Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation and opacity in Singapore English consonant clusters*

Singapore English consonant clusters undergo phonological processes that exhibit variation and opacity. Quantitative evidence shows that these patterns are genuine and systematic. Two main conclusions emerge. First, a small set of phonological constraints yields a typological structure (T-order) that captures the quantitative patterns, independently of specific assumptions about how the grammar represents variation. Second, the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that phonological opacity has only one source: the interleaving of phonology and morphology.
Factors influencing stem cell mobilization in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors

Mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) have become the main source for autologous and allogeneic hemopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) following myeloablative therapy in patients with hematological malignancies or solid tumors. Classical strategies for PBSC mobilization include administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone or in combination with other agents or myelosuppressive chemotherapy. PBSC mobilization and collection have been optimized in numerous clinical trials, but a proportion of patients fail to mobilize. The aim of the study was to establish the influence of diagnosis, sex, age, number of previous courses of chemotherapy, mobilization regimen, and bone marrow (BM) involvement on the outcome of peripheral blood stem cell mobilization.
Parameterization and Visualization of the Errors in Areal Interpolation

Areal interpolation involves the transfer of data from one zonation of a region to another, where the two zonations of space are geographically incompatible. By its very nature this process is fraught with errors. However, only recently have there been specific attempts to quantify these errors. Fisher and Langford (1995) employed Monte Carlo simulation methods, based on modifiable areal units, to compare the errors resulting from selected areal interpolation techniques. This paper builds on their work by parameterizing and visualizing the errors resulting from the areal weighting and dasymetric methods of areal interpolation. It provides the basis for further research by developing the methodology to produce predictive models of the errors in areal interpolation. Random aggregation techniques are employed to generate multiple sets of source zones and interpolation takes place from these units onto a fixed set of randomly generated target zones. Analysis takes place at the polygon, or target zone level, which enables detailed analysis of the error distributions, basic visualization of the spatial nature of the errors and predictive modeling of the errors based on parameters of the target zones. Correlation and regression analysis revealed that errors from the areal weighting technique were related to the geometric parameters of the target zones. The dasymetric errors, however, demonstrated more association with the population or attribute characteristics of the zones. The perimeter, total population, and population density of the target zones were shown to be the strongest predictive parameters.
Detailed physical property characterization of FeTe1−xSex (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.50) single crystals

Here, we report self flux single crystal growth of FeTe1−xSex (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.50) series via solid state reaction route; the resulted crystals as seen are shiny. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) performed on the surface of crystals elucidated the growth in (00l) plane, i.e. orientation in c-direction only. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed slab like morphology and EDX (Energy dispersive x-ray analyzer) confirmed that the crystals are closed to their designed compositions. Rietveld analysis of the XRD patterns of crushed crystal powders showed that the cell parameters decrease with Se content increase. Coupled magnetic/structural phase transition temperature, seen as a step in resistivity for the lower Se concentration i.e. 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.07, decreases from around 65 K for x = 0.0 to 50 K for x = 0.07 and it is not detected for higher x values. Superconductivity is observed by resistivity measurement for higher Se concentration i.e. 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.50, up to a maximum temperature of 14 K at x = 0.50. Thermally Activated Flux Flow (TAFF) analysis based on high field transport measurements in superconducting region done for x = 0.20 crystal exhibited activated flux energy to be decreasing from 12 meV (0.5Tesla) to 4.6 meV (14Tesla). Raman spectroscopy at room temperature of synthesized samples exhibits all the allowed phonon modes with slight shift to higher frequency with Se content. Mossbauer spectra of FeTe1−xSex crystals series were recorded at 300 and 5 K. At 5 K, the average hyperfine field decreases systematically with Se content increase from 10.6 to 6.1Tesla for x = 0.0 to x = 0.20 samples. This indicates a possibility of co-existing magnetism and superconductivity in 0.07 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 crystals. For x = 0.50 sample, no hyperfine field related to magnetic ordering is seen. Based on above results, detailed phase diagram of the FeTe1−xSex (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.50) compounds is defined in the present study.
The Use of Mobile Phones by South African University Students

