Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sign Language Translation Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

Sign language is a natural, visually oriented and non-verbal communication channel between people that facilitates communication through facial/bodily expressions, postures and a set of gestures. It is basically used for communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. In order to understand such communication quickly and accurately, the design of a successful sign language translation system is considered in this paper. The proposed system includes object detection and classification stages. Firstly, Single Shot Multi Box Detection (SSD) architecture is utilized for hand detection, then a deep learning structure based on the Inception v3 plus Support Vector Machine (SVM) that combines feature extraction and classification stages is proposed to constructively translate the detected hand gestures. A sign language fingerspelling dataset is used for the design of the proposed model. The obtained results and comparative analysis demonstrate the efficiency of using the proposed hybrid structure in sign language translation.
Predictors of regular physical activity among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Wolaita Sodo University teaching hospital using the Trans-Theoretical Model

Abstract Background: Globally, 382 million people are estimated to have diabetes. To date there is paucity of evidence regarding predictor of regular physical activity among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with application of Trans-theoretical model. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine predictors of regular physical activity among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Wolaita Sodo University hospital using the Trans- theoretical model Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 systematic random selected Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. One-way ANOVA was used to show mean scores differences of processes of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy across stages of change. Multivariable logistic regressions were also conducted. Result: Of the participants, 34.3% were physically active. The processes of change, the pros and the self-efficacy significantly increased from precontemplation to maintenance stage while the cons decreased across the stages (p<0.05). The result of multivariable logistic regression showed thatpros, cons, self-efficacy, self-liberation and counter conditioning were predictors of physical activity. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients’physical activity was very low. Stage matched intervention should be designed to increase processes of change, pros and self-efficacy from precontemplation to maintenance stages. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2018;32(2):00-00] Key words: Physical activity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Transtheoretical model
Why Fast Velocity Resistance Training Should Be Prioritized for Elderly People

Lucas Bet da Rosa Orssatto, 1 M.Sc. Eduardo Lusa Cadore, 2 Ph.D. Lars Louis Andersen, 3, 4 Ph.D. Fernando Diefenthaeler, 1 Ph.D. Biomechanics Laboratory, Sports Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Floriano ́ polis, Santa Catarina, Brazil 2 Exercise Research Laboratory, Physical Education School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
Determination of the Principal Sources of Listeria spp. Contamination in Poultry Meat and a Poultry Processing Plant.

The presence of Listeria spp. in chicken drumsticks, wings, breasts, and livers taken from a poultry processing plant was investigated. The poultry pieces found to be most contaminated were drumstick meat and skin, with 96% of samples shown to contain Listeria spp. Drumsticks contained the highest number of Listeria spp. , with counts in many cases exceeding 3 log CFU/g for skin and muscle. Samples were also taken from various surfaces in the processing plant, where the most contaminated areas were found to be in the final stages of meat processing. Three samples were positive for Listeria spp. immediately after washing and disinfection had taken place. The results suggest that drumsticks are responsible for a large amount of the contamination of chicken carcasses, and that the surfaces that come into contact with these pieces of meat play an important role in spreading Listeria spp. Disinfection procedures used by this processing plant do not effectively control Listeria spp.
Intake of Fat-Soluble Vitamins Among Undergraduate College Students Attending North Dakota State University

Fat-soluble vitamins are essential micronutrients that are critical in normal physiological processes. Deficiencies can pose increased risk of chronic diseases. This may be particularly important among college students, since the majority of this population is in peak phases of development. The purpose of this study was to determine intake of fat-soluble vitamins in 352 (212 males, 140 females) students. Students completed dietary analyses of their 72-hour food record, which were analyzed to determine if student intake met Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations. Additional analyses determined relationships between intake and gender, age, and frequency of attending a dining center. Few students met DRI for fat-soluble vitamins A (21%), D (3%), and E (7%). Moreover, <1% of students met the DRI for all 3 vitamins. Frequency of attending a dining center did not improve fat-soluble vitamin intake. In summary, few students are meeting DRI guidelines of fat-soluble vitamins.
Employability skills: balancing the equation

The Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), aware of the need to provide guidance and advice to industry and training providers, has funded research to translate these very real needs into training solutions compatible with training packages. This chapter provides an overview of some of the research which is examined in order to identify a clearer picture of the employability skills mix. The chapter discusses ways in which employability skills can be incorporated into training packages, how they are currently represented, and finally, some of the options for future development. The chapter describes how the generic skills are currently incorporated in training packages through dedicated units of competence and by being embedded in units of competence. Generic skills are also located in training packages in performance criteria, evidence guides or in descriptions of underpinning skills and knowledge. The author concludes that the most critical factor is the learning process. Teachers and trainers need to have the skills to use innovative learning strategies to ensure that the generic skills are learnt in context and that learners thus become competent.
How do peers promote social inclusion of children with disabilities?A mixed-methods systematic review

