Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of tree-based machine learning classification methods to detect signals of fluoroquinolones using the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) database

ABSTRACT Background Safety issues for fluoroquinolones have been provided by regulatory agencies. This study was conducted to identify signals of fluoroquinolones reported in the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) using tree-based machine learning (ML) methods. Research design and methods All adverse events (AEs) associated with the target drugs reported in the KAERS from 2013 to 2017 were matched with drug label information. A dataset containing label-positive and -negative AEs was arbitrarily divided into training and test sets. Decision tree, random forest (RF), bagging, and gradient boosting machine (GBM) were fitted on the training set with hyperparameters tuned using five-fold cross-validation and applied to the test set. The ML method with the highest area under the curve (AUC) scores was selected as the final ML model. Results Bagging was selected as the final ML model for gemifloxacin (AUC score: 1) and levofloxacin (AUC: 0.9987). RF was selected in ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and ofloxacin (AUC scores: 0.9859, 0.9974, and 0.9999 respectively). We found that the final ML methods detected additional signals that were not detected using the disproportionality analysis (DPA) methods. Conclusions The bagging-or-RF-based ML methods performed better than DPA and detected novel AE signals previously unidentified using the DPA methods.
Childhood trauma associated with increased post-awakening cortisol in major depressive disorder

Abstract Background Enhanced post-awakening cortisol may serve as a biological marker for individuals with major depressive disorder. However, studies comparing post-awakening cortisol between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls have produced conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this inconsistency could be due to the effects of childhood trauma. Methods A total of N = 112 patients with MDD and healthy controls were divided into four groups according to the presence of childhood trauma. Saliva samples were collected at awakening and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min later. The total cortisol output and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were calculated. Results The total post-awakening cortisol output was significantly higher in patients with MDD as compared to healthy controls, but only in those individuals reporting childhood trauma. The four groups did not differ regarding the CAR. Conclusions Elevated post-awakening cortisol in MDD may be confined to those with a history of early life stress. Tailoring and/or augmenting of currently available treatments may be required to meet the specific needs of this population.
Psychometric properties of light touch-pressure somatosensory measures in adults with neurological disorders: A systematic review

Objectives To critically appraise the psychometric properties of light touch-pressure somatosensory assessments to provide guidance for tool selection for research or clinical purposes. Data sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched for research indexed from January 1990-November 2022. English language and human subject filters were applied. “Somatosensation”, “psychometric property”, and “nervous system-based health condition” search terms were combined. Grey literature and manual searches were conducted to ensure thoroughness. Review methods The reliability, construct validity, and/or measurement error of light touch-pressure assessments was reviewed in adult populations with neurological disorders. Reviewers individually extracted and managed data including patient demographics, assessment characteristics, statistical methods, and psychometric properties. Methodological quality of results was evaluated using an adapted version of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist. Results Thirty-three of 1938 articles were included for review. Fifteen light touch-pressure assessments demonstrated good or excellent reliability. Further, five of those 15 assessments achieved adequate validity and one of the 15 assessments achieved adequate measurement error. Over 80% of the summarized study ratings were determined to be of low or very low quality. Conclusion We recommend using electrical perceptual tests, the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension, and the Moving Touch Pressure Test given that they demonstrated good to excellent results in three psychometric properties. No other assessment achieved adequate ratings in more than two psychometric properties. This review highlights a fundamental need to develop sensory assessments that are reliable, valid, and sensitive to change.
Can prior learning experience serve as a catalyst in the paradigm shift from traditional teaching methodology to outcomes-based educational practice?

Most developing countries have embarked upon the implementation of new models in the teaching and learning arenas, and South Africa is no exception. Because the economic empowerment of a nation depends on the success of its educational strategies, the introduction and development of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) at all levels of education in South Africa's new democracy have become a national priority. In this context, the Technikon Witwatersrand is privileged to have the opportunity to become a service provider for a teacher development programme in the OBE format. It caters for 342 intermediate and senior phase school teachers in Gauteng Province by means of the Mathematics, Science and Technology Educators' Revival (MASTER) programme. This developmental programme in the fields of mathematics, science, technology and engineering education provides the teachers with an Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) with 120 credits. This article outlines how prior learning experience helped to smooth the transition from traditional to OBE practice. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.17(2) 2003: 68-78
The evaluation of normal ocular parameters in two breeds of hedgehogs

