Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing quality of engineering education via industrial training: A proposed strategy for South African universities

Industrial training (IT) of engineering undergraduates has always been an integral part of any engineering undergraduate curriculum. While engineering education equips students only with the potential for jobs in engineering, industrial training aims at giving students immediate practical competencies required to do a job. It also creates an opportunity for students to blend theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with practical hands-on application of knowledge in industry. As a way of enhancing the quality of engineering and technology education in South Africa through industrial training, this article suggests a scheme exploring the existing synergy between engineering education and training at South African comprehensive universities (CU), universities of technology (UT) and further education and training (FET) colleges. Consequently, the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is proposed. The SIWES suggests that students from CU, UT and FET, having diverse engineering and technolog.
Performance evaluation of wavelet-based face verification on a PDA recorded database

The rise of international terrorism and the rapid increase in fraud and identity theft has added urgency to the task of developing biometric-based person identification as a reliable alternative to conventional authentication methods. Human Identification based on face images is a tough challenge in comparison to identification based on fingerprints or Iris recognition. Yet, due to its unobtrusive nature, face recognition is the preferred method of identification for security related applications. The success of such systems will depend on the support of massive infrastructures. Current mobile communication devices (3G smart phones) and PDA's are equipped with a camera which can capture both still and streaming video clips and a touch sensitive display panel. Beside convenience, such devices provide an adequate secure infrastructure for sensitive & financial transactions, by protecting against fraud and repudiation while ensuring accountability. Biometric authentication systems for mobile devices would have obvious advantages in conflict scenarios when communication from beyond enemy lines is essential to save soldier and civilian life. In areas of conflict or disaster the luxury of fixed infrastructure is not available or destroyed. In this paper, we present a wavelet-based face verification scheme that have been specifically designed and implemented on a currently available PDA. We shall report on its performance on the benchmark audio-visual BANCA database and on a newly developed PDA recorded audio-visual database that take include indoor and outdoor recordings.
Clinicopathologic implication of PD-L1 gene alteration in primary adrenal diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Background Primary adrenal (PA) diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was previously reported as an aggressive subset of DLBCL, but its genetic features were not sufficiently characterized. From our previous study of DLBCL with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) gene alterations, we focused on PD-L1 gene alterations in PA-DLBCL with clinicopathologic implications. Methods We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization for PD-L1 gene translocation and amplification in PA-DLBCL (n = 18) and comparatively analyzed clinicopathologic characteristics with systemic non-adrenal (NA)-DLBCL (n = 90). Results PA-DLBCL harbored distinctive features (vs. NA-DLBCL), including high international prognostic index score (3–5) (72% [13/18] vs. 38% [34/90], p = .007), poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (≥ 2) (47% [7/15] vs. 11% [10/90], p = .003), elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (78% [14/18] vs. 51% [44/87], p = .035) and MUM1 expression (87% [13/15] vs. 60% [54/90], p = .047). Moreover, PA-DLBCL showed frequent PD-L1 gene alterations (vs. NA-DLBCL) (39% [7/18] vs. 6% [5/86], p = .001), including translocation (22% [4/18] vs. 3% [3/87], p = .016) and amplification (17% [3/18] vs. 2% [2/87], p = .034). Within the PA-DLBCL group, PD-L1 gene–altered cases (vs. non-altered cases) tended to have B symptoms (p = .145) and elevated LDH (p = .119) but less frequent bulky disease (≥ 10 cm) (p = .119). In the survival analysis, PA-DLBCL had a poor prognosis for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (vs. NA-DLBCL; p = .014 and p = .004). Within the PA-DLBCL group, PD-L1 translocation was associated with shorter OS and PFS (p < .001 and p = .012). Conclusions PA-DLBCL is a clinically aggressive and distinct subset of DLBCL with frequent PD-L1 gene alterations. PD-L1 gene translocation was associated with poor prognosis in PA-DLBCL.
Recombination measurement of n-type heavily doped layer in high/low silicon junctions

The hole lifetime within a heavily doped n/sup +/ region has been determined using a measurement technique which evaluates the effective recombination velocity of n-n/sup +/ interfaces. The recombination model of a high/low junction is reviewed. The experiment is described. The measurement results are presented and discussed. Measurements of n/sup +/ layers of different types, like substrates, implanted buried layers, and diffused layers, suggest that the minority-carrier lifetime of such regions can be strongly degraded by the device fabrication processes. Results are consistent with the Shockley-Reed-Hall (SRH) lifetime value, which is two orders of magnitude lower than previously published values for bulk material. >
Determination of an Optimal Frailty Cutoff Score of Tilburg Frailty Indicator and Frailty Associated Factors in Community-Dwelling Turkish Older Adults

