nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Lung ultrasound as early diagnostic tool in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

To study the value of lung ultrasound as early diagnostic tool in RDS.  Forty preterm neonatal patients were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Madina national hospital suffering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) Diagnosis of RDS was based on clinical features, radiographic findings and arterial blood gases analysis. All patients were subjected to full maternal history including: age, parity, gravidity, and previous abortions, still births, neonatal deaths, and acute and/or chronic medical problems, thorough clinical examination including weight, length, head circumference and abdominal circumference, vital signs, systemic (neurological, cardiovascular and abdominal) and local examination, pulse oximetry, Down score at first 6 h of life. Laboratory investigations (complete blood count, C reactive protein, random blood sugar, Blood culture, arterial blood gases, kidney and liver function, Serum electrolytes, plain chest X ray (P.A. and lateral views) and chest ultrasound) were performed.  A significant correlation was found between ultrasound and radiographic assessments of RDS but ultrasound tends to overestimate the diagnosis. From our study ultrasonography can be used as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of RDS and to follow up the effect of treatment.  Chest ultrasound cannot replace standard chest X ray in diagnosing potential causes of neonatal respiratory failure because of its tendency to over diagnose RDS, but useful for excluding RDS and as a screening method for diagnosis of RDS.
The Influence of Blend Ratio on the Morphology, Mechanical, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of PP/LDPE Blends

This paper reports on how the blend ratio and morphology influence the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and rheological properties of poly(propylene) (PP)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends. The blend morphology is composed of the major matrix phase and the minor phase, with subinclusions of the major matrix existing within the minor phase. Blends containing low amounts <20 wt% of either phase exhibit partial miscibility but the phases are immiscible at higher contents. Partial miscibility of the blends is revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies showing fibril like structures and confirmed by rheology. The tensile modulus of the blends decreases with increasing amounts of LDPE, but low LDPE contents exhibit positive deviation from the mixing rule of mixture due to partial compatibility. The crystallinity of PP is affected less than that of LDPE in the blends. Thermomechanical and rheological properties of neat polymers are significantly influenced by blending. The blend ratio and morphology influence impact strength and elongation at break, and the result demonstrates that the 80/20 PP/LDPE blend offers a balance among the mechanical and material properties that are essential for flexible packaging applications.
El Aprendizaje Cooperativo y la Flipped Classroom: una pareja ideal mediada por las TIC

La vertiginosa proliferacion de las TIC, especialmente en el ambito educativo, y el consiguiente interes y motivacion generada en los estudiantes, demandan la aparicion de tendencias educativas centradas en el discente, en concreto, de la Flipped Classroom. La gran potencialidad de esta tendencia viene determinada por la posible fusion tanto de las TIC como de metodologias activo participativas, donde los estudiantes regulen su proceso de ensenanza aprendizaje, previa guia del docente. Es por ello que la investigacion realizada a cinco docentes de Educacion Primaria delimita las ventajas y desventajas de esta fusion, asi como las dudas, recelos y opiniones que se desprenden del uso de la Flipped Classroom. Finalmente, los resultados reflejan que la posibilidad de introducir este tipo de tendencia dentro de la Educacion Primaria, aunque con ciertos interrogantes, y de fusionarla con el Aprendizaje Cooperativo, de manera que suponga refuerzo para los estudiantes y una ayuda para los docentes.
Practicas plurilingues 'transgresoras' en un programa extraescolar de refuerzo de la lectura

El articulo se basa en una investigacion etnografica de caracter sociolinguistico en un centro educativo de Barcelona caracterizado por su multiculturalidad y su multilinguismo. El foco de la investigacion son las interacciones voluntarias aprendices que emergen en un programa extraescolar de refuerzo de la lectura, liderado por una organizacion sin animo de lucro y dirigido a ninas y ninos de 4o y 5o grado de primaria. Considerando que las competencias interculturales y plurilingues son cada vez mas necesarias en escenarios globalizados, se da la paradoja de que un amplio colectivo de escolares 'pre equipados' con repertorios linguisticos y culturales diversos pero social y educativamente menos valorados se encuentran entre la poblacion escolar mas vulnerable. Cabe por tanto plantearse que contextos, enfoques y practicas resultan idoneos para favorecer un aprendizaje que incorpore sus repertorios plurilingues y pluriculturales, y como contribuir a experiencias educativas empoderadoras. La observacion sistematica de las interacciones menores voluntarias ha permitido identificar ciertos espacios y practicas de transgresion que desafian el status quo. Es aqui donde, creemos, emerge el potencial para una transformacion de las practicas y trayectorias educativas.
Comparison of different mechanical weed control strategies in sugar beets

