Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-Variation in Online Nonconvex Optimization Enables Escaping From Spurious Local Minima

A major limitation of online algorithms that track the optimizers of time-varying nonconvex optimization problems is that they focus on a specific local minimum trajectory, which may lead to poor spurious local solutions. In this article, we show that the natural temporal variation may help simple online tracking methods find and track time-varying global minima. To this end, we investigate the properties of a time-varying projected gradient flow system with inertia, which can be regarded as the continuous-time limit of (1) the optimality conditions for a discretized sequential optimization problem with a proximal regularization and (2) the online tracking scheme. We introduce the notion of the dominant trajectory and show that the inherent temporal variation could reshape the landscape of the Lagrange functional and help a proximal algorithm escape the spurious local minimum trajectories if the global minimum trajectory is dominant. For a problem with twice continuously differentiable objective function and constraints, sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that no matter how a local search method is initialized, it will track a time-varying global solution after some time. The results are illustrated on a benchmark example with many local minima.
Maternal Deaths in Giza in the New Millennium: A Hospital Based Retrospective Study

Background: Health institutions need to contribute their quota towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) with respect to maternal health. In order to do so, current data on maternal mortality are essential for health care providers and policy makers to study the burden of the problem and understand how best to distribute resources. This study presents the magnitude and distribution of the causes of the maternal deaths at the beginning of the 21 st century in an Egyptian general hospital and derives recommendations to reduce their frequency. Objectives: to identify and assess the factors contributing to maternal mortality, especially the hospital-relevant ones, and to determine the most preventable causes in order to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) calculated for Embaba General Hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective study of mortality records of obstetric cases at Embaba General Hospital during the period between (January 1 st 2001) and (December 31 st 2010). Results: There were 41 maternal deaths and 52096 live births during the study period. Thirty six mothers (87.8%) died due to direct causes while only five deaths(12.2%) were due to indirect maternal causes. The major causes of deaths were obstetric haemorrhage (56.1%), pulmonary embolization (17.0%) and eclampsia (12.2%). The maternal mortality ratio was 78.7 per 100,000 live births. Conclusion: In the first decade of the new millennium, a large number of pregnant women receiving care continued to die from preventable causes of maternal deaths. Adoption of evidence-based protocol for the management of hemorrhage and improvement in the quality of obstetric care of emergencies would go a long way to significantly reduce the frequency of maternal deaths at this hospital.
Age distribution and reading achievement configurations among fourth-grade students in PIRLS 2006

This study used the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006 reading achievement results for fourth-grade students in 36 countries to show how variations in countries’ policies on age of school entry and promotion and retention make it difficult to determine a straightforward relationship between age-within-grade and achievement across countries. Although, in some countries, older Grade 4 students had higher achievement than younger students, older students did not necessarily perform better. Many countries had a substantial proportion of older students in the fourth grade (students whose age suggests they belong in a higher grade), and these older students had significantly lower achievement than their younger classmates. The different configurations of age-within-grade across countries make it problematic to statistically adjust countries’ average reading achievement for differences in age. Thus, comparisons across countries in how chronological age and amount of schooling influence achievement must be made with care.
Progression of Clinical Self-Efficacy Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Progression of Clinical Self-Efficacy Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students by Christine Hamilton MSN, University of Phoenix, 2009 BSN, University of Tennessee at Martin, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Nursing Education Walden University August 2018
Comparative Performance and Exhaust Emissions Study of a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel-Diesel Blends of Various Origins

Abstract: Biodiesel is one of the alternative fuels which is renewable and environmentally friendly and can be used in diesel engines with little or no modifications. The objective of this study is to investigate potential of biodiesel fuels and biodiesel fraction from various feedstocks such as jatropha, palm, cotton, rice bran, rapeseed, linseed as well as from waste cooking oil in terms of the corresponding CI engine performance and exhaust emissions comparing to a reference diesel. The experimental work was carried out on a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection (DI) diesel engine by using Dieselbiodiesel blends prepared in volume percentages 5, 10, 15 and 20% and neat diesel. The engine was operated over a range of engine loads. Results showed that higher brake-specific fuel consumptions (BSFC), Higher exhaust concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) while lower carbon dioxide (CO), smoke opacity and hydrocarbon emissions (HC) were observed when using biodiesel fuels compared to diesel fuel. Thus, with the increasing demand for biodiesel, alternative feedstock sources such as those used in this study may be utilized to take advantage of their exciting potential opportunities to increase energy security and environmental benefits.
A Dataset of Fact-Checked Images Shared on WhatsApp During the Brazilian and Indian Elections

