Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Intensity Group Gait Training: Is it Intense Enough?

Background and purpose: Research indicates that high intensity gait training promotes walking recovery and neuroplasticity following neurological injury. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing intensive gait training using a group model. Methods: 50 individuals completing outpatient therapy following neurological injury were recruited. All participants had to be able to ambulate for at least 10 min continuously (Goal of 30 min total) without physical assistance from a therapist. These participants were placed in groups of 2-4 with one therapist, and a goal to ambulate at 60-80% maximum heart rate. Heart Rates (HR) and RPEs (Rate of Perceived Exertion) were monitored throughout the session as participants were ambulating. Results: For all group configurations, average intensities were within the target range. Statistical analysis revealed that for those participants whose HR was monitored, groups of 2 and 3 showed slightly higher averages than those in groups of 1 or 4. For participants whose intensity was monitored via RPE, groups of 3 and 4 showed a significantly higher average RPE compared to those in groups of 1-2 (P4>P1 (p=0.025) and P3>P1 (p=0.057). Discussion and conclusions: For all group sizes, gait training is feasible and effective without sacrificing intensity. Furthermore, for participants who received a minimum of five training sessions, 86% demonstrated improvements of at least 1 MCID in functional outcomes. While one cannot draw direct causation, there does seem to be a benefit of completing training in a group.
A wide spectrum of antibacterial activity of secondary metabolites from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ELI149

A highly potent secondary metabolites-producing Bacillus strain was isolated from Mexican soil (Puebla State), together with other fifty strains. The fifty-one strains were subjected for metabolites extraction and evaluated as antibacterial against several bacteria. The active metabolites of these strains were extracted using amberlite XAD16 absorbent resin. The antibacterial activity of crude extracts of all strains was performed by disk diffusion method against some pathogenic gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. Among all Bacillus strains tested, the most potent strain ELI149 (NRB) was selected for molecular characterization. The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene (1.5 Kb) of this strain evidenced a 94% similarity with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IIHR-Ba-2, which showed the highest inhibition against the most bacteria probed even greater inhibition than the standard antibiotic. In conclusion, secondary metabolites extracted from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain are highly potent as antibiotic against the most bacteria probed. Identification of which metabolites extracted from amberlite are the responsible of the bacteria growth inhibition will be a challenge.
On the analysis of speech rhythm for language and speaker identification

In this paper we present a novel approach for the description of speech rhythm and the extraction of rhythm-related features for automatic language identification (LID). Previous methods have extracted speech rhythm through the calculation of features based on salient elements of speech such as consonants, vowels and syllables. We present how an automatic rhythm extraction method borrowed from music information retrieval, the beat histogram, can be adapted for the analysis of speech rhythm by defining the most relevant novelty functions in the speech signal and extracting features describing their periodicities. We have evaluated those features in a rhythm-based LID task for two multilingual speech corpora using support vector machines, including feature selection methods to identify the most informative descriptors. Results suggest that the method is successful in describing speech rhythm and provides LID classification accuracy comparable to or better than that of other approaches, without the need for a preceding segmentation or annotation of the speech signal. Concerning rhythm typology, the rhythm class hypothesis in its original form seems to be only partly confirmed by our results.
Termite footprints in restored versus degraded agrosystems in South West Niger

One approach to achieving sustainable food security is to maintain or restore natural ecosystem services that diminish dependence on human inputs to agrosystems. More efficient use of agrosystem restoration practices can be achieved with the aid of termites' activities, which positively influence the physicochemical and hydraulic properties of soils in favor of productive soil. However, termites have a significant place in agrosystems, but it has remained under exploited and unrefined and needs to be restored to increase its yield. Here, we quantify the colonization rates of termites on marginal soils and in agrosystems with ongoing restoration efforts, as well as determine their footprints on soil characteristics over a 2‐year period in semi‐arid Niger. We used a rapid assessment protocol, a technic used to assess termites' population in semi‐arid regions, adapted from an earlier studies. The results from various analyses showed that termite abundance, richness, and diversity were 15% to 45% higher in the restored agrosystems than in the degraded ones. The evenness did not augment in the restored habitats what might result from the changes in soil properties triggered by clearcutting. Moreover, organic compounds, particularly carbon, nitrogen, in some cases phosphorus, and exchangeable cations are more abundant in restored sites where termite activities are intense than in the controls. A higher termite diversity and abundance are important factors underlying positive changes in soil properties. This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of termite species in restoring degraded soil and in maintaining long‐term soil fertility, thereby facilitating sustainable agriculture.
Management of diabetic foot ulcers in a teaching hospital