Background Frailty is a multidimensional and dynamic state that has adverse physical, psychological, and social outcomes. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) has the most robust evidence of reliability and validity for assessing frailty. However, the characteristics of TFI have not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to set a cutoff score for frailty and evaluate frailty-associated factors in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed frailty according to both the TFI and Fried criteria. The Geriatric Depression Scale, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale were also implemented. Results This study included 166 older adults. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.735 (95% confidence interval, 0.648–0.823). A TFI cutoff point of 8, showed a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 72.5% for the prediction of frailty (p<0.05). Frailty according to the TFI was more associated with the physical and psychological parameters, while frailty according to the Fried score was more closely related to the physical parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion The results of this study suggested an optimal TFI cutoff score of 8 as a frailty instrument in community-dwelling older adults. Additionally, the TFI included physical, psychological, and social aspects, thereby providing a multidimensional evaluation of frailty.
An exploratory qualitative study exploring GPs' and psychiatrists' perceptions of post-traumatic stress disorder in postnatal women using a fictional case vignette.

An exploratory qualitative study exploring GPs' and psychiatrists' perceptions of post-traumatic stress disorder in postnatal women using a fictional case vignette Postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 3%-4% of women who give birth. It is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Thus far, no studies have investigated doctors' perceptions of PTSD in postnatal women. We investigated whether GPs and psychiatrists perceive PTSD symptoms after birth to indicate pathology and what diagnosis and management they would offer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six GPs and seven psychiatrists using a fictional vignette featuring a woman experiencing PTSD following a traumatic birth. A framework analysis approach was used. Despite half the GPs recognizing trauma-related features in the vignette their most common diagnosis was postnatal depression whereas six of the seven psychiatrists identified PTSD. Management plans reflected this. Both GPs and psychiatrists lacked trust in timeliness of referrals to psychological services. Both suggested referral to specialist perinatal mental health teams. Results suggest women are unlikely to get a PTSD diagnosis during initial GP consultations, however the woman-centred care proposed by GPs means that a trauma-focussed diagnosis later in the care pathway was not ruled out. Further research is needed to confirm these findings, which suggest that an evidence base around best management for women with postnatal PTSD is sorely needed, especially to inform GP training. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine Simian Varicella Virus antibody titers in infected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Simian varicella virus (SVV) is a primate herpesvirus that causes a natural varicella‐like disease in Old World monkeys and may cause epizootics in facilities housing nonhuman primates. SVV infection of nonhuman primates is used as an experimental model to investigate varicella pathogenesis and to develop antiviral strategies.
The Online Patient Satisfaction Index for Patients With Low Back Pain: Development, Reliability, and Validation Study

Background Low back pain is highly prevalent, and most often, a specific causative factor cannot be identified. Therefore, for most patients, their low back pain is labeled as nonspecific. Patient education and information are recommended for all these patients. The internet is an accessible source of medical information on low back pain. Approximately 50% of patients with low back pain search the internet for health and medical advice. Patient satisfaction with education and information is important in relation to patients’ levels of inclination to use web-based information and their trust in the information they find. Although patients who are satisfied with the information they retrieve use the internet as a supplementary source of information, dissatisfied patients tend to avoid using the internet. Consumers’ loyalty to a product is often applied to evaluate their satisfaction. Consumers have been shown to be good ambassadors for a service when they are willing to recommend the service to a friend or colleague. When consumers are willing to recommend a service to a friend or colleague, they are also likely to be future users of the service. To the best of our knowledge, no multi-item instrument exists to specifically evaluate satisfaction with information delivered on the web for people with low back pain. Objective This study aims to report on the development, reliability testing, and construct validity testing of the Online Patient Satisfaction Index to measure patients’ satisfaction with web-based information for low back pain. Methods This is a cross-sectional validation study of the Online Patient Satisfaction Index. The index was developed with experts and assessed for face validity. It was subsequently administered to 150 adults with nonspecific low back pain. Of these, 46% (70/150) were randomly assigned to participate in a reliability test using an intraclass correlation coefficient of agreement. Construct validity was evaluated by hypothesis testing based on a web app (MyBack) and Wikipedia on low back pain. Results The index includes 8 items. The median score (range 0-24) based on the MyBack website was 20 (IQR 18-22), and the median score for Wikipedia was 12 (IQR 8-15). The entire score range was used. Overall, 53 participants completed a retest, of which 39 (74%) were stable in their satisfaction with the home page and were included in the analysis for reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient of agreement was estimated to be 0.82 (95% CI 0.68-0.90). Two hypothesized correlations for construct validity were confirmed through an analysis using complete data. Conclusions The index had good face validity, excellent reliability, and good construct validity and can be used to measure satisfaction with the provision of web-based information regarding nonspecific low back pain among people willing to access the internet to obtain health information. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03449004; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03449004
LOWER-EXTREMITY JOINT ANGLES USED DURING THE BREASTSTROKE WHIP KICK

