Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SEPSIS AND SEPTIC SHOCK: EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL PARAMETERS, AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN A BRAZILIAN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The identification of prognostic markers in this syndrome has been a strategy to increase treatment efficacy. The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe the epidemiological and microbiological profile of septic patients and 2) to investigate the association between laboratory/clinical parameters and mortality rate, identifying prognostic markers. Using a prospective observational protocol, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were collected from adult patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to a Brazilian Intensive Care Unit. During the study period, 120 patients were diagnosed with sepsis and 71.67% (n = 86) were included in the protocol. The overall mortality was 69.76% and chronic diseases were identified in 79.07% of cases. The mortality rates for sepsis and septic shock were 51.06% and 92.31%, respectively. SOFA scores on the first, third, and seventh days of hospitalization gradually increased for patients who had clinical worsening. Hyperlactatemia and hyperglycemia were identified in 45.9% and 27% of patients, respectively, and were associated with mortality. INR values greater than 1.5 or thrombocytopenia were related to 92.9% and 88.6% mortality, respectively. In the study, gender, age, ICU stay, site of infection and microbiological agent were not associated with the risk of death. However, the presence of comorbidities, high SOFA scores, three or more organ dysfunctions, and sepsis severity correlated directly with mortality rate.
Positive cross-linguistic influence in the representation and processing of sentence-final particle le by L2 and heritage learners of Chinese

This study investigates the representation and processing of written Chinese sentences subject to a semantic condition (i.e., “direction of change”) attached to the sentence-final particle (SFP) le in Mandarin Chinese. Three groups of bilingual speakers of Chinese and English who differ in their onset age of bilingualism and proficiency of English were studied. It was anticipated that there would be a positive cross-linguistic influence (CLI) from English due to similarities between the SFP le and the English adverb already in terms of direct semantic transfer. An acceptability judgment (AJ) task and a self-paced reading (SPR) task were conducted to elicit judgment and processing difficulty with and without semantic violations. The participants included English-dominant second language (L2) learners (n = 18) and heritage learners (n = 19) who had advanced proficiency in Chinese, as well as monolingually raised Mandarin speakers from China as a baseline control group (n = 18). The results indicated that sensitivity to violations of the semantic condition varied depending on factors such as the specific structure (noun vs. verb phrase), the task type (offline vs. online), and the type of bilingual speaker (early vs. late). Among the three groups of bilinguals, the heritage learners demonstrated a representation of the semantic condition that resembled the target language across different sentence structures, whereas the L2 learners did not. Furthermore, the heritage learners exhibited earlier sensitivity to violations during online processing compared to the baseline control group. These exceptional results can be attributed to the heritage learners’ early exposure to and positive CLI between the SFP le in Mandarin and the English adverb already.
Against the old?: A critical discourse analysis of Philippine online news articles’ ageist ideologies

Aging is a natural phenomenon that every living being experiences; however, stereotypes against the process of aging and the elderly have been present in the media. These stereotypes may lead to ageist assumptions that marginalize the seniority. As such, as a starting point to examine ageism in the Philippine context, an in-depth textual analysis was done to examine 30 online news articles using Fairclough’s (1995a) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework. In describing the language used in Philippine news discourse on elderly people, van Leeuwen’s (1996; 2008) role allocation and C.H. Chen’s (2015) referential strategies were employed. Results revealed that the Filipino elderly occupied roles that were both passive and active. Moreover, all referential strategies, broadly generization and identification , were present in the news articles. However, findings further revealed that othering , a referential strategy exclusive in the Philippine context, emerged. Consequently, the linguistic analysis implied five characteristics ascribed to the Filipino elderly: (1) physically and mentally weak; (2) vulnerable and susceptible to be victims of crimes and accidents; (3) incompetent; (4) dependent; and (5) impoverished. Finally, to broaden the knowledge on Philippine ageism, this study encourages future research to expand the corpus and to examine the ageless discourse and its connection to Filipinos’ perception on aging and ageism.
The Impact of Cervical Pap Smear on the Prognostic Risk Groups of Endometrial Carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the importance of preoperative cervical Pap smear in patients with endometrial cancer and the impact of it on the prognostic risk groups of endometrial cancer. Methods: The preoperative cervical cytology results of 423 patients who underwent staging surgery for endometrial cancer between the years of 2010 and 2020 in the gynecological oncology clinic of the tertiary center were examined in a retrospective observational study. The relations between cervical Pap smear results and pathological prognostic factors of endometrial cancer such as tumor histology, tumor size, FIGO grade, lymphovascular space invasion and FIGO stage were evaluated in details. The impact of cervical cytology results in the prognostic risk groups (molecular classification unknown) specified in the ESGO/ESTRO/ESP (2020) guideline was also examined. SPSS version 25.0 program was used in the analysis of the data. Results: Abnormal cervical Pap cytology was present in 12.1% (n= 51) of the patients included in the study. Significantly more abnormal cervical cytology was observed in the high prognostic risk groups (p= 0.017), tumors with non-endometrioid histologic types (p= 0.001), and patients with adnexal involvement (p= 0.007). In the subgroup analysis of endometrioid type endometrial adenocarcinomas, as the FIGO grade increased, the rate of abnormal cervical cytology increased significantly (p= 0.014). Conclusions: Pre-operative cervical cytology abnormality may predict the need for intra-operative systematic surgical staging and postoperative adjuvant therapy.
An analysis of the nutritional effects of Schisandra chinensis components based on mass spectrometry technology