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate conjunctival microflora and measure normal tear production and intraocular pressure (IOP) in two breeds of hedgehogs (long‐eared hedgehogs and Brandt's hedgehogs). Methods Forty‐eight hedgehogs from two different breeds were chosen for the study. Tear production was measured using the Schirmer tear test (STT) and phenol red thread test (PRTT) in both eyes. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer. To perform microbiological sampling one drop of tetracaine was instilled in the eyes. Two sterile microswabs were used to collect samples for the microbial and fungal culture. All the microswab samples were transferred in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) to the laboratory for culture. Two MacConkey and two blood agar media plates were employed for each eye. Oneplate of sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was used for the fungal culture for each eye. Standard biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolated organisms. Results The mean STT and PRTT values were 1.6 ± 0.1 mm/min and 2.4 ± 0.3 mm/15 s in long‐eared hedgehogs and 2.2 ± 0.1 mm/min and 2.5 ± 0.3 mm/15 s in Brandt's hedgehogs, respectively. Mean (SD) Intraocular pressure of right eyes in long‐eared hedgehog and Brandt hedgehog were 19.7 ± 1.4 mmHg and 19.2 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. In the left eyes of long‐eared hedgehog and Brandt hedgehog mean (SD) IOP were 19.8 ± 1.5 mmHg and 19.5 ± 2.1 mmHg, respectively. In long‐eared hedgehogs, the most common bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus spp. In Brandt's hedgehogs, 24 out of 48 eyes had Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was the most commonly isolated bacterial species. Conclusions This study established reference intervals for IOP, STT and PRTT in hedgehogs and recognised and compared ocular conjunctival microflora in two breeds of hedgehogs.
Strong optical confinement and multimode emission of organic photonic dots

We report on the optical mode structure of laterally confined organic microcavities. For preparation, an organic semiconductor is evaporated through a mask with square sized holes, resulting in photonic dots with approximately 5μm diameter. Using a microscope setup, we observe a complex mode structure in transmission and photoluminescence. From the mode mapping, we conclude a strong three-dimensional optical confinement. The near and far field spectra are modeled by transfer matrix calculations and a Fourier transform of the internal electric field distribution, respectively.
A class of steering policies under a recurrence condition

A class of adaptive policies is defined by Markov decision processes (MDPs) under some recurrence conditions. The proposed policy alternates between two stationary policies so as to track adaptively a sample average cost to a desired value. Direct sample path arguments are presented for investigating the convergence of the sample average costs under this adaptive policy. The results have applications to MDPs with a single constraint. <<ETX>>
A pairwise likelihood approach to generalized linear models with crossed random effects

Inference in generalized linear models with crossed effects is often made cumbersome by the high-dimensional intractable integrals involved in the likelihood function. We propose an inferential strategy based on the pairwise likelihood, which only requires the computation of bivariate distributions. The benefits of our approach are the simplicity of implementation and the potential to handle large data sets. The estimators based on the pairwise likelihood are generally consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. The pairwise likelihood makes it possible to improve on standard inferential procedures by means of bootstrap methods. The performance of the proposed methodology is illustrated by simulations and application to the well-known salamander mating data set.
Particle simulation of dust structures in plasmas

In the Earth's gravity, the dust in plasmas can form into a solid-like state In the plasma sheath. These ordered structures occur due to the balance of the interparticle forces, the gravitational force, and the sheath electric field. We have developed a particle simulation model to study the behavior of strongly coupled dust in plasmas under conditions of normal gravity and microgravity. The model includes a complete first-principles representation of the short-range strong forces of a shielded Coulomb system, as well as the long-range wake forces of a plasma with the ions streaming through the dust. The effects of charged particle scattering with neutrals and with other charges are included. Magnetic fields in the plasma may also be incorporated in the model.
Retrograde Percutaneous Tracheostomy. Early Experience With a Cadaveric Case Report

Despite the many accomplishments since the introduction of percutaneous dilational (PDT) tracheostomy, we continue to observe emerging complications as we forge ahead in intensive care practice. As a result of this, we provide a new technique that could avoid some complications, notably posterior tracheal wall injury, bronchoscopic or endotracheal tube puncture, and false track. The new technology was evaluated on a 75-year-old Caucasian male cadaver was selected for a novel PDT technique. A wire with a sharp terminal end passed through the bronchoscopic channel and punctured the trachea from inside towards the skin. The wire was pulled and directed towards the mediastinum. The rest of the technique was carried out like a routine procedure. The procedure was technically feasible; further clinical trials are required to confirm the validity of this technique.
Pre-service physics teachers' ideas on size, visibility and structure of the atom

