Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ Self-Efficacy As A Mediator Between Job Satisfaction And Flourishing

A large number of studies have demonstrated the role that teacher self-efficacy plays in teaching and learning, as well as in the teacher’s mental health. In this context, the article aims to analyse the relationship between teacher self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and the state of well-being in terms of flourishing. To this aim, 180 teachers working in the pre-university public education system (Mage=42,58; 127 females and 53males) recruited probabilistically, filled in three questionnaires. The first one is Teacher self-efficacy scale (TSES Tschannen-Moran & Woolfolk Hoy), meant to assess the teachers’ self-confidence regarding their ability to plan, to organize, and to carry out the activities needed to achieve educational purposes. The second one is Flourishing scale (FS Diener et al.) and the third one is Teacher job satisfaction (TJS Skaalvik & Skaalvik), meant to measure well-being and job satisfaction, respectively. Structural equation modeling based on the partial least square approach (PLS-SEM) was used in order to assess the relationship between variables. After ensuring the data have acceptable validity and reliability, the structural model was performed. The results show a significant correlation between job satisfaction, flourishing, and teachers’ self-efficacy regarding the students’ engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. The model highlights teachers’ self-efficacy as a mediator between job satisfaction and well-being. Therefore, job satisfaction influences teacher self-efficacy, which, in its turn, contributes to teacher flourishing. The results are analyzed and compared to those in other pieces of research. 2672-815X © 2022 Published by European Publisher.
Functional Reorganization of the Central Auditory System in Children with Single-Sided Deafness: A Protocol Using fNIRS

In children, single-sided deafness (SSD) affects the development of linguistic and social skills and can impede educational progress. These difficulties may relate to cortical changes that occur following SSD, such as reduced inter-hemispheric functional asymmetry and maladaptive brain plasticity. To investigate these neuronal changes and their evolution in children, a non-invasive technique is required that is little affected by motion artifacts. Here, we present a research protocol that uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to evaluate the reorganization of cortical auditory asymmetry in children with SSD; it also examines how the cortical changes relate to auditory and language skills. The protocol is designed for children whose SSD has not been treated, because hearing restoration can alter both brain reorganization and behavioral performance. We propose a single-center, cross-sectional study that includes 30 children with SSD (congenital or acquired moderate-to-profound deafness) and 30 children with normal hearing (NH), all aged 5–16 years. The children undergo fNIRS during monaural and binaural stimulation, and the pattern of cortical activity is analyzed using measures of the peak amplitude and area under the curve for both oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin. These cortical measures can be compared between the two groups of children, and analyses can be run to determine whether they relate to binaural hearing (speech-in-noise and sound localization), speech perception and production, and quality of life (QoL). The results could be of relevance for developing individualized rehabilitation programs for SSD, which could reduce patients’ difficulties and prevent long-term neurofunctional and clinical consequences.
Statistical Analysis of the Consistency of HRV Analysis Using BCG or Pulse Wave Signals

Ballistocardiography (BCG) is considered a good alternative to HRV analysis with its non-contact and unobtrusive acquisition characteristics. However, consensus about its validity has not yet been established. In this study, 50 healthy subjects (26.2 ± 5.5 years old, 22 females, 28 males) were invited. Comprehensive statistical analysis, including Coefficients of Variation (CV), Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LCCC), and Bland-Altman analysis (BA ratio), were utilized to analyze the consistency of BCG and ECG signals in HRV analysis. If the methods gave different answers, the worst case was taken as the result. Measures of consistency such as Mean, SDNN, LF gave good agreement (the absolute value of CV difference < 2%, LCCC > 0.99, BA ratio < 0.1) between J-J (BCG) and R-R intervals (ECG). pNN50 showed moderate agreement (the absolute value of CV difference < 5%, LCCC > 0.95, BA ratio < 0.2), while RMSSD, HF, LF/HF indicated poor agreement (the absolute value of CV difference ≥ 5% or LCCC ≤ 0.95 or BA ratio ≥ 0.2). Additionally, the R-R intervals were compared with P-P intervals extracted from the pulse wave (PW). Except for pNN50, which exhibited poor agreement in this comparison, the performances of the HRV indices estimated from the PW and the BCG signals were similar.
Prevalence of Malaria/ Co-Infection Dengue fever among adult febrile patients in Al-Sadaqa Teaching Hospital- Aden

