Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for urinary tract infection in geriatric hip fracture patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent and consequential complication in hip fracture patients, leading to significant disability and heightened healthcare expenditures. Consequently, there is a critical need for a comprehensive systematic review to identify risk factors and establish early and effective preventive measures. Methods A comprehensive search was performed across the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (up to August 31, 2023). Article screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently completed by two reviewers. Results Forty-four studies were eligible for inclusion, yielding an overall incidence rate of 11% (95% CI: 8%−14%). Our pooled analysis revealed 18 significant risk factors, including being female (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.89–2.63), advanced age (MD = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.04–2.66), obesity (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11–1.31), catheterization (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.29–6.32), blood transfusion (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.21–1.58), American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥III (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.18–1.40), general anesthesia (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11–1.43), intertrochanteric fracture (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.54), hemiarthroplasty (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19–1.69), prolonged length of hospital stay (MD = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.66–2.23), delirium (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.05–3.47), dementia (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.62–2.06), Parkinson's disease (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.46–1.61), diabetes (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13–1.43), hypertension (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.26), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.10–1.66), history of sepsis (OR = 7.13, 95% CI: 5.51–9.22), and chronic steroid use (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06–1.57). Conclusion Our study identifies numerous risk factors strongly associated with UTI, offering compelling evidence and actionable strategies for improving clinical prediction, enabling early intervention, and facilitating targeted UTI management. Systematic review registration identifier [CRD42023459600], https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/display_record. php? RecordID=459600.
Multifractal Multiscale Analysis of Human Movements during Cognitive Tasks

Continuous adaptations of the movement system to changing environments or task demands rely on superposed fractal processes exhibiting power laws, that is, multifractality. The estimators of the multifractal spectrum potentially reflect the adaptive use of perception, cognition, and action. To observe time-specific behavior in multifractal dynamics, a multiscale multifractal analysis based on DFA (MFMS-DFA) has been recently proposed and applied to cardiovascular dynamics. Here we aimed at evaluating whether MFMS-DFA allows identifying multiscale structures in the dynamics of human movements. Thirty-six (12 females) participants pedaled freely, after a metronomic initiation of the cadence at 60 rpm, against a light workload for 10 min: in reference to cycling (C), cycling while playing “Tetris” on a computer, alone (CT) or collaboratively (CTC) with another pedaling participant. Pedal revolution periods (PRP) series were examined with MFMS-DFA and compared to linearized surrogates, which attested to a presence of multifractality at almost all scales. A marked alteration in multifractality when playing Tetris was evidenced at two scales, τ ≈ 16 and τ ≈ 64 s, yet less marked at τ ≈ 16 s when playing collaboratively. Playing Tetris in collaboration attenuated these alterations, especially in the best Tetris players. This observation suggests the high sensitivity to cognitive demand of MFMS-DFA estimators, extending to the assessment of skill/demand interplay from individual behavior. So, by identifying scale-dependent multifractal structures in movement dynamics, MFMS-DFA has obvious potential for examining brain-movement coordinative structures, likely with sufficient sensitivity to find echo in diagnosing disorders and monitoring the progress of diseases that affect cognition and movement control.
Molecular Characteristics of Colistin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and the Activity of Antimicrobial Combination Therapy in a Tertiary Care Medical Center in Lebanon

(1) Background: Infections with pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria, such as A. baumannii, are becoming increasingly common, especially in healthcare facilities. In this study, we selected 15 colistin-resistant clinical A. baumannii isolates from a hospital in Beirut, Lebanon, to test combination therapies and determine their sequence types (STs) and the mechanism of colistin resistance using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). (2) Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing via broth microdilution against 12 antimicrobials from different classes and growth rate assays were performed. A checkerboard assay was conducted on PDR isolates using six different antimicrobials, each in combination with colistin. Genomic DNA was extracted from all isolates and subjected to WGS. (3) Results: All isolates were resistant to all tested antimicrobials with the one exception that was susceptible to gentamicin. Combining colistin with either meropenem, ceftolozane–tazobactam, or teicoplanin showed synergistic activity. Sequencing data revealed that 67% of the isolates belonged to Pasteur ST2 and 33% to ST187. Furthermore, these isolates harbored a number of resistance genes, including blaOXA-23. Mutations in the pmrC gene were behind colistin resistance. (4) Conclusions: With the rise in antimicrobial resistance and the absence of novel antimicrobial production, alternative treatments must be found. The combination therapy results from this study suggest treatment options for PDR ST2 A. baumannii-infected patients.
Stochastic Terrain and Soil Modeling for Off-Road Mobility Studies