In sugar beet Beta vulgaris weed control is commonly performed by herbicide application applied broadcast at splitting during the cultivation period. Mechanical weeding can be an alternative to chemical weed control. The aim of this experiment was the estimation of weed control efficacy with the use of automatic steering technologies by camera guidance, the use of different intra row weed control implements in conservation tillage systems and the influence of these techniques to the number of uprooted sugar beets. A field experiment with a randomized complete plot design was conducted in 2015 at Ihinger Hof, Germany. Weed density ranged from 0 to 12 plants m 2 with Chenopodium album, Polygonum convolvulus, Polygonum aviculare as the most abundant weed species. Hoeing with the use of automatic steering technologies reduced the weed density by 82% The use of finger weeders, rotary harrow and torsion finger weeder reduced the weed density by 29% compared to common hoeing strategies. Differences in the number of uprooted sugar beets were not found across all treatments. We revealed the possibility of a more intense use of mechanical weeding technologies in combination with precision farming technologies in sugar beet. Vergleich verschiedener mechanischer Unkrautstrategien in Zuckerruben In Zuckerruben Beta vulgaris wird die Unkrautkontrolle meistens durch eine mehrfache Herbizidapplikation auf der gesamten Ackerflache durchgefuhrt. Mechanische Unkrautkontrollmasnahmen konnen eine Alternative zu den ublichen chemischen Unkrautbekampfungsstrategien darstellen. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, den Einsatz von automatischen kameragesteuerten Lenkmechanismen und den Einsatz unterschiedlicher ,intra row" Hackwerkzeuge in konservierender Bodenbearbeitung auf ihre Verringerung der Unkrautdichte zu untersuchen, sowie den Einfluss der angewendeten Verfahren auf die Anzahl von entwurzelten Zuckerruben Pflanzen zu ermitteln. Hierfur wurde ein Feldversuch im Jahr 2015 am Standort Ihinger Hof mit einer randomisierten vollstandigen Blockanlage angelegt. Die Verunkrautung variierte von 0 bis 12 Pflanzen m 2 mit den am haufigsten vorkommenden Arten Chenopodium album, Polygonum convolvulus und Polygonum aviculare Der Einsatz von kameragesteuerten Lenkmechanismen reduzierte die Verunkrautung in Zuckerruben um 82 Fingerhacke, Rollstriegel und Torsions Striegel, reduzierten den Unkrautbesatz im Vergleich zum herkommlichen Hackeinsatz um 29 Signifikante Unterschiede in der Bestandesdichte konnten nicht festgestellt werden. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Moglichkeit von mechanischen Unkrautbekampfungsstrategien in Kombination mit konservierender Bodenbearbeitung erfolgreich untersucht.
Captivity humanizes the primate microbiome
Venue: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Trillions of bacteria live in the primate gut, contributing to metabolism, immune system development, and pathogen resistance. Perturbations to these bacteria are associated with metabolic and autoimmune human diseases that are prevalent in Westernized societies. Herein, we measured gut microbial communities and diet in multiple primate species living in the wild, in a sanctuary, and in full captivity. We found that captivity and loss of dietary fiber in nonhuman primates are associated with loss of native gut microbiota and convergence toward the modern human microbiome, suggesting that parallel processes may be driving recent loss of core microbial biodiversity in humans. The primate gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of bacteria, whose composition is associated with numerous metabolic, autoimmune, and infectious human diseases. Although there is increasing evidence that modern and Westernized societies are associated with dramatic loss of natural human gut microbiome diversity, the causes and consequences of such loss are challenging to study. Here we use nonhuman primates (NHPs) as a model system for studying the effects of emigration and lifestyle disruption on the human gut microbiome. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in two model NHP species, we show that although different primate species have distinctive signature microbiota in the wild, in captivity they lose their native microbes and become colonized with Prevotella and Bacteroides, the dominant genera in the modern human gut microbiome. We confirm that captive individuals from eight other NHP species in a different zoo show the same pattern of convergence, and that semicaptive primates housed in a sanctuary represent an intermediate microbiome state between wild and captive. Using deep shotgun sequencing, chemical dietary analysis, and chloroplast relative abundance, we show that decreasing dietary fiber and plant content are associated with the captive primate microbiome. Finally, in a meta analysis including published human data, we show that captivity has a parallel effect on the NHP gut microbiome to that of Westernization in humans. These results demonstrate that captivity and lifestyle disruption cause primates to lose native microbiota and converge along an axis toward the modern human microbiome.
On Looking at the Vagina through Labella
Venue: CHI

