Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A parallel framework for Bayesian reinforcement learning

Solving a finite Markov decision process using techniques from dynamic programming such as value or policy iteration require a complete model of the environmental dynamics. The distribution of rewards, transition probabilities, states and actions all need to be fully observable, discrete and complete. For many problem domains, a complete model containing a full representation of the environmental dynamics may not be readily available. Bayesian reinforcement learning (RL)\ is a technique devised to make better use of the information observed through learning than simply computing Q-functions. However, this approach can often require extensive experience in order to build up an accurate representation of the true values. To address this issue, this paper proposes a method for parallelising a Bayesian RL technique aimed at reducing the time it takes to approximate the missing model. We demonstrate the technique on learning next state transition probabilities without prior knowledge. The approach is general enough for approximating any probabilistically driven component of the model. The solution involves multiple learning agents learning in parallel on the same task. Agents share probability density estimates amongst each other in an effort to speed up convergence to the true values.
Analysis of information gain and Kolmogorov complexity for structural evaluation of cellular automata configurations

ABSTRACT Shannon entropy fails to discriminate structurally different patterns in two-dimensional images. We have adapted information gain measure and Kolmogorov complexity to overcome the shortcomings of entropy as a measure of image structure. The measures are customised to robustly quantify the complexity of images resulting from multi-state cellular automata (CA). Experiments with a two-dimensional multi-state cellular automaton demonstrate that these measures are able to predict some of the structural characteristics, symmetry and orientation of CA generated patterns.
MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF VARIOUS SOURCE-PRODUCT GEOMETRIES FOR A PROPOSED MULTI-PRODUCT GAMMA IRRADIATOR FACILITY

Radiation processing plants are designed to deliver a prescribed dose to product materials within the acceptable uniformity to meet the national standards. The dose uniformity ratios for four different product geometries of a proposed 37 PBq (106 Ci) 60Co-based, multi-product irradiator facility in India are evaluated using the Monte Carlo method for various product densities, 0.15 g cm−3, 0.4 g cm−3, and 0.6 g cm−3. The calculations are also carried out using the point kernel method for comparison purposes. The agreement between Monte Carlo and point kernel methods is within 3 to 15%. The suitable product geometry is identified based on dose uniformity ratios.
Learning Perception for Indoor Robot Navigation with a Hybrid Hidden Markov Model/Recurrent Neural Networks Approach

This paper introduces a hybrid system for modeling, learning and recognition of sequences of 'states' in indoor robot navigation. States are broadly defined as local relevant situations (in the real world) in which the robot happens to be during the navigation. The hybrid is based on parallel recurrent neural networks trained to perform a posteriori state probability estimates of an underlying hidden Markov model (HMM) given a sequence of sensory (e.g. sonar) observations. Discriminative training is accomplished in a supervised manner, using gradient-descent. Recognition is carried out either in a dynamic programming framework, i.e. searching the maximum a posteriori probability of state-posteriors along paths of the HMM, or in real time. The approach is suitable for navigation and for map learning. Experiments of learning and recognition of noisy sequences acquired by a mobile robot equipped with 16 sonars are presented.
Early Detection of Left Ventricular Dysfunction with Strain Imaging in Thalassemia Patients

Iron‐mediated cardiomyopathy is the main cause of death in thalassemia patients. Early detection of cardiac abnormalities is important as aggressive chelation therapy may improve prognosis in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate left ventricular (LV) functions by tissue velocity imaging (TVI) and strain imaging (SI) in thalassemia patients without overt heart failure.
Impact of Quality Improvement in Primary Schools (QUIPS) Programme on the Academic Performance of Pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School in the Adansi East District of Ghana

Since the inception of Ghana’s Educational Reform Programme in 1987, so many interventions have been put in place by the government and various donor organizations. Among them is the Quality Improvement in Primary School (QUIPS) programme sponsored by the USAID, which started in 1997, aimed at improving teaching and learning at the basic level. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of improvement in academic performance of pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School since the inception of the QUIPS programme. It was also to find out what impact the programme has had on the teachers in the school as well as the assistance that the programme has given to parents and the community. The sample for the study included teachers of the New Edubiase Methodist Primary School and the parents who have their children in the school, numbering 58. The instruments used to collect data were questionnaire and interview. In analyzing the data, frequencies and percentages were used. The study revealed the following: The introduction of the QUIPS programme has helped to improve academic performance of the pupils in New Edubiase Methodist Primary School; The teachers in the school have improved their professional expertise through in-service training organized during the intervention; The parents and the community have also benefited indirectly from the programme; and that the District Assembly has contributed towards the implementation of the QUIPS programme.
Desire for motherhood: exploring HIV-positive women's desires, intentions and decision-making in attaining motherhood