Malaria and dengue are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases worldwide and represent major public health problems; both are endemic in similar tropical regions and, therefore, may result in the possibility of co-infection. Aim: To determine the occurrence of concurrent malaria and dengue infection Methods: we carried out retrospective cohort study for a total of 218 febrile patients attending Al-Sadaqa Teaching Hospital Out Patient Department over a period from August to November 2019. Blood samples were collected for malaria and dengue investigations and were tested for thin and thick film for malaria and NS-1 antigen and IgM ELISA for dengue fever. Result: Out of 218 patients, the total prevalence in malaria, dengue and co-infection patients were 50%, 62.4%, and 40.3% respectively. In term of age, the highest percentage was recorded among patients with malaria of the age over 58 was 78.3%, in dengue fever patients of the age 38-47 was 72.5 % with p value 0.05 and in co-infection among of the age 18-27 was 49.3% with p value 0.001. In term of sex the prevalence was 66.9%, 43.5% and 39.1 % in malaria, co-infection and dengue fever respectively. Conclusion: High prevalence of co-infection was observed among febrile infection compared to the isolated infection. Simultaneous infection among febrile patients is a true burden and there is a need for further study for patients in endemic areas.
A numerical study of hypersonic laminar film cooling

Abstract A computational study has been performed to investigate the effectiveness of film cooling in hypersonic laminar flows. Both the primary and the coolant flow are air. First, three different primary flow conditions are used for validation. A uniform boundary condition at the slot exit is found to give unrealistic predictions of the heat transfer rate, whilst a boundary condition involving extended coolant inlet gives improvement. Then five coolant injection rates and three slot heights are examined. It is confirmed that increasing the coolant injection rate can increase the film cooling effectiveness for laminar cases. But slot height does not play an important role under the flow conditions in this study. The computational results are compared with the experimental results and good agreement is achieved.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT AND COPING AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN PHRAMONGKUTKLAO COLLEGE OF MEDICINE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on medical education and other areas of life causing psychological distress. Objectives: The study aimed to assess psychological impact and coping and to identify factors associated psychological impact among medical students. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine (PCM) in April 2021. All medical students were invited to complete a standardized online questionnaire for demographics data, impact of COVID-19, coping, fear of illness and virus evaluation (FIVE). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) Thai version was used to assess the psychological impact. The factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 256 medical students completed the questionnaire. Of these, 54.7% reported having psychological impact, 43.4% depression, 36.7% anxiety and 29.7% stress. Depression was associated with preclinical students (adjusted OR(AOR) =3.03, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) =1.54-5.97), sleep problem (AOR =2.20, 95% CI=1.16-4.16) and extreme deterioration of family income (AOR =7.27, 95% CI=1.81-29.29). Anxiety was associated with preclinical students (AOR =3.20, 95% CI=1.52-6.72), COVID-19 like symptoms (AOR =2.93, 95% CI=1.26-6.83), slight problems adjusting to new learning methods (AOR =6.11, 95% CI=1.54-24.24) and extreme deterioration of family income (AOR =8.29, 95% CI=1.44-47.59). Stress was associated with preclinical students (AOR =3.84, 95% CI=1.75-8.40), COVID-19-like symptoms (AOR =3.54, 95% CI=1.53-8.19), and no confidence in COVID-19 policy of PCM (AOR =2.3, 95% CI=1.06-4.98). A positive correlation between Fear of Illness and Virus Evaluation (FIVE) and psychological impact was observed (r=0.449; p<0.001). Common coping activities were the use of social media, video chats and exercise. Conclusion: A high prevalence of psychological impact was observed among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. To establish psychological support and resilience, training is needed to improve mental wellbeing and prepare medical students to cope with unprecedented situations.
Spiritual Care: A Description of Family Members’ Preferences of Spiritual Care Nursing Practices in Intensive Care Units in a Private Hospital in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Background: Spiritual care is a part of the holistic care that enables family members in intensive care units to find meaning in their life events and simultaneously bolsters their resilience and coping tools. Objective: To determine family members’ preferences of spiritual care practices that they require from nurses working in intensive care units. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the intensive care units of a private hospital in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Data, using the Nurse Spiritual Therapeutic Scale, were collected from a purposive sample of family members (n = 47). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean overall Nurse Spiritual Therapeutic Scale was 58.4 (20–80). The most preferred and least preferred spiritual care practices by family members were “to be helped to have quiet time and space”, (M = 3.32, SD = 0.59) and “to arrange for a chaplain to visit them” (M = 2.70, SD= 0.91), respectively. Conclusion: The mean overall NSTS score indicated that there was a strong preference among family members for nurses to provide them with spiritual care in the intensive care units. However, due to the diversity of family members’ preferences it remains important that family members guide intensive care nurses in their spiritual care.
The Impact of Systolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Pressure, and Their Variability on Diabetes Retinopathy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives To evaluate the effects of variations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 3275 type 2 diabetes patients without DR at Taiwan Lee's United Clinic from 2002 to 2014 were enrolled in the study. The average age of the patients was 65.5 (±12.2) years, and the follow-up period ranged from 3 to 10 years. Blood pressure variability was defined as the standard deviation (SD) of the average blood pressure values over the entire study period and was calculated for each patient. The mean SD for SBP was 11.16, and a SBP ≥ 130 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) was defined as high SBP. Based on these data, patients were divided into four groups as follows: group 1 (G1, mean SBP < 130 mmHg, SD of SBP < 11.16 mmHg), group 2 (G2, mean SBP < 130 mmHg, SD ≥ 11.16 mmHg), group 3 (G3, mean SBP ≥ 130 mmHg, SD of SBP < 11.16 mmHg), and group 4 (G4, mean SBP ≥ 130 mmHg, SD ≥ 11.16 mmHg). Based on a mean PP of 80 mmHg with a pulse pressure SD of 6.53 mmHg, the patients were regrouped into four groups designated G1′-G4′. Results After adjusting for patient age, sex, and disease course, Cox regression showed that the mean and SD of SBP, pulse pressure, and their SDs were risk factors for DR. After stratifying the patients based on the mean and SD of the SBP, we found that the patients in the G4 group had the highest risk of DR (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.980, 95% CI: 1.716~2.285, P < 0.01) and patients in the G1 group had the lowest risk. Patients in the G3 group (HR = 1.409, 95% CI: 1.284~1.546, P < 0.01) had a higher risk of DR compared to those in the G2 group (HR = 1.353, 95% CI: 1.116~1.640, P < 0.01). After the restratification of patients based on the mean and SD of the pulse pressures, it was found that patients in the G2′ group had the highest risk of DR (HR = 2.086, 95% CI: 1.641~2.652, P < 0.01), whilst patients in the G1′ group had the lowest risk. Also, the risk of DR in the G4′ group (HR = 1.507, 95% CI: 1.135~2.000, P < 0.01) was higher than that in the G3′ group (HR = 1.289, 95% CI: 1.181~1.408, P < 0.01). Conclusions Variability in SBP and PP are risk factors for DR in patients with type 2 diabetes. The variability of PP was better able to predict the occurrence of DR than mean pulse pressure.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms and Parental Stress

