Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medical educators’ reflection on how technology sustained medical education in the most critical times and the lessons learnt: Insights from an African medical school

Stakeholders in the field of medical education globally would generally agree that sustaining medical education through the dark times of the covid-19 pandemic is worth celebrating. In the midst of the difficulties that were created generally by the covid-19 pandemic, sustaining medical education required persistence, strategy, courageous leadership, and innovative adaptations both on the part of the educators, administrators and the students. The implications of continuing medical education during the covid-9 pandemic goes beyond just keeping medical schools open. It has an affective advantage, by impressing on the mind of trainees the importance of strategic adaptation, courage, and resilience. Should anything shut down, it must not be healthcare, and as such medical education should demonstrate such a level of commitment and character. Thankfully, this was what happened in many instances, including ours. One significant factor that made this possible was the integration of technology and innovation. It might not be out of place to say that technology and innovations literally saved medical education amidst the covid-19 pandemic. We also know that the level and quality of integration of technology and innovations varied from place to place. These might be described as heterogeneity of integration, which was further a reflection of inequity in development and advancements in medical education in different parts of the world. This piece includes our reflections on how technology sustained medical education in the most critical times and the lessons learned.
Parallel crop planning based on price forecast

Agrifood system actors operate within diverse sociocultural, economic, and biophysical settings. For growers, crop planning, usually a yearly business plan, is a key decision to make on when, what, and how many to plant. It is a challenging task as it deals with multiple constraints in volatile economic and/or climate environment. Most crop planning models have difficulty in adapting to changing situation. In this study, a parallel system of crop planning composed of the artificial system, computational experiment, and parallel execution is proposed. The farmers are described as agents, and the decision is made based on the heuristic searching of optimal plan; the adaption of plan is triggered autonomously given strong environment changes. Focus is given to economic environment, which is indicated as product price. In a case study, the economic environment of the artificial system is built based on the monthly and weekly price information for 13 products during 7 years. The computational experiment provides the initial cropping plan and harvest time, with social and ecological constraints. Result shows that the cropping plan can further adapt to price variation. This flexible cropping plan system can strengthen the capability of cooperatives serving small‐scale farmers.
Long-term impact of the Sí, Yo Puedo curriculum and empowerment program on immigrant Latinas: follow-up groups at a police department

ABSTRACT Immigrant Latinas (IL) experiencing incidences of intimate partner violence (IPV) require services from police departments. This study builds upon a previously mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2015 and 2018 in the US. Thirty-three IL participated in five educational groups (ns = 7, 7, 6, 6, 7) in a culturally specific curriculum and program, Sí, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on IPV and healthy relationships. Two follow-up groups (ns = 8, 5) were conducted in December 2020 to assess IL’s experiences post completion of the Si, Yo Puedo empowerment program. Content analysis was the method employed to review the data and generate themes of the participants experiences. Participants’ qualitative responses included positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem, and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of IPV. Findings implicate this curriculum as a service tool for police departments working with this population.
Design of spur‐line‐loaded cross‐coupled dual‐band bandpass filter with wide upper‐end stopband

This article presents the design of a compact fourth‐order cross‐coupled dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) having a wide upper‐end stopband. Quarter‐wavelength (λ/4) stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs) were employed to construct the BPF to have a relatively small circuit size and high spurious harmonics, as compared with the BPF using half‐wavelength (λ/2) SIRs. The resonators tapped by the input and output feeding lines were loaded by a spur‐line to suppress the first spurious passband so as to further broaden the upper‐end stopband. BPFs with and without the embedded spur‐lines were both simulated to compare their frequency responses. Very good agreement between the simulated and measured results was observed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 691–694, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23186
A COMPARISON OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL SATISFACTION BETWEEN TWO GREEN BUILDINGS AND A CONVENTIONAL BUILDING IN CHINA

Green buildings can have a more significant impact on their occupant health and productivity through improving indoor environment quality. However, post-occupancy studies invariably pointed out that green buildings were not always more comfortable and productive than non-green buildings. The article presents a comparison study between three buildings in Shenzhen aiming to examine the actual performance of green buildings from occupant point of view. The two green buildings marked a higher satisfaction on the health and productivity perception. However, in-depth examinations on IEQs showed some weaknesses in the two green buildings. On the comfort and satisfaction with the indoor air and temperature, the two green buildings performed better in summer but worse in winter. One of the two green buildings had significantly more noise from different sources than the conventional building. The other green building was significantly less satisfactory on the lighting environment than the conventional building. Imp.
Beyond constructivism: Exploring future learning paradigms