Mobile phones are an integral part of our modern lives. This study explores the use and role of mobile phones among South African university students. Four main categories are used to examine the students’ mobile phone use: reasons to use mobile phones, pattern of mobile phone use, purchasing factors, and behaviour-related issues. Through a quantitative approach data was collected from 362 participants using a survey. The key findings indicate that the main reason South African university students (mainly from the University of Cape Town) use a mobile phone is for socializing, as well as for safety and privacy purposes. Usability and price emerged as the top purchasing factors. The respondents showed some signs of addiction to their mobile phones. Differences in mobile phone use by gender were found, with female students showing increased mobile phone use for safety and socializing, interest in brand and trends, as well as signs of addiction. The findings could prove beneficial to marketers, mobile phone developers, universities, parents, and researchers exploring mobile phone adoption and usage pattern in a developing country such as South Africa.
A meta-analysis assessing diarrhea and pneumonia in HIV-exposed uninfected compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected infants and children

Objective: Prior studies have demonstrated that HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants and children experience morbidity and mortality at rates exceeding those of their HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) counterparts. We sought to summarize the association between HEU vs. HUU infants and children for the outcomes of diarrhea and pneumonia. Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: We reviewed studies comparing infants and children in the two groups for these infectious disease outcomes, in any setting, from 1993 to 2018 from six databases. Results: We included 12 studies, and 17,955 subjects total (n=5,074 (28.3%) HEU and n=12,881 (71.7%) HUU). Random effects models showed HEU infants and children had a 20% increase in the relative risk of acute diarrhea and a 30% increase in the relative risk of pneumonia when compared to their HUU counterparts. When stratifying by time since birth, we showed that HEU vs. HUU children had a 50% and 70% increased risk of diarrhea and pneumonia, respectively, in the first 6-months of life. Conclusion: We show an increased risk of diarrhea and pneumonia for HEU vs. HUU infants and children. Although we acknowledge, and commend, the immense public health success of prevention of mother-to-child transmission, we now have an enlarging population of children that appear to be vulnerable to not only death, but increased morbidity. We need to turn our attention to understanding the underlying mechanism and designing effective public health solutions. Further longitudinal research is needed to elucidate possible underlying immunological and/or sociological mechanisms that explain these differences in morbidity.
Patterns of local failure in patients with high-grade glioma after postoperative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy

Background To retrospectively analyze the failure patterns of postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for high-grade glioma (HGG) under the new WHO classification, particularly focusing on relationship of recurrence pattern and molecular subtypes. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University from April 2014 to April 2018. A total of 56 patients diagnosed as WHO III–IV were included. Patients, who underwent pathological typing according to the 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous (CNCS), including tumor grade and IDH status. We collected the basic data. The initial relapsed T1 enhancement MRI imaging was transferred and fused to the original treatment planning CT. The tumors were classified as in-field, marginal, or out-field if greater than 80%, 20–80%, or less than 20% of the recurrent volume fell within the 95% isodose line, respectively. Results The median overall survive was 22.0 months (95% CI: 16.7–27.2). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 85.8%, 43.9%, and 28.8%, respectively. Thirty-three (58.9%) patients progressed with a median progression survival of 15.9 (95% CI: 12.9–19.0) months. Of 33 patients experienced recurrence, 22 (66.7%) had in-field recurrence within a 9.3-month median period (range, 3–32.7 months), and 3 patients (9.1%) were respectively marginal recurrence occurred at 5.9, 6.4, and 15 months, and 6 patients (18.2%) developed out-field progression at a median of 16.1 (4.5–27.1) months, and 2 patients developed both in- and out-field recurrence (6.1%) at 3.2, 4.7 months, respectively. There were16 cases of WHO III, 40 cases of WHO IV, 13 cases of IDH mutation (IDHmt), 30 cases of wildtype (wt) and 13 cases of NOS. The incidence of recurrence of IDHmt (4 cases, 30%) was significantly lower than that of IDHwt (19 cases, 63.3%) and IDH NOS (10 cases, 76.9%) (P=0.001). Local recurrence (in the field and margin) of radiotherapy was 16 cases (84.2%) of IDHwt and 2 cases (50%) of IDHmt type (P=0.05). Conclusions In this study, we highlighted the importance of genomic research on identifying local failure patterns and providing recommendations of target delineation for HGG treatment. IDHwt HGG had a higher probability of in-field recurrence after radiotherapy, and RTOG target delineation guide was appropriate, while EORTC guidelines were recommended to IDHmt HGG. Further investigations in prospective randomized clinical trials were warranted to confirm our results.
The biopsychosocial barriers and enablers to being physically active following childbirth: a systematic literature review

