Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Family caregivers’ perspectives on communication with cancer care providers

Abstract Purpose/Objectives: Family caregivers of individuals living with cancer are often highly involved in communication with healthcare teams, yet little is known about their experiences, needs, and preferences in this role. To address this gap in the knowledge base, researchers sought to explore family caregivers’ perspectives on communication with oncology care providers. Design and Methods: Researchers conducted a secondary inductive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews originally collected as part of a randomized clinical trial of a supportive intervention for family caregivers of patients with cancer (N = 63). Participants: Participants were family caregivers of adult patients with cancer. Most were patients’ spouses/long-term partners (52.3%) or adult children/grandchildren (29.2%). Caregivers of patients with all cancer types and stages of disease progression were eligible for study enrollment. Findings: Caregivers valued communication with healthcare providers who were attentive, genuine, broadly focused on patients and caregivers’ experiences, sensitive to unmet information needs, and responsive to the potentially different communication preferences of patients and caregivers. Interpretation: Family caregivers expressed a strong preference for person-centered communication, conceptualized as communication that helps healthcare providers meet the needs of patients and caregivers both as individuals and as an interdependent unit of care, and that acknowledges individuals’ experiences beyond their prescribed roles of “cancer patient” and “caregiver. ” Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice: Psychosocial oncology providers’ strong orientation to the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects of cancer care delivery make them uniquely positioned to support family caregivers. Findings suggest that providers should explicitly communicate their commitment to both patient and family care, involve family caregivers in psychosocial assessment activities and subsequent intervention, and strive to honor patients and caregivers’ potentially different communication preferences.
Super Water Repellent Fabrics Produced by Silica Nanoparticle-containing Coating

In this paper, we report on superhydrophobic fabrics (polyester, wool and cotton) produced by a wet-chemical coating technique. The coating solutions were synthesized by the co-hydrolysis of two silane precursors, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and an alkylsilane, in an alkaline condition. Without any purification, the as-hydrolyzed solutions were directly used to treat fabrics, and the treated fabrics had water contact angles (CA) as high as 170° and sliding angles (SA) as low as 5°. Three alkylsilanes have been used for the synthesis of the coating solutions, and all contain three hydrolysable alkoxyl groups and one non-hydrolysable alkyl, but with different chain lengths (C1, C8 and C16). It was found that the CA value increased with an increase in the alkyl chain length, while the SA showed a reverse trend. When the functional group had a C16 alkyl, the treated fabric surfaces were highly superhydrophobic, with the CA not being affected much by the fabric type, while theSA values were slightly affected by the original wettability of the fabric substrates. The superhydrophobic feature was attributed to a highly rough surface formed by the particulate coating. Aside from the superhydrophobicity, the influence of the coating on the fabric softness was also examined.
The importance of landscape diversity for carbon fluxes at the landscape level: small‐scale heterogeneity matters

Landscapes can be viewed as spatially heterogeneous areas encompassing terrestrial and aquatic domains. To date, most landscape carbon (C) fluxes have been estimated by accounting for terrestrial ecosystems, while aquatic ecosystems have been largely neglected. However, a robust assessment of C fluxes on the landscape scale requires the estimation of fluxes within and between both landscape components. Here, we compiled data from the literature on C fluxes across the air–water interface from various landscape components. We simulated C emissions and uptake for five different scenarios which represent a gradient of increasing spatial heterogeneity within a temperate young moraine landscape: (I) a homogeneous landscape with only cropland and large lakes; (II) separation of the terrestrial domain into cropland and forest; (III) further separation into cropland, forest, and grassland; (IV) additional division of the aquatic area into large lakes and peatlands; and (V) further separation of the aquatic area into large lakes, peatlands, running waters, and small water bodies These simulations suggest that C fluxes at the landscape scale might depend on spatial heterogeneity and landscape diversity, among other factors. When we consider spatial heterogeneity and diversity alone, small inland waters appear to play a pivotal and previously underestimated role in landscape greenhouse gas emissions that may be regarded as C hot spots. Approaches focusing on the landscape scale will also enable improved projections of ecosystems’ responses to perturbations, e.g., due to global change and anthropogenic activities, and evaluations of the specific role individual landscape components play in regional C fluxes. WIREs Water 2016, 3:601–617. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1147
The Journal of Instrumentation, Automation and Systems

A real time, three-axis space magnetic field simulator, developed using only commercial, off-the-shelf components, is described in this paper. It is a complete and independent system to be used for the ground testing of nanosatellites, allowing automated magnetic attitude control systems to be verified. The main aim of this simulator is to reproduce magnetic field conditions in orbit with low cost mechanical and electronic designs. The system is capable of creating a region of uniform, directed magnetic field on command for nanosatellite ground testing. Keywords—Nanosatellites, electromagnetism, Helmholtz coils, attitude control.
Dexmedetomidine versus midazolam and propofol for sedation in critically ill patients: Mining the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care data.