Objective Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) is a Traditional Chinese medicinal herb that can be used both for medicinal purposes and as a food ingredient due to its beneficial properties, and it is enriched with a wide of natural plant nutrients, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, lignans, triterpenes, organic acids, and sugars. At present, there is lack of comprehensive study or systemic characterization of nutritional and active ingredients of S. chinensis using innovative mass spectrometry techniques. Methods The comprehensive review was conducted by searching the PubMed databases for relevant literature of various mass spectrometry techniques employed in the analysis of nutritional components in S. chinensis, as well as their main nutritional effects. The literature search covered the past 5 years until March 15, 2023. Results The potential nutritional effects of S. chinensis are discussed, including its ability to enhance immunity, function as an antioxidant, anti-allergen, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety agent, as well as its ability to act as a sedative-hypnotic and improve memory, cognitive function, and metabolic imbalances. Meanwhile, the use of advanced mass spectrometry detection technologies have the potential to enable the discovery of new nutritional components of S. chinensis, and to verify the effects of different extraction methods on these components. The contents of anthocyanins, lignans, organic acids, and polysaccharides, the main nutritional components in S. chinensis, are also closely associated to its quality. Conclusion This review will provide guidelines for an in-depth study on the nutritional value of S. chinensis and for the development of healthy food products with effective components.
A robust and fast active contour model for image segmentation with intensity inhomogeneity

In this paper, a robust and fast active contour model is proposed for image segmentation in the presence of intensity inhomogeneity. By introducing the local image intensities fitting functions before the evolution of curve, the proposed model can effectively segment images with intensity inhomogeneity. And the computation cost is low because the fitting functions do not need to be updated in each iteration. Experiments have shown that the proposed model has a higher segmentation efficiency compared to some well-known active contour models based on local region fitting energy. In addition, the proposed model is robust to initialization, which allows the initial level set function to be a small constant function.
Global Iwasawa-decomposition of SL($n$, $\mathbb{A}_{\mathbb{Q}}$)

We discuss the Iwasawa-decomposition of a general matrix in SL($n$, $\mathbb{Q}_p$) and SL($n$, $\mathbb{R}$). For SL($n$, $\mathbb{Q}_p$) we define an algorithm for computing a complete Iwasawa-decomposition and give a formula parameterizing the full family of decompositions. Furthermore, we prove that the $p$-adic norms of the coordinates on the Cartan torus are unique across all decompositions and give a closed formula for them which is proven using induction. For the case SL($n$, $\mathbb{R}$), the decomposition is unique and we give formulae for the complete decomposition which are also proven inductively. Lastly we outline a method for deriving the norms of the coordinates on the Cartan torus in the framework of representation theory. This yields a simple formula valid globally which expresses these norms in terms of the vector norms of generalized Pl\"ucker coordinates.
Acid Reflux: A Rare Adverse Effect of Duloxetine

Duloxetine is a medication that belongs to the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of drugs and is commonly used to treat various conditions, such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. While side effects, such as headaches, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision, are commonly associated with duloxetine, we present a case of a 59-year-old woman who experienced a rare adverse event of acid reflux while taking a 30 mg dose of duloxetine for fibromyalgia. According to the available literature, this adverse event has been reported in only 1.38% of the population.
A Novel Genetic Algorithm for Generating Prime Numbers