Recently, messaging applications, such as WhatsApp, have been reportedly abused by misinformation campaigns, especially in Brazil and India. A notable form of abuse in WhatsApp relies on several manipulated images and memes containing all kinds of fake stories. In this work, we performed an extensive data collection from a large set of WhatsApp publicly accessible groups and fact-checking agency websites. This paper opens a novel dataset to the research community containing fact-checked fake images shared through WhatsApp for two distinct scenarios known for the spread of fake news on the platform: the 2018 Brazilian elections and the 2019 Indian elections.
Thrombomodulin and interleukin 6 as potential biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation after renal transplant

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction may contribute to hypercoagulable and inflammation states presents in renal transplant, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its causes. These disorders can be evaluated by markers, such as thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess TM, vWF and IL-6 in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and associate their plasma levels with primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and allograft function. Methods: 160 RTR were grouped according to the primary cause of CKD (G1: glomerulopathy; G2: hypertensive nephrosclerosis; G3: diabetic nephropathy; and G4: other causes/unknown etiology); creatinine plasma levels (C1 < 1.4 and C2 ≥ 1.4 mg/dl); and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (R1< 60 and R2 ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m). TM and vWF were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and IL-6 by flow cytometry. The results were presented as median, minimum and maximum; p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: TM levels were significantly higher in the G1 group compared to the others (G1: 8.38; G2: 5.51; G3: 5.88; G4: 6.33 ng/ml, p < 0.0001), and in the R1 group compared to R2 (R1: 6.65; R2: 6.19 ng/ml, p = 0.02). The concentration of IL-6, measured by the mean fluorescence intensity, was higher in C2 group when compared to C1 (C1: 7.9; C2: 13.35, p = 0.03). There was no difference in vWF levels among groups. TM correlated positively with IL-6 and creatinine, and negatively with eGFR. IL-6 also correlated positively with vWF. Conclusion: TM and IL-6 can be identified as potential markers for evaluating renal graft function. TM was more related to the primary cause of CKD compared to vWF and IL-6.
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CLASSICAL AND MOLECULAR METHODS IN DIAGNOSIS OF LEISHMANIA SPECIES IN IRAQ

Background and Objective Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a serious public health concern in some parts of Iraq. The aims of this study to diagnose the Leishmania sp. causative agent of CL in some parts of Iraq, by different parasitological, cultural, and molecular methods. It was carried during the period October 2014 to February 2015. Materials and Methods One hundred-sixty one of skin samples were examined by direct Giemsa-smeared, culture on NNN medium and Nested – PCR methods in different age groups. Results The results of our study showed that 110 (68.3%) gave positives by Giemsa-smeared, 104 (64.6%) by culture and 67 (100%) by Nested – PCR. Our results appeared that there was slight gender predilection ; CL cases were more frequent in males (62.1%) than females (37.9%). Also, the type of infection showed that disease was in wet type 133(82.6%) more than in dry type 28 (17.4%). It was found that 98 (60.9%) of CL cases were in contact with rodents while 63(39.1%) of cases were not. Conclusions CL disease is endemic in many parts of Iraq with high incidence and expanding to new foci that is considered a public health threat which needs special attention. Women appeared to be better equipped than men to contain the infection and its clinical consequences, but the sex factor tended to lessen at higher levels of exposure.
Prevalence of Depression among People with Diabetes Attending Diabetes Clinics at Primary Health Settings

Method: Two hundred and sixty-four patients were surveyed for the presence of depressive symptoms using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. In addition, patients' records were reviewed to abstract the following data: socio-demographic characteristics including: age, sex, marital status, level of education, smoking status, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of diabetes, control of diabetes, use of insulin, presence of diabetic complications, presence of co-morbid conditions including hypertension and hyperlipidemia and the use of antidepressant(s).
The Sex Ratio, Gonadosomatic index, Stages of Gonadal Development and Fecundity of the Grunt,

