Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Principal component multinomial regression and spectrometry to predict soil texture

The mineral particles are classified in different textural classes according to their size. Reflectance spectrometry and spectra can be valid instruments to classify the soils according to their texture. This is possible using different statistical methods, for example, discriminant analysis. However, other multivariate methods, like multinomial logistic regression, can be used, but the presence of multicollinearity among explicative variables could affect the estimation of the parameters. The solution proposed to remedy this problem is an alternative way to apply the multinomial logit model. To evaluate its performances, we compare the results with both classical multinomial logit and discriminant analysis ones. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practice of Epidemiology PTC1 and PTC2: New Indices of Blood Pressure Waveforms and Cardiovascular Disease

Systolic and diastolic blood pressures provide information about cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are only extremes of the pressure waveform during the cardiac cycle. We developed summaries of the pressure decay, called PTC1 and PTC2, that are related to arterial compliance and to an existing proprietary summary that has been shown to predict CVD. We derived the summaries from a Windkessel model (consisting of a decaying exponential plus a dampened cosine, with an intercept so they are independent of calibration with blood pressure, unlike the proprietary measures), and we estimated them using nonlinear least squares with standard, free software. Among 6,228 adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, initially free of CVD in 2000 – 2002, mean PTC2 was 94 (standard deviation, 46) milliseconds. During median 15-year follow-up, there were 911 CVD events (including 609 incidents of coronary heart disease and 270 strokes). One-standard-deviation higher PTC2 was associated with 17% (95% conﬁdence interval: 10, 24) lower CVD risk, after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Results were similar for PTC1. PTC1 and PTC2 are relatively straightforward to compute and add information beyond traditional risk factors for prediction of CVD. Our work enables others to replicate and extend our results with waveforms from any suitable device.
Regression‐based estimation of the false negative fraction when multiple negatives are unverified

Summary. The paper describes a method of estimating the false negative fraction of a multiple‐screening test when individuals who test negatively on all K tests do not have their true disease status verified. The method proposed makes no explicit assumptions about the underlying heterogeneity of the population or about serial correlation of test results within an individual. Rather, it is based on estimating false negative fractions conditionally on observed diagnostic histories and extrapolating the observed patterns in these empirical frequencies by using logistic regression. The method is illustrated on, and motivated by, data on a multiple‐screening test for bowel cancer.
Fewer neurocognitive deficits and less brain atrophy by third ventricle measurement in PLWH treated with modern ART: A prospective analysis

Background Despite antiretroviral therapy, cognitive dysfunction seems to remain a major issue for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Previous studies showed a correlation between the width of the third ventricle (WTV) and neurocognitive disorders in PLWH. Patients and methods We investigated prevalence and correlation of neuropsychological disorders using WTV as a brain atrophy marker examined by transcranial sonography and MRI in PLWH and healthy age- and gender-matched controls. We used Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression screening, the questionnaires Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) for fatigue and Short-Form-36 (SF36) for quality of life (QoL) evaluation and Consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD-PLUS) as neuropsychological test battery. Results 52 PLWH (47 males) and 28 non-infected controls (23 males) with a median age of 52 years (24–78 years) and 51 years (22–79) were analyzed. WTV correlated significantly with age (p < 0.01) but showed no significantly difference in PLWH (median = 3.4 mm) compared to healthy controls (median = 2.8 mm) (p = 0.085). PLWH had both significantly higher BDI-Scores (p = 0.005) and FSS-Scores (p = 0.012). Controls reported higher QoL (SF-36) with significant differences in most items. However, the overall cognitive performance (CERAD total score) showed no significant difference. The WTV of all subjects correlated with neurocognitive performance measured as CERAD total score (p = 0.009) and trail making tests A (p < 0.001) and B (p = 0.018). There was no correlation between the scores of BDI, FSS, SF-36, and CERAD-PLUS items and WTV. Conclusion WTV is considered as a predictor of cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, we found no significant difference in WTV or overall cognitive performance between PLWH and controls. PLWH suffer more often from depression and fatigue and report reduced QoL when compared to healthy controls.
Time estimation and passage of time judgment predict eating behaviors during COVID-19 lockdown