To generate a big prime number is a very complex task. Researchers in Cryptography are involved in generating new methods so that they can generate new primes easily, although many algorithms have been proposed yet they are not very efficient. In this paper we will propose a new algorithm for generating bigger primes. Experimental analysis shows that our algorithm is very efficient in generating new primes.
Fission-fragment properties in 238U(n, f) between 1 and 30 MeV

The fragment mass and kinetic energy in neutron-induced fission of $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ has been measured for incident energies from 1 to 30 MeV at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The change in mass distributions over this energy range were studied, and the transition from highly asymmetric to more symmetric mass distributions is observed. A decrease in average total kinetic energy $(\overline{\mathrm{TKE}})$ with increasing excitation energy is observed, consistent with previous experimental work. Additional structure at multichance fission thresholds is present in the $\overline{\mathrm{TKE}}$ data. The correlations between fragment masses and total kinetic energy and how that changes with excitation energy of the fissioning compound nucleus were also measured. The fission mass yields and average total kinetic energy are important for fission-based technologies such as nuclear reactors to understand nuclear waste generation and energy output when developing new and advanced concepts. The correlations between fragment mass and kinetic energy are needed both as input for theoretical calculations of the deexcitation process in fission fragments by prompt radiation emission and for validating advanced theoretical fission models describing the formation of the primordial fragments.
Efficacy and Safety of Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Migraine: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Abstract Objective Trigeminal nerve stimulation may have some potential in treating migraine, and this meta-analysis aims to study the efficacy and safety of trigeminal nerve stimulation for migraine patients. Methods We have searched several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases, and selected the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of trigeminal nerve stimulation for migraine patients. This meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effect or fixed-effect model based on the heterogeneity. Results Four RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with sham procedure in migraine patients, trigeminal neurostimulation benefited to improve pain freedom at 2 h (OR=2.69; 95% CI=1.30 to 5.56; P=0.007), pain relief at 2 h (OR=2.05; 95% CI=1.53 to 2.74; P<0.00001), pain freedom at 24 h (OR=2.00; 95% CI=1.42 to 2.81; P<0.0001) as well as pain relief at 24 h (OR=1.71; 95% CI=1.25 to 2.33; P=0.0007), and reduce rescue medication (OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.52 to 0.95; P=0.02), but demonstrated no obvious impact on the incidence of adverse events (OR=2.24; 95% CI=1.21 to 4.13; P=0.01). Conclusions Trigeminal nerve stimulation is effective and safe for the treatment of migraine patients.
A finite Benders decomposition algorithm for mixed integer problems, resolution through parametric Branch and Bound

This document presents a finite decomposition algorithm to solve mixed integer linear problems. Integer variables appear at the master problem and at the subproblem. The nonconvex recourse function is approximated via a modified lagrangean relaxation algorithm. The decomposition algorithm is understood as a convexification procedure of the perturbation function that appears when a first stage variable is fixed. Mixed integer subproblems are solved through a parametric branch and bound that simultaneously updates a correct Lagrange multiplier value. Extension to nested decomposition is presented.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding the use of electronic devices by preschoolers

Introduction. Abortion causes problems in reproductive health, relationships in a couple, psychological and social consequences. A woman's decision to have an abortion depends on many factors, whereas in low-income countries, abortion is viewed as a method of family planning. Material and methods. A descriptive, quantitative and qualitative sample study was conducted in the Republic of Moldova from December 2021 to February 2022 to identify and evaluate the factors influencing a woman’s decision-making to terminate a pregnancy, as well as to develop recommendations for reducing the number of abortions on demand. The quantitative assessment included a survey carried out on a sample of 399 women who underwent abortions on demand. The qualitative study involved three focus group meetings, where the obstetrician-gynecologists shared their ideas upon the factors determining a woman's decision to terminate a pregnancy. Results. Analyzing the data obtained, the present research identified the following factors that determined the decision-making of women to terminate a pregnancy: (i) lack of support and disturbed psycho-emotional state in women; (ii) social and economic problems, particularly, poverty; (iii) study/career-related conditions; (iv) age; e) difficult relationship with the partner, particularly, domestic violence; (v) fear of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. Women's reasons for seeking abortions are complex, traced out by circumstantial and systemic realities.
Explainable autonomous robots in continuous state space based on graph-structured world model