The study investigated the range of lower-extremity joint angles exhibited during the execution of the whip kick and the influence of the active range of motion (a ROM) of these joints on the effectiveness of the kick. Swimmers of different skill levels were videotaped performing whip kick sprints and standard aROM assessment tests. The obtained three-dimensional coordinates of selected body landmarks were used to determine range of lower-extremity joint angles during the whip kick and the aROM of these joints. The results indicated that while for swimmers with below average flexibility, many joint motions can limit the effectiveness of the whip kick; the external knee rotation was the joint motion most likely to do so. Furthermore, improvements in kicking speed have to be accompanied by improvements in the ankle inversion aROM.
Bridge Inspection Practice: Two Different North American Railways

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the bridge inspection philosophy of two different large railways. North American railways are primarily public investor owned businesses and must show adequate financial returns to survive. Also, without adequate financial returns it is very difficult to secure the funding necessary to adequately maintain structures and provide the service to customers that generates sufficient profit. The bridge inspection criteria are based primarily on ensuring a safe and reliable operation, an appropriate response, and the information with which to provide adequate funding for maintenance and replacement. Two different railway company philosophies are described. Of interest to the highway bridge community is how traffic volumes and structure load capacity influence inspection frequency and level of inspection. Items similar to Federal Highway Administration bridge inspection criteria are not discussed.
Statins mediate anti- and pro-tumourigenic functions by remodelling the tumour microenvironment

ABSTRACT Anti-cancer properties of statins are controversial and possibly context dependent. Recent pathology/epidemiology studies of human lung adenocarcinoma showed reduced pro-tumourigenic macrophages associated with a shift to lower-grade tumours amongst statin users but, paradoxically, worse survival compared with that of non-users. To investigate the mechanisms involved, we have characterised mouse lung adenoma/adenocarcinoma models treated with atorvastatin. Here, we show that atorvastatin suppresses premalignant disease by inhibiting the recruitment of pro-tumourigenic macrophages to the tumour microenvironment, manifested in part by suppression of Rac-mediated CCR1 ligand secretion. However, prolonged atorvastatin treatment leads to drug resistance and progression of lung adenomas into invasive disease. Pathological progression is not driven by acquisition of additional driver mutations or immunoediting/evasion but is associated with stromal changes including the development of desmoplastic stroma containing Gr1+ myeloid cells and tertiary lymphoid structures. These findings show that any chemopreventive functions of atorvastatin in lung adenocarcinoma are overridden by stromal remodelling in the long term, thus providing mechanistic insight into the poor survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients with statin use.
Social dominance orientation, belief in a just world and intergroup contact as predictors of homeless stigmatisation

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore individual and situational predictors of homeless stigmatization. The aim was to test if individual differences in Belief in a Just World (BJW) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) moderate the effect of quantity and quality of contact on stigmatization of the homeless. One hundred and eighty-seven participants completed measures of BJW, SDO, quality, and quantity of contact, as well as a measure of homeless stigmatization. Results showed that BJW and SDO correlated positively with stigmatization, while both quantity and quality of contact were negatively correlated with stigmatization. SDO was found to moderate the relationship between quantity of contact and stigmatization; more contact with the homeless was related to lower stigmatization for participants with low and moderate SDO scores but not those with high SDO. BJW did not moderate the relationship between contact and stigmatization. Implications regarding the interaction between SDO and contact are discussed.
Adjuvant physical exercise for the management of painful polyneuropathy