neuropathy but major ABSTRACT Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Still now management of diabetic foot ulcer is the major challenge for surgeons. Methods: A prospective study was done at Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally; from February 2014 to January 2017. All the collected data was analyzed by the SPSS 20.0 software. Results: A total of 350 DFUs patients was included in this study. Among all of them 77.14% were male and 22.86% were female. Most common age group with DFUs was 40-60 years. All the patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The majority of patients were presented foot ulcers between 4 weeks to 32 weeks. 18% patients had previous history of DFUs and 11.14% had previous amputation. The forefoot was commonly affected in 48.3% of cases. Neuropathic ulcers were the most common type of DFUs in 50.6% of cases. Wagner's stage 3, 4 and 5 ulcers were the most common at 20.86%, 28% and 22% respectively. 52.86% patients were treated surgically. Lower limb amputation was the most common surgical procedure performed in 60% of cases. The complication rate was (49.7%) and surgical site infection was the most common complication (34.8%). 60% of cultures had polymicrobial growth and Staphylococcus aureus (53.3%) was the most common microorganism isolated. Most of the microorganisms isolated showed multi drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics except for Carbapenems group drugs (sensitivity 100%). The hospital stay was ranged between 15-116 days. Mortality rate was 9.4%. Conclusions: Diabetic foot ulcer is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus. A proper education on foot care and appropriate foot ware, good sugar level control and early surgical intervention is needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality among diabetic foot ulcer patients.
Local descriptor for retinal fundus image registration

A feature-based retinal image registration (RIR) technique aligns multiple fundus images and composed of pre-processing, feature point extraction, feature descriptor, matching and geometrical transformation. Challenges in RIR include difference in scaling, intensity and rotation between images. The scale and intensity differences can be minimised with consistent imaging setup and image enhancement during the pre-processing, respectively. The rotation can be addressed with feature descriptor method that robust to varying rotation. Therefore, a feature descriptor method is proposed based on statistical properties (FiSP) to describe the circular region surrounding the feature point. From the experiments on public Fundus Image Registration dataset, FiSP established 99.227% average correct matches for rotations between 0° and 180°. Then, FiSP is paired with Harris corner, scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), speeded-up robust feature (SURF), Ghassabi's and D-Saddle feature point extraction methods to assess its registration performance and compare with the existing feature-based RIR techniques, namely generalised dual-bootstrap iterative closet point (GDB-ICP), Harris-partial intensity invariant feature descriptor (PIIFD), Ghassabi's–SIFT, H-M 16, H-M 17 and D-Saddle–histogram of oriented gradients (HOG). The combination of SIFT–FiSP registered 64.179% of the image pairs and significantly outperformed other techniques with mean difference between 25.373 and 60.448% ( p = <0.001*).
Latent Plasticity of Effector-like Exhausted CD8 T cells contributes to memory responses

Persistent antigen induces a dysfunctional CD8 T cell state known as T cell “exhaustion” characterized by expression of PD-1 and decreased effector functions. Nevertheless, dysfunctional CD8 T cells can mediate control of antigen burden which is long-lasting. While heterogeneity of exhausted CD8 T cells has been described, the cells which actively proliferate and exert viral control have remained elusive. Here, we define subsets of PD-1+ CD8 T cells during chronic infection marked by expression of CX3CR1 with substantial in situ proliferation and high expression of granzyme B. Moreover, these cells maintain the effector pool through self-renewal independently of previously defined stem-like cells. Unexpectedly, CX3CR1+ CD8 T cells retain plasticity to be reprogrammed to memory cells through expression of TCF-1 and re-gain polyfunctionality. Thus, we define a subset of effector-like exhausted CD8 T cells with capacity to contribute to the memory pool, offering a prime target for novel immunotherapies.
The Student’s Conflict Resolution in Individual Psychological Dynamics

