Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Hidden presence among doctors and patients, an explorative study

The term "alternative medicine" is used to describe healing treatments that are not part of conventional medical training. When alternative treatments are used along with conventional therapies then it is known as complementary medicine. This together is known as complementary alternative medicine (CAM). The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and perception about CAM and cultural beliefs among doctors and patients attending primary care at KEM Hospital in Mumbai.A cross-sectional study was carried out in primary care clinics in at GS Seth medical College and KEM Hospital. A random sample of 100 doctors and patients was used. Convenience sampling has been used. Doctors and patients were interviewed by a pretested semi structured questionnaire including CAM use, satisfaction with care, ailment for which CAM used and cultural health beliefs about the same.All the doctors were aware of Ayurveda, homeopathy and yoga. 40% doctors were also aware of Siddha, Unani, Naturopathy, Acupressure and Acupuncture. 82% doctors and 58% patients have tried Complementary and Alternative Medicine at least once in the past. Chronic conditions like skin ailments asthma, arthritis, body aches are most commonly sought after. Amongst different CAM therapies, 52% doctors and 41% patients consulted for Ayurveda which is highest in frequency. This is followed by Homeopathy and Yoga. 63% doctors and 69% patients were relieved of the symptoms for which they had consulted the CAM therapy. Dissatisfaction from conventional treatment, philosophical and spiritual orientation, friendlier approach of CAM therapist and affordability of CAM therapies were chief reasons to seek CAM modalities. Ayurveda is most consulted for. And maximum consultations to CAM therapies were done for skin ailments. 84% patients reported that they had tried some form of home remedies before visiting doctor. And 70% of them found these home remedies to be effective. As seen in this study, use of CAM is much prevalent among health care providers and seekers. The results of this study suggest doctors should be in a better position to make informed choices about CAM modalities. Further research and studies needed to determine the mechanism of action of many of the popular CAM modalities. Keywords: Complementary Alternative Medicine, Prevalence, Tertiary Care Hospital
A interdição da doença: uma construção cultural da esquistossomose em área endêmica,

This study was conducted in a rural area endemic for schistosomiasis in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The objective was to determine the relationship between an environmental and health education program for schistosomiasis, implemented for teachers and students from the state secondary school in the village of Boa Uniao, and the subsequent actions of its participants in regards to the environment and the illness. An important difference in this program is its per- spective that it is not merely the implementation of instrumental and cognitive knowledge of the environment and illness, but an approach in which subjects are asked to question and investi- gate their perception of reality, the environment, and the illness. The study demonstrated that a change in attitude could occur from reflection on one's experience in relation to both the envi- ronment and diseases endemic it.
Taming Decentralized POMDPs: Towards Efficient Policy Computation for Multiagent Settings

The problem of deriving joint policies for a group of agents that maximize some joint reward function can be modeled as a decentralized partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). Yet, despite the growing importance and applications of decentralized POMDP models in the multiagents arena, few algorithms have been developed for efficiently deriving joint policies for these models. This paper presents a new class of locally optimal algorithms called "Joint Equilibrium-based search for policies (JESP)". We first describe an exhaustive version of JESP and subsequently a novel dynamic programming approach to JESP. Our complexity analysis reveals the potential for exponential speedups due to the dynamic programming approach. These theoretical results are verified via empirical comparisons of the two JESP versions with each other and with a globally optimal brute-force search algorithm. Finally, we prove piece-wise linear and convexity (PWLC) properties, thus taking steps towards developing algorithms for continuous belief states.
Automatic parallelization of "inherently" sequential nested loop programs

Most automatic parallelizers are based on detection of independent operations, and most of them cannot do anything if there is a true dependence between operations. However, there exists a class of programs, for which this can be surmounted based on the nature of the operations. The standard and obvious cases are reductions and scans (prefix computations), which normally occur within loops. We present a method for automatically parallelizing such “inherently” sequential programs. Our method is based on exact dependence analysis in the polyhedral model, and matrix multiplication over a semiring. It handles both single loop as well as arbitrarily nested loops. We also deal with mutually dependent variables in the loop. Finally, we present some optimizations for the code parallelization. Although the experimental results are preliminary, it shows that scan and reduction parallelizations are effective on practical applications.
ATM: Theory and Application

