Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Fast-Track Pathway in Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery by Propensity Score Matching on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasty procedures have steadily increased over the past few decades, and their use is expected to grow further, mainly due to an increasing number of elderly patients. Cost-containment strategies, supporting a rapid recovery with a positive functional outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and enhanced patient reported outcomes, are needed. A Fast Track surgical procedure (FT) is a coordinated perioperative approach aimed at expediting early mobilization and recovery following surgery and, accordingly, shortening the length of hospital stay (LOS), convalescence and costs. In this view, rapid rehabilitation surgery optimizes traditional rehabilitation methods by integrating evidence-based practices into the procedure. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Fast Track versus Care-as-Usual surgical procedures and pathways (including rehabilitation) on a mid-term patient-reported outcome (PROs), the SF12 (with regard both to Physical and Mental Scores), 3 months after hip or knee replacement surgery, with the use of Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis to address the issue of the comparability of the groups in a non-randomized study. We were interested in the evaluation of the entire pathways, including the postoperative rehabilitation stage, therefore, we only used early home discharge as a surrogate to differentiate between the Fast Track and Care-as-Usual rehabilitation pathways. Our study shows that the entire Fast Track pathway, which includes the post-operative rehabilitation stage, has a significantly positive impact on physical health-related status (SF12 Physical Scores), as perceived by patients 3 months after hip or knee replacement surgery, as opposed to the standardized program, both in terms of the PROs score and the relative improvements observed, as compared with the minimum clinically important difference. This result encourages additional research into the effects of Fast Track rehabilitation on the entire process of care for patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing only on patient-reported outcomes.
Wideband Partially-Covered Bowtie Antenna for Ground-Penetrating-Radars

In this paper, wide band transmitting and receiving antennas; each composed of a bowtie partially covered by an open conducting box; are proposed for ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) system. The inner walls of the conducting box are covered by a lossy coating which is composed of a number of layers with a conductivity profile designed to achieve better characteristics of the bowtie antenna. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is applied to simulate the radiating and receiving antennas, the buried target and the wave propagation in the lossy ground soil over the frequency band of operation. The performance of the proposed system is examined as regards the antenna characteristics and the buried target detectability. The impedance and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the partially covered bowtie antenna are presented over a wide frequency range. The capability of the proposed GPR system to detect targets buried in a ground soil is examined by investigating the change of the coupling between the transmitting and receiving antennas due to the presence of a buried target. The effect of the ground soil on the antenna characteristics is studied for some common types of real soils when the GPR system is placed at different heights above the ground surface.
On the importance of radiative and Auger losses in GaN-based quantum wells

Fully microscopic many-body models are used to study the importance of radiative and Auger carrier losses in InGaN∕GaN quantum wells. Auger losses are found to be negligible in contrast to recent speculations on their importance for the experimentally observed efficiency droop. Good agreement with experimentally measured threshold losses is demonstrated. The results show no significant dependence on details of the well alloy profile.
The Determination of the Abundances of the Fe Group Elements in Early B Stars from High Resolution FUV Spectra

Abstract We present selected results from an investigation that is currently underway to determine the abundances of the Fe group elements in early B stars and assess the extent to which contemporary NLTE and LTE models represent their atmospheres. High resolution UV and optical spectra of B stars that display ultrasharp lines are compared with computations from TLUSTY/SYNSPEC and SYNTHE. Some results from our analysis of the abundance standard ι Her (B3V) are presented here.
Genetic Diversity of Dengue Vector Aedes albopictus Collected from South Korea, Japan, and Laos

Simple Summary The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an invasive species that spreads disease and has recently become prevalent in its habitat due to human interference. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of Ae. albopictus on the basis of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI and NADH dehydrogenase 5, ND5) and sixteen polymorphic microsatellites sourced from localities in Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea), Japan, and Laos. Mitochondrial analysis showed that the genetic diversity of the Korean and Japanese populations was low, while the Laos population did not share haplotypes with the former two groups, indicating that the Korean Ae. albopictus were not derived from the Laos population. On the basis of microsatellite results, the Korean, Japanese, and Laos populations showed higher diversity, although there were mixed groups, which implies that the Korean cluster is distinct. Continuous international trade and overseas travel require constant monitoring of species that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, genetic studies would provide a useful basis for understanding the genetic status of vectors and for managing vector-borne diseases. Abstract Aedes albopictus is native to Southeast Asia and has emerged as a major vector for vector-borne diseases that are spreading rapidly worldwide. Recent studies have shown that Ae. albopictus populations have different genetic groups dependent on their thermal adaptations; however, studies on Korean populations are limited. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of two mitochondrial genes (COI and ND5) and sixteen microsatellites in mosquitoes inhabiting Korea, Japan, and Laos. The results indicate that the Korean population has low genetic diversity, with an independent cluster distinct from the Laos population. Mixed clusters have also been observed in the Korean population. On the basis of these findings, two hypotheses are proposed. First, certain Korean populations are native. Second, some subpopulations that descended from the metapopulation (East Asian countries) were introduced to Japan before migrating to Korea. Furthermore, we previously demonstrated that Ae. albopictus appears to have been imported to Korea. In conclusion, the dengue-virus-carrying mosquitoes could migrate to Korea from Southeast Asian epidemic regions, where they can survive during the severe winter months. The key findings can be used to establish an integrated pest management strategy based on population genetics for the Korean Ae. albopictus population.
Winter cereal species, cultivar, and harvest timing affect trade-offs between forage quality and yield

