Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Farm Production Diversity: Is It Important for Dietary Diversity? Panel Data Evidence from Uganda

The substantial existence of malnutrition globally, especially in developing countries, has usually driven policy initiatives to focus on improving household food security and nutrition primarily through prioritizing farm production diversity. Although indeed some empirical evidence has pointed to farm production diversity remedying malnutrition, other evidence has pointed to markets. Therefore, evidence is mixed and may be country or region variant. To contribute to closing such a gap in the literature, we used three waves of national panel survey data from Uganda and panel regression models to investigate associations between farm production diversity and dietary diversity, as well as impact pathways. We found that farm production diversity was positively and significantly associated with household dietary diversity. Farm production diversity influenced dietary diversity through own farm production, and market consumption food security pathways. The own farm production pathway showed a stronger associated impact. Increasing food expenditure by 1000 UGX via own farm production yielded an eight percentage point increment in household dietary diversity, while an equal expenditure via markets yielded a 5.3 percentage point increment. We also found existence of gender effects. Male headed households were associated with relatively poorer household dietary diversity. These findings could have broader implications for countries practicing smallholder agriculture.
Calibration of an extended Eddy Viscosity Turbulence Model using Uncertainty Quantification

The present work aims at improving the performance of the eddy viscosity based MenterSST turbulence model for complex aircraft flows by adding physical extensions to the ω length scale equation along with calibration aided by Uncertainty Quantification methods. Three different extensions based on rotation and curvature correction, wake flow correction and irrotational strain correction are added to the original model, resulting in a parametric model, which is then calibrated using Bayesian Updates. A series of test cases is employed to assess the model performance, whereby delta wings with deflected flaps and vortical flows are the predominant target application.
Perceptually Motivated Hearing Loss Simulation for Audio Mixing Reference

This paper proposes the development of a hearing loss simulation for use in audio mix referencing, designed according to psychoacoustics and audiology research findings. The simulation proposed in this paper aims to reproduce four perceptual aspects of hearing loss; threshold elevation, loss of dynamic range, reduced frequency and temporal resolution, while providing an audio input/output functionality.
Development and evaluation of protein quantitation assays for use in health care

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Studies on Drug Resistance among Klebsiella and Citrobacter spp Isolated from two Human Groups and Wild Animals

Background: The global threat of antimicrobial resistance is undoubtedly on the increase and most researches in this area have concentrated on effects of drug exposure and usage on resistance. Little attention has been given to natural environments apparently devoid of direct anthropogenic impact as possible reservoirs of drug resistance traits. Objectives: This research was undertaken to determine possible similarities between drug resistance traits in species of Klebsiella and Citrobacter obtained from wild animals and 2 human groups. Methods: Human samples were collected from Humans free from antibiotics (HN) and Human on antibiotics (HA) while samples from wildlife (WL) were taken from rats (Rattus spp), grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus), squirrels (Xerus erythropus), antelopes (Tragelephus scriptus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and farm lizards (Agama spp). Samples were analyzed using basic microbiological methods. The Disc diffusion technique was used for drug sensitivity testing while plasmid analysis was based on gel electrophoresis. Results: Members of the genus Klebsiella isolated from HA exhibited more resistance to ampicillin (AMP) and augmentin (AUG) than those isolated from HN. However, Klebsiella isolated from HN displayed higher resistance to ceftriaxone (CTN), clarithromycin (CMN), ofloxacin (OFL), and pefloxacin (PEF) than those from HA. WL isolates were mostly resistant to AMP, CMN, and AUG, and less resistant to PEF, CTN, and ciprofloxacin. Correlation analysis of the antimicrobial resistance pattern on a 2 tailed test P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05, revealed a high correlation (ranging from 0.715 to 0.917) among all the microorganisms from both sources. Gel electrophoretic analysis of plasmid DNA extracted from the isolates revealed the presence of a 23.1 kb plasmid DNA in 6 strains of Citrobacter and 3 strains of Klebsiella. Conclusions: These results indicate that wild life may be important reservoirs of drug resistance genes and pathogens that have public health relevance.
Performance Analysis for Wireless Stochastic Networks With Dynamic Traffic and Packet Retransmission

