Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Practice, Compliance, and Barriers toward Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Critical Care Nurses in Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been identified as a serious complication among hospitalized patients and is associated with prolonged hospitalizations and increased costs. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, practices, compliance, and barriers related to ventilator-associated pneumonia among critical care nurses in the eastern Mediterranean region. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines guided this systematic review. Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were used to find studies that were published from 2000 to October 2021. Results: Knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia was the highest outcome measure used in 14 of the 23 studies. The review results confirmed that nurses demonstrated low levels of knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia, with 11 studies assessing critical care nurses’ compliance with and practice with respect to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Overall, the results showed that most sampled nurses had insufficient levels of compliance with and practices related to ventilator-associated pneumonia. The main barriers reported across the reviewed studies were a lack of education (N = 6), shortage of nursing staff (N = 5), lack of policies and protocols (N = 4), and lack of time (N = 4). Conclusions: The review confirmed the need for comprehensive interventions to improve critical care nurses’ knowledge, compliance, and practice toward ventilator-associated pneumonia. Nurse managers must address barriers that impact nurses’ levels of knowledge, compliance with, and practices related to ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Complexity of unweighted coalitional manipulation under some common voting rules

Understanding the computational complexity of manipulation in elections is arguably the most central agenda in Computational Social Choice. One of the influential variations of the the problem involves a coalition of manipulators trying to make a favorite candidate win the election. Although the complexity of the problem is well-studied under the assumption that the voters are weighted, there were very few successful attempts to abandon this strong assumption. In this paper, we study the complexity of the unweighted coalitional manipulation problem (UCM) under several prominent voting rules. Our main result is that UCM is NP-complete under the maximin rule; this resolves an enigmatic open question. We then show that UCM is NP-complete under the ranked pairs rule, even with respect to a single manipulator. Furthermore, we provide an extreme hardness-of-approximation result for an optimization version of UCM under ranked pairs. Finally, we show that UCM under the Bucklin rule is in P.
Multiplexed Detection of Pancreatic Cancer by Combining a Nanoparticle-Enabled Blood Test and Plasma Levels of Acute-Phase Proteins

Simple Summary In this study, a multiplexed strategy based on the combination of a nanoparticle-enabled blood test and serum levels of acute-phase proteins proved to be able to distinguish pancreatic cancer patients from healthy controls with a good and sex-dependent prediction ability. This study suggests a possible role of acute-phase proteins as pancreatic cancer biomarkers and paves the way for the development of multiplexed technologies for early cancer detection. Abstract The development of new tools for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents an area of intense research. Recently, the concept has emerged that multiplexed detection of different signatures from a single biospecimen (e.g., saliva, blood, etc.) may exhibit better diagnostic capability than single biomarkers. In this work, we develop a multiplexed strategy for detecting PDAC by combining characterization of the nanoparticle (NP)-protein corona, i.e., the protein layer that surrounds NPs upon exposure to biological fluids and circulating levels of plasma proteins belonging to the acute phase protein (APPs) family. As a first step, we developed a nanoparticle-enabled blood (NEB) test that employed 600 nm graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and human plasma (HP) (5% vol/vol) to produce 75 personalized protein coronas (25 from healthy subjects and 50 from PDAC patients). Isolation and characterization of protein corona patterns by 1-dimensional (1D) SDS-PAGE identified significant differences in the abundance of low-molecular-weight corona proteins (20–30 kDa) between healthy subjects and PDAC patients. Coupling the outcomes of the NEB test with the circulating levels of alpha 2 globulins, we detected PDAC with a global capacity of 83.3%. Notably, a version of the multiplexed detection strategy run on sex-disaggregated data provided substantially better classification accuracy for men (93.1% vs. 77.8%). Nanoliquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC MS/MS) experiments allowed to correlate PDAC with an altered enrichment of Apolipoprotein A-I, Apolipoprotein D, Complement factor D, Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin and Alpha-1-antitrypsin in the personalized protein corona. Moreover, other significant changes in the protein corona of PDAC patients were found. Overall, the developed multiplexed strategy is a valid tool for PDAC detection and paves the way for the identification of new potential PDAC biomarkers.
“Every” Student Succeeds? Academic Trends at the Intersection of (Long-Term) English Learner and IEP Status

