Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caregiving Self-efficacy and Knowledge Regarding Patient Positioning Among Malaysian Caregivers of Stroke Patients

Background Most family caregivers of stroke patients in Malaysia do not receive adequate prior preparation or training. This study aimed to determine levels of patient positioning knowledge and caregiving self-efficacy among caregivers of stroke patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban teaching hospital involving 128 caregivers of stroke patients. The caregivers were conveniently sampled and completed the data collection forms, which comprised their socio-demographic data, patients’ functional status, the Caregiving Knowledge For Stroke Questionnaire: Patient Positioning (CKQ-My© Patient Positioning) to measure caregiver’s knowledge on patient positioning, and the Family Caregiver Activation Tool (FCAT©) to measure caregivers’ self-efficacy in managing the patient. Descriptive and multivariate inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Results Among the caregivers sampled, 87.3% had poor knowledge of positioning (mean score 14.9 ± 4.32). The mean score for FCAT was 49.7 ± 6.0 from a scale of 10 to 60. There was no significant association between knowledge on positioning and self-efficacy. Multiple linear regression showed that caregivers’ age (B = 0.146, p = 0.003) and caregiver training (B = 3.302, p = 0.007) were independently associated with caregivers’ self-efficacy. Conclusion Caregivers’ knowledge on the positioning of stroke patients was poor, despite a fairly good level of self-efficacy. Older caregivers and receiving caregiver training were independently associated with better caregiver self-efficacy. This supports the provision of caregiver training to improve caregiver self-efficacy.
Production Large Array of Cytokines by Mouse Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Hepatitis C Virus Pseudo-particles

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins (GPs) displayed on retroviral cores (HCVpp) are a powerful and highly versatile model system to investigate wild-type HCV entry and to study some steps of its life cycle. Dendritic cells (DC), the most potent antigen presenting cells (APC) found at trace levels in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues, are required for the priming of naive T lymphocytes. In the present study, we have analyzed different pattern of cytokines secreted by bone-marrow derived dendritic cells from BALB/c mice pulsed with pseudo particles from the hepatitis C virus. As earlier shown, in vitro pulsation with HCVpp successfully activated bone-marrow derived DC and, up regulation of MHCII, CD 86 and CCR-7 was demonstrated by FACS analysis. We now demonstrate that in vitro pulsation of DC with HCVpp elicited significantly higher secretion of DC cytokines including: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, interferon-α (INF-α), interferon-γ (INF-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but not IL-2, and IL-6. The presented data showed a significant highest production of cytokines, that plays a role in the impairment of DC function after HCV infection.
A New Fuzzy MARCOS Method for Road Traffic Risk Analysis

In this paper, a new fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model for traffic risk assessment was developed. A part of a main road network of 7.4 km with a total of 38 Sections was analyzed with the aim of determining the degree of risk on them. For that purpose, a fuzzy Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the COmpromise Solution (fuzzy MARCOS) method was developed. In addition, a new fuzzy linguistic scale quantified into triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) was developed. The fuzzy PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment—fuzzy PIPRECIA method—was used to determine the criteria weights on the basis of which the road network sections were evaluated. The results clearly show that there is a dominant section with the highest risk for all road participants, which requires corrective actions. In order to validate the results, a comprehensive validity test was created consisting of variations in the significance of model input parameters, testing the influence of dynamic factors—of reverse rank, and applying the fuzzy Simple Additive Weighing (fuzzy SAW) method and the fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (fuzzy TOPSIS). The validation test show the stability of the results obtained and the justification for the development of the proposed model.
The assessment of erosion in Aoulai watershed (central Rif mountains, Morocco) based on the PAP-RAC guidelines application

The land in the Aoulai watershed in the Rif mountain area of northern Morocco has been deteriorating continually due to several different forms of erosion. The Aoulai watershed is essentially characterized by the domination of weak resistance of the rocky formations and its sensitiveness to other major internal factors that result in a conspicuous impetus for both mass movements and water erosion.Water erosion is seen as the most damaging phenomenon for nature in northern Morocco because it acts as an obstacle to the natural balances and seems to have greater effect on the slopes, through the influence of both human and natural factors. To assess and examine the erosion phenomenon, we have chosen to conduct a qualitative assessment of water erosion in the Aoulai watershed using the PAP-RAC (Priority Actions Programme/Regional Activity Centre) Guidelines. This is the methodology that is most widely applied and implemented both for determining and identifying the areas at risk of erosion and for supporting projects to reduce the degradation that has become a major threat to hydraulic structures including dams, irrigation pipes and other infrastructure elements, which are damaged by the erosion phenomenon in the Central Rif mountains of northern Morocco.
Responses of green algae and diatom upon exposure to chromium and cadmium

