Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bestimmung von hydraulischen Parametern für die Wasserhaushaltsuntersuchungen im natürlich gelagerten Boden. Ein Vergleich von Feld- und Laboratoriumsmethoden

Determination of hydraulic parameters to estimate water movement and water storage in undisturbed soil. A comparison of field and laboratory methods. The soil moisture characteristics and the unsaturated conductivity were measured under field and laboratory conditions. In an undisturbed soil monolith in continous connection with the underlying loess-soil-layer 60 tensiometer and a neutronprobe-accestube were used respectively to determine the matric potential and water content changes during a transient drainage experiment. Within the matric potential range of 0 to approximately −50 to −100 mbar the soil moisture characteristics determined in the laboratory and in the field are substantially different. When the matric potential is more negative than −100 mbar the slope of these curves and hence the specific moisture capacities are relatively well comparable. The field-measured conductivity functions differ considerably from those values which were either measured under lab-conditions or computed from the soil moisture characteristics data. The conductivities are expressed as a function of the matric potential which is possibly the major reason for these remarkable differences. However, the changes in water content in this dense silty clay loam are too small to express the unsaturated conductivity as a function of the absolute water content. The most serious problems in extrapolating the results of the less time consuming laborcalculation methods to field conditions arise in that range of matric potentials where water movement is significant.
Bot Detection Application on Twitter Using Machine Learning with Random Forest Classifier Algorithm

— A T witter bot is a Twitter account programmed to automatically do social activities by sending tweets through a scheduling program. Some bots intend to disseminate useful information such as earthquake and weather information. However, not a few bots have a negative influence, such as broadcasting false news, spam, or become a follower to increase an account's popularity. It can change public sentiments about an issue, decrease user confidence, or even change the social order. Therefore, an application is needed to distinguish between a bot and non-bot accounts. Based on these problems, this paper develops bot detection systems using machine learning for multiclass classification. These classes include human classes, informative, spammers, and fake followers. The model training used guided methods based on labeled training data. First, a dataset of 2,333 accounts was pre-processed to obtain 28 feature sets for classification. This feature set came from analysis of user profiles, temporal analysis, and analysis of tweets with numeric values. Afterward, the data was partitioned, normalized with scaling, and a random forest classifier algorithm was implemented on the data. After that, the features were reselected into 17 feature sets to obtain the highest accuracy achieved by the model. In the evaluation stage, bot detection models generated an accuracy of 96.79%, 97% precision, 96% recall, and an f-1 score of 96%. Therefore, the detection model was classified as having high accuracy. The bot detection model that had been completed was then implemented on the website and deployed to the cloud. In the end, this machine learning-based web application could be accessed and used by the public to detect Twitter bots.
Further evidence on sparse grids-based numerical integration in the mixed logit model

We study the performance of Gauss quadrature methods based on sparse grids for approximating integrals involved in mixed logit models. In Monte Carlo experiments we consider data generating processes in which consumer heterogeneity has low variance and data generating processes in which it has high variance. In the former case we find that, in line with previous literature, sparse grids produce very accurate estimates even when the number of points used for approximating integrals is small. However, in the latter case sparse grids yield biased estimates and are outperformed by quasi-Monte Carlo methods. Citation: Zsolt Sándor, (2019) ''Further evidence on sparse grids-based numerical integration in the mixed logit model'', Economics Bulletin, Volume 39, Issue 4, pages 2726-2731 Contact: Zsolt Sándor sandorzsolt@cs.sapientia. ro. Submitted: July 25, 2019. Published: November 29, 2019.
Herb-Induced Liver Injury by Cimicifuga racemosa and Thuja occidentalis Herbal Medications for Fertility

Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) is often an underreported sequela for many herbal remedies due to the lack of safety measurements involving these supplements. Cimicifuga racemosa and Thuja occidentalis are two herbal medications commonly used by women for fertility purposes. Many herbal preparations of these two supplements do not specify the risks behind their individual usage. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman who developed acute liver injury after concomitant use of these two products assessed for causality using the updated RUCAM. Upon a detailed investigation, the patient did not have evidence of underlying liver disease or any other risk factors to explain her presentation. After discontinuation of both herbal supplements, the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms and a significant improvement of transaminitis. This report highlights the importance of potential risk of hepatotoxicity induced by concomitant use of Cimicifuga racemosa and Thuja occidentalis.
Degeneration of core neural tracts for emotional regulation in a patient with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Rationale: Several brain structures, including the orbital prefrontal cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex, are considered key structures in the neural circuitry underlying emotion regulation. We report on a patient showing behavior changes and degeneration of core neural tracts for emotional regulation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patient concerns: A 51-year-old male patient suffered an in-car accident. The patient lost consciousness for approximately 30 days, and his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 3. He underwent stereotactic drainage for traumatic intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhages. At approximately 6.5-year after onset, he began to show disinhibition behaviors such as shouting with anger, which worsened over time. At approximately 8-year after onset, he showed severe depression signs and disinhibition, including violence. Diagnoses: The patient who showed delayed-onset behavioral changes (disinhibition and depression). Interventions: Diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired at 3 months and 8 years after TBI onset. Outcomes: The patient showed degeneration of core neural tracts for emotional regulation that was associated with delayed behavioral changes following TBI. On both 3-month and 8-year diffusion tensor tractographies (DTTs), the right dorsolateral prefronto-thalamic tract, ventrolateral prefronto-thalamic tract, orbital prefronto-thalamic tract, uncinate fasciculus, and both cinguli were reconstructed whereas other neural tracts were not reconstructed. Compared with the 3-month DTT, all reconstructed neural tracts on the 8-year DTT were narrow, except for the left cingulum, which showed new transcallosal fibers between both anterior cingula. The fractional anisotropy and tract volume of all reconstructed neural tracts were lower on the 8-year DTT than the 3-month DTT, except for the tract volume of left cingulum. Lessons: The evaluation of dorsolateral, ventrolateral, and orbital prefronto-thalamic tract, uncinate fasciculus, and cingulum using follow-up DTTs is useful when a patient with TBI shows delayed-onset behavioral problems.
Status of salt iodization, related awareness and practice at the household level in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal

Background: Monitoring adequacy of salt iodization at consumption level and exploring the reasons for inadequacy, especially in marginalized communities, is crucial to achieve the target coverage of universal salt iodization. Aims: To assess the iodine content of salt used at household level, related awareness and practice of respondents and their socio demographic correlates. Settings and Designs: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the slums of Burdwan Municipality in 2019. Methods and Material: A total of 330 households were selected by cluster sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated at household level semi-quantitatively by Iodine testing kit, following recommended guidelines. One respondent from each household was interviewed to assess their awareness and practice regarding iodized salt. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test and Multivariable logistic regression was used. Results: All 330 households were using iodized salt; 77.6% were consuming adequately iodized and 22.4% were consuming inadequately iodized salts. Only 30.9% of the respondents were aware about the importance of iodized salt, few had correct practice despite inadequate knowledge and none, except one, practiced adding salt at the end of cooking. Awareness and practice were associated with caste and age of the respondents, respectively. Keeping salt container near the oven, adjusting for keeping salt in uncovered container, significantly predicted inadequate level of iodization [AOR 6.17 (95% CI: 2.68-14.26)]. Conclusion: Inadequate iodization, lack of awareness regarding iodized salt and faulty storing practices amounting to increased risk of inadequate iodization are still prevalent emphasizing the need, in policy, for health education.
Probiotics, prebiotics and their role in Alzheimer’s disease

Accumulation of amyloid and dysfunctional tau proteins in the brain, along with the development of dementia, characterizes Alzheimer ’s disease (AD). Although the cause of AD is currently unknown, i t has been shown that the onset of the disease, with amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) accumulation, occurs 10–20 years before the development of the clinical signs; to date, several factors, including lifestyle habits (such as diet and exercise), chronic infection and inflammation, have been related to AD pathogenesis and progression (Sochocka et al., 2019). In addition, the gut microbial dysbiosis seems to be a critical feature able to characterize AD and regulate Aβ production. Indeed, imbalances in gut microbiota can induce aberrant immune responses which, in turn, can disrupt the local and systemic homeostasis of the host (Figure 1A). Moreover, it has been proposed that the gut microbiota, represented by intestinal microflora, may participate in the development of the disease through a network called “gut-brain axis,” that is a bidirectional signaling mechanism between the central nervous system and the intestinal tract. Gut has the largest nervous system, outside the central nervous system, that is in close interplay with the microbiome (MB), the other human genome. The extraordinary complexity of the intestinal ecosystem is represented by more than 100 trillion of microbial cells and their interaction with the intestinal epithelium can influence brain functionality and behavior. Likely, human MB is a promising target for prevention and therapeutic interventions. Indeed, several approaches have been employed with the aim to reduce age-related dysbiosis in both experimental model and in clinical studies. These include strategies to regulate MB via the administration of probiotics and prebiotics, and dietary interventions. The progress of research on the role of intestinal MB in the development of AD will dictate the future for the employment of proand prebiotics in the prevention/treatment of AD (D’Argenio and Sarnataro, 2019).
Do statins reduce the mortality rate in stroke patients treated with systemic thrombolysis in a 5-year single-center study?