Abstract In this study, we describe long-term trends in students’ academic performance, documenting persistent and systematic disparities in academic outcomes across several student subgroups. We leverage administrative data from longitudinal student records to examine academic outcomes for English learners (ELs), students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and dual-identified students (ELs with IEPs) enrolled in one U.S. state within the last decade, spanning the years 2009 to 2019. Adopting a lens of intersectionality and using descriptive statistics in a cohort-sequential design, we examine reclassification rates that shape the long-term EL (LTEL) subgroup. Grouping students based on whether they were (ever) identified as an EL or as having a disability, we also report on academic content (Reading/ELA and Mathematics) proficiency rates across time for these subgroups. Summarizing the records of over half a million students starting school across six years (2009–2014) and four elementary grades (K-3) nested in 24 independent cohorts, our findings show that, on average, dual-identified students’ rates of LTEL identification are almost twice that of ELs without disabilities, and that only a very small proportion of dual-identified students achieve proficiency in academic content. Our results raise questions and concerns regarding the adequacy and alignment of federal, state, district, and school-level policies and resources that govern the education of English learners, students with disabilities, and especially dual-identified students.
Sheet Resistance Imaging on Ag Thin Films with THz-TDS in Reflection Geometry

We present sheet resistance imaging of silver (Ag) thin films on a $\sim 50 \ \mu \mathrm{m} -$thick dielectric layer on a plane steel substrate. THz imaging avoids damaging these films through contacting and allows for a high spatial resolution. We use a commercial THz time-domain spectroscopy system in reflection geometry. Our measurement data are interpreted by a least squares fit to a simple model of the frequency response of the layer stack based on Fresnel equations and the Drude model. The analysis reveals the thickness of the dielectric and the Ag-layer as well as the dielectric function of the Ag-layer. By raster-scanning the sample, spatially-resolved sheet resistance maps are non-destructively generated.
The particulate matter from biomass burning - A tutorial and critical review of its radiative impact

A conveyor or rotary index drum transport system for brush blanks. The system utilizes a series of lightweight blank receiving work holders sequentially indexed through a series of stations with selected stations incorporating means for shifting the work holder to an operative position outward of the indexing or transporting means. The transport conveyor or drum also travels through stationary loading and unloading stations.
Prenatal sugar consumption and late-life human capital and health: analyses based on postwar rationing and polygenic scores

Maternal sugar consumption in utero may have a variety of eﬀects on oﬀspring. We exploit the abolishment of the rationing of sweet confectionery in the UK on April 24, 1949, and its subsequent reintroduction some months later, in an era of otherwise uninterrupted rationing of confectionery (1942-1953), sugar (1940-1953) and many other foods, and we consider eﬀects on late-life cardiovascular disease, BMI, height, type-2 diabetes and the intake of sugar, fat and carbohydrates, as well as cognitive outcomes and birth weight. We use individual-level data from the UK Biobank for cohorts born between April 1947–May 1952. We also explore whether one’s genetic predisposition to the outcome can moderate the eﬀects of prenatal sugar exposure. We ﬁnd that prenatal exposure to derationing increases education and reduces BMI and sugar consumption at higher ages, in line with the “developmental origins” explanatory framework
On the flag curvature of a class of Finsler metrics produced by the navigation problem

One of the important approaches in discussing Finsler geometry is the navigation problem. In this paper, we determine the flag curvature of a Finsler metric produced from any Finsler metric and any conformal field in terms of the navigation problem, and therefore we provide a unifying framework for the fundamental equations due to Bao, Robles, and Shen, Cheng and Shen, Foulon, and Mo and Huang.
Innovative Application of Metabolomics on Bioactive Ingredients of Foods

