Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Construction of Human Motivational Profiles by Observation for Risk Analysis

This study aimed at analyzing the extent to which publicly observable pieces of information representing stakeholders’ past and current choices can be utilized for the construction of motivational profiles. Motivation is operationalized by the theory of Basic Human Values, which organizes 10 values capturing distinct aspects of human motivation into a hierarchical order. The construction of motivational profiles for individual stakeholders is motivated by the need to enhance the existing decision-maker model in the Conflicting Incentives Risk Analysis (CIRA) method. This study utilized an online questionnaire to collect responses from participants (n = 331) about a wide range of habits and personal items that are easily observable in various contexts by an analyst. The validity of the set of observables as surrogate predictors of the motivational profiles is evaluated by various methods (i.e., comparison to previous results, cross-validation of models, comparison to test-retest reliability of the psychometric instrument) and techniques (calculation of prediction interval for individual profile scores). The assessment of the uncertainties associated with predicting motivational profiles is explored in detail. Additionally, an example illustrates how the profiles can be utilized for the assessment of action desirability (i.e., prediction of behavior) based on the utility calculations established in CIRA. The results contribute to an improved understanding about the accuracy with which human stakeholder motivation can be inferred from public observables and utilized within the context of information security risk analysis.
Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of Nearly-Zero Hybrid Energy System for the City of Sofia in Bulgaria

This paper deals with the design of a grid-con-nected hybrid system consisting distributed energy resources (DERs) as PV, wind generator, fuel cell electrolysis system with fuel cell, battery banks to provide to supply the electric load demand of the family house in Sofia area, Bulgaria. The main idea is to evaluate the operation of the proposed system and how it can meet the energy needs of a single-family home. At this stage the optimization of the proposed hybrid system is not intended. The grid-connected power system design is based on a simulation model developed using HOMER software. In this context, a standardized load demand profile for the Sofia urban area and household consumers was applied. In this paper, the wind and solar meteorological data for Sofia (Bulgaria) were used to design grid-connected hybrid power system for providing necessary electricity. The design of such hybrid systems and the literature review justify such a decision to be considered one of the most effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Early in-hospital exposure to statins and outcome after intracerebral haemorrhage – Results from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive

Abstract Introduction Recent data suggest that statin use after intracerebral haemorrhage might be beneficial. However, data on the effects of early in-hospital statin exposure are lacking. Therefore, we sought to assess whether (1) early statin exposure during the acute phase after intracerebral haemorrhage and (2) early continuation of prevalent statin use are associated with favourable functional outcome. Patients and methods Data were obtained from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. Patients were categorised according to use patterns of statins during this early in-hospital phase (continuation, discontinuation or new initiation of statins). Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to explore the association between early statin exposure and functional outcome. Results A total of 919 patients were included in the analysis. Early in-hospital statin exposure (n = 89, 9.7%) was associated with better functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 3) compared with 790 patients without statin exposure before or early after the event (66% versus 47%, adjusted OR 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.3–3.6). Compared with patients without exposure to statins before and early after the event, early continuation of statin therapy (n = 57) was associated with favourable functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3–5.2). The association between early continuation of statins and outcome remained robust in sensitivity analyses restricted to patients able to take oral medication within 72 h and one-week survivors. Discussion It is possible that part of the observed associations are not due to a protective effect of statins but are confounded by indication bias. Conclusion Statin exposure and continuation of prevalent statin therapy early after intracerebral haemorrhage are associated with favourable functional outcome after 90 days.
Evaluation of a bundle of care to reduce incisional surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with morbidity, mortality and increased care costs; many SSIs are considered preventable. The aim of the present study was to test implementation of a pragmatic, evidence-based bundle designed to reduce incisional SSI after emergency laparotomy and elective major lower gastrointestinal surgery. Method: This was a prospective before-and-after study. Data were collected before the intervention and for two separate subsequent time periods. An evidence-based bundle of care (BOC) was implemented; the primary outcome measure was incisional SSI at 30 days. The secondary outcome measure was 30-day unplanned readmissions. The initial post-intervention group, Group 2, assessed a variable number of potential impacting factors; however, due to funding and staffing levels the second post-bundle group, Group 3, focused on the core aspects of the BOC and rates of incisional SSI and readmission. Results: In total, 99 patients were included in the ‘before’ group; and 71 in Group 2 and 92 in Group 3, the post-intervention groups. The incisional SSI rate was 29.3% (29/99) before and 28.2% (20/71) in Group 2 (P=0.873) and 21.7% (20/92) in Group 3 (P=0.234) after the intervention. After adjustment for confounders, the care bundle was associated with a non-significant reduction in SSI (Group 2: odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45–1.93, P=0.0843). However, it was associated with significantly reduced readmissions 18.1% (18/99) before versus 5.6% (4/71) in Group 2 (OR = 0.236, 95% CI = 0.077–0.72, P=0.012) and 8.7% (8/92) in Group 3 (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.16–0.9, P=0.029). Comparing the pre-bundle group to the post-bundle groups, there was an overall significant reduction in readmissions (P=0.003). This implies a number needed to treat of 8–11 patients to prevent one readmission. Adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis with the Trust guidelines increased from 91% to 99% (1 vs. 2, P=0.047). Conclusion: Introduction of the bundle was associated with a reduction in the observed rate of incisional SSI from 29.3% to 21.7%; significantly fewer patients required unplanned readmission. Use of the bundle was associated with significantly improved compliance with appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Robust Linear Quadratic Regulator: Exact Tractable Reformulation