Educational practice is continually subjected to renewal, due to developments in information and communication technology (ICT), the commercialisation and globalisation of education, social changes and the pursuit of quality. Of these, the impact of ICT and the new knowledge economy are the most significant. Changes in our educational practice lead, in turn, to changes in our approaches to teaching and learning. These changes also impact on our teaching and learning paradigms. Currently, as over the past few decades, we teach and learn in a constructivist learning paradigm. This article discusses past and present paradigm shifts in education and then explores possible future learning paradigms in the light of the knowledge explosion in the knowledge era that we are currently entering.
Hybrid Beamforming for Sum Rate Maximization in Wideband Multi-User MIMO Relay Systems

Hybrid precoding has a great potential to achieve near-optimal performance with few radio-frequency (RF) chains in comparison to the number of antennas. This paper proposes a novel hybrid beamforming solution for sum rate maximization in a wideband multi-user multi-input multi-output (MU-MIMO) relay system. The problem at hand is non-convex and hence mathematically intractable due to the constant modulus constraints associated with the analog beamforming design at communicating nodes shared by all sub-carriers. Furthermore, relaying in MU-MIMO systems under frequency-selective channels is also a challenging task as it requires complicated signal processing. To address this problem, source analog beamformer, relay RF combiner and phase-only processing component at each destination are obtained by deriving the common RF processing matrix which enables beamforming gain over all sub-carriers. This process involves reconstruction loss minimization for designing the required analog beamforming vectors having ability to maximize end-to-end signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR). The relay analog precoder is designed by maximizing the received power at each destination through gain maximization of the equivalent baseband channel over the allocated frequency spectrum. To reduce the computational complexity of the iterative approach used to find the relay RF precoding matrix, the closed form expression is derived for achieving the desired objective. Finally, digital baseband processing components are obtained from the equivalent baseband channels by suppressing the interference among transmitted signals indirectly. Simulation results for different system configurations reveal that the proposed algorithm can achieve near-optimal performance.
Evaluation of three constitutive models to characterize Granular Base for Pavement Analysis using Finite Element Method

Resilient modulus is an important input for computation of the structural response of pavements in Mechanistic -Empirical Methods. It has a significant effect on computed pavement responses and predicted pavement performance. The main objective of the research study that is introduced here is to develop a material model subroutine applicable to Finite Element program to simulate the nonlinear behavior of unbound granular materials, and evaluate the influence of using different constitutive models for characterization of unbound granular materials on critical responses of Flexible pavements. These constitutive models include Linear Elastic, Uzan and Universal models. For this purpose, three different pavement sections are assumed and FE models for these sections were verified by comparing elastic responses with KENLAYER Program. A granular base with known material constants for these three models was selected and sections were analyzed using different constitutive models. The results indicate that the selection of a proper nonlinear model has a significant effect on prediction of pavement responses and so on predicted performance of pavement.
A Predictive Model for Severe COVID-19 in the Medicare Population: A Tool for Prioritizing Primary and Booster COVID-19 Vaccination

