Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping fatigue and its influences on rehabilitation among people with recently acquired spinal cord injury: a scoping review protocol

Background Fatigue is a symptom described as a subjective feeling of tiredness, lack of energy and motivation, exhaustion, difficulty in concentrating. Fatigue is a frequent complication among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and negatively impacts rehabilitative treatment sessions. A multitude of factors contribute to the complexity of fatigue experienced in people with acute and sub-acute SCI including physical, emotional and cognitive components. Understanding fatigue and fatigability mechanisms may have implications in optimizing perceived exertion during rehabilitation treatment for promoting better functional recovery after SCI. Despite the relevance of this topic, no study has been conducted to map the role of fatigue in acute and sub-acute SCI. Therefore, the aims of the present scoping review are: to map the currently available evidence describing how fatigue is defined and conceptualized and how to influence the rehabilitation in acute and sub-acute patients with spinal cord injury. In addition, an overview of the most used assessment tools will be provided. Inclusion criteria Studies considering people with recently acquired SCI (up to 1 year from the date of the event) and looking at any aspect of fatigue will be eligible for inclusion. Any rehabilitation treatment sessions reported by each study and any context will be considered. Methods This scoping review will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL Complete and PEDro databases will be searched from inception to April 2023. Additional studies will be identified through searching in gray literature and the reference lists of relevant articles. No study design, time, geographical, setting restrictions will be applied. We will include only studies published in English. Conclusions This will be the first scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of all studies dealing with any aspect of fatigue in people with recently acquired spinal cord injury. The results will add meaningful information for clinicians about the management of this symptom and its influences on rehabilitation and for researchers to direct future research. Moreover, an overview of the most used assessment tools to investigate fatigue in SCI will be provided.
Comparison of Blood Loss with the Use of Intravenous and Intraarticular Tranexamic Acid Versus Isolated Intraarticular in Primary Knee Arthroplasty

Objective The objective of this work is to compare blood loss during primary knee arthroplasty with the use of intravenous and intraarticular (IV + IA) tranexamic acid versus intraarticular (IA) tranexamic acid alone. Methods This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Patients with indication for primary total knee arthroplasty were recruited in a specialized clinic, where they were operated by the same surgeon, always using the same surgical technique. Thirty patients were allocated in the IV + IA tranexamic acid group and 30 patients in the IA tranexamic acid group, according to randomization. Blood loss was compared through hemoglobin, hematocrit, drain volume, and blood loss estimation (Gross and Nadler calculus). Results After collection, data from 40 patients were analyzed, 22 in the IA group and 18 in the IV + IA group. There were 20 losses due to collection error. Between groups IA and IV + IA, there were no significant differences in 24 hours between hemoglobin levels (10.56 vs. 10.65 g/dL; F 1.39 = 0.63, p = 0.429), erythrocyte (3.63 vs. 3.73 million/mm 3 ; F 1.39 = 0.90, p = 0.346); hematocrit (32.14 vs. 32.60%; F 1.39 = 1.39, p = 0.240); drainage volume (197.0 vs. 173.6 mL; F 1.39 = 3.38 p = 0.069); and estimated blood loss (1,002.5 vs. 980.1; F 1.39 = 0.09, p = 0.770). The same occurred in comparisons conducted after 48 hours postoperatively. Time was a significant factor for the change of all outcome variables. However, the treatment did not modify the effect of time on these outcomes. No individual presented any thromboembolic event during the work period. Conclusions The use of IV + IA tranexamic acid showed no advantage in reducing blood loss when compared to the use of IA tranexamic acid alone in primary knee arthroplasties. This technique proved to be safe, since no thromboembolic event occurred during the development of the work.
Use of Silicon T-Tube for Subglottic Stenosis and Tracheal Stenosis

Introduction: The management of subglottic and tracheal stenosis is challenging for any ENT surgeon. The treatment choice depends on the site, severity of stenosis, patient symptoms, and surgeon preferences. The various options for the management include endoscopic balloon dilatation, various types of laryngotracheoplasty, resection anastomosis, and insertion of a silicon T-tube. Compared to the above, silicon T-tube stenting is a better alternative, as it is a onetime procedure, easy to perform with fewer chances of complications. Shiann Yann lee technique is a form of laryngotracheoplasty with long-term stenting using silicon T-tube. This article analyzed our silicon T-Tube insertion result in patients with subglottic and tracheal stenosis using this technique. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we included a total of 21 patients with subglottic and tracheal stenosis who underwent silicon T-Tube insertion. Data regarding the site of stenosis, procedure, complications, and outcome were analyzed. Results: Out of 21 patients, nine patients had subglottic stenosis (42.8%), 8 had cervical tracheal stenosis (38.09%), 3 had thoracic tracheal stenosis (14.28%), and 1 (4.7%) had combined subglottic and cervical tracheal stenosis. Out of 21 patients,7 (33.3%) have undergone successful removal of silicon T-Tube so far, one death due to medical reasons, and 13 patients (61.9%) are still on Silicon tube on regular follow-up. They are comfortable with the tube in situ. Conclusions: Silicon T-Tube for benign acquired laryngotracheal stenosis with Shiann Yann Lee's technique is effective, safe with less complication, and good acceptability and tolerance by the patient.
A review of caracal and jungle cat diets across their geographical ranges during 1842–2021