We consider the problem of controlling an unknown stochastic linear dynamical system subject to an infinitehorizon discounted quadratic cost. Existing approaches for handling the corresponding robust optimal control problem resort to either conservative uncertainty sets or various approximations schemes, and to our best knowledge, the current literature lacks an exact, yet tractable, solution. We propose a class of novel uncertainty sets for the system matrices of the linear system. We show that the resulting robust linear quadratic regulator problem enjoys a closed-form solution described through a generalized algebraic Riccati equation arising from dynamic game theory.
Usefulness of R.E.N.A.L Nephrometry Scoring System and Centrality Index Score for Predicting Outcome of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness for prediction of outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) using the R.E. N.A. L nephrometry scoring system (RNS) and centrality index score (C-index). MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 64 patients who underwent LPN from 2010 to 2014 in our institution. The RNS and C-index scores were assigned according to the described protocols for their systems. The relationships between the patients' scores before surgery and the outcomes of LPN, warm ischemia time (WIT), operative time (ORT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and percent change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS Mean tumor size was 3.1 cm, mean WIT was 27.6 minutes, mean ORT was 189.0 minutes, and mean EBL was 187 mL. Although the RNS had statistically significant correlations with WIT, ORT, and percent change in eGFR, these correlations were not score-dependent. For WIT, a statistically significant difference was observed between the low-risk group and the middle-risk group. For percent change in eGFR, a statistically significant difference was observed between the low-risk group and the high-risk group only. For the C-index, statistically significant correlations between complexity categories and WIT, ORT, EBL, and percent change in eGFR were observed. Regarding the raw C-index scores, linear correlations were observed between the scores and each outcome of LPN. CONCLUSIONS The RNS and C-index are useful for predicting the complexity of LPN. The C-index may be more suitable than the RNS for predicting postoperative renal function.
Abstract

Dosimetry methods for use in dose assessment for individuals following acute exposure to radiation are described. Primary methods include biodosimetry and physical dosimetry techniques, while additional supplementary methods are bioassays, neutron activation, and radiation field mapping. Biodosimetry methods include the established techniques of dicentric chromosome assay, cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, translocation analysis by fluorescent in-situ hybridization, premature chromosome condensation, and the γ-H2AX assay. Emerging techniques include RNA expression-based, protein-based, and metabolomic-based assays. Physical dosimetry methods include electron paramagnetic resonance and the luminescence-based techniques of thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence. Electron paramagnetic resonance methods are used to assess absorbed dose in biologically derived materials, such as bone, teeth, and keratinous tissue, as well as non-biologically derived materials such as sugars, glasses, and polymeric materials used in fabrics and other personal items. Thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence techniques are used to assess absorbed dose in the components of personal electronics, along with other items such as plastic cards, fabrics, and clothing. There have also been similar efforts for teeth and dental repair ceramics. Since the above-listed techniques cannot distinguish between exposure to internal and external sources, bioassays may be used to assess exposure from internal contamination, including thyroid counting, chest counting, and excretion analysis methods. When a neutron exposure is expected, neutron activation analysis in blood, hair, or other non-biological items is useful. Radiation field mapping can be a useful method for determining locations where doses to individuals may be expected to be high and may complement radiation transport calculations performed for that purpose. Since immediate medical assessment is concerned with tissue reactions (deterministic effects), the quantity of interest for the above dosimetry methods is absorbed dose (expressed in gray). This Report concludes with a summary of the various methods and a brief discussion of the uses of such information in the aftermath of acute radiation exposure.
Non-Blocking Scheme for Blind Network-Assisted Diversity Multiple Access in Synchronous Channels