Background The benefits of dexmedetomidine on reducing mortality and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay are still controversial. We aimed to evaluate the superiority of dexmedetomidine by comparing it with midazolam and propofol. Methods Subjects who were given dexmedetomidine, midazolam and propofol exclusively as sedatives in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2001 and 2012 were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database. Univariate, multivariate and stratified analysis was performed to compare the mortality and length of ICU stay between the dexmedetomidine, midazolam and propofol groups. To compare the depth of sedation between the midazolam and propofol group, we used propensity score matching (PSM) to create comparable units and their Richmond Agitation Sedation Score (RASS) were analyzed. Results A total of 1,542 unique ICU records were identified in the MIMIC-III database, among which 163 belonged to the dexmedetomidine group and 531 belonged to the midazolam group and 848 belonged to the propofol group. Mortality was decreased in dexmedetomidine group compared with midazolam group (OR 15.25; 95% CI, 5.29-64.80, P<0.001) and propofol group (OR 5.51; 95% CI, 1.91-23.45, P=0.006). In patients with high Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (SAPS) II (>52), midazolam was related to a higher mortality (~50%). But competing risk analysis revealed that dexmedetomidine was associated with longer ICU stay (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the RASS between propofol and midazolam group (P=0.300). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine was significantly related to lower mortality when compared with midazolam and propofol. Midazolam had a comparably higher mortality than propofol and dexmedetomidine in patients with high SAPS II. Propofol and midazolam were equivalent in sedative efficacy. Further evaluation is needed.
Bankruptcy Prediction Using Support Vector Machines and Feature Selection During the Recent Financial Crisis

This study aims at identifying an optimal set of features for predicting firms bankruptcy events in the current macroeconomic context. To this aim, among many financial features, we propose new country-specific factors which consider the macroeconomic conditions of the countries where firms operate. Our forecasting model is based on Support Vector Machines (SVMs), which are tools employed in supervised learning. Firstly, starting from a wide set of variables commonly used for bankruptcy prediction we assess the general effectiveness of SVMs also in comparison with the performances of other commonly used methods. Secondly, we try to improve the accuracy of forecasts by selecting optimal subsets of variables through a feature selection method. The results show that, in the current socio-economic context, the conjunct use of SVMs and the proposed feature selection technique significantly improves the accuracy of bankruptcy predictions compared to the performance of the other methods examined. Furthermore, we show that the proposed country-specific factors are relevant information for predicting the failure of firms and that most of the ratios proposed by Altman in 1968 are still relevant nowadays.
X-ray/optical observational of stars with shallow convection zones

We present Walraven photometry and ROSAT All-Sky Survey data for a sample of 173 bright main- sequence stars with spectral types between A8V and G2V. These observations are part of a study of the onset of magnetic surface activity along the main sequence. Values for the eective temperature, surface gravity and inter- stellar reddening have been obtained from a comparison of the observed Walraven colours with theoretical val- ues. These parameters have been used to derive accurate X-ray surface flux densities.
The travel effects of community design

The ultimate goal of this paper is to test the hypothesis that pedestrian-oriented urban environments with high density, mixed land use and high quality urban design reduce mobility and car use and hence increase the market share of more sustainable modes of transport. For the purpose of this study, four neighbourhoods of metropolitan Adelaide were selected to reflect differences in morphological urban form and network types for the main street system. The selection was based on the literature on historic and more recent neighbourhood form. Two different forms were selected: the grid neighbourhood and the curvilinear neighbourhood. The paper provides a review of background studies followed by a description of the approach taken for the study. The modelling process is then explained with a discussion of the outcomes from the models. The paper concludes with a reflection on the study and its outcomes and provides recommendations in considering urban form and design when promoting sustainable forms of travel. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.
Enterococcus florum sp. nov., isolated from a cotton flower (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