The sex ratio, gonadosomatic index, stages of gonadal development and fecundity of the grunt, Pomadasys jubelini in the new Calabar-bonny River were investigated. P. jubelini had a sex ratio of 1: 2.1 (male to female). Gonadosomatic index ranged from 0.33 to 7.29% with a mean of 2.89±0.08%. High gonadosomatic indices were recorded from September to October, which suggested the spawning period of the fish. Two stages, maturing and mature were observed for male fish while quiescent, maturing and mature were observed for female fish. Fecundity ranged from 9,085 to 37,926 eggs with a mean of 25,852±432 eggs. This is an indication that P. jubelini has low fecundity. Fecundity body weight and fecundity body length were positively correlated. Fecundity – weight relationship was Log F=0.1243+2.74Log W (r = 0.950). Fecundity – length relationship was Log F = 0.0247 + Log 1.779 Log L (r = 0.114). Fecundity was more related to weight than length. P. jubelini spawns during the rainy season in marine and estuarine environments. During this period large number of fingerlings and juveniles are in abundance. The results of this study will assist in increasing the knowledge of the reproductive biology of P. jubelini which is relevant in aquaculture management adequate supply as well as breeding. [Agbugui, M. O. The Sex Ratio, Gonadosomatic index, Stages of Gonadal Development and Fecundity of the Grunt, Pomadasys jubelini (Cuvier, 1830) in the New Calabar-Bonny River. Rep Opinion 2013;5(11):31-37]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub. net/report. 3
Exploring Current Practice of Using Technology to Support Collaborative Argumentation in Science Classrooms

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore how middle school science teachers enact the practice of using technology to support collaborative argumentation in their science classroom. This study employs qualitative case study and drew on data sources of interviews and observations. This study identifies two themes. Six teachers regard scientific argumentation as an important science practice, but five of them integrate this practice into their science class without formally introducing it. All teachers integrate different forms of technology to engage students in scientific argumentation. The findings suggested there is a need to provide professional development for teachers to learn about scientific argumentation. The findings can be used as a basis for the design and development of professional development training experiences for in-service teachers.
Cardiac Adaptations to High‐Intensity Aerobic Training in Premenopausal and Recent Postmenopausal Women: The Copenhagen Women Study

Background We examined the role of menopause on cardiac dimensions and function and assessed the efficacy of exercise training before and after menopause. Methods and Results Two groups of healthy premenopausal (n=36, 49.4±0.3 years) and postmenopausal (n=37, 53.5±0.5 years) women with no history of cardiovascular disease and with a mean age difference between groups of only 4 years were studied. Cardiac dimensions and systolic and diastolic function were determined by transthoracic echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging and 2‐dimensional speckle tracking. Measurements were performed at baseline and after a 12‐week period of high‐intensity aerobic cycle training. LV internal diastolic diameter and LV mass were similar in the 2 groups at baseline and increased by ≈2% to 8% (P=0.04–0.0007) with training in both groups. Left atrial end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes were similar for both groups and increased by 23% to 36% (P=0.0006–0.0001) with training. Systolic function assessed by mean global strain was similar in both groups at baseline and increased by ≈8% (P=0.0004) with training in the postmenopausal group. LV displacement increased by ≈3% (P=0.04) in the premenopausal women only. Diastolic function assessed by E/A ratio was similar at baseline and increased by ≈7% (P=0.01) in the premenopausal group and 11% (P=0.0001) in the postmenopausal group with training. Conclusions These results suggest that training‐induced cardiac adaptations are preserved in the early postmenopausal phase. Furthermore, the hormonal changes associated with the menopausal transition do not appear to affect cardiac dimensions and function. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT02135575.
Information Leaks in Federated Learning

—With the surge in data collection and analytics, concerns are raised with regards to the privacy of the individuals represented by the data. In settings where the data is distributed over several data holders, federated learning offers an alternative to learn from the data without the need to centralize it in the ﬁrst place. This is achieved by exchanging only model parameters learned locally at each data holder. This greatly limits the amount of data to be transferred, reduces the impact of data breaches, and helps to preserve the individual’s privacy. Federated learning thus becomes a viable alternative in IoT and Edge Computing settings, especially if the data collected is sensitive. However, risks for data or information leaks still persist, if information can be inferred from the models exchanged. This can e.g. be in the form of membership inference attacks. In this paper, we investigate how successful such attacks are in the setting of sequential federated learning. The cyclic nature of model learning and exchange might enable attackers with more information to observe the dynamics of the learning process, and thus perform a more powerful attack.
Efficacy of Second-Line Chemotherapy in Extrapulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives A platinum/etoposide doublet is standard first-line therapy for poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (PD NEC); however, evidence to guide treatment beyond first-line regimens is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of second-line regimens in PD NEC. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated with second-line chemotherapy for PD NEC. Inclusion criteria were previous first-line therapy with platinum/etoposide, extrapulmonary PD NEC, and follow-up data. The primary end points were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after second-line therapy. Secondary end points included OS and PFS from first-line therapy. Results Sixty-four patients were included. The median OS from initiation of second-line therapy was 6.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9–8.9). The median PFS was 2.3 months (95% CI, 2.0–3.2). No second-line regimen showed a statistically significant difference in OS or PFS. There was a significant increase in OS for cisplatin first-line regimens compared with carboplatin (17.0 months [95% CI, 12.5–22.6] vs 11.7 months [95% CI, 8.0–14.0]). Conclusions The efficacy of current second-line therapy in PD NEC is poor. No second-line regimen showed statistically significant superiority. Cisplatin was associated with longer OS regardless of second-line regimen or age. However, unmeasured confounders such as performance status or comorbidities may explain this effect.
Comparative Effectiveness of Pylorus-Preserving Versus Standard Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Clinical Practice

