Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cytomorphometric Image Analysis in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Introduction Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays a vital role in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, it is challenging due to the heterogeneity of thyroid nodules, overlapping cytomorphological features, and interobserver variability. Cytomorphometric analysis turns subjective observations into quantitative values. In this study, we performed cytomorphometric image analysis on cytological smears of thyroid nodules, classified according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of Papanicolaou (PAP) and Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stained fine needle aspirate smears from 50 patients with thyroid nodules with available follow-up histopathology was performed for a period of two years (March 2021 - March 2023), after obtaining approval from the institutional human ethical committee (IHEC-LOP/2020/IM0355). The nodules were categorized according to TBSRTC and were then subjected to cytomorphometric image analysis. Each nucleus was analyzed for 14 parameters, including aspect ratio, intensity, diameter, perimeter, roundness, area, fractal dimension, feret diameter, circularity, radii, fournier description, and chromatin texture parameters such as heterogeneity and clumpiness. The data obtained was analyzed through relevant statistical methods using SPSS version 23 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York) and was compared by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and post hoc test. Results Our results revealed that cytomorphometric image analysis not only distinguishes benign and malignant thyroid nodules but also can aid in categorizing thyroid nodules with predominant follicular patterns, such as follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma (p<0.001). Conclusions Morphometric analysis of cytological smears combined with cytomorphology has the potential to be an important tool in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. It can improve diagnostic accuracy for better treatment and improved prognosis.
Characterization of Porcine Ocular Surface Epithelial Microenvironment

The porcine ocular surface is used as a model of the human ocular surface; however, a detailed characterization of the porcine ocular surface has not been documented. This is due, in part, to the scarcity of antibodies produced specifically against the porcine ocular surface cell types or structures. We performed a histological and immunohistochemical investigation on frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ocular surface tissue from domestic pigs using a panel of 41 different antibodies related to epithelial progenitor/differentiation phenotypes, extracellular matrix and associated molecules, and various niche cell types. Our observations suggested that the Bowman’s layer is not evident in the cornea; the deep invaginations of the limbal epithelium in the limbal zone are analogous to the limbal interpalisade crypts of human limbal tissue; and the presence of goblet cells in the bulbar conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the epithelial progenitor markers cytokeratin (CK)15, CK14, p63α, and P-cadherin were expressed in both the limbal and conjunctival basal epithelium, whereas the basal cells of the limbal and conjunctival epithelium did not stain for CK3, CK12, E-cadherin, and CK13. Antibodies detecting marker proteins related to the extracellular matrix (collagen IV, Tenascin-C), cell–matrix adhesion (β-dystroglycan, integrin α3 and α6), mesenchymal cells (vimentin, CD90, CD44), neurons (neurofilament), immune cells (HLA-ABC; HLA-DR, CD1, CD4, CD14), vasculature (von Willebrand factor), and melanocytes (SRY-homeobox-10, human melanoma black-45, Tyrosinase) on the normal human ocular surface demonstrated similar immunoreactivity on the normal porcine ocular surface. Only a few antibodies (directed against N-cadherin, fibronectin, agrin, laminin α3 and α5, melan-A) appeared unreactive on porcine tissues. Our findings characterize the main immunohistochemical properties of the porcine ocular surface and provide a morphological and immunohistochemical basis useful to research using porcine models. Furthermore, the analyzed porcine ocular structures are similar to those of humans, confirming the potential usefulness of pig eyes to study ocular surface physiology and pathophysiology.
Quadratic smoothing approximation to $l_1$ exact penalty function in global optimization