Women's understandings of their own intimate anatomy has been identified as critical to women's reproductive health and sexual wellbeing. However, talking about it, seeking medical help when necessary as well as examining oneself in order to 'know' oneself is complicated by social cultural constructions of the vagina, i.e. it is something private, shameful and not to be talked about. In response to this, we designed Labella, an augmented system that supports intimate bodily knowledge and pelvic fitness in women. It combines a pair of underwear and a mobile phone as a tool for embodied intimate self discovery. In this paper, we describe Labella, and its evaluation with fourteen women, aged 25 63. We show how through situated embodied perception Labella empowers 'looking' We highlight how the simple act of augmented looking enables the construction of knowledge which ranges from establishing the 'very basics' through to a nuanced understanding of pelvic muscle structure. Finally, we highlight the role of awkwardness and humour in the design of interactions to overcome taboo.
Genomic Comparisons of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners Reveal Potential Ecological Drivers of Community Composition in the Vagina
Venue: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners are common inhabitants of the healthy human vagina. These two species are closely related and are thought to perform similar ecological functions in the vaginal environment. Temporal data on the vaginal microbiome have shown that nontransient instances of cooccurrence are uncommon, while transitions from an L. iners dominated community to one dominated by L. crispatus, and vice versa, occur often. This suggests that there is substantial overlap in the fundamental niches of these species. Given this apparent niche overlap, it is unclear how they have been maintained as common inhabitants of the human vagina. In this study, we characterized and compared the genomes of L. iners and L. crispatus to gain insight into possible mechanisms driving the maintenance of this species diversity. Our results highlight differences in the genomes of these two species that may facilitate the partitioning of their shared niche space. Many of the identified differences may impact the protective benefits provided to the host by these two species.  The microbial communities that inhabit the human vagina play a critical role in the maintenance of vaginal health through the production of lactic acid and lowering the environmental pH. This precludes the growth of nonindigenous organisms and protects against infectious disease. The two most common types of vaginal communities are dominated by either Lactobacillus iners or Lactobacillus crispatus, while some communities alternate between the two over time. We combined ecological theory with state of the art genome analyses to characterize how these two species might partition their shared niche space in the vagina. We show that the genomes of L. iners and L. crispatus differ in many respects, several of which may drive differences in their competitive abilities in the vagina. Our results provide insight into factors that drive the complicated temporal dynamics of the vaginal microbiome and demonstrate how closely related microbial species partition shared fundamental niche space.
Predicting the international spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
Venue: BMC Infectious Diseases

BackgroundThe Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) associated coronavirus has been imported via travelers into multiple countries around the world. In order to support risk assessment practice, the present study aimed to devise a novel statistical model to quantify the country level risk of experiencing an importation of MERS case.MethodsWe analyzed the arrival time of each reported MERS importation around the world, i.e. the date on which imported cases entered a specific country, which was modeled as a dependent variable in our analysis. We also used openly accessible data including the airline transportation network to parameterize a hazard based risk prediction model. The hazard was assumed to follow an inverse function of the effective distance (i.e. the minimum effective length of a path from origin to destination) which was calculated from the airline transportation data, from Saudi Arabia to each country. Both country specific religion and the incidence data of MERS in Saudi Arabia were used to improve our model prediction.ResultsOur estimates of the risk of MERS importation appeared to be right skewed, which facilitated the visual identification of countries at highest risk of MERS importations in the right tail of the distribution. The simplest model that relied solely on the effective distance yielded the best predictive performance (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.943) with 100 sensitivity and 79.6 specificity. Out of the 30 countries estimated to be at highest risk of MERS case importation, 17 countries (56.7 have already reported at least one importation of MERS. Although model fit measured by Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was improved by including country specific religion (i.e. Muslim majority country) the predictive performance as measured by AUC was not improved after accounting for this covariate.ConclusionsOur relatively simple statistical model based on the effective distance derived from the airline transportation network data was found to help predicting the risk of importing MERS at the country level. The successful application of the effective distance model to predict MERS importations, particularly when computationally intensive large scale transmission models may not be immediately applicable could have been benefited from the particularly low transmissibility of the MERS coronavirus.
Identifying determinants of heterogeneous transmission dynamics of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in the Republic of Korea, 2015: a retrospective epidemiological analysis
Venue: BMJ Open