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives We compared risk-adjusted short- and long-term outcomes between standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (SPD) and a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for the years 2004 to 2014 to identify patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head undergoing SPD and PPD. Margin status, lymph node yield, length of stay (LOS), 30- and 90-day mortality, and overall survival were compared. Results A total of 11,172 patients were identified, of whom 9332 (83.5%) underwent SPD and 1840 (16.5%) PPPD. There was no difference in patient age, sex, stage, tumor grade, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy treatment between the 2 groups. Total number of regional lymph nodes was examined, and surgical margin status and overall survival were also comparable. However, patients undergoing PPPD had a shorter LOS (11.3 vs 12.3 days, P < 0.001), lower 30-day mortality (2.5% vs 3.7%, P = 0.02), and 90-day mortality (5.5% vs 6.9%, P = 0.03). On multivariate analyses, patients undergoing SPD were at higher risk for 30-day mortality compared with PPPD (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.13). Conclusions Standard pancreaticoduodenectomy and PPPD are oncologically equivalent, yet PPPD is associated with a reduction in postoperative mortality and shorter LOS.
Provision of STD Services in Community Settings After the Loss and Return of State Funding to Support Service Provision: Observations From Select Providers in Massachusetts, 2010 and 2013

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Context: In 2008, the $1.2 M sexually transmitted disease (STD) services line item supporting STD clinical services by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health was eliminated, forcing the cessation of all state-supported STD service delivery. Objective: To determine the impact on community provision of STD services after the elimination of state funds supporting STD service provision. Design and Setting: Rapid ethnographic assessments were conducted in May 2010 and September 2013 to better understand the impact of budget cuts on STD services in Massachusetts. The rapid ethnographic assessment teams identified key informants through Massachusetts's STD and human immunodeficiency virus programs. Participants: Fifty providers/clinic administrators in 19 sites (15 unique) participated in a semistructured interview (community health centers [n = 10; 53%], hospitals [n = 4; 21%], and other clinical settings [n = 5; 26%]). Results: Results clustered under 3 themes: financial stability of agencies/clinics, the role insurance played in the provision of STD care, and perceived clinic capacity to offer appropriate STD services. Clinics faced hard choices about whether to provide care to patients or refer elsewhere patients who were unable or unwilling to use insurance. Clinics that decided to see patients regardless of ability to pay often found themselves absorbing costs that were then passed along to their parent agency; the difficulty and financial strain incurred by a clinic's parent agency by providing STD services without support by state grant dollars emerged as a primary concern. Meeting patient demand with staff with appropriate training and expertise remained a concern. Conclusions: Provision of public health by private health care providers may increase concern among some community provision sites about the sustainability of service provision absent external funds, either from the state or from the third-party billing. Resource constraints may be felt across clinic operations. Provision of public health in the for-profit health system involves close consideration of resources, including those: leveraged, used to provide uncompensated care, or available for collection through third-party billing.
Cutting Edge of Herbal Drugs over Allopathic Drugs in Clinical Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and systemic auto immune disease, affecting people predominantly between the ages of 20-60 years with unpredictable course. About 1% of the world's population is afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis and is two to three times more common in women than men. This is a long lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body, most commonly the hands, wrists, and knees. Popularity of medicinal plants is increasing day by day due to side effects of allopathic medicines. Herbal medicinal plants have been used as major sources of cure of human diseases since time immemorial. Today, one fourth of world population depends on traditional medicine and 80% of the population relies on indigenous herbal medicinal plants. Even today most of the people lives in different developing countries depend on the plant derived medicines for the first line of primary health care because of least or no side effects.