Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Limitations of Dynamic Mode Decomposition through Koopman Theory Analysis

This work binds the existence of Koopman Eigenfunction (KEF), the geometric of the dynamics, and the validity of Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) to one coherent theory. Viewing the dynamic as a curve in the state-space allows us to formulate an existence condition of KEFs and their multiplicities. These conditions lay the foundations for system reconstruction, global controllability, and observability for nonlinear dynamics. DMD can be interpreted as a finite dimension approximation of Koopman Mode Decomposition (KMD). However, this method is limited to the case when KEFs are linear combinations of the observations. We examine the limitations of DMD through the analysis of Koopman theory. We propose a new mode decomposition technique based on the typical time profile of the dynamics. An overcomplete dictionary of decay profiles is used to sparsely represent the dynamic. This analysis is also valid in the full continuous setting of Koopman theory, which is based on variational calculus. We demonstrate applications of this analysis, such as finding KEFs and their multiplicities, calculating KMD, dynamics reconstruction, global linearization, and controllability. This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sk lodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 777826 (NoMADS). GG acknowledges support by the Israel Science Foundation (Grant No. 534/19) and by the Ollendorff Minerva Center. Corresponding author. E-mail addresses: idoc@campus.technion. ac.il,ido.coh@gmail.com Preprint submitted to Journal of LTEX Templates August 9, 2021 ar X iv :2 10 7. 07 45 6v 2 [ m at h. D S] 5 A ug 2 02 1
Mutually Improved Endoscopic Image Synthesis and Landmark Detection in Unpaired Image-to-Image Translation

The CycleGAN framework allows for unsupervised image-to-image translation of unpaired data. In a scenario of surgical training on a physical surgical simulator, this method can be used to transform endoscopic images of phantoms into images which more closely resemble the intra-operative appearance of the same surgical target structure. This can be viewed as a novel augmented reality approach, which we coined <italic>Hyperrealism</italic> in previous work. In this use case, it is of paramount importance to display objects like needles, sutures or instruments consistent in both domains while altering the style to a more tissue-like appearance. Segmentation of these objects would allow for a direct transfer, however, contouring of these, partly tiny and thin foreground objects is cumbersome and perhaps inaccurate. Instead, we propose to use landmark detection on the points when sutures pass into the tissue. This objective is directly incorporated into a CycleGAN framework by treating the performance of pre-trained detector models as an additional optimization goal. We show that a task defined on these sparse landmark labels improves consistency of synthesis by the generator network in both domains. Comparing a baseline CycleGAN architecture to our proposed extension (<italic>DetCycleGAN</italic>), mean precision (PPV) improved by <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$+61.32$</tex-math></inline-formula>, mean sensitivity (TPR) by <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$+37.91$</tex-math></inline-formula>, and mean <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$F_1$</tex-math></inline-formula> score by <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$+0.4743$</tex-math></inline-formula>. Furthermore, it could be shown that by dataset fusion, generated intra-operative images can be leveraged as additional training data for the detection network itself.
Lemniscate ensembles with spectral singularity

We consider a family of random normal matrix models whose eigenvalues tend to occupy lemniscate type droplets as the size of the matrix increases. Under the insertion of a point charge, we derive the scaling limit at the singular boundary point, which is expressed in terms of the solution to the model Painlev\'{e} IV Riemann-Hilbert problem. For this, we introduce a version of the Christoffel-Darboux identity and combine it with the strong asymptotics of the associated orthogonal polynomials due to Bertola, Elias Rebelo and Grava.
TheEffect ofLavender (Lavandula stoechasL.) onReducingLabor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Labor pain is one of the most severe pains, whichmost of women experience. By using novel supportive methods, the labor pain can be reduced, which makes this event pleasant and delightful. Several original studies have been conducted in regard to the effect of lavender on reducing labor pain, whose results are controversial. One of the applications of meta-analysis studies is to respond to these hypotheses and remove controversies; therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of lavender on labor pain in Iran by using meta-analysis. Methods. In this study, to find published articles electronically from 2006 to 2019, the published articles in national and international databases of SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (ISI) were used. Heterogenic index between studies was determined by Cochrane test (Q)c and I. Due to heterogeneity, the random effects model was used to estimate standardize difference of the mean score of lavender test in order to assess the labor pain between intervention and control group. Results. In this meta-analysis and systematic review, finally 13 eligible articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. )e sample size from original studies enrolled in the meta-analysis entered in the intervention group was 794 individuals and in the control group was 795 individuals. Mean score for pain in the control group was 7.2± 0.42 and in the intervention group was 5.4± 0.58 and this difference was statistically significant (p≤ 0.001). Conclusion. )e results of this study showed that lavender can reduce labor pain, which can be considered by health policy makers and gynecologists.
Behaviour of Tunisian Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) Varieties under Saline Stress