Volatile feed costs and extreme weather events are contributing to greater economic risk and precarity throughout much of the United States dairy industry. These challenges have prompted dairy farmers to seek ways to reduce feed imports without compromising milk production. For organic dairy farmers, the need to produce more homegrown forage is exacerbated by the high cost and limited supply of organic feed. Integrating winter cereals for forage as part of a double-cropping system is a potential solution, but increasing the amount of forage in dairy cow rations can reduce milk production if the forages are not managed for optimal quality. Organically managed field experiments in Maryland (MD) and New York (NY) were conducted to address two primary objectives: (1) determine the yield and quality of winter cereals—four cultivars each for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.)—grown as forage and harvested at different crop growth stages, and (2) evaluate the trade-offs between yield and quality in relation to winter cereal phenology and harvest date. Mean yield at a commonly harvested growth stage, swollen boot (Zadoks 45), was 1.3, 2.2, and 2.2 Mg ha−1 in MD and 1.8, 2.5, and 2.9 Mg ha−1 in NY for barley, cereal rye, and triticale, respectively. Mean relative forage quality (RFQ) at the same growth stage was 180, 158, and 163 in MD and 179, 156, and 157 in NY for the three species. Overall, cereal rye reached swollen boot stage the earliest, barley produced the highest RFQ and retained high quality the longest, and cereal rye and triticale produced the highest yields. Based on these results, farmers should consider barley cultivars if quality is the priority and winter-hardiness is not a concern; cereal rye cultivars if an early harvest is most important; and triticale cultivars if greater harvest schedule flexibility would be most valuable. These findings can be used to better meet the needs of dairy farmers, enhance double-cropping system performance, and improve the synchronization of harvest timing with the specific needs of lactating dairy cows, dry cows, heifers, and calves.
Hybrid modes in proton exchanged waveguides realized in LiNbO/sub 3/, and their dependence on fabrication parameters

In this paper, we present a relation between material structure, hybrid modes, and propagation losses in proton exchanged (PE) LiNbO/sub 3/ waveguides. Rutherford backscattering (RBS) and X-ray diffraction studies are used to show that there are two essential reasons for losses and complex behavior in high /spl delta/n/sub e/ PE waveguides. RBS studies show that using benzoic acid melt temperatures below 300/spl deg/C leads to distorted waveguide layers and propagation losses higher than several dB/cm. At high temperature, the X-ray studies prove that the crystalline order is preserved, but induced strain leads to biaxial exchanged layers, which results in hybrid modes that can have very high losses. Finally, fabrication parameters allowing the realization of high quality, high /spl delta/n/sub e/, PE waveguides in LiNbO/sub 3/ are identified. >
Circularly polarized single-fed wide-band microstrip patch

For more than 25 years, the circularly polarized single-fed microstrip patch was considered to be extremely narrow-band. The reported performances are almost exclusively related to single patches printed on a dielectric substrate, which partially explains the frequency characteristics. The antenna proposed is a variation of the "almost square" patch and exhibits measured axial radio of less than 2.5 dB over a 13% bandwidth. The antenna was designed for wireless applications.
Collaborating on ESG consulting, reporting, and communicating education: Using partner maps for capability building design

Given the rising demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) talents, this study aims to provide a multidisciplinary outlook of specific capability requirements for ESG talents, focusing on the use of ESG and carbon information, thereby providing a roadmap for ESG education. Following design science framework conventions and running design workshops that integrate design thinking of “how might we” design questions, literature analysis, and expert interviews across disciplines, this study presents findings regarding three main activities—consulting, reporting, and communicating. Based on the iterations of design workshops that adopt a circular economy-based partner map design canvas for stakeholder analysis with procedures such as expert interviews and literature analysis, three partner/capability maps were generated to map stakeholders and explore the capabilities needed. ESG and carbon information digital and data skills emerged as the core capability to complete all the three tasks. A conceptual framework—a Smart System of ESG and Carbon Information—is proposed to summarize planning, operating, and communicating with ESG and carbon information, along with high-level organizational actions and talent capabilities. It identifies the building blocks of an ESG operating system within an enterprise to engage various stakeholders for value-creation collaboration. Despite the limitation of a lack of comprehensive review and limited geographic and disciplinary representation, this study provides a roadmap for enterprises and universities to explore and define talent requirements and create specific education and training programs.
Prevalence of Four Sarcopenia Criteria in Older Patients with Cancer, and Their Predictive Value for 6-Month Mortality: The NutriAgeCancer National Prospective Cohort Study

