Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using IRTree Models to Promote Selection Validity in the Presence of Extreme Response Styles

The measurement of psychological constructs is frequently based on self-report tests, which often have Likert-type items rated from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree”. Recently, a family of item response theory (IRT) models called IRTree models have emerged that can parse out content traits (e.g., personality traits) from noise traits (e.g., response styles). In this study, we compare the selection validity and adverse impact consequences of noise traits on selection when scores are estimated using a generalized partial credit model (GPCM) or an IRTree model. First, we present a simulation which demonstrates that when noise traits do exist, the selection decisions made based on the IRTree model estimated scores have higher accuracy rates and have less instances of adverse impact based on extreme response style group membership when compared to the GPCM. Both models performed similarly when there was no influence of noise traits on the responses. Second, we present an application using data collected from the Open-Source Psychometrics Project Fisher Temperament Inventory dataset. We found that the IRTree model had a better fit, but a high agreement rate between the model decisions resulted in virtually identical impact ratios between the models. We offer considerations for applications of the IRTree model and future directions for research.
Malnutrition Is Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background The relationship between malnutrition and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and DR in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 612 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Four malnutrition assessment tools: Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, controlling nutritional status (CONUT), nutritional risk index (NRI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), were applied to assess the nutritional status of the study population. The association between malnutrition and DR was examined using multivariable logistic regression and ordered logistic regression. Results The proportion of malnutrition varied from 10.0% to 34.3% in total patients and from 16.3% to 45.1% in DR patients across the assessment tools. DR patients were more likely to be malnourished than patients without DR. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for DR of malnutrition defined by different tools were 1.86 (1.01-3.14) for GLIM criteria, 1.67 (1.04-2.70) for NRI, and 2.24 (1.07-4.69) for PNI. The aOR and 95% CI for the severity of DR of malnutrition defined by different tools were 1.99 (1.12-3.51) for GLIM criteria, 1.65 (1.06-2.58) for NRI, and 2.51 (1.31-4.79) for PNI. Conclusions Malnutrition was common in DR patients, and it was closely linked to the presence and severity of DR. Diabetic patients with DR should undergo nutritional assessment and early treatment of malnutrition to prevent the onset or progression of DR.
CONSTRAINTS IN GOAT FARMING PERCEIVED BY FARM WOMEN IN ERODE DISTRICT OF TAMILNADU

The present study was carried out to analyse the constraints perceived by the farm women in goat farming in Erode District of Tamilnadu. A total 120 farm women having actively involved in goat rearing were randomly selected from the study area for the study. The data was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule containing a list of constraints and the farm women were asked to rank them. The data were tabulated and Garretts' ranking technique was adopted to analyze the constraints as perceived by the respondents. The study revealed that shrinking of grazing land / lack of grazing land, inadequate availability of breeding buck (non-availability of improved breeding bucks), lack of veterinary services at the door step at time of emergency (lack of veterinary aid) and middleman not providing remunerative price to kids were the main constraints in the major
The Effect of Family Visit Management on Anxiety Levels Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review

Several studies identified the effect of family visits on reducing patient and family anxiety levels. However, until now there has been no review that synthesizes the results of these studies on this population. This review aimed to identify the effect of family visit management on the anxiety level of patients and families in the ICU. This Study used a scoping review method using CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct and search engines Google Scholar. The keywords used in English were "family visitation OR visits" AND "anxiety disorders OR anxiety OR generalized anxiety disorder" AND "ICU OR intensive care unit OR critical care. " The criteria for selecting the articles included full-text articles in English and published in 2013-2023. The study selection process used the PRISMA-ScR flow chart. We found 11 articles discussing the management of family visits to the anxiety of ICU patients. Based on the results of the analyzed studies, it shows that there are several types of scheduled visit management (in and out hours), flexible family visitations, limited visits, regular visits, and online methods. In general, participants in the studies analyzed showed reduced levels of anxiety, and most studies indicated that flexible visits were positively related to satisfaction with the services provided in the ICU. Furthermore, it is advised that the visiting policies in ICU be modified and that families be given the option to participate in patient care through scheduled attendance and involvement. Keywords: Anxiety, Critical illness, Intensive Care Unit, Visit Management
External Validation and Recalibration of a Mortality Prediction Model for Patients with Ischaemic Stroke