Recently, an increase in the concentration of trace metals (e.g. chromium, zinc, copper) in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs caused by anthropogenic activities has been a concern. Although trace metals (e.g. Cu, Ni, Zn) at low concentrations are essential to the life and growth of organisms, at critical concentrations these metals have been demonstrated to cause harmful effects on the ecosystem and human health [1, 2].
Secrecy Rate Maximization via Radio Resource Allocation in Cellular Underlaying V2V Communications

In device-to-device (D2D) underlaying vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, radio resource blocks (RBs) are allocated to primary cellular users, which yields sub-optimal rates and a long access latency for secondary D2D-enabled vehicles. This work investigates a joint radio resource and power management (RRPM) problem for secure cellular underlaying V2V communications, where cellular users and vehicles have the same priority, giving vehicles more opportunities to access the RBs. Specifically, we aim to maximize secrecy rates of V2V channels under the condition that eavesdropper has an adaptive receiving detection vector to maximize the received signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) from vehicles. For a single pair of a vehicle and a cellular user, the closed-form optimal power allocation expressions are derived for the interference-limited scenario and the noise-limited scenario, respectively. Moreover, for multiple pairs of vehicles and cellular users, a 3-partite hypergraph based 3-dimensional matching approach is proposed to solve a mixed-integer and non-convex problem, which achieves a near-optimal result with an $O(n^4)$ time complexity. Simulations in different scenarios show that the secrecy rate of the proposed scheme can be improved by 50% if compared to existing schemes.
Goal-Oriented Error Estimation for the Method of Moments to Compute Antenna Impedance

A posteriori error estimators typically approximate the locally measured error in a numerical solution. These error distributions can be used to drive adaptive mesh refinement algorithms. Goal-oriented error estimation is concerned with deriving error estimates for chosen goal quantities, based on solving dual (adjoint) problems. A goal-oriented error estimator is formulated for the electric field integral equation (EFIE)-based method of moments (MoM), for computation of antenna array multiport impedance parameters. Estimated error distributions are presented and used to drive a single $h$-refinement cycle. Performance is assessed against uniformly refined reference results. It is demonstrated that the scheme can significantly increase the efficiency of the MoM for computing the goal quantities. The estimator can be formulated for other goals, such as observed electromagnetic fields.
The Governance Approach of Smart City Initiatives. Evidence from Trondheim, Bergen, and Bodø

A pragmatic and polity-focused solution for governing a smart city in the direction of sustainability is still missing in theory and practice. A debate about whether a smart city is a pragmatic solution for modern challenges or just a technology-led urban utopia is entangled with the vexed issue of governance. While ‘smart governance’ has drawn unprecedented interest, the combination of its conceptual vagueness and broad applications couple with a lack of focus on its underlying international and local political paradigms have raised concerns about its utility. This study contributes to restoring attention to the original concept of governance, its differences with governing and government, and the potential challenges resulting from its functionality in its real, multi-layered, and complex contexts. This paper explores the intellectual connection between governance and smart cities, from both an empirical and a conceptual/analytical perspective. From the empirical side, we examine which actors, processes, and relational mechanisms at different levels that have had an impact on the initiation of smart cities in three Norwegian cities: Trondheim, Bergen, and Bodø. We illustrate how the structural sources of the interests, roles, and power in smart city initiatives have caused governance to emerge and change, but have also affected the goals designed by specific actors.
Insatisfacción corporal y calidad de vida : contribución a la ocurrencia de conductas alimentarias anómalas en administrativos hospitalarios.

The purpose of this study involved assessing the predictive capacity of the body mass index (BMI), body image, positive and negative affect, attitudes toward obese individuals and quality of life (QL) related to the anomalous eating behaviors of administrative personnel of Mexico City’s health sector; aside from knowing gender differences and BMI in study variables. A total of 181 administrative employees took part in the study, divided according to their BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese) who filled out a personal data sheet and self-report questionnaires. Findings of this study indicate that body dissatisfac- tion, along with the perception of vitality and physical well-being may partially explain the presence of the anomalous eating behaviors that promotes excessive weight gain. Additionally, significant differences in positive affect were observed between sexes, aside from differences between the obese and normal weight groups regarding body dissatisfaction, negative affect, physical performance, physical role and social performance.
A study of serum zinc levels among children with seizures in comparison with febrile children without seizures

Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the brain. One of every ten people will have at least one epileptic seizure during a normal lifespan, and a third of these will develop epilepsy. Worldwide, epilepsy affects 50 million people. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) survey, epilepsy accounts for 1% of the global burden of disease, a figure equivalent to breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men.
Adverse drug reactions and treatment outcome analysis in multidrug resistant tuberculosis patients at a DOTS plus site