Simple Summary Whether it is for COVID-19 primary vaccination or the administration of booster vaccines, prioritization criteria need to be established to optimize COVID-19 vaccination programs accounting for both clinical and social vulnerability risks for severe COVID-19 disease. We developed a dual socio-clinical risk model for severe COVID-19 disease in the Medicare population, which is comprised mostly of individuals aged 65 and over. Our model generated risk levels correlated with regionalized COVID-19 case hospitalization rates and mapped them at the county and zip code levels. The model and map can be used by health jurisdictions to reach out to unvaccinated individuals. Our model approach can also be applied to identify Medicare beneficiaries who were in early vaccination groups to be vaccinated to identify those who might maximally benefit from an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine if and when vaccine immunity wanes. Abstract Recommendations for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccination have focused on the elderly at higher risk for severe disease. Existing models for identifying higher-risk individuals lack the needed integration of socio-demographic and clinical risk factors. Using multivariate logistic regression and random forest modeling, we developed a predictive model of severe COVID-19 using clinical data from Medicare claims for 16 million Medicare beneficiaries and socio-economic data from the CDC Social Vulnerability Index. Predicted individual probabilities of COVID-19 hospitalization were then calculated for population risk stratification and vaccine prioritization and mapping. The leading COVID-19 hospitalization risk factors were non-white ethnicity, end-stage renal disease, advanced age, prior hospitalization, leukemia, morbid obesity, chronic kidney disease, lung cancer, chronic liver disease, pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension, and chemotherapy. However, previously reported risk factors such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes conferred modest hospitalization risk. Among all social vulnerability factors, residence in a low-income zip code was the only risk factor independently predicting hospitalization. This multifactor risk model and its population risk dashboard can be used to optimize COVID-19 vaccine allocation in the higher-risk Medicare population.
Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistant Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Bovine Mastitis

Sher Bahadar Khan1,*, Mumtaz Ali Khan2, Irshad Ahmad3, Faheem Ahmad Khan4, Hamayun Khan1 and Sher Ali Khan5 1Department of Animal Health, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan 2Department of Livestock and Dairy Development, Govt. of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan 3Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan 4The Centre for Biomedical Research, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Tongi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China 5Sericulture Agrifood Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Article Information Received 03 April 2020 Revised 30 May 2020 Accepted 16 June 2021 Available online 16 November 2021
A review of composite structures subjected to dynamic loading

Abstract The following review of composite impact work summarizes key research interests and provides a brief overview for the development of theoretical, experimental and numerical methods for low, high, and hyper velocity impact. Particular attention is given to experimental apparatus and techniques used for the different impact velocity regimes, and the implementation of failure criteria in finite element (FE) modelling methods which predict material behaviour. Areas are then identified for which limited research has been currently undertaken and suggestions are made for possible future research topics.
Information economics, the translation profession and translator certification

This research uses the framework of information economics to analyze the translation profession and translator certification. The translation market is found to be heterogeneous and fragmented and both buyers and sellers frequently enter and exit the market. The recruiters seeking translators surveyed believe translator certification can enhance the overall image of the translation profession but increased monetary benefits might be minimal. There are two reasons why currently translator certification systems do not function effectively as a signal. First, because of "counter-signaling", high-quality translators may have less incentive to use certification because signaling behavior may mark them down as mediocre translators. Second, due to "signal-jamming", vocational master's degrees in Translation are likely to compete with translator certification as a signaling device, and employers find it difficult to make inference about job applicants' employability from these two credentials.As recommendations, professional translator associations, translator training institutions and others need to collaborate in developing multilateral signaling devices as well as provide translators with the required knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for them to thrive in the ever-changing translation market.
Mach-Zehnder channel-guide device structure based on 2D photonic crystal

We have fabricated and measured 2D photonic crystal Mach-Zehnder device structures using W1 channel waveguides oriented along GK directions in AlGaAs/GaAs epitaxial waveguide material and silicon-on-insulator waveguide material, with operation at wavelengths around 1550 nm. 2D FDTD simulations and experimental results will be shown and compared. The structure has been designed using progressive tapering of the hole diameter in the bend regions, while a 'defect' hole with reduced radius has been placed in the centre of the Y-Junction, giving a substantial improvement in the transmission and bandwidth. The overall length of the photonic crystal Mach-Zehnder structure is typically about 32 um and the structure has been fabricated using a combination of direct-write electron-beam lithography (EBL) and dry-etch processing. Devices were measured using a tunable laser with end-fire coupling. We shall describe the application of such structures for switching and sensing, with deliberate exploitation of the thermo-optic effect via the incorporation of heater electrodes.
Key comparison CCEM-K7: AC voltage ratio