Metabolomics, as a new omics technology, has been widely accepted by researchers and has shown great potential in the field of nutrition and health in recent years. This review briefly introduces the process of metabolomics analysis, including sample preparation and extraction, derivatization, separation and detection, and data processing. This paper focuses on the application of metabolomics in food-derived bioactive ingredients. For example, metabolomics techniques are used to analyze metabolites in food to find bioactive substances or new metabolites in food materials. Moreover, bioactive substances have been tested in vitro and in vivo, as well as in humans, to investigate the changes of metabolites and the underlying metabolic pathways, among which metabolomics is used to find potential biomarkers and targets. Metabolomics provides a new approach for the prevention and regulation of chronic diseases and the study of the underlying mechanisms. It also provides strong support for the development of functional food or drugs. Although metabolomics has some limitations such as low sensitivity, poor repeatability, and limited detection range, it is developing rapidly in general, and also in the field of nutrition and health. At the end of this paper, we put forward our own insights on the development prospects of metabolomics in the application of bioactive ingredients in food.
The neutron star inner crust and symmetry energy

The cell structure of clusters in the inner crust of a cold \beta-equilibrium neutron star is studied within a Thomas Fermi approach and compared with other approaches which include shell effects. Relativistic nuclear models are considered. We conclude that the symmetry energy slope L may have quite dramatic effects on the cell structure if it is very large or small. Rod-like and slab-like pasta clusters have been obtained in all models except one with a large slope L.
Quantum electrodynamics of an atom in front of a dielectric slab

Quantum electrodynamic theory (QED) in the vicinity of macroscopic structures has achieved new importance due to its applicability, particularly in nanotechnology. There are many powerful methods for studying QED near media with diverse properties and geometries. However, applying them to a particular problem generally necessitates extensive numerical calculations. This is not the case for simple systems of high symmetry, in which the electromagnetic field can be quantised by explicit mode expansion, allowing exact analytic calculations. In the present thesis, we calculate the energy-level shift of a ground state atom near a non-dispersive and non-dissipative dielectric slab. The shift is due to the interaction of the atom with electromagnetic field fluctuations, which in turn are affected by the presence of the slab. Thus, a quantisation of the electromagnetic field in the presence of a layered system is required. We derive the field modes, which comprise of a continuous set of travelling modes (with incident, reflected and transmitted parts) and trapped modes, subject to repeated total internal reflection and emerge as an evanescent field outside the slab, they only exist at certain discrete frequencies. The shift is obtained by means of second-order perturbation theory. It splits up naturally into two contributions, due to the different nature of the modes, and a problem arises when we have to add them all. We have come up with a convenient method of summing over all modes, and its validity has been demonstrated by proving the completeness. The calculation of the shift follows as an application of our method. The result is analysed asymptotically for various regions, reducing to simple formulas that can be utilised in recent experiments, in which the thickness of the substrate matters.
Topological Hopf algebras and their Hopf-cyclic cohomology

Abstract A natural extension of the Hopf-cyclic cohomology, with coefficients, is introduced to encompass topological Hopf algebras. The topological theory allows to work with infinite dimensional Lie algebras. Furthermore, the category of coefficients (AYD modules) over a topological Lie algebra and those over its universal enveloping (Hopf) algebra are isomorphic. For topological Hopf algebras, the category of coefficients is identified with the representation category of a topological algebra called the anti-Drinfeld double. Finally, a topological van Est type isomorphism is detailed, connecting the Hopf-cyclic cohomology to the relative Lie algebra cohomology with respect to a maximal compact subalgebra.
Health care workers’ perspectives on the challenges and possibilities of music therapy within medication-free treatment services