Abstract With access to prevention of parent-to-child transmission (PPTCT) and antiretroviral therapy (ARV), people living with HIV/AIDS are better able to consider childbearing and parenthood. However, there is limited understanding of the reproductive healthcare needs and the impact of infection on the fertility desires of women living with HIV/AIDS. Research on the relationship between fertility and HIV/AIDS has been largely clinical, focusing on the ability of women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) to conceive or their pregnancy outcomes. This paper describes the findings of a qualitative study undertaken in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India that aimed to explore fertility desires, intentions and fertility decision-making in WLHA and the barriers they face in fulfilling these desires. In-depth interviews were held with selected 43 currently married WLHA aged 18–35 years and 10 key informants. The women were classified according to whether or not they had living children and, within that, whether they had experienced abortion, wanted more or any children or were pregnant. The main factors distinguishing women who wanted to have a child and those who did not were their levels of anxiety about the future and available family support. Women who indicated that they did not have family support and were stigmatised by the family were reluctant to opt for a pregnancy as they were not sure of the future, including child care in event of parental death. In contrast, those women who decided to have a child did so based on family support, especially when family members offered to take care of the child in the future in the event of parental death. Awareness and access to PPTCT and ARV was another key factor guiding the final decision on child bearing. Findings highlight the need for further research on issues faced by WLHA in fulfilling their fertility desires and intentions and for programmes that both enable WLHA to exercise informed choice in meeting their fertility desires and sensitise healthcare providers about these needs.
A systematic review of community-based participatory research to enhance clinical trials in racial and ethnic minority groups.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of current community-based participatory research (CBPR) clinical trials involving racial and ethnic minorities. DATA SOURCE All published peer-reviewed CBPR intervention articles in PubMed and CINAHL databases from January 2003 to May 2010. STUDY DESIGN We performed a systematic literature review. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Data were extracted on each study's characteristics, community involvement in research, subject recruitment and retention, and intervention effects. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS We found 19 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 14 were published from 2007 to 2010. Articles described some measures of community participation in research with great variability. Although CBPR trials examined a wide range of behavioral and clinical outcomes, such trials had very high success rates in recruiting and retaining minority participants and achieving significant intervention effects. CONCLUSIONS Significant publication gaps remain between CBPR and other interventional research methods. CBPR may be effective in increasing participation of racial and ethnic minority subjects in research and may be a powerful tool in testing the generalizability of effective interventions among these populations. CBPR holds promise as an approach that may contribute greatly to the study of health care delivery to disadvantaged populations.
Measuring racial/ethnic disparities in health care: methods and practical issues.

OBJECTIVE To review methods of measuring racial/ethnic health care disparities. STUDY DESIGN Identification and tracking of racial/ethnic disparities in health care will be advanced by application of a consistent definition and reliable empirical methods. We have proposed a definition of racial/ethnic health care disparities based in the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Unequal Treatment report, which defines disparities as all differences except those due to clinical need and preferences. After briefly summarizing the strengths and critiques of this definition, we review methods that have been used to implement it. We discuss practical issues that arise during implementation and expand these methods to identify sources of disparities. We also situate the focus on methods to measure racial/ethnic health care disparities (an endeavor predominant in the United States) within a larger international literature in health outcomes and health care inequality. EMPIRICAL APPLICATION: We compare different methods of implementing the IOM definition on measurement of disparities in any use of mental health care and mental health care expenditures using the 2004-2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. CONCLUSION Disparities analysts should be aware of multiple methods available to measure disparities and their differing assumptions. We prefer a method concordant with the IOM definition.
Biodosimetry Assessment Tool (BAT) Software—Dose Prediction Algorithms

