Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Cerebral Palsy in Pediatric Patients in Northern Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Study

Introduction Cerebral palsy is the most common neurologic disorder of childhood with lifelong implications in majority of patients. Knowledge of the determinants of cerebral palsy is important for accurate mobilization of resources in obstetric, perinatal, and infant care besides implementation of prevention systems. In Ethiopia, however, this knowledge gap exists as there are no published studies on determinants of cerebral palsy in the country. Objective To assess the determinants of cerebral palsy in pediatric patients attending Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital between April 2019 and August 2019. Methods An unmatched case-control study was conducted among 50 pediatric cerebral palsy patients and 100 controls, pediatric patients without cerebral palsy or other motor or central nervous system illnesses, attending Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results Significant factors were operative vaginal delivery (AOR: 9.49, 95% CI: 1.31–68.88), central nervous system infections (AOR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0–0.58), neonatal admissions (AOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.61), and unknown maternal education status (AOR: 18.64, 95% CI: 2.15–161.73). Conclusion Operative vaginal delivery, central nervous system infections in infancy, neonatal hospital admissions, and unknown maternal education status were found to be significant determinants for cerebral palsy. This knowledge aids focused hospital and regional health bureau development and implementation of prevention strategies for cerebral palsy, besides improvement of obstetric and neonatal healthcare services, and provides baseline data to the scientific community for further research.
“What do you think people feel?” Emotional climate during a pandemic: Adaptation and validation of a scale

Our study examined the psychometric properties and factor structure of an instrument to assess emotional climate during the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of 601 Portuguese individuals. Two sub-samples were created, one to perform an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), composed of 300 participants, and the other to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), composed of 301 individuals. Two factors were found: positive and negative emotional climate. In the EFA, both factors established a negative and significant correlation. However, the CFA presented a better fit with two independent factors. Reliability analysis indicated acceptable values for both dimensions. There was also evidence of discriminant, convergent, and criterion validity. More negative emotions were perceived regarding the social climate. Results were discussed in the frame of different positive and negative psychosocial variables related to positive and negative emotional climates, as well as positive emotional climate as a resource for collective resilience.
Association of the Comprehensive ESRD Care Model with Treatment Adherence

Key Points Improving dialysis adherence was a strategic objective of many providers in the Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model. We assessed adherence using the percent of treatments received as-scheduled rate and likelihood a skipped treatment was rescheduled. Adherence was improved among patients aligned to the CEC Model relative to the matched comparison group, but the effect magnitudes were modest. Visual Abstract Background Poor adherence to scheduled dialysis treatments is common and can cause adverse clinical and economic outcomes. In 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation launched the Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model, a novel modification of the Accountable Care Organization framework. Many model participants reported efforts to increase dialysis adherence and promptly reschedule missed treatments. Methods With Medicare databases covering 2014–2019, we used difference-in-differences models to compare treatment adherence among patients aligned to 1037 CEC facilities relative to those aligned to matched comparison facilities, while accounting for their differences at baseline. Using dates of service, we identified patients who typically received three weekly treatments and the days when treatments typically occurred. Skipped treatments were defined as days when the patient was not hospitalized but did not receive an expected treatment, and rescheduled treatments as days when a patient who had skipped their previous treatment received an additional treatment before their next expected treatment date. Results Patients in the CEC Model had higher odds of attending as-scheduled sessions relative to the comparison group, although the effect was only marginally significant (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.04, P=0.08). Effects were stronger among females (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.06, P=0.06) than males (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.04, P=0.49), and among those aged <70 years (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.05, P=0.04) than those aged ≥70 years (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.04, P=0.96). The CEC was associated with higher odds of rescheduled sessions (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.14, P<0.001). Effects were significant for both sexes, but were larger among males (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.18, P<0.001) than females (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.13, P=0.01), and effects were significant among those <70 years (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.17, P<0.001), but not those ≥70 years (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.07, P=0.80). Conclusions The CEC Model is intended to incentivize strategies to prevent costly interventions. Because poor dialysis adherence may precipitate hospitalizations or other adverse events, many CEC Model participants encouraged adherence and promptly rescheduled missed treatments as strategic priorities. This study suggests these efforts were a success, although the absolute magnitudes of the effects were modest.
Transposition and Voltage Unbalance in High Phase Order Power Transmission Systems

