Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using stakeholder intervention refinement teams to develop approaches for real-time integration of patient-reported safety information during older adults’ hospital-to-home-health care transitions

Background The hospital-to-home transition remains a high-risk care interval for older adults. Skilled home health (HH) agencies are uniquely positioned to address care-transitions-associated patient safety threats. We previously developed the Hospital-to-Home-Health Transition Quality (H3TQ) Index to identify safety issues after hospital discharge. Our objective is to evaluate a participatory ergonomics process engaging stakeholders to develop strategies to implement the H3TQ into HH agency workflow to improve transition-associated safety issues in real-time. Methods Stakeholders participated in three, two-hour Intervention Refinement Team (IRT) meetings with a focus on: (1) identifying facilitators and barriers to collect H3TQ data in real-time, (2) integration of H3TQ into workflows, and (3) sharing H3TQ safety threat information to improve care transition safety outcomes. We used the human factors engineering-informed Systems Ambiguity Framework to guide the structure of IRT meetings and qualitative data analysis to evaluate the IRT process itself. Results Stakeholders (N = 9) represented patients, family caregivers, and HH staff. Stakeholders identified three key strategies for H3TQ implementation: (1) mechanism and timing of H3TQ data collection using multiple platforms; (2) data sharing conditions for safety reporting across the health system; and (3) identification of targeted care transitions outcomes for improvement. Participants highly rated IRT meetings regarding meeting usefulness, comfort, and degree of input into the discussion. Conclusions The IRT participatory ergonomics process was successful. Stakeholders identified strategies to facilitate implementation of the H3TQ implementation to improve the hospital-to-HH. IRTs have potential application to other health system issues related to the care of people with complex needs.
The crocodilian Goniopholis simus from the Lower Cretaceous of north-western Germany

A re-evaluation of crocodilian material referred to Goniopholis from the Berriasian (Lower Cretaceous) of north-western Germany is presented, based on the description of a natural mould of a skull and mandible in the collections of the Institut fur Palaontologie, Bonn. Along with other material from the Obernkirchen Sandstone of the Buckeburg Member of the German 'Wealden', the Bonn specimen is referred to G. simus Owen. Two previously recognized species of Goniopholis from Germany, 'G. pugnax' Koken and 'G. minor' Koken, are considered to be nomina dubia, because they are based on undiagnostic material, much of which can no longer be located. Two complete skeletons from the Hauterivian-Barremian of Bernissart, Belgium, previously assigned to G. simus, are considered to be representative of distinct species and should be redescribed and renamed. G. simus is restricted to the Berriasian of the Wessex-Weald Basin of southern England and the Niedersachsen Basin of north-western Germany. This is the first clear evidence of interchange between the non-marine vertebrate faunas of these two regions.
A Copula-Based Method for Change Detection With Multisensor Optical Remote Sensing Images

This article considers the problem of change detection (CD) with multisensor optical remote sensing (RS) images. Copulas are adopted to characterize the dependence structure between the image pair. For this problem, a conditional copula-based CD technique has been proposed in the literature; however, in this technique, it is difficult to select the best copula function in an analytical framework. Resulting copula misspecification may lead to performance degradation. To deal with this problem, we model the CD problem as a binary hypothesis testing problem and propose a new superpixel-level copula-based statistical method (SCOPS) for CD, where an explicit strategy for copula selection is provided for the proposed method. The effectiveness of the copula selection strategy is verified on CD tasks with simulated multisensor optical RS images. Experiments on real RS datasets demonstrate the superiority of SCOPS over state-of-the-art methods.
Analyzing the Structure of Informal Transport: The Evening Commute Problem in Nairobi, Kenya

In many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, informal privately-operated transportation plays an integral role in people's mobility. This study systematically analyzes the development and structure of informal transit systems as a function of the network, user, and modal characteristics for an evening commute problem along a linear corridor where passengers originate uniformly from a central business district and have destinations uniformly distributed along the corridor. The model jointly takes into account user mode choice and operator fare and frequency decisions. Three types of operators each with different objectives are analyzed: (1) informal transit with competing operators, (2) a welfare-maximizing government, and (3) a private monopoly or company. Policies, such as fare regulation and vehicle licensing schemes, are presented to help rationalize private and informal transit service using a government-operated service as the baseline. The use of continuum approximation tools allow for a 2-D graphical representation of the regulatory environments. Using Nairobi, Kenya as a case study, it was concluded that with proper regulation and oversight informal transit can perform similar to publicly provided transit.
Agricultural Investment and Food Security