For realistic predictions of vehicle performance in off-road conditions, it is critical to incorporate in the simulation accurate representations of the variability of the terrain profile. It is not practically feasible to measure the terrain at a sufficiently large number of points, or, if measured, to use such data directly in the simulation. Dedicated modeling techniques and computational methods that realistically and efficiently simulate off-road operating conditions are thus necessary. Many studies have been recently conducted to identify effective and appropriate ways to reduce experimental data in order to preserve only essential information needed to re-create the main terrain characteristics, for future use. This thesis focuses on modeling terrain profiles using the finite difference approach for solving linear second-order stochastic partial differential equations. We currently use this approach to model non-stationary terrain profiles in two dimensions (i.e., surface maps). Certain assumptions are made for the values of the model coefficients to obtain the terrain profile through the fast computational approach described, while preserving the stochastic properties of the original terrain topology. The technique developed is illustrated to recreate the stochastic properties of a sample of terrain profile measured experimentally. To further analyze off-road conditions, stochastic soil properties are incorporated into the terrain topology. Soil models can be developed empirically by measuring soil data at several points, or they can be created by using mathematical relations such as the Bekker’s pressure-sinkage equation for homogeneous soils. In this thesis, based on a previously developed stochastic soil model, the polynomial chaos method is incorporated in the soil model.
The challenges for early intervention and its effects on the prognosis of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review

ABSTRACT. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is expressed with neurobehavioral symptoms of different degrees of intensity. It is estimated that, for every three cases detected, there are two cases that reach adulthood without treatment. Objective: To establish what challenges are still present in the implementation of early intervention (EI) and its effects on the prognosis of ASD. Methods: A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Prisma) methodology was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases in January 2023. The search keywords were “autism spectrum disorder”, “early intervention” and “prognosis”. Results: Sixteen studies were included, two randomized and 14 non-randomized. Knowledge about the signs of ASD, diagnostic and therapeutic methods, age at the start of treatment, and socioeconomic factors were the main challenges encountered in the implementation of the EI. Conclusion: EI is capable of modifying the prognosis of ASD and challenges in its implementation persist, especially in developing regions with low socioeconomic status.
Different Lengths of Diet Supplementation with 10% Flaxseed Alter the Hormonal Profile and the Follicular Fluid Fatty Acid Content of Fattening Gilts

The effect of 10% dietary flaxseed fed for 3 and 6 weeks on serum hormone levels of fattening gilts, the fatty acid (FA) follicular fluid (FF) composition of small and large antral follicles, and the steroidogenesis and IGF-I secretion by isolated small antral follicles and their response to regulatory hormones (LH, FSH, IGF-I) was studied using immunoassay and gas chromatography analyses. Both supplemental periods increased levels of P4 and IGF-I in blood serum. A shorter period inhibited steroidogenesis (P4, T, E2) and IGF-I secretion by small antral follicles, which was associated with decreased levels of monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) and preferred n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) metabolism. A longer period stimulated hormone secretion at elevated levels of saturated FAs (SFA) at the expense of MUFAs and PUFAs preferring the n-3 PUFA metabolism. Out of ovarian regulators, only LH and IGF-I were able to alter the secretion of steroids and IGF-I by small follicles of fattening pigs fed a basal diet. The effect of flaxseed on the secretion of follicular hormones after both supplemental periods was altered by all regulatory hormones in a dose-dependent manner. The level of SFAs and PUFAs in FF of large follicles increased with the length of flaxseed feeding, suggesting the suppression of ovulation.
Influence of the Type of Soft Segment on the Selected Properties of Polyurethane Materials for Biomedical Applications

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of new TPUs obtained by melt polyaddition using 1,1′-methanediylbis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane) (HMDI, Desmodur W®), a new unconventional chain extender, i.e., (methanediyldibenze-ne-4,1-diyl)dimethanediol, and five types of soft segments differing in structure and molar masses. The structure of the obtained polymers was determined (by using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods), and the physicochemical (reduced viscosity, density), optical (UV-VIS), processing (MFR) and thermal (DSC and TGA-FTIR) as well as surface, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties were determined. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the type of soft segment used significantly affects the properties of the obtained polymers. The most favorable properties for use in medicine were demonstrated by materials based on a polycarbonate soft segment.
Modelling Discharge and Sediment Yield at Catchment Scale Using Connectivity Components

