., 20 p.m.) daily, two in a hot-dry and hot-humid other distinct periods. Areas of the 23 points were quantified according to the ground cover (water, built-up area, vegetation, impervious area, pervious area). Regarding the green area with the highest and lowest points percentage had a difference of the average air temperature of 0.3°C only in the warm-humid period. When comparing the characteristic presence of water, the change in air temperature ranged from 0.1 °C to 0.4°C between the points with the highest and lowest percentage. The behavior of the air temperature in relation to ground cover can observe a difference in air temperature between the points of 0.9 °C in the hot-dry season and 0.5°C in the hot-wet season. Therefore we must consider that cities become uncomfortable due to the fact that the
Oxidative Stress, Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, and Cardiovascular Risk

Oxidative stress is the consequence of an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exceeds the antioxidant defense mechanisms. Increased levels of ROS contribute to the development of cardiovascular disorders through oxidative damage to macromolecules, particularly by oxidation of plasma lipoproteins. One of the most prominent features of atherogenic dyslipidemia is plasma accumulation of small dense LDL (sdLDL) particles, characterized by an increased susceptibility to oxidation. Indeed, a considerable and diverse body of evidence from animal models and epidemiological studies was generated supporting oxidative modification of sdLDL particles as the earliest event in atherogenesis. Lipid peroxidation of LDL particles results in the formation of various bioactive species that contribute to the atherosclerotic process through different pathophysiological mechanisms, including foam cell formation, direct detrimental effects, and receptor-mediated activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. In this paper, we will discuss recent data on the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress and atherogenic dyslipidemia and their interplay in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, a special focus will be placed on the clinical applicability of novel, promising biomarkers of these processes.
Accessing care services after sexual violence: A systematic review exploring experiences of women in South Africa

Background Sexual violence against women is a global phenomenon. This is a particular issue in South Africa, where it is estimated with evidence provided that up to half of all women will encounter gender-based and/or sexual violence from a partner during their lifetime. Therefore, evidence suggests that addressing the needs of women in South Africa is a priority. Objective This qualitative review aimed to explore the experiences of women seeking care from first contact healthcare facilities in South Africa after sexual violence and during follow-up care. Method This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and in line with a published protocol (PROSPERO, CRD42019121580) and searched six relevant databases in 2022. A total of 299 sources were screened, with 5 forming the overall synthesis. Results Two synthesised themes of women’s experiences emerged at the time of reporting and during attendance at follow-up healthcare services. Conclusion South Africa does have an established legal framework for prosecution and can provide support for survivors of sexual violence through established Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs). The review identifies that survivors’ needs are not clearly established when seeking medical attention initially nor identifying support or appropriate pathways. Contribution The review has the potential to characterise the support available for women, the type and nature of sexual violence and interventions that may be used by healthcare professionals to support survivors especially during follow-up care.
Pediatric Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Challenging Case of Rapid Growth and Clinical Deterioration in an 11-Year-Old Female Patient

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor that primarily affects adults, with cases in children being extremely rare. Gross total resection with subsequent irradiation and temozolomide, currently delivering the greatest overall survival, is the mainstay of therapy for juvenile GBM. Maximal surgical excision of the visible tumor mass has been shown to have a positive prognostic effect, but radiation concerns for growing brains and inconsistent results from different chemotherapy regimens in pediatric GBM make treatment choices for young patients challenging. Here, we report a case of GBM in an 11-year-old female child who presented with a dramatic presentation of neurologic deficits and clinical worsening due to rapid tumor growth.
Synthesis Design of a Self-Packaged Wideband Out-of-Phase Filtering Power Divider Implemented by PCB Lamination Process