ABSTRACT Introduction Physical exercise appeared to be effective, when implemented as an adjuvant to the pharmacotherapy option, in a variety of painful conditions. Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is very prevalent and affects up to two-thirds of individuals with polyneuropathy (PN), regardless of etiology. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the currently available studies that assess adjuvant physical exercise for the management of PNP. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed international database. For the systematic search, three medical subject headings (MeSH) were used. Term A was ‘physical exercise’ OR ‘exercise’ OR ‘activity’ OR ‘workout’ OR ‘training’; term B was ‘pain’ OR ‘painful’; term C was ‘neuropathy’ OR ‘polyneuropathy. ’ Additionally, three filters were used: human subjects, English language, and full text. The reference lists of eligible papers and relevant reviews were also meticulously searched in order to include further relevant studies. Six papers eligible to be included were identified. Results Physical exercise in various forms can be of benefit in the management of PNP when used as an adjuvant to the standard care. Overall, using the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) criteria, the current best available evidence exists for both aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise programs (level II evidence). The intensity of the exercise seems to play a significant role, with higher intensity interval training programs being more promising, though this remains to be confirmed in future studies. Conclusions Physical exercise is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for the management of PNP. Future RCTs should be conducted to make a face-to-face comparison of the available exercise treatments with the aim to design specific exercise programs for patients with PNP.
How COVID-19 has affected staffing models in intensive care: A qualitative study examining alternative staffing models (SEISMIC).

AIMS To understand how COVID-19 affected nurse staffing in intensive care units (ICUs) in England, and to identify factors that influenced, and were influenced by, pandemic staffing models. DESIGN Exploratory qualitative study. METHODS Semi-structured, online interviews conducted July-September 2020 with regional critical care leaders including policy leads (n = 4) and directors/lead nurses (n = 10) across critical care networks in England. FINDINGS The six themes emerging from the framework analysis illustrate how the pre-pandemic ICU culture influenced ICU staffing models during the pandemic. Changes in staffing impacted on the workforce and the care delivered, whilst it was necessary to learn from, and adjust to, a rapidly changing situation. Variation across and between networks necessitated variation in responses. The overwhelming outcome was that the pandemic has challenged the central tenets of ICU nurse staffing. CONCLUSIONS Pandemic nurse staffing models resulted in changes to ICU skill-mix and staffing numbers. Factors such as the impact of nurse staffing on care practices and on the workforce need to be taken into account when developing and testing future nurse staffing models for ICU. The extent to which ICUs will return to former staffing models is not yet known but there seems to be an appetite for change. IMPACT In common with many countries, nurse staffing in English ICUs was adapted to address surge requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the challenge COVID-19 presented to pre-pandemic ICU nurse staffing guidelines, the impact on patient and staff well-being and the potential legacy for future staffing models. Study findings have implications for ICU nurse managers, researchers and policy makers: nurse staffing models need to be adaptable to the local context of care and future research should investigate the impact of different models on patients, staff and health service outcomes.
eHealth Literacy Instruments: Systematic Review of Measurement Properties

Background The internet is now a major source of health information. With the growth of internet users, eHealth literacy has emerged as a new concept for digital health care. Therefore, health professionals need to consider the eHealth literacy of consumers when providing care utilizing digital health technologies. Objective This study aimed to identify currently available eHealth literacy instruments and evaluate their measurement properties to provide robust evidence to researchers and clinicians who are selecting an eHealth literacy instrument. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported eHealth literacy instruments by applying the updated COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) methodology. Results This study included 7 instruments from 41 articles describing 57 psychometric studies, as identified in 4 databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycInfo). No eHealth literacy instrument provided evidence for all measurement properties. The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) was originally developed with a single-factor structure under the definition of eHealth literacy before the rise of social media and the mobile web. That instrument was evaluated in 18 different languages and 26 countries, involving diverse populations. However, various other factor structures were exhibited: 7 types of two-factor structures, 3 types of three-factor structures, and 1 bifactor structure. The transactional eHealth literacy instrument (TeHLI) was developed to reflect the broader concept of eHealth literacy and was demonstrated to have a sufficient low-quality and very low-quality evidence for content validity (relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility) and sufficient high-quality evidence for structural validity and internal consistency; however, that instrument has rarely been evaluated. Conclusions The eHealth literacy scale was the most frequently investigated instrument. However, it is strongly recommended that the instrument's content be updated to reflect recent advancements in digital health technologies. In addition, the transactional eHealth literacy instrument needs improvements in content validity and further psychometric studies to increase the credibility of its synthesized evidence.