Abstract Co‐occurring carnivore species that are phylogenetically related or of similar size, morphology, and ecological needs often reduce competition by partitioning shared resources through temporal, spatial, and dietary niche segregation via behavioral adaptations. Caracals (Caracal caracal) and jungle cats (Felis chaus) co‐occur in portions of their geographical ranges and are expected to display resource segregation in these ranges. We compiled scat, stomach content, and prey remains found data from published and unpublished sources to summarize information on the diets of caracals and jungle cats across their geographical ranges during 1842–2021. We obtained 63 sources from 26 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, in which caracal diet included 151 species while jungle cat diet included 61 species. We found that caracals and jungle cats did not exhibit dietary niche partitioning and had greater dietary similarities in areas of range overlap. We also found that caracals consumed more diverse prey species including prey with greater average body mass compared to jungle cats. Our results suggest that greater prey diversity in areas of range overlap, caracal predation on wide range of prey, and opportunistic feeding behavior that facilitates consumption of more diverse prey species compared to jungle cats, may facilitate co‐occurrence between these two felid species.
Depression and associated factors in medical students in Acapulco during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background Depression is common in medical students and the Mexican state of Guerrero has the highest rates of depression in the country. Acapulco, the seat of the state medical school, is a tourist destination that experienced early high rates of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic closed all schools in Mexico, obliging a shift from face-to-face to virtual education. In this new context, medical students faced challenges of online teaching including inadequate connectivity and access technologies. Prolonged isolation during the pandemic may have had additional mental health implications. Aim Assess depression prevalence and its associated factors affecting medical students in Acapulco, Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey of students of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, in November 2020. After informed consent, students completed a self-administered questionnaire collating socio-demographic, academic and clinical variables, major life events and changes in mood. The Beck inventory provided an assessment of depression. Bivariate and multivariate analyses relied on the Mantel-Haenszel procedure to identify factors associated with depression. We estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Results 33.8% (435/1288) of student questionnaires showed evidence of depression in the two weeks prior to the study, with 39.9% (326/817) of young women affected. Factors associated with depression included female sex (OR 1.95; 95%CI 1.48–2.60), age 18–20 years (OR 1.36; 95%CI 1.05–1.77), perceived academic performance (OR 2.97; 95%CI 2.16–4.08), perceived economic hardship (OR 2.18; 95%CI 1.57–3.02), and a family history of depression (OR 1.85; 95%CI 10.35–2.54). Covid-19 specific factors included a life event during the pandemic (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.54–2.59), connectivity problems during virtual classes and difficulties accessing teaching materials (OR 1.75; 95%CI 1.33–2.30). Conclusions The high risk of depression in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with perceived academic performance and technical barriers to distance learning, in addition to known individual and family factors. This evidence may be useful for the improvement of programs on prevention and control of depression in university students.
Classification Model Based on Rough Set and its Application for the Stability of Rock-Mass Slopes