We design a Blind Network-Assisted Diversity Multiple Access (BNDMA) method for resolving packet collisions in synchronous packet-switched networks. As opposed to typical BNDMA schemes, the method operates in non-blocking mode. Idle transmitters at the start of a collision resolution interval may join the set of active transmitters and contact the receiver before the end of the interval. A naive queuing analysis of the proposed scheme is exponentially complex in the size of the network. We carry out a computationally efficient analysis of the network throughput and queuing delay. We show that the suggested scheme reduces the queuing delay of the buffered packets at the transmitters without sacrificing the maximum throughput achieved by standard BNDMA. Further insights are derived from the numerical experiments.
Defining the Clinically Meaningful Outcomes for Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome at Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

Background: Minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) have gained prominence as important variables in the orthopaedic outcomes literature. In hip preservation surgery, much attention has been given to defining early clinically meaningful outcome; however, it is unknown what represents meaningful patient-reported outcome improvement in the medium to long term. Purpose: (1) To define MCID, PASS, and SCB at a minimum 5 years after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and (2) to evaluate the time-dependent nature of MCID, PASS, and SCB. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between January 2012 and March 2014 were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected in an institutional hip preservation registry. MCID, PASS, and SCB were calculated for each outcome score including the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sport-Specific subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) at 1, 2, and 5 years. MCID was calculated by use of a distribution-based method, whereas PASS and SCB were calculated by use of an anchor method. Results: The study included 283 patients with a mean ± SD age of 34.2 ± 11.9 years. The mean changes in 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year scores, respectively, required to achieve MCID were as follows: HOS-ADL (8.8, 9.7, 10.2); HOS-SS (13.9, 14.3, 15.2); mHHS (6.9, 9.2, 11.4); and iHOT-12 (15.1, 13.9, 15.1). The threshold scores for achieving PASS were as follows: HOS-ADL (89.7, 88.2, 99.2); HOS-SS (72.2, 76.4, 80.9); mHHS (84.8, 83.3, 83.6); and iHOT-12 (69.1, 72.2, 74.3). Last, the threshold scores for achieving SCB scores were as follows: HOS-ADL (89.7, 91.9, 94.6); HOS-SS (78.1, 77.9, 85.8); mHHS (86.9, 85.8, 94.4); and iHOT-12 (72.6, 76.8, 87.5). More patients achieved MCID, SCB, and PASS at 2-year compared with 1-year follow-up; however, by 5 years, fewer patients had achieved clinically meaningful outcome (minimum 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-up, respectively: MCID, 82.6%, 87.3%, 79.3%; PASS, 67.6%, 74.9%, 67.5%; SCB, 62.3%, 67.2%, 56.6%). Conclusion: The greatest proportion of patients achieved MCID, PASS, and SCB at 2-year follow-up after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS compared with 1- and 5-year time points. Improvements were maintained out to 5-year follow-up, although the proportion of patients achieving clinical significance was slightly decreased.
A Pioneering Scalable Self-driving Car Simulation Platform

This paper proposes a novel hybrid, cross-platform 3D self-driving simulator, which offers a platform for researchers in the field of automatic vehicles to validate algorithms with ease and criteria to evaluate models in the community. Primarily our system decomposes the achievement of self-driving into four distinct steps by using a Tensorflow framework in machine learning: data generating, data balancing, model training, and model testing. The core part of our training section, the Alexnet, underlies training a deep neuron network with high accuracy at a fast speed. Some techniques, like balancing data, are employed to avoid overfilling, thus improving the robustness and accuracy; other functions, such as speed control, are designed for emulating the reality more vividly. By many study cases, it shows a strong flexibility of our simulator substantially. Various lane detection and obstacle detection algorithms are embedded smoothly in our system. In addition, Canny algorithm and Hough Transfer algorithm detect and draw out the edge of lanes perfectly, while YOLO architecture manages to detect obstacles.
A comparative study of tension band wiring and encirclage in treating transverse fractures of patella

Background: The functional and radiological outcome of the union of transverse fractures of patella treated by tension band wiring (TBW) and encirclage wiring were compared according to WEST’s criteria. Methods: During three years, 44 patients with displaced transverse fracture patella were treated randomly either by TBW or encirclage with twenty-two patients in each group. Two patients in each group were lost to follow-up. Results: Results were compared based on the period of union, post-operative complications, early mobilization and recovery to pre-injury level. Fractures united at an average of 13.6 weeks with 8-12 and 10-14 weeks in TBW and the encirclage group, respectively. Results were excellent in 65%, good in 25% and poor in 10% cases in TBW group, as compared to the encirclage group with excellent in 50%, good in 30% and poor in 20% cases. In TBW group, 75% cases had a full range of motion (ROM), 15% had >120° of flexion and 10% had flexion between 90° and 120°, as compared to 50% full ROM, 30% >120° of flexion and 20% between 90° and120° flexion in the encirclage group. A case of migration of pin and another case of limitation of flexion by 25° were noticed. Conclusions: Patients treated with TBW had better results than the encirclage in the management of transverse fractures of the patella.
Combination Products Today: An Update on a New Fixed Combination