Abstract Purpose: This mixed-methods systematic review synthesized findings from studies published between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2018 on the social inclusion experiences of children with and without disabilities, as viewed from their own perspective, with a focus on how typically developing peers promote social inclusion. Method: Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Data from included studies were synthesized by means of content analysis. Results: The findings detail the inner social inclusion experiences (e.g., feeling included, different) of children with disabilities and provide information regarding the influence of disability type (e.g., physical, social, affective) on typically developing peers’ responses (e.g., acceptance vs. rejection), peers’ explanations for social inclusion/exclusion, and peers’ relationships with children with disabilities. Barriers to social inclusion, supports, as well as strategies used to promote social inclusion, as perceived by peers and children with disabilities, are also reported. Conclusion: The findings of this review provide evidence that despite society’s efforts to promote social inclusion, children with disabilities continue to report feeling lonely and excluded, having limited contact socially outside of home, and encountering systemic barriers (e.g., bullying, discrimination). More research on the social inclusion experiences of children with disabilities beyond educational settings is needed, such as in the contexts of recreation and leisure, community, and employment. Implications for rehabilitation The perspectives of children with and without disabilities need to be integrated in activities and programs aimed at promoting social inclusion. Teaching social inclusion strategies to children with and without disabilities is needed to help them deal with barriers. In addition to educational settings, rehabilitation clinicians need to promote social inclusion strategies in other contexts such as recreation and leisure, community, and employment contexts.
Encephalomyelitis with Retinopathy in Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

ABSTRACT Common variable immunodeficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency and rarely causes neurological manifestations since the introduction of IVIg, but here, the authors present a case of a 31-year-old Afro-Caribbean man who after short non-adherence to his immunoglobulins, develops encephalomyelitis with retinopathy. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case presented with retinal photographs, OCT, CT, MRI and brain biopsies.
An Experimental Evaluation of Time Series Classification Using Various Distance Measures

In recent years a vast number of distance measures for time series classification has been proposed. Obviously, the definition of a distance measure is crucial to further data mining tasks, thus there is a need to decide which measure should we choose for a particular dataset. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive comparison of 26 distance measures enriched with extensive statistical analysis. We compare different kinds of distance measures: shape-based, edit-based, feature-based and structure-based. Experimental results carried out on 34 benchmark datasets from UCR Time Series Classification Archive are provided. We use an one nearest neighbour (1NN) classifier to compare the efficiency of the examined measures. Computation times were taken into consideration as well.
Recurrent anal fistulae:Limited surgery supported by stem cells

AIM:To study the results of stem-cell therapy under a Compassionate-use Program for patients with recurrent anal fistulae.METHODS:Under controlled circumstances,and approved by European and Spanish laws,a Compassionate-use Program allows the use of stem-cell therapy for patients with very complex anal fistulae.Candidates had previously undergone multiple surgical interventions that had failed to resolve the fistulae,and presented symptomatic recurrence.The intervention consisted of limited surgery(with closure of the internal opening),followed by local implant of stem cells in the fistula-tract wall.Autologous expanded adipose-derived stem cells were the main cell type selected for implant.The first evaluation was performed on the 8th postoperative week;outcome was classified as response or partial response.Evaluation one year after the intervention confirmed if complete healing of the fistula was achieved.RESULTS:Ten patients(8 male)with highly recurrent and complex fistulae were treated(mean age:49years,range:28-76 years). Seven cases were nonCrohn’s fistulae,and three were Crohn’s-associated fistulae.Previous surgical attempts ranged from 3to 12.Two patients presented with preoperative incontinence(Wexner scores of 12 and 13 points). After the intervention,six patients showed clinical response on the 8th postoperative week,with a complete cessation of suppuration from the fistula.Three patients presented a partial response,with an evident decrease in suppuration.A year later,six patients(60%)remained healed,with complete reepithelization of the external opening.Postoperative Wexner Scores were 0 in six cases.The two patients with previous incontinence improved their scores from12 to 8 points and from 13 to 5 points.No adverse reactions or complications related to stem-cell therapy were reported during the study period.CONCLUSION:Stem cells are safe and useful for treating anal fistulae.Healing can be achieved in severe cases,sparing fecal incontinence risk,and improving previous scoring.
Compliance with standard precautions during clinical training of nursing students in Saudi Arabia: A multi-university study.