In this paper, a new quadratic smoothing approximation to the $l_1$ exact penalty function is proposed. It is shown that under certain conditions, if there exists a global minimizer of the original constrained optimization problem in the ''interior'' of the feasible set of the original constrained optimization problem, then any global minimizer of the smoothed penalty problem is a global minimizer of the original constrained optimization problem when the penalty parameter is sufficiently large; and if the feasible region of the original constrained optimization problem is ''robust'', then any global minimizer of the smoothed penalty problem is a feasible approximate global minimizer of the original constrained optimization problem when the penalty parameter is sufficiently large, and the precision of the approximation can be set in advance. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate that constrained optimization problems can be well solved by the present smoothing scheme.
Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and in-hospital outcome among patients with Covid-19 in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background We described the demographic/clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcome of patients with COVID-19 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) during the first wave to inform evidence-based responses during subsequent waves in Africa. Methodology We conducted retrospective cohort analyses of adult patients ≥18 years with PCR or GeneXpert-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data was extracted from patients' medical records from 1st May to 30th September 2020. Based on disease severity, patients were either hospitalized (82) or managed at home (90). Logistic regression and cox-proportional hazard models were used to determine predictors of severe COVID-19 disease and in-hospital mortality, respectively. Results Of 172 cases, 113 (65.7%) were males, and the mean age was 45 ± 19 years. The majority were urban dwellers (72.1%), 19.8% had a positive history of contact with a confirmed/suspected case, 15.7% were healthcare workers while 68 (39.5%) had co-morbidities. Symptomatic patients comprised 73.3% of cases. Fever (p=0.02) and breathlessness (p=0.03) were commoner in males while diarrhoea (p<0.01) was predominant in females. On multivariate analysis, severe COVID-19 was predicted by the presence of co-morbidity (AOR= 14.44, 95% C.I= 4.79- 43.58, p <0.001)and prior antibiotic/antimalarial use (AOR= 6.35, 95% C.I= 2.24- 18.05, p =0.001) while being a non-healthcare worker (AOR= 0.18, 95% C.I= 0.04–0.78, p=0.02) was protective. However, none of the variables assessed predicted in-hospital mortality. Conclusion Our findings underscore the contributions of demographic variables in COVID-19 transmission and gender differences in clinical presentation. Underlying comorbidity likewise prior antimicrobial use increased the likelihood of severe COVID-19. The absence of mortality predictors in our study may be related to the relatively small number of deaths. Further studies are recommended to unravel the predominance of severe disease in healthcare workers.
Weed Management in Spring Sugarcane Based Intercropping Systems

Weed density and weed dry matter reduced significantly due to different weed control measures. Cane yield increased significantly with all the measures over weedy check and was highest under weed-free conditions though it was at par with manual hoeing 20, 40, 60 DAP and at harvest of intercrops. Cowpea was most effective in smothering weeds followed by greengram and blackgram. Cowpea, blackgram and greengram reduced cane yield by 5.2, 10.4 and 8.4%, respectively. Sugarcane+cowpea gave highest mean cane equivalent yield of 108.4 t ha−1 with net return of Rs. 68684 and B: C ratio of 2.24 as against 77 t ha−1, Rs. 43264 and 1.44 with sole sugarcane. CEY and net return also followed the same trend. Atrazine greatly hampered the emergence of the intercrops.
Critical consciousness in engineering education: going beyond critical thinking in mathematical modeling

ABSTRACT An educational praxis that is concerned with citizen formation ought to aim at the development of critical consciousness and critical thinking, but little research has addressed the dynamics of critical consciousness in mathematical modeling activities. This study aims to characterise and understand the manifestation of critical thinking and critical mathematical consciousness in the modeling process and approach the relationship between both. That said, we conducted qualitative research with engineering students who produced mathematical models involving differential equations. We found that critical mathematical consciousness and critical thinking show variations, as there is a greater occurrence of critical thinking to the detriment of critical consciousness. We conclude this study by presenting some implications for critical mathematical consciousness.
Correlates of age at first birth among women in Ethiopia: use of multilevel survival analysis models

Introduction the timing of birth of the first child has a direct relationship with fertility in general and health and future career including further education of a mother in particular. The objective of this study was to identify factors significantly associated with the time to the first birth among women in Ethiopia. Methods a cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The study subjects were married women and men aged 15 to 49 in randomly selected households across Ethiopia and two stage stratified random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Log logistic-Gamma shared frailty model was used to identify factors associated with the length of time spent until the first birth. Results the median age at first birth for women living in Ethiopia was 20 years, whereas the minimum and maximum ages at first birth were 11 and 49 years respectively. Age at first sex, age at first cohabitation, sex of household head, place of residence, religion, education level, contraceptive use and exposure to media were significant correlates of age at first birth of women in Ethiopia. Higher level of education was associated with increased age at first birth. Women who use contraceptive, women living in urban areas, women having exposure to media and female headed households had longer time to first birth compared to their counterparts. Conclusion the different regions of Ethiopia have significant differences in the age of women during their first birth. Most of the factors associated with the time to first child in this study were related to education of women. Investing in education and educating women plays critical roles in regulating fertility of a nation and health of women.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the flea Hystrichopsylla weida qinlingensis (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsylla)