The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional and behavioral symptoms in minors with neuropsychiatric disorders and on parental stress through a standardized neuropsychological assessment, comparing the data collected before the pandemic with those collected during the lock-down. Another goal of our study was to analyze the relationship between parental stress and behavioral/emotional symptoms in children. Our study was conducted on 383 families of patients who had already been referred at the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno for different neuropsychiatric conditions. All the parents completed two neuropsychological standardized questionnaires for the assessment of parental stress (PSI—Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour CheckList). The data collected during the pandemic were compared with those collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice. The comparison between the mean scores of PSI and CBCL before and after the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales analyzed in the total sample. The correlation analysis showed significant positive relationship between the subscale Total Stress of PSI and the subscales Total Problems and Internalizing Problems of CBCL. Our study suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding measures adopted led to an increase in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorder. Similarly, parental stress increased during COVID-19 and ahigher level of stress in parents can be related to the internalizing symptoms of their children.
Global design optimization strategy of a synchronous reluctance machine for light electric vehicles

Synchronous Reluctance (SynRel) machines are considered a competitive alternative to the induction motors for variable speed drive applications due to their comparable performances and low cost. The absence of rare earth permanent magnets makes them very attractive also in the automotive sector especially for light electric vehicles. The design of SynRel machines has been formalized by many authors in the last three decades but it is still an open challenge since it involves many competitive design objectives and a higher number of geometrical variables compared to other kind of machines. This paper is focused on the joint optimization of both stator and rotor of a SynRel machine with the aim of obtaining the highest torque density with the minimum iron and joule losses as well as smooth torque. The aim is to carry out a machine design that suits best the requirements of a small electric car for urban mobility, i.e. 30 kW with a base speed of 3000 rpm and a maximum speed of 6000 rpm. The proposed optimization strategy is global because it considers a geometry design that takes into account several stator and rotor parameters together. The design method consists in a two steps procedure: in the first stage the torque density and the losses are optimized, while the quality of the torque profile is improved in the second design stage. The results, satisfying the project requirements, are presented and compared to the initial reference machine. Finally a comparison between two design approaches allowing the improvements of the constant power speed range is presented and discussed.
Patterns of genomic and allochronic strain divergence in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Abstract Speciation is the process through which reproductive isolation develops between distinct populations. Because this process takes time, speciation studies often necessarily examine populations within a species that are at various stages of divergence. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is comprised of two strains (R = Rice & C = Corn) that serve as a novel system to explore population divergence in sympatry. Here, we use ddRADSeq data to show that fall armyworm strains in the field are largely genetically distinct, but some interstrain hybridization occurs. Although we detected F1 hybrids of both R‐ and C‐strain maternal origin, only hybrids with R‐strain mtDNA were found to contribute to subsequent generations, possibly indicating a unidirectional barrier to gene flow. Although these strains have been previously defined as “host plant‐associated,” we recovered an equal proportion of R‐ and C‐strain moths in fields dominated by C‐strain host plants. As an alternative to host‐associated divergence, we tested the hypothesis that differences in nightly activity patterns could account for reproductive isolation by genotyping temporally collected moths. Our data indicates that strains exhibit a significant shift in the timing of their nightly activities in the field. This divergence in phenology creates a prezygotic reproductive barrier that likely maintains the genetic isolation between strains. Thus, we conclude that it may be ecologically inaccurate to refer to the C‐ and R‐ strain as “host‐associated” and they should more appropriately be considered “allochronic strains. ”
Adaptive threshold-based classification of sparse high-dimensional data