A method based on rough set theory and fuzzy assessment is proposed to classify the stability of rock-mass slopes,and the evaluated indexes are selected by using knowledge reduction method of rough set theory.The problem of weighting coefficient is converted into that of significance estimating on the attributes in rough set.And a classification model of the stability of rock-mass slopes is established.The classification model,reflecting the complexity situation of the stability of rock-mass slopes objectively,is effective,reliable and available to the classification of the grade of stability of rock-mass slopes,and easy to be operated.
Evidence on the links between water insecurity, inadequate sanitation and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Water insecurity and inadequate sanitation have adverse impacts on the mental health of individuals. Objective To review and synthesize evidence on the relationship between water insecurity, inadequate sanitation, and mental health globally. Data sources Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases from inception up to March 2023. Study eligibility criteria Only quantitative studies were included. The exposure was water insecurity and or inadequate sanitation. The outcome was common mental disorders (CMD: depression or anxiety), mental distress, mental health or well-being. There was no restriction on geographical location. Participants General population or people attending health facilities or other services. Exposure Water insecurity and/ or inadequate sanitation. Risk of bias The effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) assessment tool was used to assess quality of selected studies. Synthesis of results A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects statistical model. Results Twenty-five studies were included, with 23,103 participants from 16 countries in three continents: Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and Lesotho), Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Iran) and the Americas (Brazil, Haiti, Bolivia and Vietnam). There was a statistically significant association between water insecurity and CMD symptoms. Nine studies reported a continuous outcome (5,248 participants): overall standardized mean difference (SMD = 1.38; 95% CI = 0.88, 1.87). Five studies reported a binary outcome (5,776 participants): odds ratio 5.03; 95% CI = 2.26, 11.18. There was a statistically significant association between inadequate sanitation and CMD symptoms (7415 participants), overall SMD = 5.36; 95% CI = 2.51, 8.20. Limitations Most of the included studies were cross-sectional which were unable to examine temporal relationships. Conclusions Water insecurity and inadequate sanitation contribute to poorer mental health globally. Implications of key findings Interventions to provide basic water, sanitation and psychosocial support, could substantially contribute to reducing the burden of CMD alongside other health and social benefits. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022322528.
Internet of things (IoT) for smart agriculture: Assembling and assessment of a low-cost IoT system for polytunnels

Internet of things (IoT) applications in smart agricultural systems vary from monitoring climate conditions, automating irrigation systems, greenhouse automation, crop monitoring and management, and crop prediction, up to end-to-end autonomous farm management systems. One of the main challenges to the advancement of IoT systems for the agricultural domain is the lack of training data under operational environmental conditions. Most of the current designs are based on simulations and artificially generated data. Therefore, the essential first step is studying and understanding the finely tuned and highly sensitive mechanism plants have developed to sense, respond, and adapt to changes in their environment, and their behavior under field and controlled systems. Therefore, this study was designed to achieve two specific objectives; to develop low-cost IoT components from basic building blocks, and to study the performance of the developed systems, and generate real-time experimental data, with and without plants. Low-cost IoT devices developed locally were used to convert existing basic polytunnels to semi-controlled and monitoring-only polytunnels. Their performances were analyzed and compared with each other based on several matrices while maintaining the planted tomato variety and agronomic practices similar. The developed system performed as expected suggesting the possibility of commercial applications and research purposes.
A novel blind deconvolution algorithm using single frequency bin

Former frequency-domain blind devolution algorithms need to consider a large number of frequency bins and recover the sources in different orders and with different amplitudes in each frequency bin, so they suffer from permutation and amplitude indeterminacy troubles. Based on sliding discrete Fourier transform, the presented deconvolution algorithm can directly recover time-domain sources from frequency-domain convolutive model using single frequency bin. It only needs to execute blind separation of instantaneous mixture once there are no permutation and amplitude indeterminacy troubles. Compared with former algorithms, the algorithm greatly reduces the computation cost as only one frequency bin is considered. Its good and robust performance is demonstrated by simulations when the signal-to-noise-ratio is high.
Strengthening the role of the executive nurse director: A qualitative interview study.

AIM To explore the challenges and opportunities facing executive nurse directors in the UK and identify factors to strengthen their role and support more effective nurse leadership. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study using reflexive thematic analysis. METHODS Semi-structured, telephone interviews were carried out with 15 nurse directors and 9 nominated colleagues. RESULTS Participants described a uniquely complex role with a broader scope than any other executive board member. Seven themes were identified: preparation for the role, length of time in role, role expectations, managing complexity, status, being political and influencing. Strengthening factors included successful working relationships with other board colleagues, development of political skills and personal status, coaching and mentoring, working within a supportive team culture and having strong professional networks. CONCLUSION Executive nurse leaders are key to the transmission of nursing values and the delivery of safety and quality in healthcare settings. To strengthen this role, the limiting factors and the recommended shared learning identified here should be recognized and addressed at an individual, organizational and professional level. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE Given the pressure on all health systems to retain nurses, the role of executive nurse leaders needs to be seen as an important source of professional leadership and their value in actioning health policy into practice recognized. IMPACT New insights have been provided into the executive nurse director role across the UK. Findings have demonstrated challenges and opportunities to strengthen the executive nurse director role. These include recognition of the need for support, preparation, networking and more realistic expectations of this unique nursing role. REPORTING METHOD The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution.
Forecast and verification of perceived temperature using a mesoscale model over the Korean Peninsula during 2007 summer