Abstract The complete mitogenome sequence of the flea, Hystrichopsylla weida qinlingensis (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsylla) was sequenced. The 17,173 bp long genome has the standard metazoan complement of 37 genes. These genes contain 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region. The nucleotide composition of the H. weida qinlingensis mitogenome was A: 39.10%, T: 41.49%, G:7.56%, and C: 11.85%. The A + T content is 80.59%, showing strong AT bias. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Hystrichopsylla has a close affinity with a branch of Dorcadia.
Higher dimensional theories in physics, following the Kaluza model of unification

This thesis traces the origins and evolution of higher dimensional models in physics, with particular reference to the five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein unification. It includes the motivation needed, and the increasing status and significance of the multidimensional description of reality for the 1990's. The differing conceptualisations are analysed, from the mathematical, via Kasner's embedding dimensions and Schrodinger's waves, to the high status of Kaluza-Klein dimensions in physics today. This includes the use of models, and the metaphysical interpretations needed to translate the mathematics. The main area of original research is the unpublished manuscripts and letters of Theodor Kaiuza, some Einstein letters, further memoirs from his son Theodor Kaiuza Junior and from some of his original students. Unpublished material from Helsinki concerns the Finnish physicist Nordstrom, the real originator of the idea that 'forces' in 4-dimensional spacetime might arise from gravity in higher dimensions. The work of the Swedish physicist Oskar Klein and the reactions of de Broglie and Einstein initiated the Kaluza-Klein connection which is traced through fifty years of neglect to its re-entry into mainstream physics. The cosmological significance and conceptualisation through analogue models is charted by personal correspondence with key scientists across a range of theoretical physics, involving the use of aesthetic criteria where there is no direct physical verification. Qualitative models implicitly indicating multidimensions are identified in the paradoxes and enigmas of existing physics, in Quantum Mechanics and the singularities in General Relativity. The Kaluza-Klein philosophy brings this wide range of models together in the late 1980's via supergravity, superstrings and supermanifolds. This new multidimensional paradigm wave is seen to produce a coherent and consistent metaphysics, a new perspective on reality. It may also have immense potential significance for philosophy and theology. The thesis concludes with the reality question, "Are we a four-dimensional projection of a deeper reality of many, even infinite, dimensions? "
Association of human papillomavirus (HPV), p16, p53 and p63 expression with non-bilharzia-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder and algorithm construction for histopathological grading prediction

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the expression of human papillomavirus (HPV), p16, p53, and p63 in non-schistosomiasis-related squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder and to develop an accurate and automated tool to predict histological classification based on clinicopathological features. Methods Twenty-eight patients with primary bladder pure squamous cell carcinoma who underwent cystectomy or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for bladder cancer between January 2011 and July 2017 were evaluated. Clinical data and follow-up information were obtained from medical records. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were used for immunohistochemical staining for p16, p53, and p63. Human papillomavirus detection was evaluated by PCR. Statistical analysis was performed, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Finally, decision trees were built to classify patients’ prognostic features. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to test the generalizability of the model. Results Neither direct HPV detection nor its indirect marker (p16 protein) was identified in most cases. The absence of p16 was correlated with less aggressive histological grading (p=0.040). The positive p16 staining detection found only in pT1 and pT2 cases in our sample suggests a possible role for this tumor suppressor protein in the initial stages of bladder squamous cell carcinoma. The decision trees constructed described the relationship between clinical features, such as hematuria/dysuria, the level of tumor invasion, HPV status, lymphovascular invasion, gender, age, compromised lymph nodes, and tumor degree differentiation, with high classification accuracy. Conclusion The algorithm classifier approach established decision pathways for semi-automatic tumor histological classification, laying the foundation for tailored semi-automated decision support systems for pathologists.
Nonlinear analysis of stability for imperfect eccentrically stiffened FGM plates under mechanical and thermal loads based on FSDT. Part 2: Numerical results and discussions

Based on the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT), the smeared stiffeners technique and Galerkin method, the analytical expressions to determine the static critical buckling load and analyze the post-buckling load-deflection curves of FGM plates reinforced by FGM stiffeners resting on elastic foundations and subjected to in-plane compressive loads or thermal loads are established in part 1. In this part, we will use them to study the effects of temperature, stiffener, volume fraction index, geometrical parameters, elastic foundations on the buckling and post-buckling behavior of plates. In addition, the results in comparisons between the classical plate theory (CPT) and the first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) also are carried out and shown that the buckling and post-buckling behavior of more thick plate should be studied by FSDT.
From Supportive to Strained: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Emerging Adults’ Characterizations of Past and Present Grandparent-Grandchild Roles and Relationships