A Gram-stain-positive and catalase negative coccus, designated strain Gos25-1T, isolated from a cotton flower (Gossypium hirsutum L.) collected from Khao Wong district, Kalasin province, Thailand. The taxonomic position of this strain was systematically studied based upon polyphasic taxonomic methods. The strain was facultatively anaerobic and produced l-lactic acid from glucose. The predominant cellular fatty acids were the straight-chain fatty acids C18 : 1ω9c and C16 : 0. According to 16S rRNA and phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase alpha subunit (pheS) gene sequence similarity, this strain was closely related to Enterococcus pallens NBRC 100697T, E. hermanniensis CIP 108559T, E. avium NBRC 100477T and E. raffinosus NBRC 100492T with 98.9-99.1 % and 77.0-82.0 % sequence similarities, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain Gos25-1T was clearly distinguished from closely related species of the genus Enterococcus. Draft genome of Gos25-1T had a size of 3.99 Mb which was contained 3788 coding sequences with in silico G+C content of 42.4 mol%. The ANIb and a digital DNA-DNA hybridisation (dDDH) values between strain Gos25-1T and the closest related species, E. pallens NBRC 100697T were 73.65 and 21.10 %, respectively. According to polyphasic characterisation, this strain represents a novel species of the genus Enterococcus, for which the name Enterococcus florum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gos25-1T (=CIP 110956T=LMG 29007T=NBRC 111461T=TISTR 2382T).
Achieving cost-efficient management of drug supply via economic order quantity and minimum-maximum stock level

ABSTRACT Background A good drug inventory planning system is important for an efficient budgeting, procurement, and cost control of drugs. When stagnant drugs in the inventory are too much, wastage due to expired and spoiled drugs could occur. These will not only cause loss of income but could also jeopardize healthcare service delivery. Research design and methods This study aimed to determine the most efficient and effective management of stagnant and shortage drugs by comparing three pharmacy logistic methods; the economic order quantity (EOQ), minimum-maximum stock level (MMSL), and the traditional consumption of drug inventory, at RA Basoeni Hospital, Mojokerto. Drug inventory was analyzed to calculate the opportunity loss, opportunity cost, and proportions of both stagnant and shortage drugs. Results We found that EOQ and MMSL performed best for control of stagnant drugs and shortage drugs, respectively. Both methods had proved as effective pharmacy logistic planning. In addition, EOQ produced the lowest opportunity cost for stagnant drugs besides the lowest opportunity loss for shortage drugs. Conclusion The study concluded that EOQ is the most effective and efficient method to manage stagnant and shortage drugs at hospital pharmacy.
Estimating food consumption rates of fish using a mercury mass balance model

We present a simple method for estimating food consumption rates of fish in the field based on a mercury (Hg) mass balance model. This method requires the determination of fish age, size, and growth and Hg concentration in fish and their food. The model was validated using data obtained from a previously published laboratory experiment. A field test of the model showed that food consumption rates determined with the Hg mass balance model differed from independent estimates obtained with the 137Cs method by only 0.6-16.1%. The model was applied to fish from various lakes in Quebec and Ontario. Food consumption rates estimated with the Hg mass balance model varied significantly both among species and among populations. Furthermore, female fish tended to eat 30-40% more food than males, probably to meet the larger energy requirement associated with egg production. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the Hg mass balance model was mostly responsive to variables that can be easily measured in the field, such .
SURFACE MINE REFORESTATION RESEARCH: EVALUATION OF TREE RESPONSE TO LOW COMPACTION RECLAMATION TECHNIQUES 1

In 1996, a multidisciplinary group of researchers at the University of Kentucky initiated a study on the Starfire surface mine in eastern Kentucky to evaluate the effects of soil compaction and two organic amendments on the survivability and growth of high value tree species. Three types of prepared rooting medium were examined: compacted spoil, lightly compacted spoil, and uncompacted spoil. The compacted spoil was prepared using normally accepted spoil handling techniques that resulted in a smooth graded surface. The lightly compacted spoil was loose-dumped and struck-off with one or two passes of a bulldozer. The uncompacted spoil was loose-dumped and not further disturbed. In addition, organic amendments (mulches) were evaluated within the three reclamation techniques. The organic amendments used were processed hardwood bark mulch and a combination of straw and horse manure mulch. The following six species of trees were planted: white oak (Quercus alba), white ash (Fraxinus americana), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black walnut (Juglans nigra), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Five of the six species, the exception being white ash, showed increased survivability as compaction was minimized. Additionally, the loose-graded techniques led to enhanced growth in height for the seedlings. The addition of organic amendments also showed additional benefit but results varied by species and by treatment. Results definitively show that strike-off and loose-dump techniques improve seedling height and survival. The data also suggest that even a small amount of traffic (i.e., one or two passes per the strike-off method) may result in enough compaction to significantly reduce survival and growth in some species, such as yellow poplar and white pine. In the backfilling and grading process, spoil material should be placed and compacted according to standard engineering practices so that the required stability and approximate original contour is achieved. However, the top 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) of material should not be graded or only lightly graded so that it is as uncompacted as possible.
Prognostic significance of acute hypertensive response in ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients and its relationship with left ventricular myocardial function.