Background: Stroke is a highly prevalent disease that can provoke severe disability. We evaluate a predictive model based on the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) compiled by the Spain Health Ministry, obtained for the period 2008–2012 for patients with ischaemic stroke in Spain, to establish the model’s validity and to optimise its calibration. The MBDS is the main clinical-administrative database for hospitalisations recorded in Spain, and to our knowledge, no predictive models for stroke mortality have previously been developed using this resource. The main study aim is to perform an external validation and recalibration of the coefficients of this predictive model with respect to a chronologically later cohort. Material and Methods: External validation (testing the model on a different cohort to assess its performance) and recalibration (validation with optimisation of model coefficients) were performed using the MBDS for patients admitted for ischaemic stroke in the period 2016–2018. A cohort study was designed, in which a recalibrated model was obtained by applying the variables of the original model without their coefficients. The variables from the original model were then applied to the subsequent cohort, together with the coefficients from the initial model. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the recalibration and the external validation procedure were compared. Results: The recalibrated model produced an AUC of 0.743 and was composed of the following variables: age (odds ratio, OR:1.073), female sex (OR:1.143), ischaemic heart disease (OR:1.192), hypertension (OR:0.719), atrial fibrillation (OR:1.414), hyperlipidaemia (OR:0.652), heart failure (OR:2.133) and posterior circulation stroke (OR: 0.755). External validation produced an AUC of 0.726. Conclusions: The recalibrated clinical model thus obtained presented moderate-high discriminant ability and was generalisable to predict death for patients with ischaemic stroke. Rigorous external validation slightly decreased the AUC but confirmed the validity of the baseline model for the chronologically later cohort.
Effect of Competencies and Incentives on Performance Through Job Satisfaction

This study's population was 107 employees at the Bulukumba Regency Health Office, so the sampling technique used was a saturated sample. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire which was distributed directly to all respondents. The analytical method used in this research is the path analysis technique with the help of SPSS software, and the Sobel test is carried out. The results of this study indicate that: (1) Competence has a positive and significant effect on employee job satisfaction. (2) Incentives have a positive and significant impact on employee job satisfaction. (3) Competence has a positive and significant impact on employee performance. (4) Incentives have a positive and significant impact on employee performance. (5) Job satisfaction has a positive and significant impact on employee performance. (6) Competence positively and significantly impacts employee performance through job satisfaction. (7) Incentives positively and affect employee performance substantially through job satisfaction.
Parental phubbing and adolescents’ life satisfaction: a moderated mediation model of self-esteem and perceived social support

ABSTRACT Life satisfaction is considered a hallmark of mental health in adolescence. However, the relationship between parental phubbing and life satisfaction and the internal mechanism has rarely been studied. Therefore, our objective was to examine the relationship between parental phubbing and life satisfaction and investigate the mediating effect of self-esteem and the moderating effect of perceived social support. Two thousand two hundred eighty-six junior high school students completed questionnaires on parental phubbing, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and perceived social support. The findings revealed a significant and negative correlation between parental phubbing and adolescents’ life satisfaction. Moreover, the relationship between parental phubbing and life satisfaction was partially mediated by self-esteem. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between parental phubbing and self-esteem only. Specifically, for adolescents with low perceived social support, parental phubbing significantly predicted adolescents’ self-esteem. This association became nonsignificant for adolescents with a high level of perceived social support. These findings indicate that intervening with parental phubbing is a promising way to improve adolescents’ life satisfaction and promoting adolescents’ self-esteem is an effective approach to improve their life satisfaction.
Epidemic forecast and preparedness for explosive-cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak in Nigeria using the preventive vaccination strategy

Background Within the African meningitis belt, yearly outbreaks of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), with incidence rates of 10–100 cases per 100 000 population, are typically punctuated by explosive epidemics occurring every 8–12 years, with incidence rates that can exceed 1000 cases per 100 000 population. From 1928 to 2018, Nigeria recorded the highest number (21%) of cases in the region. The reactive vaccination strategy, a protocol with major drawbacks, has been the vaccination method utilised in Nigeria. Aim This review highlights the need for governments within the African meningitis belt to start preparations against the next explosive CSM epidemic expected to occur between 2024 and 2028 using the preventive vaccination strategy. Methods We performed a literature search on the Google Scholar search engine using relevant search strings and included studies and reports between 1905 and 2022 that met set criteria. Results Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, W135, X, and Y; Haemophilus influenzae serotypes a, b, c, e, and f; and Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 19, 19F, and 20 were implicated as aetiologies. However, the reactive vaccination strategy was only used against N. meningitidis A or C, H. influenzae b, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Between 2011 and 2017, a polysaccharide vaccine (ACW or ACYW) active against serogroups A, C, W and Y was used within the African meningitis belt for the first time. Varying genotypes of N. meningitidis, H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae were identified. Conclusion Our results revealed a very high success rate for the preventive vaccination strategy. What this study adds In order to ensure reductions in the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive CSM, the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, should leverage existing knowledge of the circulating serogroups, serotypes, and genotypes of the primary bacterial aetiologies and commence the implementation of the preventive vaccination strategy.
Can Climate Change Mitigation Policy Benefit the Israeli Economy ? A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis §