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) requires treatment with expensive, toxic, anti-tubercular drugs over a longer duration. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) to second line anti tubercular drugs affect compliance and hence treatment outcome. The primary objective of this study was to analyse ADRs and if these resulted in change or permanent suspension of drug. We also analysed treatment outcome, treatment adherence and co morbidities associated with MDR patients. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at DOTS plus site in department of Pulmonary Medicine, Goa Medical College on registered MDR cases from November 2011 to October 2016. Socio demographic profile, diagnosis, treatment and ADRs were evaluated, ADRs were evaluated for frequency, causative drugs, management aspect and impact on treatment outcome. Results: Out of 201 MDR cases, 99 cases had 167 ADRs. Majority of patients having ADRs were in age group of 3050 years with mean±standard deviation 36.82±14.47, 59 (59.59%) males and 40 (40.40%) females, 92 (92.92%) retreatment cases and 7 (7.07%) newly diagnosed. Majority of ADRs were vomiting 31(18.56%), joint pain 31 (18.56%), gastritis 21 (12.57%), hearing impairment 16 (9.58%), numbness in leg 14 (8.38%), depression 12 (7.18%). Treatment outcome of cases with ADR was cured 45 (45.45%), treatment completed16 (16.16%), progressed to XDR 6 (6.06%), transferred out 5 (5.05%), defaulter 14 (14.14%), death 13 (13.13%). Conclusions: It is very important to recognise at the earliest and treat the ADRs with least modification of the treatment regimen to have a good treatment outcome.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF ELECTROSPUN POLYVINYL BUTYRAL/Fe2O3 NANOFIBROUS MEMBRANES

In this contribution, magnetic Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully incorporated into the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nanofibrous membranes using the electrospinning process. The effects of the MNP concentration on the morphology of the nanofibres and their magnetic properties were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed their concentration-dependent, yet uniform diameter, and the presence of well-embedded MNPs inside the PVB nanofibres. The magnetic properties of the PVB/MNP membranes were studied using the vibrating-sample magnetometry. The saturation magnetization increased from 6.4 to 45.5 emu/g as the MNP concentration in the feedstock solution increased from 1 to 15 wt%. The fabricated PVB/MNP nanofibrous membranes possessed the ability to respond to the external magnetic fields, which determines their potential in the development of the advanced smart textiles.
Reduced genetic diversity and isolation of remnant ocelot populations occupying a severely fragmented landscape in southern Texas

The ocelot Leopardus pardalis has become a conservation priority in the US as a result of severe population decline and loss of habitat during the 20th century. Only two small populations remain in this country. Their short‐term viability is threatened by the disappearance of dense thornshrub communities, human‐caused mortality and demographic stochasticity. The influence these factors have on ocelot persistence must be considered to develop effective conservation initiatives. We therefore examined neutral genetic diversity and connectivity among ocelots in the US and northeastern Mexico using 25 autosomal microsatellites and a 395‐bp segment of the mitochondrial control region. Genetic variation was lowest in the population occurring on Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Texas (autosomal microsatellite HE=0.399 and mtDNA‐haplotype diversity=0) and highest in northeastern Mexico (0.637 and 0.73, respectively), while intermediate on private lands in Willacy County, Texas (0.553 and 0.252, respectively). Significant genetic differentiation between the two Texas populations was observed, despite their close proximity (∼30 km). Both populations were also significantly divergent from northeastern Mexico. The absence of any detectable gene flow implies that the human modified landscape of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas acts as a strong barrier to ocelot movement, disrupting metapopulation dynamics and contributing to loss of diversity. As a consequence, continued genetic erosion among the Texas populations is expected. The lack of movement through the fragmented landscape also suggests it is unlikely ocelots will recolonize unoccupied habitat patches along the Lower Rio Grande and the delta interior where agriculture and urban land uses predominate. The continued rapid development will exacerbate this problem. These factors threaten the persistence of the Texas populations and limit their recovery. Translocations are necessary to link ocelot populations in the US.
Analysis of haematological abnormalities observed in dogs infected by a large Babesia.

The aim of presented study was a statistical analysis of haematological abnormalities in cases of canine babesiosis, especially according to age and breed of animals. Data submitted to analysis consisted of 350 haematological results from dogs that were diagnosed as Babesia positive, based on May-Grunwald-Giemsa stained blood smears. Haematology tests (erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters) were performed on automated analyser. Haematological parameters that showed abnormalities were submitted to the statistical analysis with the group division based on animals’ age and breed. It was found that the most significant haematological abnormality in the course of babesiosis is thrombocytopoenia, less severe abnormalities included anaemia, leukopoenias (both neutropoenia and lymphopoenia), moreover bior pancytopoenia were noted more seldom. Additionally, significant differences of PCV value between the group of young animals and both groups of adult and old animals were observed, and also in case of WBC value significant difference between German shepherds and mongrels were noted.
Investigation on Stranski–Krastanow (SK) Growth Mode of Ag Coating in Cu/Ag Core-Shell Composites