INTRODUCTION Nursing students are susceptible to healthcare-associated infections because of their direct patient interactions during their clinical training. Hence, compliance with standard precautions (SPs) is paramount during their clinical exposure and training. This study investigated the compliance with SPs and its predictors among Saudi nursing students from six universities. METHODOLOGY This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in six government universities in Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 829 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students was surveyed using the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out to analyze the data. RESULTS The overall compliance rate of the respondents was 60.1% with a mean score of 12.02 (SD = 4.50). The students reported highest compliance on covering the mouth and nose when wearing a mask, while the lowest compliance was on disposing sharps box before it is full. The university, academic year level, and attendance to infection prevention and control training or seminar in the last six months were identified as significant predictors of the students' compliance with SPs. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide valuable insights and guidance for improving the practice of SPs among future nurses, which could result in the reduction of infection exposure and its transmission rates among future nurses in clinical settings.
THE ROLE OF CHEMOTHERAPY IN TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent tumor worldwide. Triple-negative BCs are characterized by the negative estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative HER2, and represent 12-18% of all BCs.Breast cancer (breast cancer) is the most common oncological disease in women in the Uzbekistan. Data from epidemiological studies show that TNBC is more common in young women (up to 50 years) before menopause. In addition, the likelihood of TNBC is higher in women with early menarche, the first pregnancy at an earlier age, a short period of breastfeeding, and an increased body mass index. It should be not that the prognosis for TNBC does not depend on the degree of differentiation of the tumor, the presence of lymph node metastases, the size of the tumor or the treatment performed. The aggressiveness of TNBC was also confirmed by the maximum risk of recurrence during the first three years after surgical treatment with a maximum mortality within the first 5 years. TNBC is a subtype of tumors with a special character of metastasis. Based on the above, we have undertaken the present work, having set ourselves the following goal: to improve immediate and long-term results of treatment of patients with locally advanced thyroid cancer by using the most effective diagnostic methods and comprehensive treatment. Keywords: Triple negative BC, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic chemotherapy, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemicitabine
Responses of Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata seedlings to distillery effluent

The present study was undertaken to find out the physico-chemical characteristics of both untreated and treated distillery effluent and effect of various concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100 % v/v) of treated distillery effluent on the seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek Var. Pusa baisaki and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Var. CS 1. The physico-chemical analysis of the effluent showed high alkalinity with high BOD and COD, total dissolved solids, and total suspended solids. The germination in 25% concentration was found to be maximum as compared to 75 and 100% concentrations. 25% concentration of distillery effluent was found to be beneficial for the growth of shoot and root in both the plants as compared to control, indicating the enhancing influence of plant nutrients present in the effluent. However, the reduction in seedling growth revealed that constituents of distillery effluent at higher concentrations exhibited deleterious effects on both the crops plants.
Survival of Free and Microencapsulated Probiotic Bacteria in Orange and Apple Juices.

This study investigated the survival of free and microencapsulated probiotic bacteria in orange and apple juices. Eight different strains of probiotic bacteria were used in this study including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, L. salivarius, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, B. lactis type Bi-04 and B. lactis type Bi-07. The free or microencapsulated probiotic bacteria were inoculated into orange and apple juices and their viability was assessed on a weekly basis for up to six weeks. oBrix, malic acid concentration, and pH were also monitored. Encapsulated probiotc bacteria survived in fruit juices throughout the six weeks of storage, whereas free probiotic bacteria lost their viability within five weeks. In general, fruit juices containing microencapsulated probiotic bacteria were more stable than those containing free probiotic organisms.
Expression analysis of the Ghpdx1 and Ghpdx2 genes encoding PLP synthase from Geobacillus sp. H6a