From the Publisher: The most current,most complete,and most "real-world" guide ever on ATM! This landmark reference is the ultimate "in print" database of ATM technology,services,and applications. From basic principles to detailed real-world examples,this text has it all,including exclusive in-depth treatment of such "hot" new protocols as IP and Tag Switching,Private Network Network Interface (PNNI),LAN Emulation (LANE),Understandable View of ATM Signaling,MultiProtocol Over ATM (MPOA),Available Bit rate (ABR) flow control,and Internet ReSerVation Protocol (RSVP). Traffic engineering and network design considerations are also extensively explained and illustrated. This is a must-have reference that will substantially enable any reader to make smarter technological and strategic business decisions regarding virtually every aspect of how,where,and why to apply ATM. The most current,most complete,and most "real world" guide ever on ATM. This landmark reference is the ultimate "in print" database of ATM technology,services,and applications. Emphasizing practice over theory in an engaging,fun-to-read style,the authors present high-level summaries followed up with detailed treatment of all key areas of ATM technology. It is the only book that provides in-depth treatment of such "hot" new protocols as: IP and Tag Switching. Private Network Network Interface (PNNI). LAN Emulation (LANE). Understandable View of ATM Signaling. Multiprotocol Over ATM (MPOA). Available Bit Rate (ABR) flow control. Internet ReSerVation Protocol (RSVP). In addition,ATM Theory and Applications explores the remarkable range of ATM applications,objectively comparesATM with competing technologies,and even offers some provocative predictions about how ATM technology might evolve. "This update to our best selling book not only provides a working tool for someone wanting to learn ATM,but also provides a reference for the practicing professional applying real-world solutions to business and technology problems. "
Comparison of “Less Affected Limb” Reaching Kinematics in Individuals with Chronic Stroke and Healthy Age-Matched Controls

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics of the limbs during reaching tasks with trunk restraint in persons with chronic stroke to a control group without impairment. Thirty individuals participated (chronic arm impairment from stroke, n = 15, healthy adults, n = 15). Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the upper extremities was collected during reaching with trunk restraint (self-selected and fast velocities, ipsilateral and contralateral target locations). Data were analyzed with t-tests (p ≤ .025) and effect sizes. Less affected limb showed significant differences compared to the control group in variables at faster speed conditions with medium-large effect sizes across target locations. The less affected upper extremity adapts differently when reaching with trunk restraint compared to persons without stroke. These findings support the idea that there is not a “nonparetic” limb following a stroke, indicating that bilateral assessments and training should be incorporated into rehabilitation programs at the chronic stage of recovery.
A Closed-Loop Lumped Parameter Computational Model for Human Cardiovascular System

For purpose of a better understanding of the behavior of the global hemodynamic interactions, a closed-loop lumped parameter computational model was developed for the human cardiovascular system with a detailed compartmental description of the heart and the main vascular circulations. Construction of the model was implemented based on a phenomenological characterization of hemodynamics using an electrical analog method and solution of the governing differential equations of the model was carried out by use of a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Most of the hemodynamic parameters predicted by the present model were either consonant with the clinical measurements or within reasonable physiological ranges. Furthermore, the present model was applied to predict the clinical cardiac hemodynamic characteristics observed in patients with heart abnormalities. Reasonable agreements between predictions and measurements indicate that the present computational model can serve as a useful assistant tool for computer-aided diagnosis and surgical treatment, as well as posttreatment prediction.
'RASAYANA' HERBS USED IN AYURVEDA -A REVIEW

Traditionally, „Rasayana‟ drugs are used against a plethora of seemingly diverse disorders with no pathophysiological connections according to modern medicine. It has been reported that the „Rasayanas‟ are rejuvenators, nutritional supplements and possess strong antioxidant activity. They also have antagonistic actions on the oxidative stressors which giving rise to the formation of different free radicals. Therefore, the therapeutic indication of these drugs can include the diseases relating to the entire auto immune, proving that the mechanism involved may be in curing these diseases may be of antioxidants. In this paper there is an attempt to identify novel antioxidant agents which are safe and effective. Ayurveda, a science of long life, almost 6000 years old, can serve as a “goldmine” for novel antioxidant agents used for centuries to treat chronic diseases. The current review is an attempt to provide description of various Ayurvedic plants currently used Rasayana and the antioxidant pathways that they inhibit.
Estimation of Output Energy Performance of Fixed and Sun-Tracking Photovoltaic Panels