Cu/Ag core-shell composite was synthesized by the replacement-reduction method and was applied to the catalytic field. The specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The growth mechanism was investigated by the first-principles calculation, including the density of states, Mulliken population, and electronic structures. By comparing the calculation and characterization, it is concluded that the difference in interfacial properties leads to the growth of silver on the copper surface in the Stranski–Krastanow (SK) mode.
SICOPOLIS-AD v1: an open-source adjoint modeling framework for ice sheet simulation enabled by the algorithmic differentiation tool OpenAD

Abstract. We present a new capability of the ice sheet model SICOPOLIS that enables flexible adjoint code generation via source transformation using the open-source algorithmic differentiation (AD) tool OpenAD. The adjoint code enables efficient calculation of the sensitivities of a scalar-valued objective function or quantity of interest (QoI) to a range of important, often spatially varying and uncertain model input variables, including initial and boundary conditions, as well as model parameters. Compared to earlier work on the adjoint code generation of SICOPOLIS, our work makes several important advances: (i) it is embedded within the up-to-date trunk of the SICOPOLIS repository – accounting for 1.5 decades of code development and improvements – and is readily available to the wider community; (ii) the AD tool used, OpenAD, is an open-source tool; (iii) the adjoint code developed is applicable to both Greenland and Antarctica, including grounded ice as well as floating ice shelves, with an extended choice of thermodynamical representations. A number of code refactorization steps were required. They are discussed in detail in an Appendix as they hold lessons for the application of AD to legacy codes at large. As an example application, we examine the sensitivity of the total Antarctic Ice Sheet volume to changes in initial ice thickness, austral summer precipitation, and basal and surface temperatures across the ice sheet. Simulations of Antarctica with floating ice shelves show that over 100 years of simulation the sensitivity of total ice sheet volume to the initial ice thickness and precipitation is almost uniformly positive, while the sensitivities to surface and basal temperature are almost uniformly negative. Sensitivity to austral summer precipitation is largest on floating ice shelves from Queen Maud to Queen Mary Land. The largest sensitivity to initial ice thickness is at outlet glaciers around Antarctica. Comparison between total ice sheet volume sensitivities to surface and basal temperature shows that surface temperature sensitivities are higher broadly across the floating ice shelves, while basal temperature sensitivities are highest at the grounding lines of floating ice shelves and outlet glaciers. A uniformly perturbed region of East Antarctica reveals that, among the four control variables tested here, total ice sheet volume is the most sensitive to variations in austral summer precipitation as formulated in SICOPOLIS. Comparison between adjoint- and finite-difference-derived sensitivities shows good agreement, lending confidence that the AD tool is producing correct adjoint code. The new modeling infrastructure is freely available at http://www.sicopolis. net (last access: 2 April 2020) under the development trunk.
Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) movement and demography at Dilman Meadow: Implications for future monitoring

From 2001 to 2005, we studied the demography and seasonal movement of Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) translocated into created ponds in Dilman Meadow in central Oregon. Our objectives were to inform future monitoring and management at the site, and to elucidate poorly known aspects of the species’ population ecology. Movement rates revealed complementary use of sites seasonally, with one small spring being preferred during winter that was rarely used during the rest of the year. Growth rates were significantly higher in ponds that were not used for breeding, and larger size resulted in significantly higher survival. When variation in survival by size was accounted for there was little variation among ponds in survival. Seasonal estimates of survival were lowest for males during the breeding/post-breeding redistribution period, suggesting a high cost of breeding for males. Overwintering survival for both genders was relatively high. Our study supports others in suggesting Oregon spotted frogs are specific in their overwintering habitat requirements, and that predator-free springs may be of particular value. We suggest that any future monitoring include measures of the rate of pond succession. Demographic monitoring should include metrics of both frog reproduction and survival: counts of egg masses at all ponds during spring, and capture-recapture study of survival in mid and late summer when capture rates are highest. Additional study of early life stages would be particularly useful to broaden our understanding of the species’ ecology. Specifically, adding intensive capture and marking effort after larval transformation in fall would enable a full understanding of the annual life cycle. Complete study of the annual life cycle is needed to isolate the life stages and mechanisms through which Oregon spotted frogs are affected by stressors such as nonnative predators. Dilman Meadow, which lacks many hypothesized stressors, is an important reference for isolating the life stages most responsive to management elsewhere in the species’ range. Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) Movement and Demography at Dilman Meadow: Implications for Future Monitoring By Nathan D. Chelgren, Christopher A. Pearl, Jay Bowerman, and Michael J. Adams