Purpose:Medical management of suspected radiation casualties requires use of multiparameter biodosimetry because no single biodosimetric measurement is sufficiently robust. This report describes the design and algorithms used in a radiation exposure assessment software application that serves as a diagnostic utility for triage and medical treatment formulation, as well as to convey psychological reassurance, for early-phase assessment of radiation exposures, and for surge response assessment for mass radiological casualties. Methods:The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute's Biological Dosimetry Research Program developed the integrated multiparameter Biodosimetry Assessment Tool computer program using Microsoft Visual Basic 6 with various second party plug-ins and add-ons. Dose-predicting algorithms were adopted by analyzing data from merged databases of human radiation exposure incidents and normal controls (non-irradiated) volunteers. The results are summarized in user-friendly screens. Summary:BAT algorithms are presented and compared to other previously published dose assessment algorithms based on biological indicators (i.e., onset of vomiting, lymphocyte depletion kinetics). These new algorithms are incorporated into a computer-based program that assists responders and medical providers in recording relevant diagnostic information and assessing significant radiation exposures. It promotes early-phase (<10 d) data collection after a radiation exposure incident and provides data templates for entry of diagnostic information using multiparameter indices. It allows for recording of relevant clinical information and summarizes diagnostic information such as estimated multiparameter doses. Data can be printed and archived in accordance with civilian and military guidelines.
An evaluation of a brief motivational interviewing training course for HIV/AIDS counsellors in Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract HIV/AIDS counselling in South Africa covers a range of areas of prevention and treatment with a commonly used model of lay counsellors trained by non-governmental organisations and working alongside professionals in public health settings. This study presents a single group evaluation of a six-session (12-hour) course of Motivational Interviewing (MI) delivered to 17 HIV/AIDS lay counsellors working in peri-urban settings in Western Cape Province, South Africa. Counsellors reported that they used MI techniques both at the start and at the end of the training. In addition, they reported confidence in their ability to influence their clients’ motivation at both time points. The results from the ratings of role play performance showed that there was a marked change in emphasis over the group of counsellors from MI non-adherent practice before training (with advice giving, directiveness, control and confrontation) to more MI adherent practice (asking permission before giving advice, emphasising client autonomy, affirming the client and stressing the client's responsibility to change) at the end of the training. Only a small proportion of the counsellors reached the level of beginning proficiency (according to the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity code) on the measure of the ratio of MI adherent to non-adherent responses. The ratio of reflections to questions and the percentage of open questions also showed improvements in performance across the group but generally to levels below that suggesting beginning proficiency in MI. There was no evidence of any change on global therapist ratings (of empathy and the spirit of MI, i.e. collaboration, evocation and autonomy support) or the percentage of complex reflections across the group of counsellors. Possible explanations for the results and public health implications are discussed.
FDA-SUNLAMP RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM TIMER INTERVAL AND EXPOSURE SCHEDULE: CONSENSUS ISO/CIE DOSE EQUIVALENCE

The authors compared calculations of sunlamp maximum exposure times following current USFDA Guidance Policy on the Maximum Timer Interval and Exposure Schedule, with USFDA/CDRH proposals revising these to equivalent erythemal exposures of ISO/CIE Standard Erythema Dose (SED). In 2003, [USFDA/CDRH proposed replacing their unique CDRH/Lytle] erythema action spectrum with the ISO/CIE erythema action spectrum and revising the sunlamp maximum exposure timer to 600 J m−2 ISO/CIE effective dose, presented as being biologically equivalent. Preliminary analysis failed to confirm said equivalence, indicating instead ∼38% increased exposure when applying these proposed revisions. To confirm and refine this finding, a collaboration of tanning bed and UV lamp manufacturers compiled 89 UV spectra representing a broad sampling of U.S. indoor tanning equipment. USFDA maximum recommended exposure time (Te) per current sunlamp guidance and CIE erythemal effectiveness per ISO/CIE standard were calculated. The CIE effective dose delivered per Te averaged 456 JCIE m−2 (SD = 0.17) or ∼4.5 SED. The authors found that CDRH's proposed 600 JCIE m−2 recommended maximum sunlamp exposure exceeds current Te erythemal dose by ∼33%. The current USFDA 0.75 MED initial exposure was ∼0.9 SED, consistent with 1.0 SED initial dose in existing international sunlamp standards. As no sunlamps analyzed exceeded 5 SED, a revised maximum exposure of 500 JCIE m−2 (∼80% of CDRH's proposal) should be compatible with existing tanning equipment. A tanning acclimatization schedule is proposed beginning at 1 SED thrice-weekly, increasing uniformly stepwise over 4 wk to a 5 SED maximum exposure in conjunction with a tan maintenance schedule of twice-weekly 5 SED sessions, as biologically equivalent to current USFDA sunlamp policy.
Factors associated with HIV testing among sexually active South African youth aged 15–24 years

Abstract HIV infection is high among South African youth but most report being unaware of their HIV status. We explored the correlates of HIV testing using data from youth aged 15–24 years old who reported being sexually experienced during a national survey conducted in South Africa in 2003 (N=7665). Among sexually experienced youth, 32.7% of females and 17.7% of males reported having been tested for HIV. In multivariable analysis, ever being pregnant (OR = 2.97; 95% CI 2.36–3.73), ever starting a conversation about HIV/AIDS (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.0–1.65) and urban residence (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.58–2.52) were independent correlates of HIV testing among sexually experienced females. Among sexually experienced males, HIV-positive status (OR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.14–2.73), personally knowing someone that died of AIDS (OR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.14–2.47), being aged 20–24 years (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.10–2.22) and having completed high school (OR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.17–2.12) were independent correlates of HIV testing. The following factors were significantly associated with HIV testing among both men and women; ever talking to parents about HIV/AIDS, ever participating in a loveLife programme, a higher frequency of visits to a clinic in the past 12 months and non-black race (p<0.05). There is a need to better understand the correlates of HIV testing to ensure that adolescent HIV prevention programmes actively promote HIV testing among this group. Specific attention needs to be paid to young women who do not access antenatal care and young men who are less regular users of routine clinical care. Communication is a significant predictor of having tested for HIV and should be encouraged with parents and through intervention programmes for adolescents. Finally, specific attention must be paid to increasing access to HIV testing for at-risk adolescents in rural communities.
Efficacy of convenience sampling through the internet versus respondent driven sampling among males who have sex with males in Tallinn and Harju County, Estonia: challenges reaching a hidden population