This article aims to describe the factors that cause conflict, how the process of conflict and the solution of the conflict in the framework of individual psychological dynamics. This qualitative research analyzes conflict case data with selected references to answer the focus of the study. Ten cases of interpersonal conflict were chosen which included destructive conflict and constructive conflict. Conflict actors are interviewed in-depth based on the focus of the study. Conclusion (1) Conflict is caused by differences of opinion, misunderstandings, actions that are considered detrimental to others, and feelings of being too sensitive to negative thoughts. Conflict is triggered by differences in views and perceptions that are prevented from achieving goals; (2) Three focus views on conflict include (a) perceptions of the problem of conflict, (b) perceptions of objectives, and (c) perceptions of the perpetrators of the conflict; (3) Understanding of conflict is formed by the reality of the object and the individual's perception of conflict. (4) the psychological dynamics of conflict are described in the ABC triangle, as a series of mutual influences between Attitudes + Behavior + Contradiction. Keywords—students; conflict resolution; psychological
A comparative study on efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium bromide + salmeterol/fluticasone and tiotropium bromide + salmeterol/fluticasone in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To compare the effect of tiotropium bromide and glycopyrronium bromide in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: This was an open labeled Randomized controlled trial study. Patients diagnosed with COPD according to the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy were included in the study. The patients were divided in two groups and each group had 100 patients. Group A- COPD patients on Tiotropium bromide + Salmeterol/Fluticasone; Group B – COPD patient on Glycopyrronium bromide + Salmeterol/Fluticasone. Tiotropium bromide: 18 mcg OD, Glycopyrronium bromide: 50 mcg OD along with Salmeterol 50 mcg/Fluticasone 100mcg was given. Results: The mean age of patients of Group A and Group B was 56.28±7.78 and 57.64±8.06 years respectively. Baseline variables were comparable between the groups. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in PFT parameters between the groups at 12 and 24 weeks except for FEV1/FVC. The mean change was higher in Group B compared to Group A from 0 week to 24 weeks. There was clinical improvement among all the patients in both the groups. Conclusion: Once-daily GLY demonstrated similar effects to TIO when combined with SAL/FP in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON PRESCRIBING TRENDS AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN STROKE PATIENTS

Objective: To evaluate medication use pattern and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among stroke patients admitted in Neurology department of a multi-speciality hospital. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 mo, in a 750 bedded multi-speciality hospital in Bangalore. The clinical pharmacist analysed the medication use pattern and occurrence of ADRs in stroke patients. Results: Out of 100 patients, 75% had an ischemic stroke and 25% had a hemorrhagic stroke. The incidence of stroke was found to be higher in males (66%) compared to females (34%). Most of the patients were of the age group>60 y (52%). The common risk factors for stroke were hypertension (31%), diabetes (24%), and dyslipidemia (21%). The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 7.67±3.1. The most common class of drugs prescribed were antihypertensives (14.3%), neuroprotectors (14.1%), antiplatelets (11.5%) and antihyperlipidemic (10.4%). Aspirin monotherapy was more prevalent in this study. Only 4 patients received thrombolytics. During the study, a total of 18 ADRs were reported from 14 patients (18%). Amlodipine (16.6%) and fondaparinux (11%) were the more frequent to cause ADRs. The most common reactions were bleeding (33.3%), pedal edema (16.6%) and headache (11.1%). Conclusion: The study helps to identify drug utilization pattern and in addition to monitor adverse drug reactions among stroke patients. The study also emphasises the need for creating awareness regarding early recognition of stroke symptoms, which helps to prevent the occurrence of stroke.
Nutrient accumulation and remobilization in relation to yield formation at high planting density in maize hybrids with different senescent characters

ABSTRACT To test the hypothesis that plants could remobilize more nutrients from vegetative organs to fulfill the requirement of grain formation under high planting density, eight maize cultivars with different leaf senescence characters were chosen to study the relationship between stay-green character, nutrient (N, P, K) accumulation, post-silking nutrient remobilization and grain yield under three planting densities (60,000, 75,000, and 90,000 plants per ha) in 2 years. We found that increased plant density aggravated leaf senescence, reduced concentration of N, P and K in all organs, reduced post-silking N, P, K accumulation per ha, increased nutrient remobilized efficiency. Stay-green degree was positively correlated to yield reduction at high planting density (R2 = 0.35, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated to grain yield across planting densities and experimental years. Grain yield reduction at high planting density was negatively correlated to N (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.01), P (R2 = 0.51, P < 0.01), K (R2 = 0.17, P < 0.05) remobilization efficiency. Thus, we conclude that efficient nutrient remobilization is important for achieving higher yield at high planting density. Stay-green too much may not be a favorable trait for high-yield breeding at high planting density.
Preliminary clinical study to evaluate an interactive system to segment organs at risk in thoracic oncology on CT