This article presents an elaborate study on a compact wideband filtering out-of-phase power divider (PD) with a synthesis procedure based on a multilayer packaged stripline. The power splitting along with filtering performance is realized by a modified Marchand balun structure, where the length of the input feeding line is set as one wavelength. To achieve high port-to-port isolation, a half-wavelength line with a centrally shunted grounded resistor is connected between two out-of-phase output ports. By virtue of the stripline, a broadside coupled line is adopted to achieve the required coupling strength for the wideband performance. Based on the deductive equivalent circuits, synthesis design equations are derived, and design procedures are given to achieve a three-pole quasi-elliptic filtering response as well as wideband isolation. Finally, a circuit example implemented by multilayered printed circuit board (PCB) lamination is presented with simulation, fabrication, and measurement for verification. Results indicate that the realized filtering PD has a compact size and performs well in both filtering, power dividing/combining, and phase balance.
Reconstructing long-term trophic histories for lakes using two independent approaches: Application of dynamic computer modelling and palaeolimnology to Lough Mask, Ireland

Abstract:ABSTRACTAn understanding of the extent to which natural variability has been and is being exceeded by the effects of human activity can make an important contribution to the effective management of impacted water bodies, including their restoration. Frequently, however, the required monitoring data are not available, particularly for the period prior to human impact, or are of insufficient quality. Two methodological solutions to this problem are often proposed, both of which involve the reconstruction of past variations in water quality and associated ecological conditions through indirect means: computer (hindcast) modelling and sedimentary (palaeolimnological) analyses. Both proposed solutions are not without their own challenges, however. Here a series of dynamic computer models (a catchment model and an in-lake ecological response model) and palaeolimnological techniques (including sediment-based diatom-inferred total phosphorus, DI-TP), were used to reconstruct total phosphorus (TP) concentrations and measures of primary productivity in Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, for the period ad 1905–2006. Although results from both approaches indicated similar patterns of nutrient enrichment in the lake during the twentieth century, sediment-based DI-TP values were consistently higher than hindcast-modelled in-lake TP concentrations. Both approaches indicated oligotrophic to mesotrophic conditions in Lough Mask prior to c. ad 1950. Elevated trophic conditions (in the range mesotrophic–eutrophic) were evident from c. ad 1970. Modelling results indicated that increased diffuse phosphorus loading from agricultural sources was the main driver of nutrient enrichment from c. ad 1970. Eutrophication was also concurrent with climatic warming, which was manifested in strengthened thermal stratification in model simulations. Results generated by the two approaches suggest that pre-ad 1950 trophic conditions could be used as a reference baseline, representing conditions prior to major impacts from agricultural intensification, for defining current water quality management targets.
Selective Adsorption of Ionic Species Using Macroporous Monodispersed Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate/Acrylic Acid Microgels with Tunable Negative Charge

Monodispersed polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)/acrylic acid (AA) microgels with a tuneable negative charge and macroporous internal structure have been produced using a Lego-inspired droplet microfluidic device. The surface charge of microgels was controlled by changing the content of AA in the monomer mixture from zero (for noncharged PEGDA beads) to 4 wt%. The macroporosity of the polymer matrix was introduced by adding 20 wt% of 600-MW polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a porogen material into the monomer mixture. The porogen was successfully leached out with acetone after UV-crosslinking, which resulted in micron-sized cylindrical pores with crater-like morphology, uniformly arranged on the microgel surface. Negatively charged PEGDA/AA beads showed improved adsorption capacity towards positively charged organic dyes (methylene blue and rhodamine B) compared to neutral PEGDA beads and high repulsion of negatively charged dye molecules (methyl orange and congo red). Macroporous microgels showed better adsorption properties than nonporous beads, with a maximum adsorption capacity towards methylene blue of 45 mg/g for macroporous PEGDA/AA microgels at pH 8.6, as compared to 23 mg/g for nonporous PEGDA/AA microgels at the same pH. More than 98% of Cu(II) ions were removed from 50 ppm solution at pH 6.7 using 2.7 mg/mL of macroporous PEGDA/AA microgel. The adsorption of cationic species was significantly improved when pH was increased from 3 to 9 due to a higher degree of ionization of AA monomeric units in the polymer network. The synthesized copolymer beads can be used in drug delivery to achieve improved loading capacity of positively charged therapeutic agents and in tissue engineering, where a negative charge of scaffolds coupled with porous structure can help to achieve improved permeability of high-molecular-weight metabolites and nutrients, and anti-fouling activity against negatively charged species.
Neurorobotic reinforcement learning for domains with parametrical uncertainty

