Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiomics analysis with three-dimensional and two-dimensional segmentation to predict survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Radiomics can assess prognostic factors in several types of tumors, but considering its prognostic ability in pancreatic cancer has been lacking. AIM To evaluate the performance of two different radiomics software in assessing survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed pretreatment contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography images from 48 patients with biopsy-confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who later underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery. Tumors were segmented using TexRad software for 2-dimensional (2D) analysis and MIM software for 3D analysis, followed by radiomic feature extraction. Cox proportional hazard modeling correlated texture features with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Cox regression was used to detect differences in OS related to pretreatment tumor size and residual tumor following treatment. The Wilcoxon test was used to show the relationship between tumor volume and the percent of residual tumor. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare survival in patients with different tumor densities in Hounsfield units for both 2D and 3D analysis. RESULTS 3D analysis showed that higher mean tumor density [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.971, P = 0.041)] and higher median tumor density (HR = 0.970, P = 0.037) correlated with better OS. 2D analysis showed that higher mean tumor density (HR = 0.963, P = 0.014) and higher mean positive pixels (HR = 0.962, P = 0.014) correlated with better OS; higher skewness (HR = 3.067, P = 0.008) and higher kurtosis (HR = 1.176, P = 0.029) correlated with worse OS. Higher entropy correlated with better PFS (HR = 0.056, P = 0.036). Models determined that patients with increased tumor size greater than 1.35 cm were likely to have a higher percentage of residual tumors of over 10%. CONCLUSION Several radiomics features can be used as prognostic tools for pancreatic cancer. However, results vary between 2D and 3D analyses. Mean tumor density was the only variable that could reliably predict OS, irrespective of the analysis used.
Analyzing the Relationship Between Above Ground Biomass and Different Vegetation Indices of Chure Region of Sainamaina Municipality, Nepal

For REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation), sustainable management of forests, and protection and enhancement of forest carbon stocks procedures to be successful, accurate measurement of forest above-ground biomass (AGB) are essential. Sentinel imaging that was launched since 2014 provides an opportunity for mapping and monitoring AGB in forests. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between AGB and vegetation indices (VIs) derived from Sentinel-2 imagery in the Chure region of Sainamaina municipality. For this, we used 72 sample plots and 7 different VIs. The ARVI(Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index) and EVI2 (Enhanced Vegetation Index - 2) shows strong correlation (i.e. r = 0.861 and 0.861) and coefficient of determination value (R2=0.7414 and 0.7415) respectively. Overall, Sentinel-2 multispectral images vegetation indices can produce good results for reporting the AGB.
On the Relationship between Reflective Teaching and Personality Traits

Abstract: During the last decade, the slogan of reflective teaching has been embraced by teachers, teachers’ educators, and educational teachers all over the world. This international movement in teaching and teacher education that has developed under the banner of reflection can be seen as a reaction against the view of teachers as technicians who narrowly construe the nature of the problems confronting them and merely carry out what others, removed from classroom, want them to do. Drawing on John Dewey’s ideas, there are three attitudes of reflective teachers, i.e., open-mindedness, wholeheartedness, and responsibility. Personality traits are tendencies that represent an individual's uniqueness that have a lasting and stable effect on an individual's behavior and thinking (Satchell et al., 2017). However, given the fact that all teachers are not of the same personality types, it is hypothesized that teachers with one personality type prefer to rely on one element of teaching reflection. This provided enough impetus for us to investigate the relationship between the teachers’ personality types and their teaching reflection elements. To this end, we drew on John and Srivastava’s (1999) the Big Five Inventory Personality Test and Ryan (2014) the Reflective Teaching Instrument. One hundred Iranian EFL teachers were selected based on convenience sampling. They were from six different language institutes in Tehran, Iran. The results confirmed the hypothesis that each personality type correlated with elements of the teaching reflection. Extrovert teachers, for instance, were found to draw on the affective element in their teaching practices. The pedagogical implications of the findings are discussed.
Improving Learning Performance in Physical Education through Video-Based Presentations (VBP) Approach