Abstract: We revisit the problem of designing an efficient binary classifier in a challenging high-dimensional framework. The model under study assumes some local dependence structure among feature variables represented by a block-diagonal covariance matrix with a growing number of blocks of an arbitrary, but fixed size. The blocks correspond to non-overlapping independent groups of strongly correlated features. To assess the relevance of a particular block in predicting the response, we introduce a measure of “signal strength” pertaining to each feature block. This measure is then used to specify a sparse model of our interest. We further propose a threshold-based feature selector which operates as a screen-and-clean scheme integrated into a linear classifier: the data is subject to screening and hard threshold cleaning to filter out the blocks that contain no signals. Asymptotic properties of the proposed classifiers are studied when the sample size n depends on the number of feature blocks b, and the sample size goes to infinity with b at a slower rate than b. The new classifiers, which are fully adaptive to unknown parameters of the model, are shown to perform asymptotically optimally in a large part of the classification region. The numerical study confirms good analytical properties of the new classifiers that compare favorably to the existing threshold-based procedure used in a similar context.
Analysing the Performance of Four Hydrological Models in a Chinese Arid and Semi-Arid Catchment

Frequent flood hazards in the Raoyang River Basin in western Liaoning, China, have posed serious threats to people’s lives and property. In an effort to study the simulation efficiencies of hydrological models in this arid and semi-arid catchment, this study examined the performance of the Xin’anjiang model, the Liaoning unsaturated model, and the DHF model in the Dongbaichengzi station watershed in the upper reaches of the Raoyang River, China. Additionally, this paper proposed an improved DHF model, which considers the impoundment and regulation of small- and medium-sized reservoirs in the upper reaches of the basin. The flood simulation results demonstrated that the Xin’anjiang model was difficult to apply in this area because the average value of its Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) was as low as 0.31. Meanwhile, the simulation efficiencies of the Liaoning unsaturated model and the DHF model were higher than that of the Xin’anjiang model, but the relative error of flood peak discharge and runoff depth for most floods were still high and could not meet the actual forecast requirements by the Reservoir Administration Bureau of Liaoning Province. Overall, the improved DHF model showed the best efficiency, and the mean value of the NSE reached 0.79. Therefore, the improved DHF model has good applicability in the Dongbaichengzi station watershed in the upper reaches of the Raoyang River, China.
The Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose Emerging evidence from animal models suggests that intermittent hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Despite their biological plausibility, human epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to delineate this relationship. Methods We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies from inception until June 6, 2021. Two reviewers selected randomized trials or observational studies reporting the association between OSA and breast cancer incidence compared with those without OSA. Two reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We pooled the maximally covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using a random-effects inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis and performed pre-specified subgroup analyses. Results We included six studies out of 1,707 records, comprising a combined cohort of 5,165,200 patients. All studies used the International Classification of Diseases codes to classify OSA and breast cancer. OSA patients had a 36% increased breast cancer risk (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.80; N = 6, I2 = 96%) compared to those without OSA. Most studies adjusted for confounders, such as age, sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and hypertension. Subgroup analyses for studies with (1) multivariate adjustment and (2) at least five years of follow-up yielded HRs of 1.35 (95% CI, 0.98–1.87; N = 5, I2 = 96%) and 1.57 (95% CI, 1.14–2.18; N = 4; I2 = 90%), respectively. One Mendelian randomization study suggested a causal relationship, with a two-fold increase in the odds of breast cancer in patients with OSA. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that OSA is a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies should explore the dose-response relationship between OSA and breast cancer, and whether treatment may mitigate breast cancer risk or progression.