Neuromorphic hardware paired with brain-inspired learning strategies have enormous potential for robot control. Explicitly, these advantages include low energy consumption, low latency, and adaptability. Therefore, developing and improving learning strategies, algorithms, and neuromorphic hardware integration in simulation is a key to moving the state-of-the-art forward. In this study, we used the neurorobotics platform (NRP) simulation framework to implement spiking reinforcement learning control for a robotic arm. We implemented a force-torque feedback-based classic object insertion task (“peg-in-hole”) and controlled the robot for the first time with neuromorphic hardware in the loop. We therefore provide a solution for training the system in uncertain environmental domains by using randomized simulation parameters. This leads to policies that are robust to real-world parameter variations in the target domain, filling the sim-to-real gap.To the best of our knowledge, it is the first neuromorphic implementation of the peg-in-hole task in simulation with the neuromorphic Loihi chip in the loop, and with scripted accelerated interactive training in the Neurorobotics Platform, including randomized domains.
Water and waste water filtration. Concepts and applications

H A conceptual model for water and waste water filtration processes is presented and compared with the results of laboratory experiments. Efficient filtration involves both particle destabilization and particle transport. Destabilization in filtration is similar to destabilization in coagulation; effective coagulants are observed to be effective “filter aids. ” Particle transport in filtration is analogous to transport in flocculation processes. A particle size with a minimum contact opportunity exists ; smaller particles are transported by diffusion while larger particles are transported by interception and settling. Applications of these concepts to water and waste water filtration are presented.
Important Principles Of Islamic Economics And, Its Basic Trends

Islamic economics has been having a revival over the last few decades. However, it is still in a preliminary stage of development. In contrast with this, conventional economics has become a well-developed and sophisticated discipline after going through a long and rigorous process of development over more than a century. Is a new discipline in economics needed? If so, what is Islamic economics, how does it differ from conventional economics, and what contributions has it made over the centuries. This article tries to briefly answer this questions. It is universally recognized that resources are scarce compared with the claims on them. However, it is also simultaneously recognized by practically all civilizations that the well-being of all human beings needs to be ensured. Given the scarcity of resources, the well-being of all may remain an unrealized dream if the scarce resources are not utilized efficiently and equitably. For this purpose, every society needs to develop an effective strategy, which is consciously or unconsciously conditioned by its worldview. If the worldview is flawed, the strategy may not be able to help the society actualize the well-being of all. Prevailing worldviews may be classified for the sake of ease into two board theoretical constructs secular and materialist, and spiritual and humanitarian.
PLANT COMMUNITIES AND ASSOCIATED SOIL TYPES IN A HIGH PLATEAU OF THE CORDOBA MOUNTAINS, CENTRAL ARGENTINA

The Pampa de Achala, a high plateau located in Cordoba Province, central Argentina, is the major catchment area of the region and exhibits some biogeographic peculiarities. However, little information is available on vegetation-soil relationships, considered to be of great importance for the conservation of the bio-geo-edaphic stability. This paper discusses plant communities and their associated soil conditions in a mountainous ecosystem. Seven plant communities are distinguished and the range of soil types on which they occur is described. A physiographic map gives a general idea of the spatial distribution of landforms with their corresponding soil and vegetation associations. From the analysis of the soil-vegetation relationships, it is concluded that the soil moisture regime is the principal environmental factor determining the type of vegetation community present at one particular place. This factor is a complex of variables of which soil texture, soil depth, and the hydrological position in the landscape are the most important. These variables can be arranged in an environmental gradient, ranging from shallow, sandy/rocky, dry places to deep, silty-to-clayey, wet places, in which all plant communities can be exactly situated. Successional features related to plant communities within that gradient are inferred and some conclusions drawn on the landscape stability of the area in relation to the gully erosion affecting the bottomlands.