OBJECTIVES Acute hypertensive response (AHR) in acute stroke is associated with adverse outcomes; however, the underlying pathophysiology of the association is poorly understood and its prognostic impact in ischemic stroke remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of AHR in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and further examined the relationship between AHR and myocardial function, using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). METHODS A total of 244 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) (n = 192) or TIA (n = 52), who were evaluated with 2D-STE within 7 days from admission, were retrospectively analysed. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including death, myocardial infraction or recurrent ischemic stroke. RESULTS Among the study population, AHR was observed in 161 (66%) patients. During a mean follow-up of 21.0 ± 12.5 months, 29 patients (11.9%) [25 (15.5%) AHR vs. 4 (4.8%) No AHR, P = 0.014] reached the primary endpoint. A Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that patients with AHR had a significantly higher incidence of MACCE than those without AHR (log-rank P = 0.013). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that AHR [adjusted hazard ratio 4.60, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31-16.15] was a strong predictor of MACCE. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (per 1% decrease) showed a significant relationship with AHR (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.35). CONCLUSION AHR in patients with AIS or TIA may be an important poor prognostic marker related to myocardial dysfunction.
Does hospital information technology infrastructure promote the implementation of clinical practice guidelines? A multicentre observational study of Japanese hospitals

Objectives It remains unclear whether insufficient information technology (IT) infrastructure in hospitals hinders implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and affects healthcare quality. The objectives of this study were to describe the present state of IT infrastructure provided in acute care hospitals across Japan and to investigate its association with healthcare quality. Methods A questionnaire survey of hospital administrators was conducted in 2015 to gather information on hospital-level policies and elements of IT infrastructure. The number of positive responses by each respondent to the survey items was tallied. Next, a composite quality indicator (QI) score of hospital adherence to CPGs for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was calculated using administrative claims data. Based on this QI score, we performed a chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis to identify correlates of hospital healthcare quality. The independent variables included hospital size and teaching status in addition to hospital policies and elements of IT infrastructure. Results Wide variations were observed in the availability of various IT infrastructure elements across hospitals, especially in local area network availability and access to paid evidence databases. The CHAID analysis showed that hospitals with a high level of access to paid databases (p<0.05) and internet (p<0.05) were strongly associated with increased care quality in larger or teaching hospitals. Conclusions Hospitals with superior IT infrastructure may provide higher-quality care. This allows clinicians to easily access the latest information on evidence-based medicine and facilitate the dissemination of CPGs. The systematic improvement of hospital IT infrastructure may promote CPG use and narrow the evidence-practice gaps.
Graduate student literature review: The milk behind the mustache: A review of milk and bone biology.

Exploring the relationship between nutrition, skeletal development, and aging is important in maintaining bone health. Even further, understanding the complexity of skeletal homeostasis may assist in reducing the prevalence of skeletal disease, especially osteoporosis. The skeleton is unique in that it can adapt to various physical pressures, maintain shape, and remodel itself to increase integrity and strength. For decades, it was thought that increasing skeletal health was as simple as drinking three 8-oz. glasses of milk per day due to high levels of bioavailable calcium. New research into the bioactive components of milk have revealed other roles in promoting skeletal health. Milk contains various bioactive peptides, houses genetic information in milk-derived exosomes, and supplies relevant amounts of nutrients important for bone health. In this review, we discuss the basics of skeletal formation and homeostasis, dive into the potential effects of milk on the growing skeleton, and present contrasting findings.
Age-season lactation curves for production traits of cows calving in Wielkopolska region of Poland

The objective of this study was to estimate lactation curves for cows of different age at calving in winter and summer seasons. Data consisted of 1 289 522 test-day records of cows calved in Wielkopolska region in 1992-1996. Milk, fat and protein yields in fi rst three parities were studied. Test-day model with 50 classes of days-in-milk by parity was used. Lactation curves were derived from solutions for this effect. They were fl atter for fi rst versus later lactations. Peak yield for milk production occurred in the second part of the fi rst month of production. Shape of lactation curves for different age and season classes did not vary substantially. Cows calving in winter season had higher production. Similarly, older cows had higher yields for all traits and lactations, however the evidence of age at calving by season of calving interaction was found.