Understanding the atom gives the opportunity to both understand and conceptually unify the various domains of science, such as physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geology. Among these disciplines, physics teachers are expected to be particularly well educated in this topic. It is important that pre-service physics teachers know what sort of theories regarding the atom they will bring into their own classrooms. Six tasks were developed, comprising size, visibility and structure of the atom. These tasks carried out by pre-service physics teachers were examined by content analysis and six categories were determined. These are size, visibility, subatomic particles, atom models, electron orbit and electron features. Pre-service physics teachers' ideas about the atom were clarified under these categories.
Investigation of ion cyclotron range of frequencies mode conversion at the ion–ion hybrid layer in Alcator C-Mod

Mode conversion (MC) of long wavelength fast electromagnetic magnetosonic waves (fast wave, or FW) into shorter wavelength electrostatic (ion-Bernstein, or IBW) or slow electromagnetic (ion cyclotron, or ICW) waves is of great interest in laboratory, magnetic fusion and space physics experiments. Such processes are particularly important in multi-ion species plasmas. In this paper we report recent results from high power ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating experiments in the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. Mode converted waves near the 3He–H hybrid layer have been detected by means of phase contrast imaging in H(3He,D) plasmas [E. Nelson-Melby et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 155004 (2003)]. The measured wave k spectrum and spatial location are in agreement with theoretical predictions [F. W. Perkins, Nucl. Fusion 17, 1197 (1977)], which showed that in a sheared magnetic field, mode-conversion of FW into ICW may dominate over IBW for appropriate ion species (i.e., D–T, or equivalently, H–3He). Recent mod.
Reduced order models for diffusion systems

Mathematical models for diffusion processes like heat propagation, dispersion of pollutants, etc. are normally partial differential equations which involve certain unknown parameters. To use these mathematical models as substitutes of the true system, one has to determine these parameters. Partial differential equations (PDE) of the form u ( x, t ) / t = Lu ( x, t ) (1) where L is a linear differential (spatial) operator, describe infinite dimensional dynamical systems. To compute a numerical solution for such partial differential equations, one has to approximate the underlying system by a finite order one. By using this finite order approximation, one then computes an approximate numerical solution for the PDE. Here, we consider a simple case of heat propagation in a homogeneous wall. The resulting partial differential equation, which is of the form (1), normally involves some unknown parameters. To estimate these unknown parameters, one has to approximate the infinite order model by a finite order model. For this purpose, we construct some finite order models by using certain existing numerical techniques like Galerkin and Collocation, etc. And, later, depending on their merit one chooses a suitable approximation for estimating the unknown parameters. In this paper we concentrate only on the model reduction aspects of the problem and not on the parameter estimation part. In particular, we examine the model order reduction capabilities of the Chebyshev polynomial methods used for solving partial diferential equations.
Performance and milk fatty acid profile of beef cows with a different energy status with short nutrient restriction and refeeding

Abstract Our study objective was to determine the effect of a short feed restriction (4 d) and subsequent refeeding (4 d) on the performance and metabolism of beef cows with a different nutritional status by particularly focusing on their milk fatty acid (FA) profile, to consider its potential use as biomarker of metabolic status. Thirty-two Parda de Montaña multiparous lactating beef cows were individually fed a diet based on the average cow’s net energy (NE) and metabolizable protein requirements. At 58 d in milk (DIM, day 0), cows underwent a 4 d feed restriction (55% requirements, restriction period). Before and after the restriction, diets met 100% of their requirements (basal and refeeding periods). Cow performance, milk yield and composition, and plasma metabolites, were determined on day −2, 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8. Cows were classified into two status clusters according to their pre-challenge performance and energy balance (EB) (Balanced vs. Imbalanced). All traits were statistically analyzed considering the fixed effect of status cluster and feeding period or day, with cow as a random effect. Imbalanced cows were heavier and had a more negative EB (P < 0.001), but similar milk yield, milk composition, and circulating metabolites (except for greater urea) than Balanced cows (P > 0.10). Milk contents of C18:1 cis-9, monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and mobilization FA were greater (P < 0.05), whereas saturated FA (SFA) and de novo FA were lesser in Imbalanced than Balanced cows (P < 0.05). Restriction decreased body weight (BW), milk yield, and milk protein compared to the basal period, but increased milk urea and plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P < 0.001). Milk contents of SFA, de novo, and mixed FA decreased immediately during the restriction, while MUFA, polyunsaturated FA and mobilization FA increased (P < 0.001). Basal milk FA contents were recovered on day 2 of refeeding, and all their changes strongly correlated with differences in EB and NEFA (P < 0.05). The general lack of interactions between status clusters and feeding periods implied that the response mechanisms to diet changes did not differ between cows with a different pre-challenge nutritional status.
Using spreading activation to understand repetitive negative thinking