ABSTRACT Introduction In 2015, the Norwegian Regional Health Authorities introduced the possibility for people with psychotic disorders to choose medication-free services, with music therapy as a treatment option. This study aimed to explore the health care workers’ perspectives on challenges and possibilities of music therapy within these services. Method This is a qualitative study by an interdisciplinary research team, including experts by experience. Ethnographic notes provide data from participant observation with one patient using music therapy, describing what music therapy can be “a case of”. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with health care workers, including music therapists, explore their experiences with music therapy and medication-free treatment. These were transcribed and analyzed using systematic text condensation in a stepwise, iterative process involving co-authors to ensure reflexivity. Results The summary from the participant observation provides the reader with background information on how music therapy can unfold in mental health care. The informants from the FGDs described music therapy as having a high degree of treatment flexibility providing a continuous process of choices. The collaborative choices both among staff members as well as between patient and staff were experienced as important for treatment outcome. Patients worsening or stagnating increased the significance of contingent choices. Discussion The strengths of music therapy, such as its acceptability and flexibility, also represent challenges, including dilemmas of prioritization, challenges when ending therapy, and the need for close collaboration when assessing a patient’s worsening. There is a potential for improving the implementation of music therapy into the existing health care teams.
Phytochemicals with Chemopreventive Activity Obtained from the Thai Medicinal Plant Mammea siamensis (Miq.) T. Anders.: Isolation and Structure Determination of New Prenylcoumarins with Inhibitory Activity against Aromatase

With the aim of searching for phytochemicals with aromatase inhibitory activity, five new prenylcoumarins, mammeasins K (1), L (2), M (3), N (4), and O (5), were isolated from the methanolic extract of Mammea siamensis (Miq.) T. Anders. flowers (fam. Calophyllaceae), originating in Thailand. The stereostructures of 1–5 were elucidated based on their spectroscopic properties. Among the new compounds, 1 (IC50 = 7.6 µM) and 5 (9.1 µM) possessed relatively strong inhibitory activity against aromatase, which is a target of drugs already used in clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The analysis through Lineweaver–Burk plots showed that they competitively inhibit aromatase (1, Ki = 3.4 µM and 5, 2.3 µM). Additionally, the most potent coumarin constituent, mammea B/AB cyclo D (31, Ki = 0.84 µM), had a competitive inhibitory activity equivalent to that of aminoglutethimide (0.84 µM), an aromatase inhibitor used in therapeutics.
Significance of phosphorus inclusions and discrete micron‐sized grains of apatite in postglacial forest soils

Recent advances in soil phosphorus (P) studies have revealed unique P hot spots and discrete micron‐sized grains at soil microsites, but the significance of these so‐called ‘hot spots’ and grains in P cycling and long‐term supply is yet to be determined. We examined soil particles and pore space distribution at a micro‐scale in two postglacial forest soils by laser ablation ICP‐MS imaging. This allowed us to semi‐quantitatively reveal both axial and lateral abundance, distribution, and co‐localization of P with elements known to influence its chemical speciation (e.g., Si, Al, Mn, Ca, and Fe). The results show topsoil P to be co‐localised predominantly with Si, Al, and Fe. However, in the subsoils, P was co‐localised mainly with Ca, Si, Al, and Mg in spots within Si and Al‐bearing minerals and with only Ca in discrete micron‐sized grains. While the spots of P‐Ca inclusions were ~ 1000 μm apart and present at 40–100 cm depth in Tärnsjö, the discrete grains of P‐Ca were ~ 700–1200 μm apart and present at 90–100 cm depth in Tönnersjöheden. The P concentrations in these ‘hot spots’ and grains were 7 to 600 times greater than the average soil P concentrations, with the highest values (3434–8716 mmol P kg−1) occurring in the C horizons of the two soils. When combined with previous P speciation results obtained by synchrotron P K‐edge XANES in the same soils, our work confirms geogenic apatite to have been dissolved in the topsoil and its P transformed to P adsorbed by Al‐Si and Fe phases, and to organic P. Most importantly, our work shows subsoil spots of P‐Ca inclusions and micron‐sized grains to be a long‐term source of P and Ca.
Predicting Diabetes in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome Using Machine-Learning Model Based on Multiple Years’ Data