Though many emerging adults now have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with their grandparents, few studies have examined emerging adults’ perceptions of grandparent relationships and the roles taken on by grandparents and grandchildren. Informed by theories of psychosocial development, intergenerational solidarity, and sociocultural learning, this mixed methods study draws on closed- and open-ended survey items to explore emerging adults’ (N=52) characterizations of their relationships with grandparents in the United States. Results highlight the roles assumed by grandparents and emerging adult grandchildren often mirror each other, taking on instrumental, relational, and guiding qualities. The relationship itself was often described as a bond that is simultaneously punctuated by obstacles limiting close connections (e.g., geographic distance, challenging family dynamics). These findings suggest grandparent-grandchild relationships, both past and present, hold salience for emerging adults; researchers and practitioners should consider broader family systems when considering grandparent-grandchild relationships and their impact on individual development.
Assessment of future environmental carrying capacity in the Mamminasata area, Indonesia, derived from regional census and land cover

ABSTRACT Environmental carrying capacity is central to the sustainable development concept that has been applied in spatial planning programs by the Government of Indonesia. These programs focus on population needs based on existing conditions and projected population growth. This study predicted the future environmental carrying capacity of the region called Mamminasata (Makassar City, Maros, Sungguminasa and Takalar Regencies) to 2031 through statistical calculation. Census data from local government agencies and land cover prediction data from previous studies were used. The respective results for demographic, residential, and protected function carrying capacities by 2031 were 0.104 (good), 6.297 (good), and 0.520 (good but requiring attention to prevent further decline). Projected agricultural carrying capacity in 2031 would leave about 45% of the agricultural land now used for food crops. The results of this research can assist sustainable development in Mamminasata.
Influence of Storage Conditions on Stability of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Values in Nutraceutical Mixtures with Edible Flowers as New Dietary Supplements

This paper investigates the effects of storage conditions on the stability of phenolics and their antioxidant activities in unique nutraceutical supplements containing non-traditional cereal flakes, edible flowers, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Significant total phenolic content (TPC) of 1170–2430 mg GAE/kg and total anthocyanin content (TAC) with the values of 322–663 mg C3G/kg were determined with the highest TPC content established in free phenolic fractions. The most notable declines in TPC (by 53%), TAC (by 62%), phenolics (e.g., glycosylated anthocyanins by 35–67%), and antioxidant activity (by 25% using DPPH) were established in the presence of sunlight at 23 °C followed by the storage at 40 °C. Quercetin, rutin, peonidin, pelargonidin, p-coumaric, ellagic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were identified as the least stable phenolics when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, glycosylated forms of anthocyanins demonstrated a greater stability when compared with anthocyanidins. The mixtures considerably eliminated ABTS and DPPH radicals. In all samples, water-soluble substances showed a higher antioxidant activity than lipid-soluble substances with the main contributors in the following order: delphinidin-3-glucoside (r = +0.9839) > p-coumaric > gallic > sinapic > p-hydroxybenzoic acids > delphinidin > peonidin and malvidin (r = +0.6538). Gluten-free nutraceutical mixtures M3 (containing red rice and black quinoa flakes, red and blue cornflowers, blueberries, and barberries) and M4 (containing red and black rice flakes, rose, blue cornflower, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries) were evaluated as the least stable under all storage conditions although they showed considerable phenolic concentrations. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the nutraceutical mixtures were the highest at 23 °C without the presence of sunlight with the most stable M1 nutraceutical mixture (containing oat and red wheat flakes, hibiscus, lavender, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries).
Entrainment and Detrainment in Numerically Simulated Cumulus Congestus Clouds. Part III: Parcel Analysis

Abstract This paper is the third in a three-part series in which a three-dimensional numerical cloud model is used to simulate cumulus congestus clouds. The authors conduct a detailed parcel trajectory and conserved variable analysis of the modeled clouds, with the principal goal of understanding the mechanisms associated with entrainment and detrainment. At any point in their lifetime each of the modeled clouds contains multiple thermals that become detached from the boundary layer as they ascend. Undilute regions of subcloud air occur within the simulated clouds at all levels up to the cloud top. In the upper portion of the clouds, such air is found within small (compared with the overall width of the cloud) thermals that are continually eroding yet vigorously ascending. Such thermals are responsible for most of the entrainment and detrainment. Environmental air entrained by ascending thermals is shed in the wake of the thermal, which contains dilute cloud-base air moving at low velocities. There is no .