A thermal index which considers metabolic heat generation of human body is proposed for operational forecasting. The new thermal index, Perceived Temperature (PT), is forecasted using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale model and validated. Forecasted PT shows the characteristics of diurnal variation and topographic and latitudinal effect. Statistical skill scores such as correlation, bias, and RMSE are employed for objective verification of PT and input meteorological variables which are used for calculating PT. Verification result indicates that the accuracy of air temperature and wind forecast is higher in the initial forecast time, while relative humidity is improved as the forecast time increases. The forecasted PT during 2007 summer is lower than PT calculated by observation data. The predicted PT has a minimum Root-Mean-Square-Error (RMSE) of at 9-18 hour forecast. Spatial distribution of PT shows that it is overestimated in western region, while PT in middle-eastern region is underestimated due to strong wind and low temperature forecast. Underestimation of wind speed and overestimation of relative humidity have caused higher PT than observation in southern region. The predicted PT from the mesoscale model gives appropriate information as a thermal index forecast. This study suggests that forecasted PT is applicable to the prediction of health warning based on the relationship between PT and mortality.
An Improved Variable Step Size LMS Adaptive Filtering Algorithm

An new improved variable step size LMS algorithm based on analyzing the traditional LMS algorithm and its improved algorithm are presented.The error signal and the error signal correlation value are used to adjust step,in order to overcome the general variable step size LMS algorithm's shortcomings of poor anti-noise performance under low SNR and slow convergence speed under high SNR.The computer simulation results show that,as compared with traditional LMS algorithm and VSSLMS algorithm,this algorithm converges faster,with smaller mean square error and good anti-noise performance.
Risk Factors for Stroke in the Young (18–45 Years): A Case-Control Analysis of INTERSTROKE Data from 32 Countries

Background: It is not clear whether conventional vascular risk factors are responsible for most strokes in patients younger than 45 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the association of common risk factors with stroke in individuals under 45 years. Methods: INTERSTROKE was a case-control study carried out in 32 countries between 2007 and 2015. Patients presenting within 5 days of symptom onset of a first stroke were enrolled as cases. Controls were age and sex matched to cases and had no history of stroke. Cases and controls underwent similar evaluations. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated to determine the association of various risk factors with all stroke, ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage, for patients 45 years of age or younger. Findings: 1,582 case-control pairs were included in this analysis. The mean age of this cohort was 38.5 years (SD 6.32). Overall, 71% strokes were ischemic. Cardiac causes {OR: 8.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.01–23.5)}; binge drinking of alcohol (OR: 5.44 [95% CI: 1.81–16.4]); hypertension (OR: 5.41 [95% CI: 3.40–8.58]); ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (OR: 2.74 [95% CI: 1.69–4.46]); psychosocial stress (OR: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.01–5.41]); smoking (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.17–2.94]); and increased waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.04–2.75]) were the most important risk factors for ischemic stroke in these young cases. For intracerebral hemorrhage, only hypertension (OR: 9.08 [95% CI: 5.46–15.1]) and binge drinking (OR: 4.06 [95% CI: 1.27–13.0]) were significant risk factors. The strength of association and population attributable risk (PAR) for hypertension increased with age (PAR 23.3% in those <35 years of age, 50.7% in 35–45 years of age). Interpretation: Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, binge drinking of alcohol, central obesity, cardiac causes, dyslipidemia, and psychosocial stress are important risk factors for stroke in those younger than 45 years of age. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor in all age groups and across all regions and both stroke subtypes. These risk factors should be identified and modified in early adulthood to prevent strokes in young individuals.
Effects of early postoperative neurocognitive disorders on clinically relevant outcomes: a meta-analysis

Background Early postoperative neurocognitive disorders (ePND), include both emergence delirium, which is defined as very early onset postoperative delirium, and emergence agitation, defined as motor arousal. Although research on anesthesia emergence is limited, ePND are likely associated with unfavorable outcomes. This meta-analysis assessed the effect of ePND on clinically relevant outcomes. Methods A systematic search of studies published between 2002 and 2022 on MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Studies that included adults with emergence agitation and/or delirium and reported at least one of the following outcomes: mortality, postoperative delirium, length of post-anesthesia care unit stay, or length of hospital stay were included. The internal validity, risk of bias, and certainty of the evidence were assessed. Results A total of 16,028 patients from 21 prospective observational studies and one case-control retrospective study were included in this meta-analysis. The occurrence rate of ePND was 13% (data excluding the case-control study). The mortality rate was 2.4% in patients with ePND vs. 1.2% in the normal emergence group (risk ratio [RR]: 2.6, P = 0.01, very low quality of evidence). Postoperative delirium occurred in 29% of patients with ePND and 4.5% of patients with normal emergence (RR: 9.5, P < 0.001, I2 = 93%). Patients with ePND had a prolonged length of post-anesthesia care unit stay (P = 0.004) and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001). Conclusions This meta-analysis suggests that ePND are associated with twice the risk of mortality and a 9-fold increased risk of postoperative delirium.