Abstract —High phase order systems have been proposed at the early inception of power transmission engineering, but few direct applications have been made. High phase order transmission should be considered as an alternative in the case of high power density applications. In this article, an analysis of transposition of high phase order overhead transmission lines is presented and voltage unbalance in high phase order systems is considered. Definitions are presented for “fully transposed” and “roll transposed” along with advantages and disadvantages of each. A generalized voltage unbalance factor is introduced and utilized to determine the benefits of transposition. The generalized voltage unbalance factor is compared with three other possible unbalance factors to determine if the generalized voltage unbalance factor is an appropriate indication of unbalance. Exemplary results are presented for 6-phase and 12-phase designs. Conclusions show that the generalized voltage unbalance factor is a good indication of transmission line voltage unbalance and certain configurations may not need full rotation transposition to minimize the unbalance factor. The transposition analysis and voltage unbalance are considerations in the assessment of high phase order as a high power transmission alternative.
Application of a numerical model for prediction of moisture migration in stored grain

Variations in ambient temperatures cause safe moisture contents of stored grain to become unsafe due to migration or redistribution of moisture within storage. This study uses a previously developed generalized numerical model of the moisture migration process, which can be used to predict the temperature, moisture, and natural convection air-flow distribution in stored grain. For the weather conditions of St. Paul, Minnesota, this numerical model is used to evaluate the effect of various bin geometries and grain parameters on the moisture migration behavior of stored corn and wheat. These predictions indicate that cooling of grain to 0° C during the fall season can keep grain moistures under stable conditions for the entire year. It also shows that moisture migration occurs in all sizes of bins and it starts developing earlier in the smaller bins.
Protection against Congenital CMV Infection Conferred by MVA-Vectored Subunit Vaccines Extends to a Second Pregnancy after Maternal Challenge with a Heterologous, Novel Strain Variant

Maternal reinfection of immune women with novel human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains acquired during pregnancy can result in symptomatic congenital CMV (cCMV) infection. Novel animal model strategies are needed to explore vaccine-mediated protections against maternal reinfection. To investigate this in the guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) model, a strictly in vivo-passaged workpool of a novel strain, the CIDMTR strain (dose, 1 × 107 pfu) was used to infect dams that had been challenged in a previous pregnancy with the 22122 strain, following either sham-immunization (vector only) or vaccination with MVA-vectored gB, gH/gL, or pentameric complex (PC) vaccines. Maternal DNAemia cleared by day 21 in the glycoprotein-vaccinated dams, but not in the sham-immunized dams. Mean pup birth weights were 72.85 ± 10.2, 80.0 ± 6.9, 81.4 ± 14.1, and 89.38 ± 8.4 g in sham-immunized, gB, gH/gL, and PC groups, respectively (p < 0.01 for control v. PC). Pup mortality in the sham-immunized group was 6/12 (50%), but reduced to 3/35 (8.6%) in combined vaccine groups (p = 0.0048). Vertical CIDMTR transmission occurred in 6/12 pups (50%) in the sham-vaccinated group, compared to 2/34 pups (6%) in the vaccine groups (p = 0.002). We conclude that guinea pigs immunized with vectored vaccines expressing 22122 strain-specific glycoproteins are protected after a reinfection with a novel, heterologous clinical isolate (CIDMTR) in a second pregnancy.
Controlling a gas/odor plume-tracking robot based on transient responses of gas sensors

Gas sensors provide the artificial sense of smell for a mobile robot to track an airborne gas/odor plume and to locate its source. However, a slow response of gas sensors has been the major factor limiting the development of plume-tracking robots. This paper describes a new control algorithm that overcomes the limitation. The basic idea is to detect the onset of a gas sensor response and start recovery by monitoring the relative change in each sensor output. Fast plume tracking is accomplished by making the robot take appropriate actions immediately when the sensor outputs start changing from one state to another. The detection of output change also leads to reliable plume detection and comparison of multiple sensor outputs since it is less affected by drift or sensitivity mismatch than the previous algorithm based on the absolute levels of sensor outputs. Experimental results have shown that the robot can track down a gas source within the distance of 2 m in 30 s even though semiconductor gas sensors with a long recovery time (> 60 s) are used.
Rumen Fermentative Properties of Pregnant West African Dwarf Does Fed Diets Containing Algae Biomass