Purpose To evaluate the performance of machine-learning models based on multiple years of continuous data to predict incident diabetes among patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients and Methods The dataset comprises the health records from 2008 to 2020 including 4510 nondiabetic participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS) at baseline and with at least 6 years of records. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Overall, 332 patients developed incident diabetes during the 7±1.4 years of follow-up. Three popular classification algorithms were evaluated on the dataset: logistic regression, random forest, and Xgboost. Five models including single-year models (year 1, year 2, and year 3) and multiple-year models (year 1–2 and year 1–3) were developed for each algorithm. Results The model performances improved with the increasing longitudinal dataset as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was boosted for both random forest (year 1–3: AUROC=0.893; year 3: AUROC=0.862; year 1–2: AUROC=0.847; year 2: AUROC=0.838) and Xgboost (year 1–3: AUROC=0.897; year 3: AUROC=0.833; year 1–2: AUROC=0.856; year 2: AUROC=0.823) model. In the multiple-year models, the highest fasting plasma glucose, followed by the mean or lowest level of HbA1c and BMI had the most important predictive value for the onset of diabetes. In the “1–3” year model, “delta weight” which reflects the fluctuations of yearly change of weight was the fourth-most important feature. Conclusion This study demonstrated improved performance with the accumulation of longitudinal data when using machine learning for diabetes prediction in MetS patients. For individuals with similar clinical parameters, the variation trends of these parameters could change the risk of future diabetes. This result indicated that models based on longitudinal multiple years’ data may provide more personalized assessment tools for risk evaluation.
On Operads, Bimodules and Analytic Functors

We develop further the theory of operads and analytic functors. In particular, we introduce the bicategory OpdBimV of operad bimodules, that has operads as 0-cells, operad bimodules as 1-cells and operad bimodule maps as 2-cells, and prove that it is cartesian closed. In order to obtain this result, we extend the theory of distributors and the formal theory of monads.
Influence of soil water content on growth and panicle production of fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum)

Abstract Fall panicum is a problematic weed in cropping systems including rice in southern Florida. There is limited information on growth and reproductive ability of fall panicum in water-stressed environments. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% pot soil water content (SWC) levels on fall panicum growth and panicle branch production under greenhouse conditions. Fall panicum height, number of leaves, and tillers decreased over time as SWC decreased. Fall panicum height decreased by 65% and 50% at 12.5% and 25% SWC, respectively, relative to height achieved at 100% SWC. Plants at 50% to 100% SWC were able to achieve 50% tiller production within 31 to 43 d compared with 28 d at 25% SWC. The 50% tiller production was not reached at 12.5% SWC during the duration of the study. Fall panicum shoot and root biomass, total leaf area, and number of panicle branches per plant at 56 d after SWC treatment initiation decreased as SWC decreased. Fall panicum biomass decreased 83% to 85% and 66% to 68% at 12.5% and 25% SWC, respectively, relative to 100% SWC. Leaf area declined 79% and 65% at 12.5% and 25% SWC levels, respectively, compared to the 100% SWC. Fall panicum was able to produce panicles at all SWC levels, although the plant produced significantly fewer panicle branches as SWC decreased. Plants at 12.5% and 25% SWC produced 82% and 59% fewer panicle branches, respectively, compared with plants at 100% SWC. This study shows that SWC influences the growth and reproductive capacity of fall panicum. Although fall panicum did not reach its full growth potential at low SWC levels, it was able to survive and develop panicles, showing its ability to adapt and reproduce under dry conditions. Nomenclature: Fall panicum; Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. ; PANDI; rice; Oryza sativa L.