Abstract Background: Physical activity brings significant health benefits. Childbirth presents many physical, emotional and practical challenges to women and is known to disrupt engagement in regular physical activity. However, the specific barriers and enablers to physical activity in the postpartum period have not yet been systematically identified. Adequate understanding of these issues is crucial before effective interventions can be developed. Objectives: The primary objective was to identify the biopsychosocial barriers and enablers to physical activity following childbirth. Methods: A systematic literature review of qualitative research was conducted. Relevant literature was sourced using five online databases (CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed) and primary snowballing. Studies which met the pre-determined inclusion criteria were critically appraised independently by research team members and then collectively discussed to reach consensus. Results: A total of 391 potential records were identified. Following the application of eligibility criteria and removal of duplicates, six qualitative studies remained, all of which identified barriers and enablers to postpartum physical activity. Data demonstrated that lack of time and issues surrounding childcare were the most common barriers to physical activity, whilst a common enabler was social support. Reported benefits of physical activity in the postpartum period included improved mental well-being and weight loss. Conclusions: A number of specific barriers, enablers and benefits were identified. Future research should aim to develop and evaluate postpartum physical activity interventions. Outcomes should be collected prospectively at multiple time points and more diverse participant samples should be recruited.
Dietary patterns in secondary prevention of heart failure : a systematic review

Background: Diet is an important factor in secondary prevention of heart failure (HF) but there is still no consensus as to which dietary model should be adopted by this population. This systematic review aims to clarify the relationship between dietary patterns and secondary prevention in HF. Methods: We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for studies with different dietary patterns and outcomes of secondary prevention in HF. No limitation was used in the search. Results: 1119 articles were identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Studies with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean, Hyperproteic and Low-carb diets were found. The DASH pattern showed improvement in cardiac function, functional capacity, blood pressure, oxidative stress and mortality. The Mediterranean diet had a correlation with inflammation, quality of life and cardiac function but just on cross-sectional studies. Regarding the Hyperproteic and Low-carb diets only one study was found with each pattern and both were able to improve functional capacity in patients with HF. Conclusions: DASH pattern may have benefits in the secondary prevention of HF. The Mediterranean diet demonstrated positive correlation with factors of secondary prevention of HF but need more RCTs and cohort studies to confirm these effects. In addition, the Hyperproteic and Low-carb diets, despite the lack of studies, also demonstrated positive effects on the functional capacity in patients with HF.
Multi-objective design of finite word-length controller structures

Feedback controller implementations with fixed-point arithmetic offer the advantages of speed, memory space, cost and simplicity compared to floating-point arithmetic. Thus, to date, fixed-point processors dedicated for digital controller implementations are still the dominant architecture in many modern digital control engineering applications, particularly for automotive, consumer, military and medical applications. However, most control design methodologies assume that the designed controller will be implemented with infinite precision. Thus, when the controller is implemented on a fixed-point platform, rounding errors can cause a performance degradation and even instability. Hence, there is a trade-off between the cost of the controller in terms of word-length, memory and computation requirements (the controller compactness) and the performance of the system. This paper presents an approach to designing finite word-length feedback controller structures by means of a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The approach provides a set of solutions that are (near) Pareto optimal with respect to minimal word-length and memory requirements and to closed-loop performance. The method is applied to the design of finite word-length controller structures for two examples, a PID controller for a rolling strip mill, and a controller for the IFAC93 benchmark problem.
Nurses' Knowledge and Practice Regarding Gynecological Laparoscopy in Maternity Teaching Hospital in Mosul City

Background and aim: Over the past decade, laparoscopy has become the standard surgical approach for a majority of gynecologic procedures, such as ectopic pregnancy management, fallopian tube and ovarian operations, management of cysts, staging of gynecologic cancers, and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. The study aim to assess nurses level of knowledge and practices regarding gynecological laparoscopy, To determine the knowledge defect during gynecological laparoscopy, and to determine the difference between demographic characteristics such as (age, level of education, and training courses) with their knowledge and practices. Materials and Method: The researcher adopted a quantitative design where structured closed-ended questions were formulated for both questionnaires. A questionnaire was administered to the Ward and Theatre Nurses using the convenience sampling technique. The study was conducted in two hospitals ( Al Batool and AL-Khansaa Teaching Hospitals ) located in Mosul city. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 for Windows was used by the Statistician to analyze the data. Results: The findings shows the demographic characteristics of the study sample. The table shows that most of the study sample are from AL-Khansaa Hospital (50.9%). According to the age, the highest percentage was in the age group (18-27 years) (43.6%), and the lowest group are of age (more than 47 years) (8%). According to level of education the highest percentage is of High school (56.4%) (62), and the lowest is (12.7%) (14). In the relation to their Experience, the highest percentage is (74.5%) for the group of (1-10 years), and the lowest percentage is (6.4%) for the group of (more than 30 years). Conclusions: The nurses‘ had good knowledge about the specific laparoscopic . Recommendation: Ward and theatre nurses should be learn about informed consent taking and the legal implications if not taken correctly and the emphasis on their role and responsibilities during consent taking. This could be done during in-service education.
Prevalence and socio-behavioral factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages consumption among 15 years and older persons in South Africa