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding algae biomass rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids at 0%, 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5%, respectively, using Panicum maximum as basal feed, on rumen fermentative properties of pregnant West African Dwarf (WAD) does. A total of twenty (20) pregnant WAD does were grouped into four treatments containing five (5) animals per treatment and randomly allotted to the experimental diets. Rumen fluid were collected prior to mating and at the last trimester of pregnancy for determination of rumen fermentative properties. Data obtained were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Inclusion of algae biomass up to 4.5% had no significant (p>0.05) effect on bacteria population in the rumen of the experimental does. The inclusion levels of algae biomass gave rise to the predominance of Eischeria coli (a gram negative bacterium) in the rumen of pregnant does fed the algae biomass diet. Results obtained showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the values obtained for ammonia nitrogen concentration in the rumen of the pregnant does when compared to the values recorded prior to mating. The total volatile fatty acid production and its molar proportion in the rumen fluid were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the inclusion of algae biomass.
Wireless Sensor Network as a Mesh: Vision and Challenges

Nowadays, network technologies are developing very rapidly. The growing volume of transmitted information (video, data, VoIP, etc.), the physical growth of networks, and inter-network traffic are forcing manufacturers to produce more powerful and "smart" devices that use new methods of transferring and sorting data. Such connected smart devices (IoT) are used in intelligently controlled traffic for self-driving vehicles in Vehicle Adhoc Networks (VANET), in electricity and water in smart cities, and in-home automation in smart homes. These types of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices are used to leverage different types of network structures. Such IoT sensor devices can be deployed as a wireless sensor network (WSN) in a mesh topology. Both WSNs and Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are easy to organize as well as to deploy. In this case, there are many reasons for combining these different types of networks. In particular, the detailed sensory capabilities of sensor networks may be improved by increasing bandwidth, reliability and power consumption in the mesh topology. However, there are currently only a handful of studies devoting to integrate these two different types of networks. In addition, there is no systematic review of existing interconnection methods. That is why in this article we explore the existing methods of these two networks and provide an analytical basis for their relationship. We introduce the definition of WSN and WMN and then look at some case studies. Afterward, we present several challenges and opportunities in the area of combined Wireless Mesh Sensor Network (WMSN) followed by a discussion on this interconnection through literature review and hope that this document will attract the attention of the community and inspire further research in this direction.
The Integration of Experimental and Simulation Data in the Study of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Systems Including Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction

The seismic response of reinforced concrete bridges must include consideration of the whole system including soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI). Simulation models validated against the results of experimental tests are required to provide an accurate prediction of the bridge system response. Performance-based engineering necessitates large-scale parameter studies of these simulation models to quantify the demand for varying levels of seismic hazard. The goal of this research is to characterize the SFSI effects for a range of hazard levels by using calibrated models from the experimental tests. Two projects administered by the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) have facilitated the study of this system effect through the collaboration of researchers within the earthquake engineering community. Shaking table tests of both a two-span and a four-span bridge at 1/4-scale were conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno. Nonlinear dynamic analyses of three-dimensional finite element models performed using OpenSees were evaluated based on the experimental test results. For the two-span bridge, the simulation model matches well both the global and local response until the onset of failure. The highly nonlinear pounding at the abutments and complicated test protocol of the four-span bridge produces less agreement in the simulation results. A simulation model for the prototype bridge system incorporates the influence of the abutments, drilled shaft foundations, and site response effects. The cyclic response of the soil at the abutments is calibrated using results from full-scale tests. P-y, t-z, and q-z springs model the inertial interaction between the soil and pile foundations. A total of 1280 site response analyses are computed at four locations along the bridge for two soil profiles using SHAKE to obtain the free-field motions at the location of each soil spring. Large-scale parameter studies of four prototype bridge models with and without the SFSI effect were conducted in parallel on a supercomputer using the multiple-interpreter capability of OpenSees. The response is determined for a suite of 80 ground motions of varying magnitude and distance from the fault. Linear regressions of the simulation results produce demand models that elucidate the effect of SFSI for both the global and local response. The demand models demonstrate that the SFSI effect is significant for the prototype bridge system and should be considered.
Can the Dynamic External Pelvimetry Test in Late Pregnancy Reveal Obstructed and Prolonged Labor? Results From a Pilot Study