This study aimed to quantify the economy-wide conse quences for Israel of meeting the targets of the Kyoto Protocol, employing a Computable Gener al Equilibrium (CGE) model of the Israeli economy. Initially, to this end, we constructed a s ocial accounting matrix (SAM). The analysis indicate that a double dividend may be an achievabl e goal under a CO 2 emission reduction policy in the case of economies such as Israel. The CGE appro ch applied in this research is adopted for the first time to the Israeli economy and should contri bute to better informed debate on environmental
Junior high schools teachers’ perceptions and practice of constructivism in Ghana: The paradox

Abstract The study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions and use of constructivist teaching approaches in Ghanaian junior high schools, specifically in the Sunyani-West Municipality. The research employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method strategy, with 254 teachers participating in the survey using the census method. Classroom observations and interviews were conducted to validate teachers’ claims regarding constructivist practices. Data were collected through the adapted Constructivist Learning Environment Scale (CLES), a semi-structured interview guide, and field notes. The findings revealed a paradox: while teachers had a positive perception of constructivism, they seldom applied its core principles in their classrooms. Data triangulation uncovered inconsistencies between teachers’ claims and actual classroom practices. Limited resources and time constraints were cited as reasons for the minimal implementation of constructivist pedagogy. Recommendations have been provided for the Ghana Education Service and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
Green Hydrogels Loaded with Extracts from Solanaceae for the Controlled Disinfection of Agricultural Soils

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development established the goal of cutting the use of pesticides in the EU by 50% by 2030. However, a ban on pesticides could seriously affect the productivity of agriculture, resulting in severe issues due to global hunger and food deficiency. Controlled release (CR) of bioactive chemicals could play a valid alternative in this context. To this aim, two biodegradable polymers, namely sodium alginate (AL) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), were employed to obtain crosslinked hydrogel beads for the encapsulation and CR of glycoalkaloids extracted from tomato and potato leaves to be used as biocompatible disinfectants for agricultural soils. The physico-chemical characterization of the controlled-release systems was carried out by means of Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) (FWI > 80%) and drying kinetics. The plant extracts and the encapsulation efficiency (~84%) were, respectively, characterized and evaluated by High-performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Finally, preliminary microbiological tests were conducted to test the efficacy of the most promising systems as biocidal formulations both in the lab and on a model soil, and interesting results were obtained in the reduction of bacterial and fungal load, which could lead to sustainable perspectives in the field.
Dynamic response of piles in SSI system with various soils

Through contrastive analysis of soil-structure interaction (SSI) system with various soils from soft to hard by a series of shaking table tests, several issues about the dynamic response of piles are studied. The types of pile crack are showed. The distribution rules of pile strain and contact pressure on pile-soil interface are found.
IMPACT OF ROW SPACING AND SOME WEED CONTROL TREATMENTS ON GROWTH, QUALITY AND YIELD OF SUGARCANE