Abstract This paper examines challenges obtaining representative samples of males who have sex with males (MSM) in Estonia and provides descriptive HIV behavioral data gathered from four cross-sectional surveys; three using the internet, and one using respondent driven sampling (RDS) to recruit MSM in Tallinn and Harju County. Estonian MSM were sampled between March and May in 2004 (n=193), August and November in 2005 (n=146) and September and December in 2007 (n=238) using internet websites. MSM in Tallinn and Harju County were sampled between April and June in 2007 (n=59) using RDS. Recruitment of MSM using RDS did not acquire the calculated sample size. The RDS study reached a less diverse group of MSM than did the internet studies which recruited a larger proportion of MSM who were older, bisexual, having female sexual partners during the last six months, and unlikely to have been tested for HIV. The findings and observations presented in this paper could inform researchers in Estonia, and the region, about the efficacy of and socio-cultural challenges to sampling MSM to collect HIV biological and/or behavioral data.
Supersincronización del crecimiento in vitro del Plasmodium falciparum

Se logro un crecimiento "Super sincronico" del parasito Plasmodium falciparum en cultivo, mediante la aplicacion de tres tratamientos sucesivos: sorbitol (para destruir formas maduras), Percoll (para concentrar esquizontes) y nuevamente sorbitol, despues de permitir la reinvacion. En esta forma se obtuvo una poblacion de parasitos con un rango de edad entre 0-3 horas, de los cuales el 99.1% fueron esquizontes a las 48 horas de incubacion. El desarrollo morfologico del parasito fue completamente normal despues del tratamiento y su sincronia se controlo estrictamente cada 4 horas en el primer ciclo.
Adapting and applying a multiple domain model of condom use to Chinese college students

Abstract This study adapts a multiple domain model (MDM) to explain condom use among a sample of sexually active Chinese college students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Preparatory behaviors, theory of reasoned action (TRA)/theory of planned behavior variables, impulsivity, length of relationship, and alcohol use were significant direct predictors of condom use. The results suggest that MDM can provide a better understanding of heterosexual condom use among Chinese youth, and help in the design of HIV-preventive and safer sex interventions in China.
Apical Papillary Fibroelastoma

A man in his early 60s presented to the emergency department with acute onset of right facial numbness and drooping, right hand and leg weakness, and slurred speech. These symptoms lasted for approximately 10 minutes and resolved spontaneously. The patient denied previous similar episodes. An echocardiogram revealed a left ventricular mass for which the patient underwent surgery. The pathology report was a papillary fibroelastoma.
The complexity of consent: women's experiences testing for HIV at an antenatal clinic in Durban, South Africa

Abstract Informed consent has historically been a cornerstone to ensuring autonomy during HIV testing. However, recent changes to global guidance on HIV testing have led to substantial debate on what policy provisions are necessary to ensure that consent remains meaningful in the context of testing. Despite disproportionate rates of testing during pregnancy, pregnant women's perspectives on the HIV testing process are underrepresented in the testing discourse. This study explores women's experiences with HIV testing and the consent process in a public antenatal clinic in South Africa. Qualitative interviews with 25 women were conducted at the clinic at either an antenatal visit or an infant immunization visit that followed HIV testing. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded for analysis. Women were categorized into one of the three groups based on their perceptions of choice in consenting for an HIV test. Matrices were used to allow for cross-category and cross-case comparison. Half of the women described having a clear choice in their decision to test. Others were less clear about their choice. Some women felt they had no choice in testing for HIV. None of the women stated that they were tested without having signed a consent form. We found that half of the women's narratives illustrated direct and indirect ways in which providers coerced them into taking an HIV test while receiving antenatal care. As the new guidance on HIV testing is implemented in different settings, it is critical to monitor women's testing experiences to ensure that a woman's right to make an informed, voluntary choice is not violated. Furthermore, models of testing that allow us to meet broader public health goals while simultaneously respecting women's autonomy are needed.