In this paper, we analyze the system performance of a stochastic network, which is in the stationary state. Different from previous full-loaded assumptions that base stations (BSs) are always transmitting signals, which overestimates the inter-cell interference (ICI), dynamic traffic is considered in our model and BSs can be silent in some time slots. Packet retransmission is adopted, which brings a coupled relationship between the outage probability and the buffer empty probability. That is, as the outage probability increases, packets that are not successfully received will remain at the head of the buffer and be retransmitted until they are successfully received, which increases the proportion of active BSs and aggravates the ICI in turn. To better analyze this coupled relationship, the ICI is analyzed with the aid of the probability generating function and the Laplace transform. Then a queuing model is established to depict the packet arrival and departure processes. Some important system metrics, including the outage probability, the buffer empty probability, and the stable throughput region, are derived. Numerical results verify our theoretical analysis, and it is revealed that packet retransmission can enhance the system performance when the packet request rate is within the stable throughput region.
Approach to the wide QRS-complex tachycardia

SUMMARYIntroduction Patients presenting with tachycardia most often complain of palpitation and dizziness, but can also report episodes of chest pain due to increased myocardial oxygen demand. The aim of this case article was to emphasize the importance of differential diagnosis between different types of supraventricular (SVT) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) according to ECG findings, and highlight the treatment algorithm for wide QRS-complex tachycardia. Case Outline We present a 34-years old female patient which was admitted to our hospital due to palpita- tions and chest pain that occurred at rest about two hours before hospital admission. Cardiac auscultation showed the presence of irregular heartbeats with tachycardia, whereas arterial blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. Initial ECG recording demonstrated wide complex tachycardia (WCT) with irregular heart rate of approximately 180 beats per minute with right bundle branch block-like morphology of QRS complexes. After administration of intravenous amiodarone, patient was converted to sinus rhythm, with short PR interval (< 120 ms) and narrow QRS complexes (< 120 ms) with visible delta waves, indicating the presence of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome type A as the underlying cause of atrial fibrillation with right bundle branch block-like morphology of QRS complexes. Conclusion The ability to differentiate between VT and SVT with a wide QRS complex due to aberrant intraventricular conduction or preexcitation is critical because the treatment of each is different, and inadequate therapy may potentially have lethal consequences.
Cognition, Health, and Social Support of Formerly Homeless Older Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing.

Background and Objectives Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. Research Design and Methods PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants' demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. Results Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50-76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. Discussion and Implications Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents' greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents' cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this "invisible" population to successfully age in place.
Parental anxiety in cochlear implanted children’s family

Abstract Background and aim: Early rehabilitation such as cochlear implantation is an effective way to reduce the negative effects of hearing impairment in children. Parents of hearing impaired children may feel anger, sorrow, guiltiness and anxiety. The aims of this study were measurement of anxiety level experienced by parents of children with CI and comparison between the level of experienced anxiety in parents of children with CI and parents of children with normal hearing. Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 25 parents whose child had cochlear implanted for six months and also 25 parents of normal children. Parents’ demographic data were collected. The Beck anxiety inventory was given to parents of both groups. The results were analyzed according to the questionnaire instructions. Results: Parents’ average age was 32.56 ± 4.4 and 31.76 ± 5.25 in the cochlear implant group and normal group respectively. No significant correlation between parents’ educational level and the score achieved by the Beck anxiety inventory was observed (p > .05). There was significant difference between the scores of the parents of cochlear implanted children and normal group (p < .05). Mild, moderate and severe anxiety levels were observed in 44% of the cochlear implanted children’s parents. On the other hand, 32% had mild and moderate anxiety levels and no severe anxiety was observed in normal hearing children’s parents. Conclusion: This study indicated significantly higher total average and also higher levels of anxiety in the parents of cochlear implanted children. Therefore, these parents’ anxiety levels affected their environment. Therefore, in order to prevent raising anxiety level in families with cochlear implanted child, controlling the environmental factors that affect families’ life should take place. In this way, a cochlear implanted child will have a smoother learning road ahead.
Hallazgos Morfométricos y Funcionales Acerca de la Ínsula en Población VIH+ con Apatía