Two field experiments were carried out at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons to study the effect of row spacing of sugarcane and some weed treatments on growth, quality and yield. Sugarcane cultiver Phil.8013 was spring-planted in three row spacings of 80, 100 and 120 cm, and ten weed control treatments were applied: single application of Garlon 90% EC at the rate of 2000 cc/fed as post-emergence; Brominal 24% EC at the rate of 1 l/fed as post-emergence; Bazagran 48% AS at the rate of 1 l/fed, 30 days after planting; Granstar 75% DF at the rate of 8 g/fed as post-emergence, at 30 days after planting. The application of each of the four herbicides was followed by one hand hoeing 30 days from herbicide application; hand hoeing three times at 25, 45 and 65 days after planting (DAP) and unweeded (control). A split plot design with three replications was used. Row spacings were allocated in the main plots, while weed control treatments were randomly distributed in the sub-plots. Results revealed that widening spaces between rows of sugarcane from 80 up to 100 and 120 cm resulted in a significant and gradual increase in dry weight of narrow and broad leaved weeds as well as total weeds/m 2 in both seasons. There was a significant influence of the applied weed treatments on dry weight/m 2 of both narrow and broad-leaved weeds and total weeds/m 2 . The results showed that the most effective treatment in eliminating both narrow and broad-leaved weeds was hand hoeing three times, followed by the application of the used herbicides combined with one hand hoeing, and the application of each herbicide alone. Growing sugarcane in rows spaced at 80-cm apart resulted in a significant increase in stalk height, number of millable canes, cane and sugar yields/fed. The thickest cane stalks were produced from plants grown at 120 cm. Row spacing rows at 100 cm gave the highest values of brix, sucrose, juice purity and sugar recovery percentages. Practicing hand hoeing three times 25, 45 and 65 DAP to get rid of weeds associated with sugarcane plants resulted in the highest values of the studied traits, while the unweeded plots gave the lowest ones. Under the conditions of the present work, growing sugarcane, in rows spaced at 80 or 100 cm and controlling accompanied weeds by manual hoeing three times at 25, 45 and 65 DAP, Brominal + hand hoeing once and/or Garlon + hand hoeing once can be recommended for getting the highest cane and sugar yields/fed. Meanwhile, economic evaluation of the studied factors showed that planting sugarcane in rows of 80-cm apart as well as controlling weeds by applying Brominal herbicide + hand hoeing once or manual hoeing three times gave the highest values of net income and profitability %.
Measuring educational leadership in Singapore: re-examining the psychometric properties of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire

Introduction The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) has been used frequently to assess leadership in different settings. Despite its popularity, there are many critiques of the MLQ-5X such as its questionable multidimensional structure, lack of connection to the theory and the different factor structures of the measurement tool. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the psychometric properties of the MLQ-5X in the Singapore educational context using two datasets. Methods A total of 872 teachers (40.1% male and 59.9% female) from 20 secondary schools in Singapore completed two sets of MLQ-5X, one set for their immediate reporting officer and one set for their school leaders. Results Congeneric Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Rho’s coefficients, and AVE were used to analyze MLQ-5X’s convergent validity and internal consistency. After five items were deleted, the MLQ-5X showed acceptable internal consistency and convergent validity. Eight measurement models were tested with the original 36 items and the reduced items MLQ-5X. Latent factor correlation matrix with confidence intervals was used to assess the discriminant validity of the MLQ-5X. The results provided support for a nine first-order factors and three second-order factors model (transformation [IIA, IIB, IM, IS, IC, CR], transactional (MBEA), and non-leadership (MBEP and LF). Discussion The discriminant validity of the hierarchical measurement model of MLQ-5X is supported using dataset 2.
Household Projections for Rural and Urban Areas of Major Regions of the World

Demographic dynamics are important drivers of environmental change, including effects on climate through energy and land use that lead to emissions of greenhouse gases. These dynamics include changes to population size, age structure, and urbanization, as well as changes in household living arrangements. Population and household projections are therefore essential for investigating potential future demographic effects, but no long-term, global projections exist that simultaneously describe consistent outcomes for population, urbanization, and households. We therefore develop a new set of population/household projections for nine world regions. The projections are based partly on existing population and urbanization projections, partly on new multi-state projections for China and India, and on a new household projection using age-, size-, and urban/rural-specific headship rates. We discuss principle results that foresee future aging, urbanization, and trends toward smaller household sizes.
34. PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFER BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF NORWEGIAN SEA SEDIMENTS: ODP LEG 104 1

Sites 642, 643, and 644 were investigated for planktonic foraminifers. Frequent occurrences of barren intervals caused by dissolution as well as low- diversity and long-ranging assemblages reduce the stratigraphic resolution of these records. Based on Neogloboquadrina species a local zonation, correlated with high-latitude North Atlantic schemes, is proposed for the middle Miocene to Quaternary and correlated with paleomagnetic records. The middle to late Miocene boundary is defined by the last appearance datum of Neogloboquadrina mayeri and the first appearance datum of Neogloboquadrina acostaensis. Late Miocene age is defined by a N. acostaensis zone, whereas latest Miocene to Pliocene zones are defined by dextral and sinistrally coiling Neogloboquadrina atlantica. The top of the Pliocene is characterized by dextral and sinistrally coiling Neogloboquadrina pachyderma. The Pleistocene is defined by a nearly monospecific assemblage of Neogloquadrina pachy derma in its sinistrally coiled and encrusted variety.