Vitamin B 6 has been found to function in cellular metabolism and stress response beside being an enzymatic cofactor. The thermophilic bacterium, Geobacillus sp. H6a (Gh), produced extracellular vitamin B 6 in pyridoxamine (PM) and pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate (PMP) forms. The key enzyme in DXP-independent pathway, pyridoxal 5′-phosphase synthase (PLP synthase) was studied. This enzyme complex consists of two proteins -Pdx1 and Pdx2 that encoded by pdx1 and pdx2 genes. The Ghpdx1 has a length of 885 base pairs encoding a protein of 294 amino acids, while the Ghpdx2 has a length of 591 base pairs encoding a protein of 196 amino acids. Comparative and bioinformatic analysis shows that Ghpdx1 and Ghpdx2 displayed extensive homology with pdx1 and pdx2 from other Geobacillus species and contains the signature family sequences. The effect of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide on Ghpdx1 expression showed no significant difference between control and treatments, while the Ghpdx2 expression significantly (p<0.05) increased over the range of 0.8-4.0 mM H 2 O 2 treatment. The extracellular vitamin B 6 production significantly increased compared to the control. No significant difference in Ghpdx1 and Ghpdx2 expression was found between the control and pyridoxine (PN)-supplemented groups. The extracellular vitamin B 6 production between control and PN-supplemented showed a significant decrease by agar diffusion assay. Our data suggest that H 2 O 2 -induced can enhance extracellular vitamin B 6 production.
Prospective observational study on cholelithiasis in patients with carcinoma gall bladder in a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India

Context: Gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) is the fifth most common types of gastrointestinal malignancy and is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Cholelithiasis, gallbladder polyps, porcelain gall, and choledochal cysts are common known associations with GBCA. Because of the better understanding of the etiopathogenesis, the traditional nihilistic attitude toward the prognosis has, over the years, given way to greater interest and hope for treating the disease. Long-term survival has been reported in patients with resectable lesions in the hands of expert hepatobiliary surgeons. Objective: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India on patients with the diagnosis of GBCA. The main objective was to assess the incidence of gallstones in patients with GBCA, and the relationship, if any, between the size and number of stones and GBCA in our patient cohort. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted, over a period of 2 years, at a tertiary referral hospital of Eastern India which caters to patients from all the neighboring districts. A total of 54 patients with the diagnosis of GBCA were included in the study. Data on their demographic and clinical profile, the incidence of associated gallstones, their size (<3 or ≥3cm), and number (solitary or multiple) were collected. Known predisposing factors of GBCA, if any, in those presenting without stones were noted. Results: GBCA was found to afflict females 2.4 times as frequently as males. Patients, irrespective of their sex, were mostly in their sixth decade. Approximately three-fourth of the cases had associated cholelithiasis. The number of stones had no correlation with the disease. However, contrary to available published data, stones <3 cm were significantly more common in our study cohort. Conclusion: The results of this study reaffirm that cholelithiasis is a strong predisposing factor for GBCA and females with gallstones in their sixth decade, are more at risk. Although number of stones was not found to be an independent risk factor, patients with stones <3 cm (mostly multiple) were found to be more at risk in our study.
Physiological analysis of an oil palm density trial on a peat soil.

A detailed physiological analysis was made of an oil palm density x fertilizer experiment established on a deep peat soil near Teluk Intan, Perak. Data on above-ground vegetative dry matter production, leaf area and leaf area development, flowering, bunch dry matter production and bunch composition were collected from the time of first flowering up to the 17th year after planting. Three planting densities (120, 160 and 200 palms ha-1) were combined with 18 factorial fertilizer treatments. From data on leaf area, vegetative, bunch and total dry matter production, it was possible to derive the efficiency of radiant energy conversion to dry matter and the partitioning of dry matter between vegetative and reproductive biomass as well as between oil and non-oil components of dry matter. The influence of planting density on the extent of biomass turnover was assessed. Optimum densities for bunch yield were calculated as a function of age from single palm yield response to density. The proportions of assimilated carbon used for dry matter production, growth respiration and maintenance respiration were also calculated. Maintenance respiration per unit biomass was seen to decrease as a function of increasing palm age and density. The evaluated dry matter production and gross assimilation were compared with outputs from a simulation model. The results are discussed and compared with those of other studies in the literature.
Multi-Modal Ocular Recognition in presence of occlusion in Mobile Devices

The existence eyeglasses in human faces cause real challenges for ocular, facial, and soft-based (such as eyebrows) biometric recognition due to glasses reflection, shadow, and frame occlusion. In this regard, two operations (eyeglasses detection and eyeglasses segmentation) have been proposed to mitigate the effect of occlusion using eyeglasses. Eyeglasses detection is an important initial step towards eyeglass segmentation. Three schemes of eyeglasses detection have been proposed which are non-learning-based, learning-based, and deep learning-based schemes. The non-learning scheme of eyeglasses detection which consists of cascaded filters achieved an overall accuracy of 99.0% for VISOB and 97.9% for FERET datasets. The learning-based scheme of eyeglass detection consisting of extracting Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Histogram of Gradients (HOG) and fusing them together, then applying classifiers (such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)), and fusing the