RESUMEN: La corteza insular es uno de los componentes de la zona paralímbica que presenta conexiones con áreas corticales y subcorticales. El estudio en personas viviendo con VIH (PVVIH), donde la apatía es frecuente, la implicó como modulador de re spuesta emocional y ejecutiva. El objetivo es describir morfométricamente y funcionalmente la ínsula en relación con estructuras cer ebrale corticales y subcorticales en PVVIH con apatía en comparación con controles y con PVVIH sin apatía, a fin de determinar su impl c ncia. Estudiamos 23 encéfalos de PVVIH de sexo masculino con apatía según evaluaciones neuropsiquiátricas. Se utilizó resonancia magnética (RM) con protocolo cognitivo para cuantificación y tomografía por emisión de fotón único (SPECT) para evaluar la perf usión cortical, aplicados a: cortezas frontales, insulares, núcleos caudados y cuerpos amigdalinos. Registramos reducción significati va morfométrica de la corteza del cíngulo anterior izquierdo, núcleo caudado ipsilateral y cortezas dorso-laterales en VIH+ con ap atía; la ínsula anterior registró una reducción no significativa (p=0,4). En el análisis funcional se determinó hipoperfusión en las cor t zas del cíngulo anterior izquierdo, insular anterior izquierda y en el caudado de forma asimétrica; con hipoperfusiones relativas en re giones del hemisferio derecho. La perfusión de la ínsula anterior izquierda fue correlativa con la del caudado ipsilateral y proporcional a la severidad en el test de apatía. Concluimos que en la cohorte evaluada de pacientes viviendo con VIH y apatía hallamos un significativ o compromiso funcional de la corteza insular anterior, correlativo con la afectación funcional y morfométrica de los núcleos caud ados. L implicancia de la corteza insular sugiere su participación en la psicopatología de la apatía, parámetro vinculado con el défici t de interés por las actividades e iniciativas.
The Validity of Relative Fat Mass and Body Adiposity Index as Measures of Body Composition in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT Higher relative adiposity is independently associated with adverse health consequences. As such, accurate estimates of body composition in field settings are of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Relative Fat Mass (RFM) as measures of total body adiposity. BAI and RFM were assessed in young adults (n = 188, 48.4% female, 21.8 ± 4.8 years, 24.4 ± 4.6 kg/m2). Adiposity was assessed using the 4C model (%Fat4C) and derived from underwater weighing for body density, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for bone mineral content, and bioimpedance spectroscopy for total body water. Bivariate correlations between BAI, RFM, and %Fat4C were assessed using Pearson’s r. Differences between measures were assessed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. BAI and RFM were associated with %Fat4C (r = 0.668 and 0.827 respectively, both p < .001). BAI and RFM overestimated %Fat4C (+4.3 ± 6.1 versus +4.3 ± 4.6, respectively, p < .001). The large error limits the practical utility of these anthropometric indices. Abbreviation: ANOVA: Analysis of Variance; BAI: Body Adiposity Index; BM: Body Mass; BMI: Body Mass Index; CM: centimeter; DXA: Dual X-ray Absorptiometry; HC: Hip Circumference; KG: kilogram; RFM: Relative Fat Mass; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciencesp; WC: Waist Circumference; %Fat: Body Composition.
Robust confidence intervals for the difference of two independent population variances

In this study, we propose confidence intervals and their bootstrap versions for the difference of variances of two independent population using some robust variance estimators. The proposed confidence intervals are compared with Herbert confidence interval in terms of coverage probability and average width. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate performances of the proposed confidence intervals under different scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the coverage probabilities for the proposed confidence intervals are very close to nominal confidence levels when the difference of population variances is zero. Confidence interval based on binary distance produces the narrowest average widths. Herbert confidence interval have not perform well for skewed distribution populations. Confidence interval based on comedian is generally recommended when the difference of population variances for skewed distributions is not zero. Average widths of bootstrap percentile confidence intervals are smaller, and decreases as sample size and nominal size increases, as expected. Consequently, we recommend bootstrap percentile confidence interval based on binary distances for skewed distributions.
Discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS-IBS symptom severity measure for irritable bowel syndrome: A population study