Knowledge about connectivity and what affects it, through space and time, is needed for taking appropriate action at the right place and/or time by stakeholders. Various conceptual frameworks for hydrological and sediment connectivity have been developed in recent years. For most of these frameworks, the objective was to conceptualise connectivity, not necessarily to infer it from measurements. Studies focussing on measurements of connectivity have so far not been done often. Because of lack of data on connectivity, few real‐world data have been used in recent connectivity modelling studies. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that existing data can be used to assess governing factors of connectivity, and how these change over time. Data from three catchments in Navarre, Northern Spain, were used to assess factors that influence hydrologic and sediment connectivity. These factors were used as components in a linear model for discharge and suspended‐sediment yield. Three components of connectivity were distinguished: topographical, biological and soil. Changes in the topographical component for the studied periods were considered relatively small, and, therefore, kept constant. Changes in the biological component were determined using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. Changes in the soil component were assessed using an Antecedent Precipitation Index. Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficients were between 0·49 through 0·62 for the discharge models and between 0·23 through 0·3 for the sediment‐yield models. We recommend applying the model at smaller spatial scales than catchment scale to minimise the lumping of spatial variability in the components. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing Epoch Length and Activity Count Threshold Parameters in Accelerometry: Enhancing Upper Extremity Use Quantification in Cerebral Palsy

Various accelerometry protocols have been used to quantify upper extremity (UE) activity, encompassing diverse epoch lengths and thresholding methods. However, there is no consensus on the most effective approach. The aim of this study was to delineate the optimal parameters for analyzing accelerometry data to quantify UE use in individuals with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A group of adults with CP (n = 15) participated in six activities of daily living, while a group of children with CP (n = 14) underwent the Assisting Hand Assessment. Both groups performed the activities while wearing ActiGraph GT9X-BT devices on each wrist, with concurrent video recording. Use ratio (UR) derived from accelerometry and video analysis and accelerometer data were compared for different epoch lengths (1, 1.5, and 2 s) and activity count (AC) thresholds (between 2 and 150). Results: In adults, results are comparable across epoch lengths, with the best AC thresholds being ≥ 100. In children, results are similar across epoch lengths of 1 and 1.5 (optimal AC threshold = 50), while the optimal threshold is higher with an epoch length of 2 (AC = 75). Conclusions: The combination of epoch length and AC thresholds should be chosen carefully as both influence the validity of the quantification of UE use.
Evaluation of clinical and imaging features for differentiating rhabdomyosarcoma from neuroblastoma in pediatric soft tissue

Background In this study, we developed a nomogram predictive model based on clinical, CT, and MRI parameters to differentiate soft tissue rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) from neuroblastoma (NB) in children preoperatively. Materials and methods A total of 103 children with RMS (n=37) and NB (n=66) were enrolled in the study from December 2012 to July 2023. The clinical and imaging data (assessed by two experienced radiologists) were analyzed using univariate analysis, and significant factors were further analyzed by multivariable logistic regression using the forward LR method to develop the clinical model, radiological model, and integrated nomogram model, respectively. The diagnostic performances, goodness of fit, and clinical utility of the integrated nomogram model were assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristics curve (ROC) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves, respectively. Diagnostic efficacy between the model and radiologists’ interpretations was examined. Results The median age at diagnosis in the RMS group was significantly older than the NB group (36.0 months vs. 14.5 months; P=0.003); the fever rates in RMS patients were significantly lower than in patients with NB (0.0% vs.16.7%; P=0.022), and the incidence of palpable mass was higher in patients with RMS compared with the NB patients (89.2% vs. 34.8%; P<0.001). Compare NB on image features: RMS occurred more frequently in the head and neck and displayed homogeneous density on non-enhanced CT than NB (48.6% vs. 9.1%; 35.3% vs. 13.8%, respectively; all P<0.05), and the occurrence of characteristics such as calcification, encasing vessels, and intraspinal tumor extension was significantly less frequent in RMS children compared to children with NB (18.9% vs. 84.8%; 13.5% vs. 34.8%; 2.7% vs. 50.0%, respectively; all P <0.05). Two, three, and four features were identified as independent parameters by multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop the clinical, radiological, and integrated nomogram models, respectively. The AUC value (0.962), calibration curve, and DCA showed that the integrated nomogram model may provide better diagnostic performance, good agreement, and greater clinical net benefits than the clinical model, radiological model, and radiologists’ subjective diagnosis. Conclusion The clinical and imaging features-based nomogram has potential for helping radiologists distinguish between pediatric soft tissue RMS and NB patients preoperatively, and reduce unnecessary interventions.
Investigating Language Learning Strategies in an Online Learning Environment among Adolescent in an English as Second Language Setting