An experimental study was carried out under semi controlled conditions at National Agronomic Research Institute of Tunisia in Ariana experimental station. Eight main Tunisian Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) varieties were grown under salinity conditions. The objectives of this research were to compare the behaviour of the varieties under salt stress. Many agronomic and physiological traits were evaluated under both saline (10 g NaCl/l) and non saline conditions (control). Results showed that salinity negatively affected all of the studied parameters. The tiller number, chlorophyll contents, height growth rate, shoot dry weight, spikes per plant, 1000-grain weight and total grain yield were significantly affected by salinity . However the plant height, spikelets per spike and grains per spike were much less affected by salinity . Correlation studies showed significant positive and negative correlations between salt tolerance indexes of different evaluated parameters. These results strongly suggest that the number of fertile tillers and shoot dry weight might be useful for salinity tolerance improvement programs of the analyzed genotypes.
Youth Unemployment and Underdevelopment in Honduras

This paper analyzes the determinants and consequences of youth unemployment in Honduras. The study is based on the estimation of error correction models that express youth unemployment in terms of real sector variables. The results indicate that exports, remittances and self employment reduce youth unemployment, while the expansion of the service sector increases it; other results show that youth unemployment is susceptible to economic activity in the other Central American countries, specifically to economic growth in Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Youth unemployment exerts negative impacts on Honduras’ productivity and on economic growth. The study also highlights the role of education on preventing youth unemployment and the importance of designing a Youth Agenda that would comprise several initiatives that are of special value to Honduran youth. It is hoped that these results would motivate policy makers and society in general to increase investments in the human capital areas so that youth avoid falling into the traps resulting from unemployment.
Occupied Land is an Access Issue: Interventions in Feminist Disability Studies and Narratives of Indigenous Activism

Native/Indigenous narratives of health and environmental activism often engage with feminist disability issues to center the connections between land, health, sovereignty, and historical legacies of settler militarized colonialism. Within the context from which Native women and youth act as key leaders in health and environmental activism, expanded modes of feminist disability inquiry could interrogate how transformative justice issues require historicizing concepts of ableism through ongoing legacies of settler colonialism. Considering the work of Native writers such as Winona LaDuke, feminist disability studies scholars might critically examine how key tenets of feminist disability issues such as access require attention to Native/Indigenous narratives. This article begins with a critique of foundational disability studies work to trouble settler concepts of access that rely on settler state-granted accommodations without critically examining how the settler state generates disability in the first place. Next, the article analyzes ableism in anti-obesity discourse targeting Native/Indigenous youth as an example of how feminist disability studies scholarship might work toward foregrounding settler colonialism in cultural examinations of disability. Finally, this article examines how Native/Indigenous narratives of health and environmental activism negotiate access to land and cultural resources outside of settler state structures of extractive, corporate land, and bodymind encroachment.
PHOSPHATE AND SULFATE RETENTION BY NONVOLCANIC SOILS WITH ANDIC PROPERTIES

Soils with andic properties have a high anion retention capacity, which is mainly related to the large amounts of active Al and Fe compounds that they contain. The phosphate (PO4) and sulfate (SO4) sorption capacity of soils with andic properties from Galicia, NW Spain, was investigated. Phosphate sorption experiments were conducted by adding 1.6, 16.1, and 48 m M KH2PO4 to soils, and those of sulfate by adding 0.4 and 1.6 m M K2SO4 (ratio of soil:solution, 1:10). The pH of the extracts was measured, as were the levels of PO4 (only in the PO4 experiments), SO4, Si, and dissolved organic carbon. The soils retained much higher amounts of PO4 than of SO4. Surface horizons displayed a higher capacity than subsurface horizons for retaining PO4 but not for retaining SO4. The PO4 retention capacity was related to the sum of contents of oxalate extractable-Al (Alo) and -Fe (Feo), which tended to increase with soil organic carbon content and was mainly attributed to the presence of Al-humus complexes. Sorption of PO4 primarily produced displacement of dissolved organic carbon, Si, and SO4 into solution and increases in solution pH, whereas sorption of SO4 only generated increases in solution pH. The low ability of SO4 anions to displace sorbed organic C mainly explains why surface horizons retained similar or even smaller amounts of SO4 than subsurface horizons, despite the higher Alo and Feo contents of the former. The results emphasize the different affinities of PO4 and SO4 for reactive surfaces and the interaction of organic C in sorption processes.
Preparation and Properties of Conducting Polymer Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanoparticles

Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)(PEDOT)nanoparticles was prepared by reverse micelles technique.The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis-near IR(UV-Vis-NIR)adsorption spectrum,IR spectrum,X-ray photoelectron(XPS),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The results confirmed that size distribution of this particle was 30—40 nm and the nanoparticles has been doped by Cl-during synthesis process.The conductivity of nanoparticles was investigated by four-probe and it has been found that this nanopartices showed higher conductivity(10.2 S/cm)than conventional one.Furthermore,the gas sensitivity of nanoparticles deposited on quartz crystal microbalance(QCM)was studied and the nanopartices deposited device exhibited excellent sensitivity to NH3 gas at low concentration.The mechanism of conductivity and gas sensitivity of the nanoparticles are also included in this paper.
Psychological Distress Among Ethiopian Pregnant Women During COVID-19: Negative Correlation with Self-Efficacy

Background Since the onset of coronavirus disease 2019, the mental health of individuals has been negatively affected, especially among vulnerable groups. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the association of psychological distress with self-efficacy and other correlates among Ethiopian pregnant women. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women from August 1 to 15, 2020. Pandemic-related psychological distress was measured by the Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R). Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), generalized self-efficacy scale (GSES), and fear of COVID-19 scale (FCoV-19S) were employed to examine independent variables. A consecutive sampling technique was employed and the data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Categorical variables were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages; and mean with SD was employed to express continuous variables. Multiple regressions were performed; and for statistical significance, p < 0.05 and 95% CI were considered. Results The participants had 31.3 (SD±7.7) mean age and those participants between the ages of 25–34 were dominant. The mean score of IES-R scale was 45.1 (±17.4) indicating severe psychological distress. The IES-R mean score for primiparous women was significantly higher than the mean score of multiparous women. Psychological distress has a strong positive correlation with symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear of COVID-19. In contrast, a negative relationship was found between psychological distress and participants’ self-efficacy. Conclusion The results indicate that the current pandemic has imposed severe psychological distress among pregnant women. The presence of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and pandemic-related fears were identified as positive predictors. In contrast, better self-efficacy of the pregnant women was linked to lower psychological distress. For health-care professionals, broadening the focus and collaboration among service-delivering units are important in halting undesirable outcomes of the pandemic.
Improving Quality of Service Among Antiretroviral Therapy Users Through Strategic Problem-Solving Approach at Bure Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Globally, an estimated 1.7 million new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occurred in 2018. Although significant progress has been made still, it remained a public health threat. Thus, this capstone project aimed to improve the quality of services among anti-retroviral therapy (ART) users through a strategic problem-solving approach at Bure Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A before–after study design was employed among 357 people living with HIV (PLWH) clients on ART from December 2019 to January 2020 and from April to May 2020 pre and post capstone project. The capstone project involved regular internal mentorship, availing supplies, and providing refresher training. Data were entered using EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 statistical for analysis. Paired t-test was used for comparing the mean scores before and after the capstone project. A mean score with 95% CI and a P-value <0.05 were used to determine the effect of the capstone project on the quality of the service. Results The overall quality of ART service was improved as evidenced by the presence of a positive gap score (+0.0164) according to the SERVQAUL model. Receiving first CD4 count was improved from 65% to 85.1% and screening for TB from 90% to 97% with 95% CI at a p-value of 0.001. Whereas, viral load measurement at six months is 78% to 89.75% and IPT uptake is 62% to 71% with 95% CI at a p-value of 0.013 and 0.004, respectively. Conclusion Ensuring regular internal mentorship, availing supplies, and providing refresher training have a significant effect on the quality of ART service. Therefore, adhering to national guidelines and fulfilling the availability of the recommended infrastructures helps to improve the quality of ART service.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis With or Without Asthmatic Symptoms?

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a localized inflammatory airway disease seen in patients sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) antigens. The disease presents with productive cough, wheezing, episodic fever, as well as central bronchiectasis (CB) and mucus plugs on computed tomography (CT) scans. If treated accordingly, symptoms and pulmonary damage caused by ABPA can be reverted. Currently, the diagnostic criteria for ABPA require the diagnosis of predisposing pulmonary diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF) in order to establish the diagnosis. There has been an increasing number of cases reporting ABPA without evidence of past asthmatic history or symptoms. This reflects the need for more sensitive diagnostic tests in order to prevent progression to irreversible lung injury. Here we report a 22-year-old Puerto Rican male who went undiagnosed for ABPA for 12 months due to the absence of asthma or CF history.
Creatinine level variation in patients subjected to contrast-enhanced tomography: a meta-analysis