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate Agricultural Investment and Food Security. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed a complex relationship characterized by mixed outcomes. While some agricultural investments contribute positively to food security by enhancing productivity, improving infrastructure, and generating income opportunities, others can lead to land grabbing, displacement of local communities, and resource degradation, exacerbating food insecurity. The effectiveness of investments in enhancing food security hinges on factors such as the type of investment, local contexts, and policy frameworks, emphasizing the need for carefully designed and context-specific investment strategies to ensure sustainable and equitable food security outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Agricultural Transformation, Structural Transformation and Sustainable Agriculture Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Agricultural investment and food security. Encouraged farmers to diversify their crop production to reduce risks associated with mono-cropping. Enforce regulations that promote sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation to ensure the long-term viability of agricultural production.
Hybrid Modulation of Parallel-Series $LLC$ Resonant Converter and Phase Shift Full-Bridge Converter for a Dual-Output DC–DC Converter

A novel pulse frequency and phase shift hybrid modulated dual-output dc–dc converter is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter is composed of hybrid modulation of an input-parallel-output-series LLC resonant converter and a phase shift full bridge (PSFB) converter. The output voltage of the LLC resonant converter is modulated by the switching frequency, whereas the output voltage of the PSFB converter is modulated by the phase angle; therefore, the two output voltages are regulated independently and free from cross regulation. The series inductor of the PSFB converter does not need to be specially designed to help achieving the soft switching operation, and the duty cycle loss could be mitigated. Zero-voltage switching can be achieved on the power switches in the whole load range. Finally, a 1.2-kW 400-input 200–400-V and 48-V output prototype is built and tested to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
A Novel Weak Feature Extraction Method for Rotating Machinery: Link Dispersion Entropy

The entropy-based feature extraction is a promising tool for extracting weak features from rotating machinery. However, the existing research has paid little attention to the state transition process, which brings the problem of accuracy and comprehensiveness in complexity estimation. To address this issue, this article proposes link dispersion entropy (LDE) based on the theory of the Markov chain for weak feature extraction. By calculating the transition probability of symbol patterns, the LDE can extract the fault information contained in the transition, enabling it to capture the early weak fault. Furthermore, LDE is extended to a multiscale analysis by combining it with the coarse-gaining process for comprehensive feature extraction, termed multiscale LDE (MLDE). Finally, three simulated signals and two different experimental data are utilized to verify the advantage of MLDE in extracting the weak fault features. Results demonstrate that MLDE has the best performance in fault diagnosis of rotating machinery compared with the existing five methods, namely sample entropy (SE), fuzzy entropy (FE), permutation entropy (PE), dispersion entropy (DE), and symbolic dynamic entropy (SDE).
Modular Modeling and Bus-Port Impedance Analysis of DC Three-Stage Generator for More Electric Aircraft

DC three-stage generator (TSG) has been widely adopted as the main power source in aviation high-voltage dc power systems. With the increase in nonlinear loads, it poses challenges to the stability of the DC-TSG. Thus, the modeling of the system is important. In this article, a modular modeling method for the DC-TSG is proposed, and the overall model is established based on the two-port model of its each part, with a more accurate dynamic representation. This modeling method is simple, greatly facilitates design, and provides more physical insight into the system analysis. On this basis, the effects of the main exciter, output filter capacitor, and generator control unit on the bus-port impedance are discussed. Finally, the advantages and correctness of the model and theoretical analysis are verified by hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
“A Challenge that I’m Willing to Take On:” The Self-Efficacy of Female Undergraduate Students in Agricultural Mechanics

This qualitative study sought to answer the question: How do female agricultural education undergraduates describe their self-efficacy to teach agricultural mechanics? In response, we conducted a case study of female agricultural education majors (n=5) who enrolled in an Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics course. After multiple rounds of coding, three themes emerged: (1) Conflicting Perceptions of Agricultural Mechanics, (2) Confronting Challenges, and (3) Building Experience. When viewed through the lens of Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, we concluded that the female students used four sources of self-efficacy to inform their judgments about agricultural mechanics. Although the participants had mixed views on agricultural mechanics, their perceived challenges to effectively teach the content, such as a lack of knowledge and prescribed gender roles, served as obstacles they hoped to address through future coursework and experiences. The findings of this study aligned with similar research; however, notable differences were also evident regarding the attitudes, concerns, and emotions articulated by the participants. Based on these findings, we recommend that future students in the course receive supplemental vicarious experiences with women who teach agricultural mechanics in school-based agricultural education. Because the participants were earlier in their coursework than those in previous studies, we also recommend that research examine how the perceptions of agricultural mechanics changes over time for agricultural education undergraduates from diverse backgrounds, as well as theory-building efforts to distill the sources of self-efficacy for such students going forward.
Method Development for Determination of Doripenem in Human Plasma via Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled with Field-Enhanced Sample Stacking and Sweeping