Poor eating habits often lead to health concerns. While mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety have been linked as predictors for eating behaviors, cognitive factors may also contribute to eating practices during the early stages of the mandatory COVID-19 lockdown. In the current study, participants responded to a survey that asked them to judge the passing of time (PoTJ) and to produce short intervals (via a time production task) as an index of the internal clock speed. Additionally, they responded to questions about snacking frequency and the tendency to overeat during lockdown. We observed that those who judged time to pass slowly also reported a greater tendency to snack and overeat during the pandemic. Additional analysis also revealed that the effect of PoTJ on snacking is moderated by the internal clock speed such that those who felt time was passing by slowly, and in combination with a faster internal clock (as indexed by shorter duration production), had a greater tendency to snack. The results suggest that different aspects of temporal cognition play potential roles in influencing different types of eating behaviors. Our findings therefore have implications for eating disorders, along with the potential of time-based intervention or behavioral modification approaches.
Contextualizing a framework for improving postnatal care in Ethiopia

Background Postnatal care is among the major recommended interventions to reduce maternal deaths. To improve the low postnatal care utilization in Ethiopia, the framework developed for this purpose in Kenya was contextualized and adapted for implementation in the Ethiopian context. Objectives The objectives of this article are to share the process followed to contextualize Chelagat's framework for improving postnatal care, for the implementation in Ethiopia as well as the finalized contextualized framework. Methods A quantitative descriptive research design was adapted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data during November 2018 from 422 postnatal care providers and coordinators, using stratified random sampling. The AGREE II was utilized to assess adaptability and applicability and an open-ended question allowed to assess the challenges and opportunities for utilizing the framework. The data were analyzed using SPSS computer software, Version 23. Results The findings revealed that the framework from Chelagat was adaptable to use for the improvement of postnatal care in the Ethiopian context. The results from the analysis of the data using AGREE II indicated an average domain score of 92%, for contextualization possibility. Conclusion The framework originally developed by Chelagat was contextualized and refined to be implemented in Ethiopia to improve postnatal care.
Is green and sustainable technological innovation a potential driver of environmental performance? an empirical investigation across the ASEAN region

Environmental degradation is a significant concern that jeopardizes global sustainable production and consumption. In this instance, ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) has contributed to a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions throughout the modernization phase. However, there is a paucity of information within this region on the non-linear impact of transitions in green and sustainable technological innovation on CO 2 emissions. In response, the present work endeavors to bridge the existing research gap by examining the asymmetrical and periodic interactions between green and sustainable technological innovation and CO 2 emissions by employing cross-sectional time series data of 7-ASEAN economies over the period 1990 to 2017. The co-integrating connections between the specified parameters were established using the Wester-Lund cointegration technique. Further, the Cross-Sectionally Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimator revealed that negative disruptions in green and sustainable technological innovation lead to CO 2 emissions during downturns. Secondarily, the findings confirmed positive surges in green and sustainable technological innovation minimize CO 2 emissions during times of economic expansion. Also, as compared to foreign direct investment, current statistics indicate that renewable energy utilization seems to have a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions. Besides, the robustness analysis corroborated the uniformity and validity of the given outcomes. Consequently, the outcomes divulged a counter-cyclical interaction between green and sustainable technological innovation and CO 2 emissions.
Exploring influencing factors in breast cancer survivors’ experience in Lebanon

Background The research objective was to investigate social and cultural factors affecting breast cancer survivors’ experiences in Lebanese. Methods A snowball sampling of 20 breast cancer survivors participated in the study. Semi-structured open-ended interviews were used to collect data. Results The results showed that family support and religious beliefs were the primary supporting sources for breast cancer survivors. On the other hand, their body image and children were the major concerns. Thus, family and religious beliefs were needed to overcome breast cancer’s daily burden. Conclusion Women with breast cancer perceived their cancer experience through their social roles, reflecting a concern for image and role preservation.
Combined fractional anisotropy and subcortical volumetric deficits in patients with mild-to-moderate depression: Evidence from the treatment of antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine

Numerous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that diverse brain structural plasticity could occur in a human brain during a depressive episode. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of mild-to-moderate depression (MMD), especially the changes of brain structural characteristics after treatment with the Shuganjieyu capsule (SG), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine that has been recommended for the specialized treatment of MMD. In this study, we investigated the structural brain plasticity in MMD that have been undergoing 8 weeks of SG treatment compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) and assessed the relationship between these brain structural alternations and clinical symptoms in MMD. At the baseline, we found that: (1) fractional anisotropy (FA) values in patients with MMD were found to be significantly increased in the regions of anterior limb of internal capsule (ALIC) [MNI coordinates: Peak (x/y/z) = 102, 126, 77; MMD FApeak (Mean ± SD) = 0.621 ± 0.043; HCs FApeak (Mean ± SD) = 0.524 ± 0.052; MMD > HCs, t = 9.625, p < 0.001] and posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) [MNI coordinates: Peak (x/y/z) = 109, 117, 87; MMD FApeak (Mean ± SD) = 0.694 ± 0.042; HCs FApeak (Mean ± SD) = 0.581 ± 0.041; MMD > HCs, t = 12.90, p < 0.001], and FA values were significantly positively correlated with HAMD scores in patients with MMD. (2) Patients with MMD showed smaller gray matter volume (GMV) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), frontal cortex, occipital cortex, and precuneus, and the GMV of DLPFC was negatively correlated with HAMD scores. After SG treatment, we found that (1) the HAMD scores decreased; (2) FA values were significantly decreased in the regions of the ALIC and PLIC compared to those at baseline and TBSS revealed no significant differences in FA values between patients with MMD and HCs. (3) The structural characteristics of DLPFC in patients with MMD obtained at the 8th week were improved, e.g., no significant differences in GMV of DLPFC between the two groups. Taken together, our results provided neuroimaging evidence suggesting that SG is an effective treatment for patients with MMD. Moreover, alterations of GMV after 8 weeks of SG treatment indicated a potential modulation mechanism in brain structural plasticity within the DLPFC in patients with MMD.
Estimating uncertainties in statistics computed from direct numerical simulation

Rigorous assessment of uncertainty is crucial to the utility of direct numerical simulation (DNS) results. Uncertainties in the computed statistics arise from two sources: finite statistical sampling and the discretization of the Navier–Stokes equations. Due to the presence of non-trivial sampling error, standard techniques for estimating discretization error (such as Richardson extrapolation) fail or are unreliable. This work provides a systematic and unified approach for estimating these errors. First, a sampling error estimator that accounts for correlation in the input data is developed. Then, this sampling error estimate is used as part of a Bayesian extension of Richardson extrapolation in order to characterize the discretization error. These methods are tested using the Lorenz equations and are shown to perform well. These techniques are then used to investigate the sampling and discretization errors in the DNS of a wall-bounded turbulent flow at Reτ ≈ 180. Both small (Lx/δ × Lz/δ = 4π × 2π) and la.
Examining the role of affective states in relation to exercise intentions and participation in extra-curricular exercise classes at university: A repeated measurement observational study

Background Previous research has shown evidence on the role of affective states for physical activity behavior. However, there is a lack of research investigating the interplay between affective states, intentions, and exercise behavior, especially with respect to maintaining regular exercise over time. The study aimed to investigate whether post-exercise affective states and changes in affect during exercise (i) are related to exercise intentions; (ii) moderate the relationship between intention and subsequent exercise behavior, and (iii) directly predict future exercise. Methods Participants from weekly voluntary sports and gym classes at two universities were recruited. For 13 weeks, 268 individuals’ (Mage = 24.5 years, SD = 5.6, 90% students, 67.4% female) class attendance was documented on a weekly basis. Before and immediately after training, participants self-reported affective states, including affective valence (Feeling Scale) and perceived arousal (Felt Arousal Scale). Participants also reported their intention to re-attend the class the following week. Mixed-effect linear models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the relationships between affective states, change in affective states, re-attendance intentions, and class re-attention. Results Affective valence at the end of training was significantly positively associated with the intention to re-attend the class on the within-person level (β = 0.880, p < 0.001) as well as the between-person level (β = 0.831, p < 0.001), while higher increases of valence during class were related to smaller intention. For class re-attendance, significant effects of affective states were only found on the within-person level. A one-point increase on the valence scale increased the hazard ratio to re-attend by 8.4% (p < 0.05), but this effect was no longer meaningful after adjusting for intention. No moderation of the relationship between intention and subsequent class re-attendance was found. Conclusion The results suggest that positive affective state immediately after exercise does not facilitate translation of intentions into subsequent exercise behavior (i.e., do not close the intention-behavior gap). Rather, affective valence was found to be an important predictor of exercise intentions but seemed indirectly related to behavior via intentions. Practitioners should plan exercise programs that allow for positive affective states especially at the end of a training.
Global research trends in atherosclerosis: A bibliometric and visualized study