Photovoltaic (PV) is a promising solar energy technology which has been identified potentially suitable for wide scale applications in Hong Kong. The performance of PV systems is evaluated in terms of efficiency measuring based on laboratorial settings which may rarely occur in practice. This paper studies the energy performance for PV systems. On-site measurements including solar irradiance, temperatures and output energy for a PV generator were systematically recorded. An artificial neural network (ANN) was used to establish the energy efficiency and power output for various PV panel installations. The findings are reported and design implications are discussed.
Determinants of myocardial and vascular function in young subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Cardiovascular disease including myocardial dysfunction and vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Early detection of myocardial dysfunction and identification of its determinants may be helpful in preventing diabetic heart muscle disease. In this thesis, I studied myocardial and vascular function in 53 subjects – 19 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (aged 21 ± 4 years, HbA1c 8.8 ± 1.6 %) and 34 controls (aged 25 ± 3). I measured myocardial functional reserve using myocardial velocity imaging during dobutamine in 18 patients and 21 controls. The main findings of this thesis were: 1. Longitudinal shortening of the left ventricle was reduced in type 1 diabetes mellitus. (medial mitral annular excursion 1.2±0.2 vs. 1.4±0.2 cm, p =0.01). 2. During dobutamine, long-axis peak systolic velocity was lower in type 1 diabetes by 20% at 10 and 13% at 20 μg/kg/minute (both p =0.05; ANOVA, p=0.003) but systolic velocities at peak dobutamine were similar and thus myocardial functional response was. 3. Longitudinal displacement was reduced in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus both at rest and during dobutamine stress. (by 15%, p =0.001). 4. Early diastolic relaxation was lower in type 1 diabetes, measured globally as the mitral E/A ratio (1.5±0.4 cm/s vs. 1.8±0.4 cm/s, p=0.02) or regionally as the early diastolic velocity of the medial mitral annulus (e’ -13.0±2.7 cm/s vs. -14.8±2.0 cm/s, p=0.02). 5. Features of adiposity and adverse lipid profiles, more than glycaemia, are major determinants also for myocardial and vascular dysfunction in young subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, there is evidence of myocardial dysfunction in young subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and early changes may be related to metabolic rather than structural changes. Control of other risk factors such as dyslipidaemia, and maintenance of normal body weight, may be important measures in preventing progression of subclinical myocardial dysfunction into overt clinical disease.
Methods in Observational Epidemiology

1. Introduction 2. Biologic and Statistical Concepts 3. Sources of Routinely Collected Data on Disease Occurrence 4. Prospective Cohort Studies: Planning and Execution 5. Retrospective Cohort, Nested Case-Control and Case-Cohort Studies: Planning and Execution 6. Cohort Studies: Statistical Analysis I 7. Cohort Studies: Statistical Analysis II 8. Case-Control Studies: Planning and Execution 9. Case-Control Studies: Further Design Consideration and Statistical Analysis 10. Crossd-Sectional and Other Types of Studies 11. Epidemic Investigation 12. Methods of Sampling and Estimation of Sample Size 13. Measurement Error 14. Measurement I: Questionnaires 15. Measurement II: Other Types of Measurement
Leveraging graphics processing units (GPUs) for real-time seismic interpretation

This article discusses the emergence of general computation on the graphics processing unit (GPGPU) as a powerful tool for enabling true interactive 3D seismic interpretation such that geologic features are computed, mapped, and visualized in real time. We review previous work in GPU-based methods for both prestack data and migrated volumes, but we will focus on techniques that facilitate interactive and real-time interpretation of migrated seismic volumes. The field of GPGPU technology is changing rapidly with updates frequently occurring at six-month cycles, and often bring major changes to processor architecture and programmability. In this article we provide readers with an overview of the current state of GPGPU, work being done in our industry, and discuss the greater implications these changes may have in seismic volume interpretation. We will address the unique computational challenges as well as the significant gains that can be achieved by computing on low-cost commodity GPUs.
Optimization of Coronary Sinus Lead Position in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy guided by Three Dimensional Echocardiography

Background:Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is now an established effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure. One approach to improve CRT outcome may be determination of the degree of dsynchrony before CRT as a predictor for CRT response. Conversely, the focus may be on an improved positioning of CRT left ventricular (LV) lead. AIM of the study: We aimed at our study to define the rule of three-dimensional echocardiography in determining the optimal site of LV pacing lead. Patients and Methods: The current study was conducted on 30 patients with heart failure who had received CRT in Ain Shams University Hospitals in the period from 2012 to 2014. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking, complete general and local examination, conventional 2D echo and 3D echo analysis. The latest wall to reach the minimal volume was determined. The patients were classified after CRT insertion into group A with concordance between the delayed LV area and LV lead position and group B with discordance between them. Our patients were followed up for 6 months duration. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the response to CRT resulted in improvement of NYHA class (p-value 0.04), LV EF by 2D and 3D echocardiography (P value <0.001 for both) with significant increase in LV 3D SV (p value 0.001), and significant reduction of LA diameter (p-value 0.03), LVESD diameter, 2D and 2D LVESV (P value 0.026, 0.026 respectively), however there was no any statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusions: No additional benefit of selecting LV lead position pre CRT insertion to be concordant with the latest myocardial segment in reaching the minimal systolic volume assessed by 3D echocardiography
Short report Dealing with doubt How patients account for non-specific chronic low back pain