To investigate the heterogeneous transmission patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in the Republic of Korea, with a particular focus on epidemiological characteristics of superspreaders.  Retrospective epidemiological analysis.  Multiple healthcare facilities of secondary and tertiary care centres in an urban setting.  A total of 185 laboratory confirmed cases with partially known dates of illness onset and most likely sources of infection. Primary and secondary outcome measures Superspreaders were identified using the transmission tree. The reproduction number, that is, the average number of secondary cases produced by a single primary case, was estimated as a function of time and according to different types of hosts.  A total of five superspreaders were identified. The reproduction number throughout the course of the outbreak was estimated at 1.0 due to reconstruction of the transmission tree, while the variance of secondary cases generated by a primary case was 52.1. All of the superspreaders involved in this outbreak appeared to have generated a substantial number of contacts in multiple healthcare facilities (association: p<0.01) generating on average 4.0 (0.0 8.6) and 28.6 (0.0 63.9) secondary cases among patients who visited multiple healthcare facilities and others. The time dependent reproduction numbers declined substantially below the value of 1 on and after 13 June 2015.  Superspreaders who visited multiple facilities drove the epidemic by generating a disproportionate number of secondary cases. Our findings underscore the need to limit the contacts in healthcare settings. Contact tracing efforts could assist early laboratory testing and diagnosis of suspected cases.
Description of a Hospital Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in a Large Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Venue: Infection Control #x0026; Hospital Epidemiology

Since the first isolation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) in Saudi Arabia in 2012, sporadic cases, clusters, and sometimes large outbreaks have been reported.  To describe the recent (2015) MERS CoV outbreak at a large tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  We conducted an epidemiologic outbreak investigation, including case finding and contact tracing and screening. MERS CoV cases were categorized as suspected, probable, and confirmed. A confirmed case was defined as positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for MERS CoV.  Of the 130 suspected cases, 81 (62% were confirmed and 49 (38% were probable. These included 87 patients (67% and 43 healthcare workers (33% Older age (mean [SD] 64.4 [18.3] vs 40.1 [11.3] years, P<.001) symptoms (97% vs 58% P<.001) and comorbidity (99% vs 42% P<.001) were more common in patients than healthcare workers. Almost all patients (97% were hospitalized whereas most healthcare workers (72% were home isolated. Among 96 hospitalized cases, 63 (66% required intensive care unit management and 60 (63% required mechanical ventilation. Among all 130 cases, 51 (39% died; all were patients (51 [59% with no deaths among healthcare workers. More than half (54% of infections were believed to be caught at the emergency department. Strict infection control measures, including isolation and closure of the emergency department, were implemented to interrupt the chain of transmission and end the outbreak.  CoV remains a major healthcare threat. Early recognition of cases and rapid implementation of infection control measures are necessary.
An Innovative Proposal for Young Students to Learn Computer Science and Technology through Pokemon Go
Venue: 2016 International Conference on Computational Science and Computational Intelligence (CSCI)

Pokemon Go is a mobile device based game that is very popular among teenagers. The game is based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) that utilizes the player's location and interacts with many fancy characters stored in local databases, and occasionally some information stored in remote databases. The game requires a lot of computations for distances, rules, and interactions. In this paper, we propose an innovative method for young students to learn about computer science through GIS and Pokemon Go. It is very important for young students to know that computer science is not just only about coding, but also involves many other interesting topics such as security, networking, animation, modeling, graphic and interface design, databases, user experiences (UX) requirement design, technical writing, etc. The purpose of this paper is to document how to encourage young students interested in pursuing careers in computer science and technology fields.
Stacked Denoise Autoencoder Based Feature Extraction and Classification for Hyperspectral Images
Venue: J. Sensors

Deep learning methods have been successfully applied to learn feature representations for high dimensional data, where the learned features are able to reveal the nonlinear properties exhibited in the data. In this paper, deep learning method is exploited for feature extraction of hyperspectral data, and the extracted features can provide good discriminability for classification task. Training a deep network for feature extraction and classification includes unsupervised pretraining and supervised fine tuning. We utilized stacked denoise autoencoder (SDAE) method to pretrain the network, which is robust to noise. In the top layer of the network, logistic regression (LR) approach is utilized to perform supervised fine tuning and classification. Since sparsity of features might improve the separation capability, we utilized rectified linear unit (ReLU) as activation function in SDAE to extract high level and sparse features. Experimental results using Hyperion, AVIRIS, and ROSIS hyperspectral data demonstrated that the SDAE pretraining in conjunction with the LR fine tuning and classification (SDAE_LR) can achieve higher accuracies than the popular support vector machine (SVM) classifier.
Students' Strategic Reactions to the Role of Native Language as a Medium of Instruction in English Classrooms

Code switching is the use of two languages simultaneously or interchangeably and is commonly seen with hesitation in foreign language learning classes. Hence, second or foreign language teachers and researchers have been concerned in decreasing the level of code switching in the EFL classes. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating students' attitude towards teachers' code switching. In order to conduct the study, the quantitative research method was used. The data was collected from a sample of 219 students (male and female, with different age level) who were selected randomly for the purpose of the study. Through a questionnaire, the students' attitude was investigated. The results revealed that students held a positive attitude towards teacher's code switching. More than half of the students believed teachers had better code switching to enhance students' understanding. In addition, they believed that code switching was more useful to teach grammar and writing skills as compared with teaching speaking skill.