Background: Technology plays a pivotal role in the learning and teaching process. Technology has become a powerful tool for enhancing students' performance in Physical Education. The study aims to assess the effect of video-based presentations on students' physical education learning performance. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effects of video-based presentations as an intervention tool in enhancing students' performance. Specifically, this is to answer the following objectives: (1) mean scores in the pre-test and post-test, (2) significant difference between before and after intervention, and (3) student's experiences in using video-based presentations in the learning performance in physical education. Methods: The researcher used a sequential mixed-method research design with a one-group pre-test and post-test design, which was participated by 52 students in one of the secondary schools in the Philippines and five students in the focus group discussion. Purposive sampling was used to choose the participants to assess the effect of the video-based presentations. JASP Software was used to analyze the data. Results: Based on the result, the study shows that before the intervention, students needed more knowledge and more participation in the discussion. However, utilizing the intervention indicates that the video-based presentation significantly affects students' learning performance, which shows that the video-based presentation has a positive impact on the students' learning performance. Moreover, two themes emerged in the focus group discussion: independent learning and flexible instruction. Conclusion: As education becomes man's equalizer, students must adopt 21st-century skills, and through the intervention used, this will pave the way for developing their capabilities and skills in the education trends. This implies that with the progressive world facing the ever-changing education landscape, teachers must have the desire to build their technological capabilities by upskilling and retooling their innovativeness and creativity in delivering instructions.
Exploring the Correlation Between the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), and Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy

Purpose Systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are new inflammation indicators calculated after integrating multiple indicators in blood routine. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the SII, SIRI and type 2 diabetic retinopathy (T2DR) and the diagnostic significance of these indices in T2DR. Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis involved 500 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), categorized into two groups based on fundus examination results: the non-diabetic retinopathy group (NDR, n=256) and the diabetic retinopathy group (DR, n=244). We calculated SII and SIRI, and analyzed their associations with T2DR. Results The DR group exhibited significantly higher SII and SIRI values compared to the NDR group (P<0.001). Mantel-Haenszel’s chi-square trend analysis revealed a notable linear trend (P<0.001) between SII, SIRI, and DR. SII and SIRI exhibited moderate positive correlations with DR, (r=0.354, P<0.001; r=0.469, P<0.001), respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis identified SII and SIRI as independent risk factors for DR. Restrictive cubic spline analysis demonstrated a significant linear relationship between SII and DR (P total trend <0.001, P nonlinear = 0.0657). Stratification by gender indicated that SII is more sensitive to the onset of DR in men. A significant nonlinear relationship was observed between SIRI and DR (P total trend <0.001, P nonlinear = 0.0025), with no gender-related differences in SIRI’s association with DR. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined use of SII and SIRI achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy for DR, with an AUC of 0.782, 74.6% sensitivity, and 69.9% specificity. Conclusion Our findings suggested that SII and SIRI as independent risk factors for DR. The high accuracy of SII combined with SIRI in diagnosing DR underscores their potential as early biological indicators for DR diagnosis.
Phacoemulsification with Goniotomy using Kahook Dual Blade Phacoemulsification with Goniotomy using Kahook Dual Blade Versus Phacoemulsification with Subscleral Trabeculectomy in Versus Phacoemulsification with Subscleral Trabeculectomy in Management of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Management of Prim

Background : Glaucoma surgeries result in substantial intraocular pressure (IOP) reductions but are associated with signi ﬁ cant risks. Recently, new surgical techniques needed to achieve more IOP reduction with a satisfactory safety pro ﬁ le. Aim : Compare phacoemulsi ﬁ cation and goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) versus phacoemulsi ﬁ cation with subscleral trabeculectomy showing their impact on glaucoma surgery. Methodology : This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 40 patients above age of 40 of both genders diagnosed as primary open-angle glaucoma. The patients were assigned into two equal groups: using the KDB and traditional subscleral trabeculectomy. Evaluation of visual acuity and measurement of IOP were the main outcomes. Results : Traditional subscleral trabeculectomy group had showed statistically signi ﬁ cant lower IOP at ﬁ rst week ( P ¼ 0.01) and at 6 month ( P ¼ 0.03 without statistical difference regarding medication requirements postoperative ( P > 0.05) and in the success or failure rates ( P > 0.05), in comparison to KDB group. However, both groupsshow signi ﬁ cant differences compared with baseline values regarding IOP, medication requirements postoperative, and complications incidence ( P < 0.001). Conclusions : Phaco-Kahook goniotomy was proven to be effective in the treatment of glaucoma with high success rates as phaco-trabeculectomy and has potential advantages as like easy technique and it has excellent safety pro ﬁ le but without difference in reducing antiglaucoma medications and postoperative complication when compared with phaco-trabeculectomy. Also, Phaco-trabeculectomy has more effect on IOP reduction after 6 months.
Genetic relationships between sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (P. cerasus L.) as revealed using fruit characterizations and chloroplast microsatellites