Background The size and mobility of the maternal pelvic space are fundamental factors in successful childbirth and can allow operators to screen for dystocia. This pilot study including a group of 70 pregnant women aimed to test whether the external dynamic pelvimetry test can be used to predict the likelihood of obstructed labor. Methodology The study cohort consisted of 70 pregnant women in their third trimester. The cohort was divided retrospectively into an obstructed labor group and a control group. Obstructed labor was defined using the following obstetric outcomes: augmentation with oxytocin from the first phase of the dilating period, Kristeller’s maneuvers, vacuum extractor (kiwi), forceps, and the cesarean section following the onset of labor. Results The measurements obtained for the longitudinal hemi-diameter of Michaelis, the inter-tuberous diameter, and the base of the Trillat’s triangle were statistically significant in every position. The difference in the measurements of the transverse diameter of Michaelis between standing and hands-and-knees position and the difference in the sizes of the bi-cristal diameter between hands-and-knees and squatting position were statistically significant. Conclusions Dimension and biomechanical properties of the pelvic tissue and spaces influence the evolutionary childbirth process. After clinical confirmation on a large population, hypomobility of specified external pelvic diameters measured in shifting positions can become a screening tool to detect the contracted pelvis and prevent damage caused by dystocia and prolonged labor in women and newborns.
Ischemic Vaso-occlusive Retinopathy as Initial Presentation in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report

Ischemic vaso-occlusive retinopathy as an initial manifestation is rare in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE). A 13-year-old girl presented with two months’ history of papules and crusts with fatigue, weight loss, and abrupt hair loss. Pancytopenia and findings compatible with SLE, including positive direct Coombs’ test, antinuclear antibody (Ab), anti-double stranded DNA Ab, anti-Smith Ab, anti-ribonucleoprotein Ab, lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2 glycoprotein Immunoglobulin G, and anti-cardiolipin Ab, were detected. Bi-nasal hemianopsia was detected. Initial visual acuity was hand motion in the right eye and 15/20 in the left. Fundoscopy showed massive exudation around the optic disc with macular edema, vascular sheathing with perivascular hemorrhage in the whole retina, and ghost vessels in the peripheral retina. Intravitreal triamcinolone injection and dexamethasone implant injection were administered. Visual symptoms improved but did not recover. Methylprednisolone therapy and photocoagulation improved visual acuity and fever. Early intervention for retinopathy in pSLE can help prevent vision-loss.
Incorporating Setup Effects into the Reliability Analysis of Driven Piles

Driven-pile setup is referred to a phenomenon in which the bearing capacity of driven piles increases with time after the end of driving (EOD). The setup effect can significantly improve the bearing capacity (ultimate resistance) of driven piles after initial installation, especially the ultimate shaft resistance. Based on the reliability theory and considering the setup effects of driven piles, this article presents an increase factor (Msetup) for the ultimate resistance of driven piles to modify the reliability index calculation formula. At the same time, the correlation between R0 and Rsetup is comprehensively considered in the reliability index calculation. Next, the uncertainty analysis of load and resistance is conducted to determine the ranges of relevant parameters. Meanwhile, the influence of four critical parameters (factor of safety FOS, the ratio of dead load to live load ρ = QD/QL, Msetup, the correlation coefficient between R0 and Rsetup, and ρR0,Rsetup) on reliability index are analyzed. This parametric study indicates that ρ has a slight influence on the reliability index. However, the reliability index is significantly influenced by FOS, Msetup, and ρR0,Rsetup. Finally, by comparisons with the existing results, it is concluded that the formula proposed in this study is reasonable, and more uncertainties are considered to make the calculated reliability index closer to a practical engineering application. The presented formula clearly expresses the incorporation of the pile setup effect into reliability index calculation, and it is conducive to improving the prediction accuracy of the design capacity of driven piles. Therefore, the reliability analysis of driven piles considering setup effects will present a theoretical basis for the application of driven piles in engineering practice.
Earnings management determinants: A study of Egyptian listed firm characteristics post the Egyptian revolution

This research aims to look at how firm characteristics and audit quality can affect the earning management practices in the Egyptian context, within the period of 2011–2019. This period was after the Egyptian revolution and has not been well investigated in Egypt, especially after the new release of corporate governance rules for listing firms. A sample of 157 non-financial listed companies in the Egyptian stock exchange is selected for achieving the research objective through analysing their financial reports. The panel least squares, using the fixed-effect model, is used to test the hypotheses and investigate the relationship between discretional accruals and firm characteristics, where the dependent variable is the earnings management, measured by the discretionary accruals and the independent variables are the firm characteristics (size, financial leverage, age, survival and audit quality). The results illustrate that the relationship between a firm’s financial leverage and earnings management is positive. This study may help the firms to control their financial leverage for avoiding any earnings management practice. The stakeholders should notice such significant firm characteristics in making their own decisions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which may expectedly increase the firm financial leverage, and in turn, some earning management practices can be used intentionally to hide the bad firm performance