In this study, we established a novel capillary electrophoresis method for monitoring the concentration of doripenem in human plasma. As a time-dependent antibiotic, doripenem maximizes its antibacterial effects and minimizes the potential for antibiotic resistance through careful therapeutic drug monitoring. Two online preconcentration techniques, field-enhanced sample stacking (FESS) and sweeping, were coupled to enhance the detection sensitivity. Briefly, an uncoated fused silica capillary (40 cm × 50 μm i.d) was rinsed with a high conductivity buffer (HCB) composed of 150 mM phosphate buffer (NaH2PO4, pH 2.5) and 20% methanol. A large sample plug prepared in a low-conductivity phosphate buffer (50 mM NaH2PO4, pH 2.5) was then hydrodynamically injected (5 psi, 80 s) into the capillary. Under an applied voltage of −30 kV, the analyte was accumulated at the FESS boundary and swept by the negatively charged micelles toward the UV detector. Plasma samples were pretreated by solid-phase extraction (SPE) to eliminate endogenous interferences. The validation results demonstrated a high coefficient of determination (r2 > 0.9995) for the regression curve with impressive precision and accuracy: relative standard deviation (RSD) <5.86% and relative error <4.63%. The limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) for doripenem was determined to be 0.4 μg/mL. Compared to the conventional micellar electrokinetic chromatography method, our developed method achieved a sensitivity enhancement of up to 488-fold for doripenem. Furthermore, the newly developed method successfully quantified doripenem concentrations in plasma samples obtained from patients accepting doripenem regimens, proving its application potential in the clinical realm.
What Has Leadership Style Got to do with a University’s Corporate Reputation? Some Empirical Evidence from Malaysian Higher Education Industry

This paper examines the correlation between leadership quality and organisational reputation using the RepTrak model in the context of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Malaysia. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 331 international students from IUKL, who completed a 21-item questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 and positive, moderate correlation (Person’s p = 0.00, r = 0.43) was found between leadership and reputation. The findings of this research will not only contribute to the existing literature on leadership and reputation management but also offer practical implications for leaders and administrators in higher education institutions. Received: 30 July 2023 / Accepted: 26 August 2023 / Published: 5 September 2023
Ecological Characterization of the Benthic Community of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana,

Abstract : We have examined and documented several changes in the benthic community structure of Lake Pontchartrain. The change from dominance by large Rangia cuneata to dominance by very small hydrobiid gastropods, for instance, has occurred since the last large-scale study was done 25 years ago. We have also discussed changes in benthic community function in Lake Pontchartrain. We have characterized the lake as a functioning as a one-resource system, with the filter-feeding zooplankton, the deposit-feeding benthos, and suspension-feeding benthos all feeding together at the sediment-water interface. This loss of distinction between feeding types reflects the loss of specialized species and the dominance of the generalist or the broad-niched species. This trend appears to be a response to lower levels of primary production. Several factors appear to be involved in the long-term changes we have documented. Increasing levels of pollution in the lake and the increasing destabilization of the sediments by dredging apparently have acted together to reduce primary production and to diminish the number of species and abundance of the zooplankton and the benthos. Changes in dominance in the nekton appear to be related to the same causes. The only species remaining in the lake in abundance are those known to be tolerant to pollution stress, to the degree that some are considered pollution indicator species.
Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial global health challenge due to its high incidence and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has emerged as a critical signaling cascade in HCC pathogenesis. The review commences with an overview of the JAK/STAT pathway, delving into the dynamic interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and its numerous upstream activators, such as cytokines and growth factors enriched in pathogenic livers afflicted with chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. This paper also elucidates how the persistent activation of JAK/STAT signaling leads to diverse oncogenic processes during hepatocarcinogenesis, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and immune escape. In the context of therapeutic implications, this review summarizes recent advancements in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for HCC treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors and modulators of JAK/STAT signaling are discussed, highlighting their potential in suppressing the deadly disease. The insights presented herein underscore the necessity for continued research into targeting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for HCC therapy.
A Case Report on Initial Experience of Lattice Radiation Therapy for Managing Massive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Renal Pelvic Cancer