Objective: To explore the ways that persons with long standing chronic low back pain respond to the problem of medical doubt about the presence of organic pathology. Method: Qualitative analysis of accounts provided by 12 persons attending a back pain rehabilitation clinic in NW England. Results: Subjects rejected the notion that they were culpable for their pain. They were not culpable for the onset of their pain. They argued that despite their cooperation, no sensible explanation of their pain was forthcoming from health professionals. Finally, they asserted that medical scepticism had been damaging and dispiriting. Conclusion: Patients dealt with clinical doubt by stressing their own expertise. They constituted their beliefs about the cause and trajectory of their pain and disability as accurate accounts of their disability. They resisted the suggestion that there might be psychological factors involved in their ill-health by locating culpability among clinicians, who were confused or uncertain about diagnosis and treatment. D 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
A Novel Fuzzy Voting Design based on Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter

In the fault-tolerant system, there is one bottleneck problem to need to solve, the voting design when there are many fault-tolerant gyroscopes floating point input signals. A novel fuzzy voting design has been proposed based on adaptive extended Kalman filter. Through connecting EKF in the fuzzy voting mechanism, the adaptive fuzzy voting design has solved that the smaller deviated signals are unable to judge. Moreover, we have achieved the real-time adjustment of the Q covariance and R covariance matrix by designing another logical controller with extended Kalman filter and the fuzzy logic method. We can obtain the real time spaceborne apparatus’s posture by simulating gyroscope, the fuzzy voting design can get the correct output, it has solved the measured noise and the gyro error.
Splenic Arteriogastric Fistula Resulting from Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Rare Cause of Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Splenic arteriogastric fistula is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, only reported a handful of times in the literature. Herein, we present a case of a 49-year-old woman with metastatic adrenocortical carcincoma who developed a fistula between the splenic artery and gastric lumen as a result of local invasion of her primary tumor. This fistula led to several episodes of massive upper GI bleeding. Selective splenic artery embolization was successful in ceasing the GI bleed; however, the intervention was not timely enough for the patient to survive the hemorrhage. We outline several clinical and imaging findings to assist physicians with earlier detection of splenic arteriogastric fistulas, and advocate prophylactic selective splenic artery embolization when this rare but highly fatal entity is discovered.
The Changing Face of Dyslipidemia Therapies

To date, the major emphasis of dyslipidemia management has focused on the reduction of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which several robust trials show significantly decreases the risk of coronory heart disease (CHD). To achieve goal LDL-C levels will require that some individuals take more than 1 cholesterol-lowering medication. In addition, many dyslipidemic patients also have concomitant risk factors for cardiovascular disease including hypertension, elevated plasma glucose, and high body mass index, requiring additional therapies. In addition to drugs that lower LDL-C, several agents under investigation are targeting other markers for decreasing the risk of atherosclerotic disease. Some of these agents target the reduction of C-reactive protein with a more potent statin, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) with the cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitor, inhibition of triglyceride or very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) with the acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor, reduction of VLDL-C with microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, change in percentage coronary atheroma volume with HDL-C mimetics, and the reduction of bile acid transport and reabsorption with the ileal bile acid transport inhibitors. This review will provide an overview of the existing landscape for the medical treatment of dyslipidemia, including available therapies and future trends.
Contrasting Advantages of Learning With Random Weights and Backpropagation in Non-Volatile Memory Neural Networks

Recently, a Cambrian explosion of a novel, non-volatile memory (NVM) devices known as memristive devices have inspired effort in building hardware neural networks that learn like the brain. Early experimental prototypes built simple perceptrons from nanosynapses, and recently, fully-connected multi-layer perceptron (MLP) learning systems have been realized. However, while backpropagating learning systems pair well with high-precision computer memories and achieve state-of-the-art performances, this typically comes with a massive energy budget. For future Internet of Things/peripheral use cases, system energy footprint will be a major constraint, and emerging NVM devices may fill the gap by sacrificing high bit precision for lower energy. In this paper, we contrast the well-known MLP approach with the extreme learning machine (ELM) or NoProp approach, which uses a large layer of random weights to improve the separability of high-dimensional tasks, and is usually considered inferior in a software context. However, we find that when taking the device non-linearity into account, NoProp manages to equal hardware MLP system in terms of accuracy. While also using a sign-based adaptation of the delta rule for energy-savings, we find that NoProp can learn effectively with four to six ’bits’ of device analog capacity, while MLP requires eight-bit capacity with the same rule. This may allow the requirements for memristive devices to be relaxed in the context of online learning. By comparing the energy footprint of these systems for several candidate nanosynapses and realistic peripherals, we confirm that memristive NoProp systems save energy compared with MLP systems. Lastly, we show that ELM/NoProp systems can achieve better generalization abilities than nanosynaptic MLP systems when paired with pre-processing layers (which do not require backpropagated error). Collectively, these advantages make such systems worthy of consideration in future accelerators or embedded hardware.