Abstract In the present study, the genetic diversity as well as the relationship between sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (P. cerasus L.) genotypes were investigated based on fruit traits and chloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs). Analysis of variance showed that the studied genotypes have significant differences in the studied traits. In sweet cherries, the average fruit weight was 4.49 g with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.62%, the average stone weight was 0.34 g with a CV of 15.67%, and the average total soluble solids was 11.90% with a CV of 22.06%. Also, in sour cherries, the average fruit weight was 2.65 g with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 14.27%, the average stone weight was 0.28 g with a CV of 12.27%, and the average total soluble solids was 10.90% with a CV of 19.80%. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 83.80% of the observed variance was explained by the first three components. The cluster analysis separated genotypes of sweet and sour cherries and put them into two main groups. Four cpSSR primers produced distinct and different alleles among sweet and sour cherries. The cpSSR loci separated sweet and sour cherries from each other, which confirms the theory that chloroplast genome of sour cherry is not derived from sweet cherry. The present results provided new insights regarding the extent of diversity of individuals and also determined the relatedness and obtained information on genetic diversity of sweet and sour cherries.
Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Polymers for Application in Prosthodontics

Contemporary mass media frequently depict 3D printing as a technology with widespread utilization in the creation of dental prosthetics. This paper endeavors to provide an evidence-based assessment of the current scope of 3D printing’s integration within dental laboratories and practices. Its primary objective is to offer a systematic evaluation of the existing applications of 3D-printing technology within the realm of dental prosthetic restorations. Furthermore, this article delves into potential prospects, while also critically examining the sustained relevance of conventional dental laboratory services and manufacturing procedures. The central focus of this article is to expound upon the extent to which 3D printing is presently harnessed for crafting dental prosthetic appliances. By presenting verifiable data and factual insights, this article aspires to elucidate the actual implementation of 3D printing in prosthetic dentistry and its seamless integration into dental practices. The aim of this narrative review is twofold: firstly, to provide an informed and unbiased evaluation of the role that 3D printing currently plays within dental laboratories and practices; and secondly, to instigate contemplation on the transformative potential of this technology, both in terms of its contemporary impact and its future implications, while maintaining a balanced consideration of traditional dental approaches.
Have Antarctic toothfish returned to McMurdo Sound?

Abstract A dramatic reduction in catch rates of Antarctic toothfish in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, has led to conclusions that the commercial bottom longline fishery for toothfish in the Ross Sea has drastically altered the toothfish population with cascading effects on the McMurdo Sound ecosystem. However, results from a new monitoring programme for Antarctic toothfish and other top predators carried out in McMurdo Sound in 2014 have shown toothfish catch rate, fish size and fish age similar to those observed prior to 2002. These results suggest that either large and old fish have returned to McMurdo Sound following a temporary environmentally driven absence or that they remained locally present but were not detected in the areas sampled. These findings highlight the importance of continued standardized monitoring for detecting the potential effects of fishing on the Ross Sea ecosystem.
Long-Term Effects of the Kumamoto Earthquake on Young Children’s Mental Health

Natural disasters cause numerous short- and long-term psychosocial effects on young children because of their increased vulnerability. This study aimed to examine the mental health of young children at 15 months after the Kumamoto earthquake. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey on the parents of 363 children aged 4–6 years across Kumamoto Prefecture. The questionnaire items included current residence, housing damage and evacuation experience during the disaster, as well as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The results showed that children who could stay in their home during the disaster had lower percentages of scores in the clinical range for conduct problems (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.85) and hyperactivity/inattention (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.19–0.93) on the SDQ. Furthermore, children who experienced living apart from their parents during the disaster had a higher percentage of scores in the clinical range for conduct problems (OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.05–5.42). At 15 months post-disaster, the mental health of the sample was worse than the normative data of Japan, indicating that the mental health of young children who experienced living at home and apart from their parents during the disaster was still affected.
Complementarities in Behavioral Interventions Evidence from a Field Experiment on Energy Conservation