Older cancer patients have an elevated risk of sarcopenia. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of four criteria for sarcopenia case finding, assessment, diagnosis, and severity determination: abnormal strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F), low hand-grip strength (HGS), low arm circumference (AC, a muscle mass proxy), and low physical performance (PP). Sarcopenia (low HGS and AC) and severe sarcopenia (low HGS, AC, and PP) and their predictive values for 6-month mortality were estimated in the whole population and by metastatic status. We analyzed data from the NutriAgeCancer French nationwide study of cancer patients aged ≥70 referred for geriatric assessment before anti-cancer treatment. We performed Cox proportional hazards analysis for each criterion separately and all criteria combined. Overall, 781 patients from 41 geriatric oncology clinics were included (mean age: 83.1; females: 53%; main cancer types: digestive (29%) and breast (17%); metastases: 42%). The prevalence of abnormal SARC-F, low HGS, a low AC, low PP, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia were, respectively, 35.5%, 44.6%, 44.7%, 35.2%, 24.5%, and 11.7%. An abnormal SARC-F and/or low HGS, sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia were associated with 6-month mortality in patients with metastases (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval]: 2.72 [1.34–5.49], 3.16 [1.48–6.75] and 6.41 [2.5–16.5], respectively). Sarcopenia was strongly predictive of 6-month mortality in patients with metastatic cancer.
Thematic and Sentiment Analysis of Learners’ Feedback in MOOCs

In recent years, sentiment analysis has gained popularity among researchers in various domains, including the education domain. Sentiment analysis can be applied to review the course comments in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which could enable course designers’ to easily evaluate their courses. The objective of this study is to explore the influential factors that affect the completion rate of MOOCs and unravel the sentiments of dropout learners by evaluating learners’ feedback. In the present study, sentiment analysis was performed using Python programming and NVivo tools on the feedback of the learners enrolled in three MOOCs entitled Introduction to Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Development of Online Courses for SWAYAM, which was hosted on the SWAYAM platform (www.swayam.gov.in). Two instruments were used for data collection: (1) a structured questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was administrated using Google Forms — the questionnaires have also some additional open-ended questions — and (2) semi-structured interview schedules with the domain experts. The feedback was collected using Google Forms and a total of 324 responses were received between April 23, 2022 to May 31, 2022. The non-probability sampling method served as the sampling approach in the quantitative phase in this study. During analysis, the findings of the feedback uncovered important dimensions of some peculiar factors that may be responsible for retention of learners, i.e., content localisation, credit mobility and latest trend courses that were less explored in the earlier literature.
Gellan gum spongy‐like hydrogel‐based dual antibiotic therapy for infected diabetic wounds

Abstract Diabetic foot infection (DFI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics are fundamental for treating DFI, although bacterial biofilm formation and associated pathophysiology can reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, antibiotics are often associated with adverse reactions. Hence, improved antibiotic therapies are required for safer and effective DFI management. On this regard, drug delivery systems (DDSs) constitute a promising strategy. We propose a gellan gum (GG)‐based spongy‐like hydrogel as a topical and controlled DDS of vancomycin and clindamycin, for an improved dual antibiotic therapy against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in DFI. The developed DDS presents suitable features for topical application, while promoting the controlled release of both antibiotics, resulting in a significant reduction of in vitro antibiotic‐associated cytotoxicity without compromising antibacterial activity. The therapeutic potential of this DDS was further corroborated in vivo, in a diabetic mouse model of MRSA‐infected wounds. A single DDS administration allowed a significant bacterial burden reduction in a short period of time, without exacerbating host inflammatory response. Taken together, these results suggest that the proposed DDS represents a promising strategy for the topical treatment of DFI, potentially overcoming limitations associated with systemic antibiotic administration and minimizing the frequency of administration.
Dynamics of L to H bifurcation

A self-consistent model of the L to H transition is derived from coupled nonlinear envelope equations for the fluctuation level, radial electric field shear Er', and pressure gradient Del Pi. These equations exhibit a bifurcation between dual L-mode and H-mode fixed points. They show that the L to H transition has similar characteristics to a phase transition of the second kind for which the order parameter is Er'. The transition occurs when the turbulence drive is large enough to overcome the damping of the E*B flow. This leads to a power threshold condition for the transition Pcrit approximately=( mu nT)edgeaRLs.
Robust and Fast Normal Mollification via Consistent Neighborhood Reconstruction for Unorganized Point Clouds