The present study investigated the association between pre-treatment with a cholesterol-lowering drug (statin) or new setting hereon and the effect on the mortality rate in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous systemic thrombolysis. During a 5-year period (starting in October 2008), 542 consecutive stroke patients who received intravenous systemic thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) at the Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany, were included. Patients were characterized according to statins. The primary endpoint was mortality; it was assessed twice: in hospital and 3 months after discharge. The secondary outcome was the rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Of the 542 stroke patients examined (mean age 72 ± 13 years; 51% women, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 11), 138 patients (25.5%) had been pre-treated with statin, while in 190 patients (35.1%) statin therapy was initiated during their stay in hospital, whereas 193 (35.6%) never received statins. Patients pre-treated with statin were older and more frequently had previous illnesses (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and previous cerebral infarctions), but were comparably similarly affected by the stroke (NIHSS 11 vs. 11; P = 0.76) compared to patients who were not on statin treatment at the time of cerebral infarction. Patients pretreated with statin did not differ in 3-month mortality from those newly treated to a statin (7.6% vs. 8%; P = 0.9). Interestingly, the group of patients pretreated with statin showed a lower rate of in hospital mortality (6.6% vs. 17.0; P = 0.005) and 3-month mortality (10.7% vs. 23.7%; P = 0.005) than the group of patients who had no statin treatment at all. The same effect was seen for patients newly adjusted to a statin during the hospital stay compared to patients who did not receive statins (3-month mortality: 7.1% vs. 23.7%; P < 0.001). With a good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2), 60% of patients were discharged, the majority (69.6%; P < 0.001) of whom received a statin at discharge. The rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages in the course of cranial computed tomography was independent of whether the patients were pretreated with a statin or not (8.8% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.96). Pre-treatment with statin as well as new adjustment could reveal positive effect on prognosis of intravenous thrombolyzed stroke patients. Further investigations are required. The study was approved by the Ethic Committee of the University of Lübeck (approval No. 4-147).
Carboxymethyl Cellulose versus Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Tear Substitutes for Dry Eye Due to Computer Vision Syndrome: Comparison of Efficacy and Safety

Background: Prolonged use of visual display terminal images on electronic devices such as computers frequently leads to symptoms of dry eye. Tear substitutes form the mainstay of treatment for mild-to-moderate dry eye. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) versus hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) tear substitutes for dry eye due to computer vision syndrome (CVS). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, comparative, and open-labeled study. The efficacy of CMC 0.5% and HPMC 0.3% tear substitutes was compared in 180 participants (90 in each group) with dry eye. Change in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Schirmer I test score, and tear film break up time (TF-BUT) were used as efficacy parameters. Safety was monitored on all visits. Results: The baseline OSDI score? 23.48 and 23.32 in Group A and B, respectively, decreased with treatment in both groups on all follow-up visits as compared to the baseline (day 90: 13.9 ± 3 vs. 14.81 ± 3.17, P: 0.01). The scores of Schirmer I test increased in both groups, with a greater improvement in Group A (at day 90: 22.75 ± 3.04 mm vs. 21.78 ± 3.36 mm, P: 0.04). The values of TF-BUT improved in both groups, the difference being statistically insignificant. An initial stinging was reported by one participant, each in both groups. Conclusion: CMC and HPMC tear substitutes were equally efficacious and safe in reducing symptoms of dry eye due to CVS.
Preparation of carbon nanofibres through electrospinning and thermal treatment

Electrospinning is a versatile process to obtain continuous carbon nanofibres at low cost. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer precursors are utilized to prepare electrospun carbon nanofibres, activated carbon nanofibres through chemical and/or physical activation and functionalized composite carbon nanofibres by surface coating or electrospinning a precursor solution tailored with nanomaterials. Many promising applications of electrospun carbon nanofibres can be expected if appropriate microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties become available. This article provides an in-depth review of the research activities regarding several varieties and performance requirements of precursor nanofibres, polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibres and their functionalized products, and carbon nanofibres from other precursors. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Infrared thermographic evaluation of rise in temperature with conventional versus trephine drills