Behavioral policy often aims at overcoming barriers like imperfect information and limited attention that contribute to suboptimal consumer decisions. When multiple barriers are present, a single intervention that does not overcome all barriers simultaneously may fail to unfold its full potential. We conduct a three-month randomized field experiment on energy conservation in a resource-intensive everyday activity, using two different interventions. Home energy reports fail to reduce energy use despite achieving significant knowledge gains; real-time feedback induces considerable conservation effects. Strikingly, combining both interventions boosts these effects by over 50%. This showcases how barrier multiplicity can generate complementarities in behavioral interventions.
Stock Selection Using Machine Learning Based on Financial Ratios

Stock prediction has garnered considerable attention among investors, with a recent focus on the application of machine learning techniques to enhance predictive accuracy. Prior research has established the effectiveness of machine learning in forecasting stock market trends, irrespective of the analytical approach employed, be it technical, fundamental, or sentiment analysis. In the context of fiscal year-end selection, the decision may initially seem straightforward, with December 31 being the apparent choice, as discussed by B. Kamp in 2002. The primary argument for a uniform fiscal year-end centers around comparability. When assessing the financial performance of two firms with differing fiscal year-ends, substantial shifts in the business environment during non-overlapping periods can impede meaningful comparisons. Moreover, when two firms merge, the need to synchronize their annual reporting often results in shorter or longer fiscal years, complicating time series analysis. In the US S&P stock market, misaligned fiscal years lead to variations in report publication dates across different industries and market segments. Since the financial reporting dates of US S&P companies are determined independently by each listed entity, relying solely on these dates for investment decisions may prove less than entirely reliable and impact the accuracy of return prediction models. Hence, our interest lies in the synchronized fiscal year of the TW stock market, leveraging machine learning models for fundamental analysis to forecast returns. We employed four machine learning models: Random Forest (RF), Feedforward Neural Network (FNN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Financial Graph Attention Network (FinGAT). We crafted portfolios by selecting stocks with higher predicted returns using these machine learning models. These portfolios outperformed the TW50 index benchmarks in the Taiwan stock market, demonstrating superior returns and portfolio scores. Our study’s findings underscore the advantages of using aligned financial ratios for predicting the top 20 high-return stocks in a mid-to-long-term investment context, delivering over 50% excess returns across the four models while maintaining lower risk profiles. Using the top 10 high-return stocks produced over 100% relative returns with an acceptable level of risk, highlighting the effectiveness of employing machine learning techniques based on financial ratios for stock prediction.
Optimal Laboratory Cultivation Conditions of Limnospira maxima for Large-Scale Production

Simple Summary Limnospira maxima, a photosynthetic bacterium with valuable proteins and pigments, faces cultivation challenges due to a lack of management knowledge and expensive nitrogen sources. This study aimed to find an efficient method for large-scale cultivation through testing different light colors and nitrogen sources. The study’s results showed that using white lights and potassium nitrate was the most effective approach, promoting growth and increasing the production of phycocyanin, a valuable blue pigment with applications in food, health, and the dye and pigment industry. In summary, this research offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for cultivating Limnospira maxima on a larger scale. This has the potential to positively impact food production and various industrial goods, providing a more sustainable and accessible source of phycocyanin and other valuable components. Abstract Cultivating Limnospira maxima, renowned for its abundant proteins and valuable pigments, faces substantial challenges rooted in the limited understanding of its optimal growth parameters, associated high costs, and constraints in the procurement of traditional nitrogen sources, particularly NaNO3. To overcome these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive 4 × 3 factorial design study. Factors considered included white, red, blue, and yellow light spectra, along with nitrogen sources NaNO3 and KNO3, as well as a nitrogen-free control, for large-scale implementation. Optimal growth, measured by Optical Density, occurred with white and yellow light combined with KNO3 as the nitrogen source. These conditions also increased dry weight and Chl-a content. Cultures with nitrogen deprivation exhibited high values for these variables, attributed to carbon accumulation in response to nitrogen scarcity. Phycocyanin, a crucial pigment for nutrition and industry, reached its highest levels in cultures exposed to white light and supplemented with KNO3, with an impressive content of 384.11 g kg−1 of dry weight. These results highlight the efficacy and cost-efficiency of using a combination of white light and KNO3 for large-scale L. maxima cultivation. This strategy offers promising opportunities to address global food security challenges and enhance the production of industrially relevant pigments.