Abstract Variation in the creatinine levels of patients who have undergone contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) has been adopted as a practical method for assessment of possible kidney damage caused by the contrast. Criteria employed include an absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or a relative increase ≥ 25% as indicative of possible renal disorders, such as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Our objective was to analyze the incidence of CIN by means of a meta-analysis of nine articles related to incidence of kidney damage caused by contrast, calculating odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95%CI) using RStudio. The overall incidence of CIN in patients who had CT scans was 11.29%, with an OR of 1.38 (95%CI 0.88–2.16). Non-ionic contrasts are safer than other types of contrast, and volumes exceeding 115 mL may be associated with CIN. Preexisting kidney disease had a statistically significant relationship with worse CIN rates.
The Role of Ga-68-PSMA PET/CT in the Initial Staging of Prostate Cancer – A Single Center 4 Year Experience

Background Recommended imaging modalities for prostate cancer staging have disappointing sensitivities, whereas [68Ga]-PSMA PET/CT (PET-PSMA) shows promising sensitivities and specificities in the initial management of prostate cancer. Recent studies have revealed that a significant change of management when PET-PSMA was used, with favorable negative predictive values. Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed every PET-PSMA performed in our center for initial staging of intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether imaging modalities other than PET-PSMA were performed. In patients submitted to radical prostatectomy, PET-PSMA findings were compared to histological analysis of the specimen. Results PET-PSMA results of 57 patients were gathered, with 77.2% (n=44) having performed CT scan or bone scan (BS) prior to PET-PSMA. Prostate cancer management strategy was changed in 61.4% (n=27), when PET-PSMA was performed following CT and BS. BS and CT results were consistent with PET-PSMA in 43.2% and 44.8%, respectively. In 30 cases, a curative strategy was used based on PET-PSMA findings. PET-PSMA revealed a negative predictive value of 95.2% in 23 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Prostate SUV values on preoperative PET-PSMA correlated with initial PSA, ISUP grade, PC risk staging and presence of extraprostatic lesions. Conclusions PET-PSMA is a key element for prostate cancer staging and management, with high diagnostic accuracy. More prospective studies need to be implemented to determine its role as a first-line staging tool.
Radiological assessment of lower limb alignment

The full-length standing radiograph in an anteroposterior projection is the primary tool for defining and measuring limb alignment with definition of the physiological axes and mechanical and anatomic angles of the lower limb. We define the deformities of the lower limb and the importance of correct surgical planning and execution. For patients with torsional malalignment of the lower limb, computerized tomography scan evaluation is the gold standard for preoperative assessment. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:487-494. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6. 210015
The Spectrum of Clinical Characteristics and Complications of Tetanus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study From a Developing Nation

Introduction While tetanus has largely been eradicated with the advent of the tetanus vaccine, its prevalence in Pakistan remains alarmingly high due to insufficient uptake of the vaccination program. The clinical presentations that the disease elicits range from mere opisthotonos to more sinister complications, including respiratory failure and death, often posing an insurmountable challenge for hospitals. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted and analyzed the medical charts of 43 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tetanus infection. The charts were perused for the patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and disease outcomes. The prevalence of various clinical symptoms and complications were reported in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results The mean age of the patients hovered at 29.53 ± 16.53 years, with a range of 12 to 65 years. Of those affected, 83.7% were males while 16.3% were females. Notably, none of the infected patients had a prior history of vaccination against tetanus. Trismus was noted to be the most prevalent clinical manifestation and was found in 90.70% of the patients while paraesthesia at the site of infection, found in 6.98%, was the least prevalent. The overall mortality was noted to hover at 46.5%. Conclusion While tetanus has largely been eradicated, its prevalence in Pakistan remains alarmingly high. The complications noted in the study have implications for the country’s public health system and aims to better inform the current state of the national vaccination program.
The SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy Among the General Population: A Large Cross-Sectional Study From Kuwait

Although the approved COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, multiple beliefs and misconceptions still exist influencing the vaccine uptake rates around the world. The multifaceted complex phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy could jeopardize the efforts to overcome this pandemic. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and examine the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in Kuwait. This is a web-based cross-sectional study conducted in Kuwait from March 2021 until April 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our questionnaire examined basic demographic information, attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines as well as reasons for and against accepting the vaccine. Out of the 2345 responders, the majority are fully convinced to take the vaccine (83%) and the rate of vaccine hesitancy is 17%. Vaccine hesitancy is higher among non-healthcare workers, those previously positive for the COVID-19 virus, and those against vaccines in general. Vaccine hesitancy could jeopardize the efforts to overcome this pandemic; therefore, intensifying nationwide education and dismissal of falsified information is an essential step towards addressing vaccine hesitancy.