Combigan® is a fixed combination made up of brimonidine tartrate (0.2%) and timolol (0.5%, as maleate), two commonly used intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering agents with complementary mechanisms of action. This paper describes Combigan safety and efficacy studies undertaken for US and European regulatory approval. The studies show that Combigan produces no unexpected adverse effects and that the fixed combination has non-inferiority to the unfixed combination of the same two agents. Phase III trials in the United States and Europe have demonstrated that Combigan lowers IOP more effectively than either of the two agents alone. Allergic conjunctivitis seems to occur less frequently (half the incidence) with Combigan than with brimonidine (Alphagan®) alone. Overall, Combigan shows similar efficacy and safety to concomitant brimonidine and timolol, and superior efficacy to either agent alone, with a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio.
Teaching Parallel Programming to Freshmen in an Undergraduate Computer Science Program

This Research to Practice Full Paper proposes a teaching approach that introduces parallel programming early in the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum. Experiments were conducted to freshmen in the second course of algorithms and data structures. The strategy for the evaluation of the early education of parallel programming includes the use of OpenMP Application Programming Interface and sorting algorithms. The results indicate that students improved their skills by participating in parallel programing activities introduced at early stages or even at the very beginning of the undergraduate program. Freshmen could hit about 92%, 63% and 44% of easy, medium and hard questions after theoretical and practice activities. This represents an improvement about 19%, 14% and 39% for each respective difficulty level in comparison to the beginning of the study when all freshmen had no knowledge relative to parallel programming. These results aid to demystify parallel programming and to show that freshmen can learn it.
Impact of an automatic hospital probiotic protocol on Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) rates and CDI antibiotic usage in a community hospital setting

The aim of the present study was to see how widespread preventative use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii via automatic protocol in hospitalised patients receiving antibacterials affected rates of hospital-associated Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (HA-CDI). Rates of HA-CDI appeared to be similar between the pre-protocol and protocol periods. Use of CDI treatment antibiotics (oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin) was also similar. Laboratory-confirmed isolation of S. boulardii from sterile body sites was identified in five patients during the protocol versus only one case in the pre-protocol years.
Magnitude of Malaria Infection in Chalia District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Reginal State, Ethiopia

Malaria is a major public health problem in worldwide and causes high morbidity and mortality. Studying its prevalence is necessary to implement effective control measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria in Gedo Hospital, Chalia District, Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was conducted from July to December, 2013, in Gedo Hospital. A well designed and pretested structured questionnaire and laboratory investigation were used to collect data. Data was processed and analyzed with SPSS version 21.0 (IBM, USA) and also Non-parameter test, Chi-square (X 2 ) was used to test the significant difference of the prevalence of malaria between the gender group (male and female). A total of 384 patient age ≥ 5 years old clinically suspected to have malaria were examined. Overall prevalence of malaria was 7.55% (29 malaria cases out of 384 patients) of which 19 (65.51%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and 8(27.58%) for Plasmodium vivax ; the remaining 2(6.89%) showed mixed infections of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Of the total of 29 positive individuals sex distribution was 21(5.47%) male and 8(2.08%) female; this showed that males were more infected than females. Gender had statistically significant association with malaria infection (p<0.05). All age groups were infected but high prevalence observed in age groups 11–20 and 5-10 followed by 21–30 years old. Therefore, health professionals and administrators have to focus on prevention and control of malaria by giving health education, awareness creation at different levels on prevention and control of malaria in the study area and in the country as well. Keywords: Prevalence, Malaria, Ethiopia.
RESEARCH ARTICLE EVALUATION OF IRON STATUS IN 9-MONTH TO 5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WITH FEBRILE SEIZURES: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN THE SOUTH WEST OF IRAN

Objective convulsions are prevalent in children aged between 9 months and 5 years, with an incidence of 2-5%. On the other hand, iron deficiency anemia is the most common hematologic disease of infancy and childhood with a period of incidence that coincides with the time of developing febrile convulsions. Therefore, it is hypothesized that there is a possible association between these conditions. This study was designed to elucidate this association. Materials & Methods Two sex and age matched groups (n=50 in each) of 9-month to 5-year-old febrile children who were admitted to Abuzar Hospital between September 2003 and October 2004 were selected. The first group, or the case group, included children with the first attack of febrile seizure and the second group, or the control group, included febrile children without seizure. Blood samples were collected for measuring complete blood count (CBC) indices, serum Iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) levels.