The effect from Covid-19 has not stopped since 2020 and has caused the government to stop all physical activity including teaching and learning at school. Changing from traditional teaching and learning methods to online classes would naturally change the dynamic of teaching and learning therefore impacting students' learning skills and the amount of knowledge gained. Consequently, this research aims to find out which language learning strategies choose by Form 5 students when learning English during online classes. This research involved cross-sectional survey therefore it is a self-completed online questionnaire involving 302 respondents. This study employs quantitative methods involving descriptive statistics and ANOVA to find the significant difference. The findings showed that common LLS employed by Form 5 students are memory strategies supported by the highest mean value and affective strategy is the lowest mean value . By identifying the Form 5 students’ learning strategies for English subjects during online learning, educators can make it as reference to help the students in improving their learning style to achieve better outcomes in the future.
Climatic Implications of Chenier Dates in Northern Australia

The characterization of late Holocene climates in northern Australia has, in the past, been based on local investigations. This examination of the chenier record of northern Australia indicates that there has been a statistically significant regional change in conditions between 1600–2800 years bp, possibly a period of relative aridity. Support for this conclusion may be found in the vegetation record from the Atherton Tableland where numerical comparisons of dryland fossil and modern pollen spectra suggest that rainfall may have been up to 50% higher during the period 7000 to 3000 bp.
COMPOSITIONS OF SOLID WASTES GENERATED FROM A SCHOOL CAMPUS

Efficient handling of solid wastes starts in determining its compositions and generation rate. A study was carried out to examine the compositions of solid wastes generated in a school campus from four major sources: (1) classrooms and offices, (2) food services, (3) hallways and outdoors, and (4) residence halls and cottages. Waste stream from each source was segregated according to: paper and paper products, hard plastics, soft plastics, glasses, metals, woods, food leftovers, yard, textile, inorganic, hazardous, and special wastes. Result showed variation of weight percentages of wastes from four sources: cottages and residence hall (37%), hallways and outdoors (30%), classrooms and offices (21%) and food services (12 %). Compositional analyses revealed that 48.34 wt% of the waste stream from the campus are organic / compostable (food, yard, and wood). The 29.72 wt% are recyclables (paper, hard plastics, glass, metal) while the residuals constituted the remaining 21.94 wt% (special, hazardous, textile, soft plastics, inorganic). The highest generation rate is in the residence hall and cottages with 0.56 kg/capitaweek.
Evaluation of strength, resilient moduli, swell, and shrinkage characteristics of four chemically treated sulfate soils from North Texas

Expansive soils with sulfate levels typically greater than 2,000 ppm are prone to sulfate heaving. Heaving in such soils cannot be effectively reduced using conventional stabilization techniques (i.e., calcium or lime based stabilizers) . This paper presents research findings from stabilization studies conducted on an expansive soil from south Arlington, Texas with sulfates levels around 5,000 ppm . Four different stabilizers, namely; class F fly ash with type V cement, type V sulfate resistant cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and combined lime fiber treatments were used to reduce the e xpansive nature associated with sulfate heaving and to enhance strength properties. Experiments were designed to study the effects of stabilization methods on compaction moisture content - dry unit weight relationships, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, free swell strain, resilient moduli and unconfined compressive strength properties. The study shows type V sulfate resistant cement provided the most effective treatment, followed by class F fly ash with type V cement treatment, GGBFS and finally the lime-fiber treatment. A simple linear ranking analysis was used to rank the stabilizers in this study based on the soil property enhancements by different stabilizer treatments.
Yoga and Mental Well-being: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Yoga Practitioners

Context: Participation in yoga has increased dramatically amongst all demographic groups in recent decades. While studies have explored the physical and mental benefits of yoga, few have focused on the lived experiences of those practicing yoga and why they continue their involvement. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess practitioners’ views about the impact of yoga on mental well-being and explore how these benefits may support their continued practice. Settings and Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 individuals, the majority identified as female (M age = 44.25, standard deviation = 11.80). The majority of participants were White (86.36%) and had practiced yoga for an average of 8–10 years (40.91%). Methods: A pragmatic qualitative approach was taken that included the adoption of a constructivist, narrative, meaning-making ontology, hermeneutic epistemology, and interpretivist axiology. Interviews were conducted on Zoom, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Analysis Used: Interviews were coded independently by two team members following reflexive thematic analysis procedures. Results: Two major themes, structural and functional components, covered the five main subthemes that explained why yoga was beneficial for mental well-being and highlighted the self-sustaining nature of yoga practice: (1) the yoga environment, (2) personnel, (3) strengthening of mind and body during practice, (4) transfer of skills, and (5) giving back. The practitioners described how their yoga journeys supported their mental well-being and encouraged the long-term maintenance of their yoga practices. A conceptual model will be presented that incorporates the major themes and provides an explanation of why practitioners continue to practice yoga. Conclusions: This study provides insight into how yoga’s mental well-being benefits affect adherence, and ultimately, informs our understanding of yoga as a self-sustaining practice.