ABSTRACT Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) describes a recursive, unproductive pattern of thought that is commonly observed in individuals who experience anxiety and depression. Past research on RNT has primarily relied on self-report, which fails to capture the potential mechanisms that underlie the persistence of maladaptive thought. We investigated whether RNT may be maintained by a negatively biased semantic network. The present study used a modified free association task to assess state RNT. Following the presentation of a valenced (positive, neutral, negative) cue word, participants generated a series of free associates, which allowed for the dynamic progression of responses. State RNT was conceptualised as the length of consecutive, negatively valenced free associates (i.e. chains). Participants also completed two self-report measures that assessed trait RNT and trait negative affect. Within a structural equation model, negative (but not positive or neutral) response chain length positively predicted trait RNT and negative affect, and this was only the case for positive (but not negative or neutral) cue words. These results suggest that RNT tendencies may be reflected in semantic retrieval and can be assessed without self-report.
Phonological and Articulatory Deficits in the Production of Novel Signs in Children With Developmental Language Disorder

Purpose: Sign language, like spoken language, incorporates phonological and articulatory (or motor) processing components. Thus, the learning of novel signs, like novel spoken word forms, may be problematic for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). In the present work, we hypothesize that phonological and articulatory deficits in novel sign repetition and learning would differentiate preschool-age children with DLD from their typical peers. Method: Children with DLD (n = 34; aged 4–5 years) and their age-matched typical peers (n = 21) participated. Children were exposed to four novel signs, all iconic, but only two linked to a visual referent. Children imitatively produced these novel signs multiple times. We obtained measures of phonological accuracy and articulatory motion stability as well as of learning of the associated visual referent. Results: Children with DLD showed an increased number of phonological feature (i.e., handshape, path, and orientation of the hands) errors when compared with their typical peers. While articulatory variability did not overall differentiate children with DLD from typical peers, children with DLD showed instability in one novel sign that obligated bimanual oppositional movement. Semantic aspects of novel sign learning were unaffected in children with DLD. Conclusions: Deficits that have been documented in phonological organization of spoken words in children with DLD are also evident in the manual domain. Analyses of hand motion variability suggest that children with DLD do not show a generalized motor deficit, but one that is restricted to the implementation of coordinated and sequential hand motion.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Nigeria: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Widespread COVID-19 vaccination is essential to maintaining pandemic control. However, low-and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to face challenges to care due to unequal access and vaccine fear despite the introduction of safe and effective immunisations. This study aimed to collect information on Nigeria's COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates and determinants. Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, Springer, and Hinari were all systematically searched through and completed in May 2022. Quality assessments of the listed studies were performed using the eight-item Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for cross-sectional studies. In addition, we undertook a meta-analysis to calculate pooled acceptance rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Forty-two studies in total satisfied the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. A total of 24,533 respondents were studied. The total sample size of states in the Northern, Western and Southern parts of Nigeria are 3,206, 4,527 and 5,059, respectively, while 11,741 is the cumulative sample size of all the Nigeria-wide studies. The total COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate among all the study groups was 52.4% (95% CI: 46.9-57.9%, I2 = 100%), while the total estimated COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy rates was 47.81% (95% CI: 42.2 - 53.4% I2 = 100%). In Nigeria-regions sub-group analyses, the Western region (58.90%, 95% CI: 47.12-70.27%) and Northern region (54.9%, 95% CI: 40.11%-69.4%) showed the highest rates of vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy respectively. The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate was highest in 2020, with a pooled rate of 59.56% (46.34, 57.32%, I2 = 98.7%). The acceptance rate in 2021 was only 48.48 (40.78%, 56.22%), while for the studies in 2022, it increased to 52.04% (95% CI: 35.7%, 68.15 %). The sensitisation of local authorities and the dissemination of more detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety, could significantly increase the country's vaccination rate.