We report the results of the international comparison of low-frequency ac voltage ratio: CCEM-K7. The participants made measurements of a unique travelling standard: an inductive voltage divider which provided the 20 ac voltage ratios chosen for the comparison. The nominal ratios chosen were: 0.1 to 0.9, 0.01 and 1/11 to 10/11. Each of the 17 participants measured the in-phase and quadrature components of all 20 ratios at a frequency of 1 kHz, and 7 laboratories made additional, optional, measurements at a frequency of 55 Hz. The report consists of two separate parts: the first part describes the comparison and provides detailed uncertainty budgets for each participant; the second part describes the method used to analyse the results, gives the results of the comparison and tabulates the raw data provided by each participant. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report (a zip file containing the report as two pdf files: Part 1 and Part 2). Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm. org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage in Scleroderma Patients Still Need to Be Prompted: A Systematic Review

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by excessive production of collagen and multiorgan involvement. Scleroderma patients are at increased risk of influenza complications and pneumonia; thus, vaccinations are recommended. This systematic review evaluated the influenza and pneumococcus vaccination coverage for SSc patients. We included all studies from Pubmed reporting on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rate in Scleroderma patients up to May 2021. The 14 studies thus selected identified a suboptimal vaccination rate in autoimmune and SSc patients, ranging from 28 to 59% for the flu vaccine, and from 11 to 58% for the pneumo vaccine in absence of specific vaccination campaigns, variously considering also other variables such as age, gender, vaccination settings, and possible vaccination campaigns. We also considered the reasons for low coverage and the approaches that might increase the vaccination rates. A lack of knowledge about the importance of vaccination in these patients and their doctors underlined the need to increase the awareness for vaccination in this patients’ category. Current guidelines recommend vaccination in elderly people and people affected by particular conditions that widely overlap with SSc, yet autoimmune diseases are not always clearly mentioned. Improving this suboptimal vaccination rate with clear guidelines is crucial for SSc patients and for clinicians to immunize these categories based principally on the pathology, prior to the age. Recommendations by the immunologist and the direct link to the vaccine providers can highly improve the vaccine coverage.
Psychedelic medicines for mood disorders: current evidence and clinical considerations

Purpose of review Despite advances in treatment modalities for mood disorders over recent decades, further therapeutic options are still required. Increased research is occurring, with the pursuit of psychedelic-based pharmacotherapies for a range of mood disorders and other conditions. Recent findings Serotonergic psychedelics have been found to modulate brain networks underlying various psychiatric disorders, as well promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Randomized placebo-controlled trials have found psilocybin with psychological support effective at treating depression, including treatment-resistant depression; with emergent research also signalling N,N-dimethyltryptamine/ayahuasca also as a potential option for the treatment of depression. Lysergic acid diethylamide has been found to have anxiolytic effects, whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been used effectively to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with Phase III clinical trial evidence. Microdosing of psychedelics is a growing phenomenon that has shown benefits in some preclinical data; however, a recent self-directed controlled trial reported no evidence of improved mood. Summary Current research with medicinal psychedelics, usually as an adjunct to psychotherapy, has shown encouraging results in treating mood disorders. However, there are challenges regarding blinding and sample sizes remain small, and there have been no definitive Phase III studies (aside from MDMA for PTSD). Further work exploring novel formulations, interface with pharmacogenomics and the microbiome, and inflammatory pathways can be advised.
Neonatal procedural pain affects state, but not trait anxiety behavior in adult rats

Abstract The influence of neonatal experiences upon later‐life affective behavior is increasingly recognized, but the reported effects on anxiety are often contradictory. The observed effect may depend upon the type of anxiety (state or trait) affected. The current study aims to investigate whether neonatal repetitive needle pricking alters anxiety behavior in adulthood, by assessing both state and trait anxiety in rats. Sprague–Dawley rat pups received four unilateral needle pricks per day, while controls received four tactile stimuli or were left completely undisturbed during the first postnatal week. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed in the neonatal phase and throughout the development. State anxiety was assessed in the open field test and trait anxiety in the elevated zero maze. The results show that repetitive needle pricking leads to acute mechanical hypersensitivity, but does not affect baseline mechanical sensitivity throughout development. In adulthood, animals previously exposed to neonatal procedural pain (including repetitive handling and removal from litter) showed lower state anxiety but did not differ in trait anxiety, as compared with the undisturbed controls. These findings indicate that early‐life procedural pain decreases state but not trait anxiety behavior in later life in a rodent model of repetitive needle pricking.