Background The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale–Irritable Bowel Syndrome (GSRS-IBS) is a 13-item measure of IBS symptom severity. The scale has been used in several studies, but its psychometric properties have been insufficiently investigated and population-based data are not available. Objective The objective of this article is to establish the factor structure and discriminant and convergent validity of the GSRS-IBS. Methods The study was based on a Swedish population sample (the Popcol study), of which 1158 randomly selected participants provided data on the GSRS-IBS. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and compared total and subscales scores in different groups, including IBS diagnostic status, treatment-seeking behavior, and predominant bowel habits. The GSRS-IBS scores were also correlated with quality of life indexes. Results The sample included 164 participants with a confirmed Rome III IBS diagnosis and 994 participants without the disease. The CFA confirmed the subscales with one exception, in which the incomplete bowel-emptying item belonged to the constipation subscale rather than the diarrhea subscale. The GSRS-IBS total score and subscales were associated with diagnostic status, treatment-seeking behavior, and quality of life dimensions. The relevant subscales scores also differed between the diarrhea- and constipation-predominant subtypes of IBS. Conclusion The GSRS-IBS total score and subscales have high discriminant and convergent validity. The CFA confirmed the overall validity of the subscales but suggest that a sense of incomplete emptying belongs to the constipation rather than the diarrhea symptom cluster. We conclude that the GSRS-IBS is an excellent measure of IBS symptom severity in the general population.
Comparative Study of Left Ventricular Low Wall Motion with Scar Tissue Using 4D Left Ventricular Cardiac Images

Myocardial contraction affects the cardiovascular pumping system, and helps in the early phase to detect abnormalities of wall motion noninvasively. In this research, we designed a program to characterize regional abnormalities because scar tissue is very difficult to identify in normal cardiac CT images. We created 10 frames of a 3D heart model that contains the long axis as reference for predicting the left ventricular wall motion. We tested our 4D cardiac model with scar tissue using non invasive cardiac CT images. Here, four subjects (patients) were involved in this study. Subject 1 and 4 are matching the low motion of surgical area with scar tissue area. Subject 2 found fibrous tissue regions (about 40%), compared with the 2SD (Standard Deviation) region. The fibrotic area is completely overlapped with a low-motion region which indicates the fibrotic area has a significant correlation with the low wall motion region. This research evaluates low wall motion of the left ventricle and detection of fibrosis regions.
“Black Workers Matter”: Black labor geographies and uneven redevelopment in post-Katrina New Orleans

ABSTRACT For low-wage, predominantly Black workers in the city of New Orleans, post-Hurricane Katrina redevelopments constructing the “New New Orleans” present revanchist spatial configurations of uneven development. Black workers are relegated to industries characterized by precarious, discriminatory, and low-paying jobs building and supporting an upscale, and tourist-focused economic infrastructure. These emerging social relations are embedded in, and have evolved out of, a longstanding “plantation tradition” of racial and economic subjugation of Black labor. Understanding the redevelopment of New Orleans as a continuation of a “plantation logic,” in conversation with geographical discussions of labor, this paper investigates Black labor geographies in the so-called “New New Orleans”. The paper is based on interviews and participant observation with members and organizers of Stand with Dignity, part of the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ), which focuses on the concerns of un- and underemployed Black workers. Drawing on narratives of resistance, this research shows how the uneven development of (work)places has been met by demands for a New Orleans in which “Black Workers Matter. ”
PRE-DIABETES; PREVALENCE OF PRE-DIABETES IN OUR LOCAL POPULATION.

… Introduction: Early intervention among patients with prediabetes can prevent or delay diabetes. Moreover, regression from prediabetes to normal glucose regulation has been associated with reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Estimate of prevalence of this condition is vital as diabetes is now a global epidemic requiring steps towards its prevention. Study Design: Descriptive study. Setting: Fatima Memorial Hospital & Medical & Dental College Lahore. Period: 1 st February 2016 till 1 st February 2017. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pre-diabetes and associated risk factors and demographic features in our local population using HbA1c as a screening test. Material and Methods: The study population includes adults 18 years and above who reported in hospital outdoor as well as employees, faculty members and students. Subjects were included in the study after taking written consent. The statistical analysis was performed on SPSS version 23. Results: The number of subjects included was 400. 138(34%) had HbA1c value in prediabetic range (5.7-6.4%) and 56 (14%) in diabetic range (>6.4%). Mean age of prediabetics was 41± 13, 34% were males and 66% were females, 27% were in age group less than 30 years. Their mean HbA1c was 5.9%. Above normal body mass index (BMI) was reported in 128 (93%) and positive family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) in 135 (98 %) subjects (P value: 0.00). All females with history of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Gestational Diabetes showed prediabetes. Conclusion: The prevalence of prediabetes is significant in our studied population. It has strong association with family history of diabetes and above normal BMI values. There are also a significant number of undiagnosed asymptomatic diabetics in our population.