Autonomous robots using deep reinforcement learning have demonstrated superior capabilities on relatively simple specific tasks, but they often lack high-level, abstract planning capabilities when faced with complex, long-horizon tasks. Even if the autonomous robot successfully achieves long-horizon goals, users find it difficult to trust their decision-making process. To increase user trust in the decision-making process when an autonomous robot executes a long-horizon task, this paper proposes an algorithm that empowers the autonomous agent to explain to users the transition from the current state to the target state in a continuous state space, as well as to explain the errors in user estimates. A framework that uses a graph-based world model is proposed to identify important nodes and reachability between nodes in the decision-making process; based on these nodes and reachability, the model generates the required explanations. To validate our proposed method's ability to generate long-horizon plans and explanations, we conducted experiments in PointMaze environments. Our simulation results confirm the effectiveness of our approach in generating reliable world models for long-horizon tasks. Moreover, our explanations, based on these world models, significantly enhance the user's understanding of the autonomous robotic decision-making process and the system's capabilities and limitations. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Some sigmoid and reverse-sigmoid response patterns emerging from high-power loading of solids

The objective of the present review is twofold. First, it aims at highlighting some sigmoid and reverse-sigmoid response patterns observed re- cently in the course of simulations of the high-strain-rate loading of (mostly, quasibrittle) solids. Second, it aims at reviewing various properties of two models used frequently as curve fitting tools for nonlinear and saturable phenomena. These two models-inspired by the Hill and the Weibull cumula- tive distribution functions-are bounded by two horizontal asymptotes with a smooth transition between the baseline and the final saturation state, char- acterized by a non-negative (a non-positive) derivative at each point for the sigmoid (the reverse-sigmoid) shape. Although they were used primarily for data fitting because of their flexibility and effectiveness, these nonlinear models possess other properties useful for the analysis of the irreversible, nonlinear and far-from-equilibrium phenomena. The main features of these two models are systematically examined in this review. In spite of the fact that satis- factory curve-fitting of data could not be considered a proof of causality it could underline a pattern of behavior and, perhaps, provide an investigation guidance.
A study of two high-dimensional likelihood ratio tests under alternative hypotheses

Let Np(μ,Σ) be a p-dimensional normal distribution. Testing Σ equal to a given matrix or (μ,Σ) equal to a given pair through the likelihood ratio test (LRT) is a classical problem in the multivariate analysis. When the population dimension p is fixed, it is known that the LRT statistics go to χ2-distributions. When p is large, simulation shows that the approximations are far from accurate. For the two LRT statistics, in the high-dimensional cases, we obtain their central limit theorems under a big class of alternative hypotheses. In particular, the alternative hypotheses are not local ones. We do not need the assumption that p and n are proportional to each other. The condition n − 1 > p →∞ suffices in our results.
Approximation of linear forms by lattice points with applications to signal processing

This thesis is concerned with the theory of Diophantine approximation, simultaneous Diophantine approximation and the geometry numbers and its application to problems in signal processing involving periodic pulse trains. The contributions of the thesis are in computational mathematics and algorithms for signal processing. We begin with a review of Diophantine approximation. The notions of best Diophantine approximation are developed. The relationship of Euclid’s algorithm with best homogeneous approximation and Cassels’ algorithm with best inhomogeneous approximation is explored. We also examine the relationship of best approximations with other mathematical objects. We discover a direct relationship between the successive maxima of certain periodograms and the best Diophantine approximations of a real number. After reviewing some of the theory of the geometry of numbers, such as point lattices, Minkowski’s theorems, lattice reduction and the LLL algorithm, we study simultaneous Diophantine approximation. We develop algorithms which are able to find successive best simultaneous Diophantine approximations for lattices of ranks two and three under quite general conditions. For lattices of rank three, the algorithms are able to find successive best approximations by lattice points of both lines and planes. We also review Brun’s algorithm and more modern algorithms such as the HJLS algorithm of Hastad et al. (1989) for simultaneous Diophantine approximation for lattices of arbitrary rank. We then discuss the problem of calculating the intercept time, or simultaneous coincidence, of a number of periodic pulse trains. Where the phase is unknown, we calculate the probability of intercept. We show that the problems can be interpreted as problems of Diophantine approximation and simultaneous Diophantine approximation. We give expressions for the intercept time and probability of intercept under a number of different conditions. We also discuss the problem of estimation of the period and phase of a periodic pulse train of which only a short, sparse and noisy record exists of the times-of-arrival of the pulses. We apply a simultaneous Diophantine approximation algorithm derived from the LLL algorithm to the estimation problem. In numerical simulations, we find that it frequently obtains very good estimates even for records from which 99.9% of pulses are missing, of which only nine remain and for which errors in the measurement of time-of-arrival are as much as 1% of the period.