Purpose: Radiotherapy aims at delivering the highest possible dose to the tumor while minimizing the irradiation of surrounding healthy tissue, and especially to the organs at risk (OARs). Therefore, accurate delineation of 15 OARs is required for radiation treatment planning (RTP). In thoracic oncology, delineation of some OARs remains manual, making the task time consuming and prone to inter observer variability. Various (semi-) automatic approaches have been proposed to segment OARs on CT but the task still remains challenging. Here, a system to interactively segment OARs in thoracic oncology on CT images is presented and its clinical acceptability evaluated. 20 Methods: The proposed framework has been implemented using MITK platform. User interaction lies in the easy definition of few manual seeds for the OARs and background using a 'paintbrush' tool, which can be interactively added in any view (axial, sagittal or coronal), and is subsequently propagated within the whole volume. Once the user is content with the seeds placement, the system automatically performs the segmentation. If the outcome is not satisfying, the user can modify the seeds, which involves adding and/or removing existing seeds, and perform 25 again the automatic segmentation. Number of tries has been limited to five in the current study. If after the five modifications the segmentation result is not sufficient to be usable in the RTP, the user shall reject it; otherwise, he shall accept it. A hybrid approach based on our previous work [1, 2] which combines watershed transformation and graph cuts [3] is used for the segmentation task. Results: The system was evaluated on multivendor CT datasets of 10 patients presenting from early stage to 30 locally advanced NSCLC or pulmonary metastases. OARs taken into consideration in this study were: heart, lungs, oesophagus, proximal bronchus tree, spinal canal and trachea. Interactive contours were generated by a physician using the proposed system. Delineation of the OARs obtained with the presented system was approved to be usable for RTP in more than 90% of the cases, excluding the oesophagus, which segmentation was never approved (Fig 1). On the accepted reported cases, more than 90% of the interactive contours reached a Dice 35 Similarity Coefficient higher than 0.7 with respect to manual segmentations (Fig 2). Therefore, our interactive delineation approach allows users to generate contours of sufficient quality to be used in RTP up to three times faster than manually. Conclusions: An interactive, accurate and easy-to-use computer-assisted system for OARs segmentation in tho-racic oncology was presented and clinically evaluated. The introduction of the proposed approach in clinical 40 routine might offer a valuable new option to radiation therapists (RTTs) in performing OARs delineation task. Consequently, further experiments have been conducted on larger databases and with the participation of additional RTTs to investigate its potential use in daily clinical practice [4].
Salt Secretion Is Essential for Xero-Halophyte Reaumuria soongorica Responding to Osmotic Stress

Reaumuria soongorica, a xero-halophyte semi-shrub belonging to Tamaricaceae with excellent adaptability to adverse arid and salinity environments of northwest China, serves important ecological roles in the improvement of saline-alkali soil and dune stabilisation, and also is an attractive fodder shrub in desert steppe (Ma et al. 2011). Previous studies demonstrated that secreting salt via salt glands is an important strategy for R. soongorica adapting to high salinity environments (Zhou et al. 2012). However, very little is known about the role of salt secretion in the plant’s responses to drought. Therefore, in the present work, R. soongorica seedlings were subjected to osmotic stress in the presence or absence of additional NaCl to determine the potential relationship between salt secretion and drought tolerance of R. soongorica seedlings.
LBM Simulations of Dispersed Multiphase Flows in a Channel: Role of a Pressure Poisson Equation

In recent years, Lattice Boltzmann Methods (LBM’s) have emerged as a popular class of paradigms for the simulation of multiphase flows. These methods rely on discretized Boltzmann equations to represent the individual multiphase species. Among LBM’s advantages is its ability to explicitly account for interfacial physics and its local streaming/collision operations which make it ideally suited for parallelization. However, one drawback of LBM is in the simulation of incompressible multiphase flow, whereby the density should remain constant along material characteristics. Because LBM uses a state equation to relate pressure and density, incompressibility cannot be enforced directly. This is true even for incompressible single-phase LBM calculations, in which a finite density drop is needed to drive through the flow. This is also the case for compressible Navier-Stokes algorithms when applied to low Mach number flow. To mitigate compressibility effects, LBM can be used in low Mach regimes which should keep material density variation small. In this work, we demonstrate that the assumption of low Mach number is not sufficient in multiphase internal flows. In such flows, in the absence of a Pressure Poisson constraint to enforce incompressibility, LBM predicts a compressible solution whereby a density gradient must develop to conserve mass. Imposition of inflow/outflow boundary conditions or a mean body force can ensure that mass is conserved globally, thereby quelling density variation. The primary numerical problem we study is the deformation of a liquid droplet immersed in another fluid. Though LBM is not typically conducted with a pressure Poisson equation, we incorporate one in this work and demonstrate that its inclusion can significantly lower the density variation in view of maintaining an incompressible flow.
Marshallese migration: The role of climate change and ecosystem services: Summary for policymakers

This study aims to clarify the extent to which Marshallese people are already migrating because of climate change, and the role affected ecosystem services play in their migration decisions. The research also aims to better understand the effects of this migration on migrants themselves, among communities in the RMI (in the capital of Majuro, and on Mejit and Maleolap), and in destination states (Hawai‘i, Oregon, and Washington). Finally, the research provides an analysis of shared views found within Marshallese perceptions on these subjects, which allows for a more fulsome assessment of the current state of well-being for Marshallese migrants, contributes to a more informed discussion regarding whether migration is a successful adaptation strategy, and provides context for assessing which legal, economic, and social services the Marshallese may need and desire in coming years.