Aim: To compare the rise in temperature using trephines over conventional ones during bone site preparation. Setting and Design: An-vitro, evaluative study Materials and Methods: Twenty implant sites were prepared using pilot drill up to depth of 10 mm on bovine femoral bone. In first part, no irrigation was used. Five sites were prepared using conventional drill of 2.8 mm, and other five were prepared with help of trephine drills. On completion of each drill, infrared thermometer was used to measure temperature on both the drill tip and the shaft. The same procedure was repeated with bone immersed in saline. Statistical Analysis Used: Student t test was used to evaluate the significance of difference. Result: Study showed that the temperature rise at drill tip was significantly higher for trephine drill (52.98 ± 1.67 °C) than conventional drills (48.20 ± 0.67 °C), however the temperature difference in trephine and conventional drills was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The temperature increase was more distributed in conventional drills than trephine. Copious irrigation is thus mandatory for trephine drills. Intermittent drilling is preferred with conventional drills.
Supportive Care Needs and Health-Related Quality of Life of Esophageal Cancer Survivors

Objective: The aim of this study is (1) to describe the prevalence and correlates of unmet needs among esophageal cancer survivors (ECS) in Korea and (2) to identify the association between unmet needs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: We used a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Participants were 118 ECS from a hospital in Korea who received surgery at least 12 months before participating. We collected data including the Supportive Care Needs Survey-short form 34 and to measure HRQOL, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 with a self-report questionnaire. Results: Participants' mean age was 65.2 years, and 92.4% were male. Among five domains of supportive care needs, unmet need prevalence ranged from 0.8% to 50%. The most commonly reported domains of unmet needs were Health System and Information and Physical and Daily Living. Participants with unmet needs in Psychological Needs, Physical and Daily Living Needs, and Patient Care and Support Needs demonstrated significantly poorer HRQOL in almost all measured domains. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that Korean ECS had substantial unmet needs, especially in the Health System and Information domain. Psychological, Patient Care and Support, and Physical and Daily Living Needs were related to HRQOL. The study can advance understanding of priority issues in ECS.
Causes of the delay in creating permanent vascular access in hemodialysis patients

Majority of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergo hemodialysis (HD) with central venous catheter which has multiple complications. This study aims to identify the physicians’ perspectives regarding the reasons of delayed arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to improve the quality of CKD patients’ care and prognosis and prevent complications. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on KSA nephrologists using a questionnaire which includes factors associated with delay in AVF creation, which were categorized into patient, physician, and hospital factors. The optimal timing of starting dialysis was also assessed. In a total of 212 participants, 131 (61.8%) were of consultant level, with the largest numbers being from the Central region (52.4%). The most important patient factors associated with delay in AVF creation were denial of kidney disease or the need of AVF (76.4%), dialysis fears and practical concern (75.9%), and patient refusal (73.1%). The most important physician and hospital factors were insufficient conduction of predialysis care and education (63.7%) and late referral to a nephrologist (56.6%). Participants would create AVF when the patient reaches Stage 4 CKD (69.3%) or Stage 5 (27.4%), and 88.7% of the participants would do so 3–6 months before the anticipated start of HD. Over two-thirds of the participants (68.4%) chose patient as the main factor contributing to the delay of permanent vascular access. A validated approach to patient selection, patient-centered predialysis care, and referral to vascular access creation that could be applied on different types of patients in different regions is required.
Burnout and its correlates among nursing staff of intensive care units at a tertiary care center

Background: Burnout syndrome has been widely reported in nursing staff. It is more pronounced in intensive care setting (up to 80%). This survey was designed to assess the prevalence of burnout and its correlates among critical care nurses. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all ICU nursing staff of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Questionnaire had 25 questions covering – demography, job characteristics, Visual Analogue Scale for stress, co-worker support, work–life balance, question for measuring burnout, job satisfaction, turnover intention, organizational commitment, for depression screening and psychosomatic symptoms. The burnout scale score was used to dichotomize into low burnout (<3) or high burnout (> = 3) group. These two groups were compared using Chi-square test, Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables. Significant variables were entered in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of 150 ICU nurses, 125 (83.3%) gave completely filled questionnaires which were evaluated. 47 (37.6%) participants reported experiencing high burnout. Binary logistic regression model revealed that lack of specialized ICU training (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.62 to 11.34, P = 0.003), performing extra duty in last month (OR = 5.28, 95% CI: 1.90 to 14.67, P = 0.001), High physical symptoms in last 12 months (OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.56 to 14.36, P = 0.006) and mid-level experience (1–5 years) were significantly associated with burnout. Conclusions: Burnout is significantly prevalent (37.6%) among intensive care nurses. Specialized training and limiting work hours can help in mitigating this problem. High frequency of physical symptoms could be early indicators of burnout.