Background Increasing evidence has spurred a considerable evolution of concepts related to atherosclerosis, prompting the need to provide a comprehensive view of the growing literature. By retrieving publications in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) of Clarivate Analytics, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on atherosclerosis to describe the research landscape. Methods A search was conducted of the WoSCC for articles and reviews serving exclusively as a source of information on atherosclerosis published between 2012 and 2022. Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to chart the annual productivity of research relevant to atherosclerosis. Through CiteSpace and VOSviewer, the most prolific countries or regions, authors, journals, and resource-, intellectual-, and knowledge-sharing in atherosclerosis research, as well as co-citation analysis of references and keywords, were analyzed. Results A total of 20,014 publications were retrieved. In terms of publications, the United States remains the most productive country (6,390, 31,93%). The most publications have been contributed by Johns Hopkins Univ (730, 3.65%). ALVARO ALONSO produced the most published works (171, 0.85%). With a betweenness centrality of 0.17, ERIN D MICHOS was the most influential author. The most prolific journal was identified as Atherosclerosis (893, 4.46%). Circulation received the most co-citations (14,939, 2.79%). Keywords with the ongoing strong citation bursts were “nucleotide-binding oligomerization (NOD), Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing protein (NLRP3) inflammasome,” “short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs),” “exosome,” and “homeostasis,” etc. Conclusion The research on atherosclerosis is driven mostly by North America and Europe. Intensive research has focused on the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis, as well as its complications. Specifically, the NLRP3 inflammasome, interleukin-1β, gut microbiota and SCFAs, exosome, long non-coding RNAs, autophagy, and cellular senescence were described to be hot issues in the field.
CortexVR: Immersive analysis and training of cognitive executive functions of soccer players using virtual reality and machine learning

Goal This paper presents an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system to analyze and train Executive Functions (EFs) of soccer players. EFs are important cognitive functions for athletes. They are a relevant quality that distinguishes amateurs from professionals. Method The system is based on immersive technology, hence, the user interacts naturally and experiences a training session in a virtual world. The proposed system has a modular design supporting the extension of various so-called game modes. Game modes combine selected game mechanics with specific simulation content to target particular training aspects. The system architecture decouples selection/parameterization and analysis of training sessions via a coaching app from an Unity3D-based VR simulation core. Monitoring of user performance and progress is recorded by a database that sends the necessary feedback to the coaching app for analysis. Results The system is tested for VR-critical performance criteria to reveal the usefulness of a new interaction paradigm in the cognitive training and analysis of EFs. Subjective ratings for overall usability show that the design as VR application enhances the user experience compared to a traditional desktop app; whereas the new, unfamiliar interaction paradigm does not negatively impact the effort for using the application. Conclusion The system can provide immersive training of EF in a fully virtual environment, eliminating potential distraction. It further provides an easy-to-use analyzes tool to compare user but also an automatic, adaptive training mode.
Tight control and long-term prediction in rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed significantly in the past decades with regard to the use of treatment strategies as well as to set the aim of treatment. Research evaluated strategies to reach the aim of remission or low disease activity instead of clinically relevant improvement. These strategies can be grouped as ‘tight control’, which is evaluated in this thesis. Tight control can be defined as a treatment strategy with dose and strategy adjustments tailored to the disease activity of each individual RA patient aimed at a predefined level (i.e. ‘treat to target’) of low disease activity or preferably remission within a reasonable period of time. In the thesis aspects of tight control are described, including effectiveness, adverse effects, and long-term outcome, while also research into possible predictors of RA to prevent under- and overtreatment of the individual RA patient is described. This thesis shows that tight control is effective, especially in case of adding low-dose prednisone to a methotrexate (MTX) based tight control strategy (i.e. CAMERA-II trial). Within the tight control strategies relatively mild adverse events were observed; weighing efficacy and toxicity of the strategy, efficacy clearly outweighs toxicity. Tight control can be obtained with several different treatment strategies. When a patient does not sufficiently response to (oral) MTX treatment as next treatment strategy step, switching from oral to subcutaneous MTX seems to be effective, in contrast to adding cyclosporine to MTX. Also, it is important to decide at which moment early in the treatment of RA, medication should be added to the strategy. This decision can be based upon the response to treatment after 6 months after start of treatment, and possibly even earlier. Tight control as treatment strategy probably needs to be continued also for a prolonged period of time, especially for RA patients with moderate to high disease activity. To treat to target, assessment of this target, e.g. remission should be validated. This thesis shows that the use of DAS28 (a disease activity score not including the feet) as a monitoring instrument for the individual patient is not always straightforward. Also the presence of tender points influences disease activity state as calculated by the DAS28 and therefore use of this index for tight control can lead to undertreatment of RA patients. Disease activity states as assessed with these indices should be interpreted with caution, especially low or remission disease activity states. For an optimal choice regarding tight control strategies good predictors are needed to predict the outcome of each individual RA patient. Prediction of the most optimal individual dose of MTX with clinical variables and prediction of disease activity and radiographic outcome with biomarkers was explored within the thesis, but these preliminary results needs to be further evaluated