Lattice radiation therapy (LRT) is an advanced treatment approach specifically designed for massive tumors. It aims to deliver high-dose regions within tumors while ensuring the safety of the surrounding dose-limiting organs at risk (OAR). This case report introduces two unique clinical cases: a 63-year-old male diagnosed with a massive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor and a 61-year-old male with an inoperable recurrent left-sided adrenal mass intricately surrounded by dose-limiting bowel structures. Both patients underwent LRT to enhance tumor control and maintain less toxicity. Notably, both patients displayed a significant tumor volume reduction accompanied by minimal adverse effects during the 12-month follow-up period. While these initial results suggest that LRT may be effective and safe for treating large tumors, further investigation through exhaustive research and multicenter trials is necessary to fully understand and determine the specifics of lattice radiation therapy techniques.
Turkey: Sly as a Fox? Explaining the successive development of Turkey’s multilateral cooperation efforts

Since the European Union membership application in 1987, twenty-six years have passed and the status of Turkey has only progressed from a “potential candidate” to an “official candidate”. At the same time, a successive expansion is traceable in Turkey’s efforts for multilateral cooperation with other parts of the world. While being seemingly random at the first sight, it is possible to observe distinct and specific periods where these efforts were escalated. The explanation for this phenomenon rests upon the presented harmony between these specific periods and the contributable insights given by the realist tradition. The applied congruence method shows that the use of “balance of threat” arguments does not demonstrate a great deal of correlation with times of strained relations between the USSR/Russia and Turkey. On the contrary, the deliberated “balance of influence” arguments present an interesting parallel with these efforts throughout the periods of significant deadlocks in Turkey-EU relations.
LES study of turbulence intensity impact on spark ignition in a two-phase flow

The paper presents large eddy simulation (LES) study aiming at investigations of an influence of flow conditions on a spark ignition process in a two-phase shear dominated flow. Implicit LES approach is applied for the combustion modelling and the spark is modelled using the energy deposition model of Lacaze et al. [20]. We examine an impact of turbulence intensities and randomness of initial distributions of velocity fluctuations on a flame development during the spark duration and shortly after it is switched off. It is found that for a strong spark, as used in IC engines, the turbulence intensity has little effect on the ignition and flame kernel growth and no significant differences are seen even if the turbulence intensities differ four times. It is observed that weak turbulent structures cannot affect fast flame propagation mechanism and its development is conditioned by evaporation and rapid thermal expansion. In such regimes, the turbulence seems to be too weak to significantly alter the flame dynamics. It is found that at the initial stage of the flame development it grows toward the fuel-rich region and spread over the fuel-lean side only after the evaporated fuel diffuses and mixes with the oxidizer stream. The flame size and its shape turn out to be equally dependent on the initial distribution of the turbulence fluctuations and turbulence intensity.
The Pedestrian Index of the Environment: Representing the Walking Environment in Planning Applications

This paper introduces a new area-based measure for pedestrian planning and modeling, the Pedestrian Index of the Environment (PIE). It is based on estimates of the probability that a trip within a defined geographic zone will be made by walking using empirical relationships with the built environment. The PIE was calculated by applying weights to six built environment measures: comfortable facilities, block size, access to parks, people per acre, sidewalk density, transit access, and pedestrian-friendly businesses. The built environment measures were calculated at quarter-mile (0.4 km) or one-mile (1.6 km) search radii for 264 ft x 264 ft (80 m x 80 m) raster grid cells throughout the entire region. Weights were generated by using household travel survey data to regress the probability of walking on each individual built environment measure. The PIE improves upon existing pedestrian environment measures because, unlike many of them, the underlying associations between walking activity and the individual factors were developed empirically. This makes it possible for practitioners to “unpack” the changes in the physical environment required to achieve a unit change in the PIE and better assess walkability. The small scale at which the PIE operates is also more appropriate for walking, especially because it can capture short trips. While originally developed to create a practical predictive method for estimating walk trips in regional travel demand forecasting models, PIE may also have applications as a standalone pedestrian planning tool for researchers and practitioners.