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption and its relationship with socio-behavioral factors using national population-based data in South Africa. Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) in 2012. The population sample included 15,179 adults (median age=34.0 years, interquartile range=25, range=15–98 years) who participated in the SANHANES-1. Results: Overall, the study participants consumed 33.9% none, 48.3% 1–3 times, 7.2% 4–6 times, and 10.6% every day soft drinks in the past week (or an equivalent of an average of 0.30 servings, SD=0.3, per day); 43.4% had consumed no sweetened fruit juice, 42.3% 1–3 times, 5.2% 4–6 times; and 9.1% daily sweetened fruit juice (or an equivalent of an average of 0.25 servings, SD=0.3, per day). The prevalence of daily SSB (soft drink and/or sweetened fruit juice) consumption was 16.0% (or an equivalent of an average of 0.54 servings, SD=0.5, per day). In the final logistic regression model, younger age, urban residence, perceived overweight, fruit consumption, fresh fruit juice consumption, and having had processed meat and fried food from street vendors were associated with SSB consumption. In addition, problem drinking and physical activity were associated with daily soft drink consumption, and higher sedentary time was associated with daily sweetened fruit juice consumption. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of daily SSB consumption and identified several socio-behavioral factors that can be targeted in public health intervention programs.
Direct Treatment Costs of Invasive Candidiasis in Haematology Patients at a South African Private Hospital

BACKGROUND: Haematology patients are at a high risk of developing invasive candidiasis (IC). Fluconazole has been the mainstay of prophylaxis and treatment with a newer class of therapeutic options, the echinocandins, having seen a considerable improvement in treatment success. However, these agents are associated with substantial acquisition costs when compared to fluconazole. OBJECTIVE: This study analysed the direct treatment costs of invasive candidiasis in haematology patients, comparing the costs between three groups depending on the treatment, namely, the fluconazole only group, the echinocandin only group or the group that was treated with both fluconazole and an echinocandin. To determine which variables contributed to the overall costs and whether there were differences between the groups. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-centre economic analysis at a private hospital of patients with IC in the haematology ward in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The direct medical costs related to managing IC were analysed. Adult patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with a haematology disorder and a positive blood culture for Candida who were prescribed fluconazole and/or an echinocandin as treatment were included in the study. Patients treated with echinocandins, fluconazole or both classes of antifungals were analysed separately and compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference for duration of antifungal treatment or length of hospital stay between the three groups existed. Mean overall direct treatment costs per patient were: ZAR130 326 (95% CI: -4 932 – 265 584) for patients treated with fluconazole, ZAR241 165 (95% CI: 159 175 – 323 155) for patients receiving an echinocandin and ZAR270 802 (95% CI: 68 277 - 473 327) for patients treated with the combination CONCLUSION: The results of this cost analysis found that treatment with fluconazole only is considerably less expensive, almost half of the mean daily treatment cost, than an echinocandin only and treatment using both agents, is less expensive than an echinocandin only as first-line therapy.
Cutaneous manifestations of Xeroderma Pigmentosum-ten cases

Background: Xeroderma pigmentosa (XP) is rare inherited autosomal recessive disorder. The defect is in DNA repair mechanism which is induced by ultra violet rays. It is characterized by photosensitivity, freckles, telengiactesia, xerosis, actinic keratosis, erythema, lentiginious macules and malignant lesion in sun-exposed areas. The malignancy seen are BCC, SCC and malignant melanoma. Methods: We report ten cases XP of different age group with dermatological manifestations of varied severity at MGM Medical College and hospital Aurangabad and Sir Aurobindo Medical college institute Indore (MP). This is one of the largest case series we are reporting. Conclusion: XP patient have shorter life span because of recurrent malignancies. It is important to have proper follow up and evaluation of the patient for early diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. Genetic counseling is important where siblings are affected to prevent further transmission of XP in familial cases.