This paper introduces a robust normal estimation method for point cloud data that can handle both smooth and sharp features. Our method is based on the inclusion of neighborhood recognition into the normal mollification process in the neighborhood of the current point: First, the point cloud surfaces are assigned normals via a normal estimator of robust location (NERL), which guarantees the reliability of the smooth region normals, and then a robust feature point recognition method is proposed to identify points around sharp features accurately. Furthermore, Gaussian maps and clustering are adopted for feature points to seek a rough isotropic neighborhood for the first-stage normal mollification. In order to further deal with non-uniform sampling or various complex scenes efficiently, the second-stage normal mollification based on residual is proposed. The proposed method was experimentally validated on synthetic and real-world datasets and compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Dynamic evolution of the heat fluxes in a collisionless magnetized plasma

The dynamic evolution equations for the parallel heat fluxes in a collisionless magnetized plasma are consistently derived and shown to reduce to very compact forms. This derivation is based on the fast gyromotion ordering applicable under strong magnetization conditions. For consistency in the analysis, the contribution from the gyroviscous components of the stress tensor must be included. A heuristic closure condition that establishes a new collisionless magnetofluid model is proposed.
35.1: Eliminating Fringing Field Effects of Vertically Aligned Liquid‐Crystal‐on‐Silicon by Using Circularly Polarized Light

The undesirable fringing field effects of the vertically aligned liquid‐crystal‐on‐silicon (LCOS) are eliminated by using a circularly polarized light. Both simulations and confirmed experimental results indicate that the sharpness and the brightness of the displaying images are significantly improved. Furthermore, the dynamic transition time from the dark‐bright‐dark state to the all‐bright state is less than 10 ms, which has successfully overcome the image blurring effect.
Quelques propriétés des opérateurs elliptiques quasi linéaires

We first give a compactness result for quasilinear elliptic operators and an existence theorem for the associated equations in a quite general context. Then we prove an inequality of Kato's type for Leray-Lions operators and the existence of a minimal and a maximal solution for quasilinear elliptic equations, assuming the existence of a subsolution smaller than a supersolution Apres avoir donne un resultat de compacite pour des operateurs elliptiques quasi lineaires et un theoreme d'existence, dans un contexte assez general, pour les equations associees, on demontre une inegalite de type Kato pour des operateurs de Leray-Lions, puis l'existence d'une plus petite et d'une plus grande solution pour des equations elliptiques quasilineaires s'il existe une sous solution inferieure a une sur solution
A Single-Stage Charger for LEV Based on Quadratic Buck-Boost AC-DC Converter Topology

A single-stage AC-DC converter, which uses a quadratic buck-boost voltage gain, for LEVs’ (Light Electric Vehicles) battery charging is presented in this work. Unlike conventional BCs (Battery Chargers), which employ transformer (low or high frequency) based approaches to charge low voltages LEVs’ batteries, the presented charger utilizes transformerless single-stage power architecture. In order to realize desired charging of LEVs and to maintain proper transformerless voltage gain, the presented quadratic buck-boost AC-DC converter ensures high step-down gain characteristics between AC mains and low voltage battery packs. Besides realizing desired battery charging profile, the presented single-stage BC ensures high PQ (Power Quality) indices (low input current distortions and unity power factor operation) at the supply side. Notably, the presented quadratic buck-boost AC-DC converter exhibits an intrinsic power factor correction (PFC) feature at the AC input mains under discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM) operation, thereby, incurring minimum complexities during the control implementation, which further reduces the cost of the charger. The DICM operation facilitates negligible switch turn-on and diode reverse recovery losses, and therefore, ensures an improved conversion efficiency of the BC. Even if, the presented AC-DC converter employs two switching devices, the simultaneous switching of both switches shrinks the cost and complexity of driving circuitry even further. Finally, a comprehensive operational analysis, component selection criteria, and modelling of the presented quadratic buck-boost AC-DC converter-based LEVs BC are carried out and its performance is validated through a test bench set-up in a laboratory environment. Relevant results are presented to validate the efficacy of the presented quadratic buck-boost AC-DC converter for LEVs charging applications.
Factoring semiprimes and possible implications for RSA

While most of the presently known factorization methods employ advanced mathematical tools in all phases of their respective processes the proposed algorithm is very simple and direct. The technique only applies to semiprimes or the product of two different but equal-sized primes and is based on reversing the decimal digits of the modulus. Since balanced RSA is an example of a semiprime and given that this algorithm requires little memory and is easily parallelized, we outline the basic requirements for a distributed computing experiment to factor a RSA-1024 bit modulus.