Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between procrastination and academic achievement of high school learners in North West province, South Africa

The present study explored whether a significant relationship exists between academic procrastination and academic achievement in high school learners within South Africa. It furthermore examined whether certain personality traits of individuals are more prone to procrastination than others. It lastly investigated the relationships between gender and academic procrastination, age and academic procrastination, number of siblings and academic procrastination; and area of residence and academic procrastination. The research sample consisted of 349 high school learners aged between 12 and 19 years old (n=167 male, n=180 female, n=2 gender not disclosed). Data was collected by means of the Personal Information Questionnaire (PIQ), the Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS) and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). A significant negative correlation was found between procrastination and academic achievement. The correlations between procrastination and gender, age, area of residence and number of siblings respectively were not significant. Conscientiousness and Emotional Stability were both found to be significantly negatively related to procrastination, however, the relations between procrastination and Extraversion and Agreeableness respectively were not significant. An anomaly found in the present study was the negative relation between procrastination and Openness to Experience, and it is postulated that this finding may be due to the TIPI’s inability to measure the individual facets of each Big Five Factor domain or that it could be ascribed to the need for cognition.
Factors associated with desire for children among HIV-infected women and men: A quantitative and qualitative analysis from Malawi and implications for the delivery of safer conception counseling

Improved health outcomes have resulted in people with HIV facing decisions about childbearing. We sought to understand the factors associated with desire for a child among men and women in Malawi. HIV-infected men and women ages 18–40 were invited to participate in a brief interview about fertility desires. Single variable logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with the outcome of fertility desire. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of all the factors together on the outcome of fertility desire. In-depth interviews with women were performed to understand experiences with reproductive health care. A total of 202 brief interviews were completed with 75 men (37.1%) and 127 women (62.9%), with 103 (51.0%) of respondents desiring a child. Being in a relationship (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.58–7.65, p = 0.002) and duration of HIV more than two years (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.08–3.67, p = 0.03) were associated with increased odds of desire for a child. Age 36–40 years (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46–0.90, p = 0.009) and having a living child (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.84, p = 0.03) were associated with decreased odds of desire for a child. Seventy percent of women (n = 19 of 27 respondents) completing semistructured interviews who responded to the question about decision-making reported that their male partners made decisions about children, while the remainder reported the decision was collaborative (n = 8, 30%). Eighty-six percent of women (n = 36 of 42 respondents) reported no discussion or a discouraging discussion with a provider about having children. HIV-infected women and men in Malawi maintain a desire to have children. Interventions are needed to integrate safer conception into HIV care, to improve male participation in safer conception counseling, and to empower providers to help patients make decisions about reproduction free of discrimination and coercion.
Effect of steroidal saponins-loaded nano-bioglass/phosphatidylserine/collagen bone substitute on bone healing

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of nano-bioglass/phosphatidylserine/collagen (nBG/PS/COL) scaffolds loaded with steroidal saponins as an inducer factor for skeletal defects. The drugs-encapsulated bone substitute was prepared by loading steroidal saponins-collagen microsphere suspension in nano-bioglass and phosphatidylserine (PS) composite. The scaffolds possess an interconnected porous structure with a porosity of about 82.3%. The pore size ranges from several micrometers up to about 400 μm. The drug release assays showed the long-term sustained release of steroidal saponins from the scaffolds with effective and safe bioactivity. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the involvement of steroidal saponins contributed to the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) in MC3T3-E1 cells, which may be the possible factor that greatly enhanced bone healing. The results suggest that the bone substitute is an effective implantable drug-delivery system for use in bone repair.
The Effect on Fertility of Ligation of the Left Spermatic Vein in Men Without Clinical Signs of Varicocele

Abstract. Improvement of sperm qualities and fertility after operation for varicocele is well‐documented. The effect does not appear to relate to the degree of dilatation of the spermatic veins. For this reason 22 men with severely impaired fertility but without any clinical sign of varicocele were offered operation, i.e. ligation of the left spermatic vein(s). Fertility was evaluated by repeated sperm examinations. On average, the childlessness lasted for 3.5 years before the operation took place. A sperm examination was performed on average 6.3 months postoperatively. In half the cases improvement of sperm quality was found. In 9 cases no change was observed, and in one man the sperm quality was reduced. In 7 cases conception occurred within 16 months. The improvement of both sperm quality and the conception rate were highly significant in comparison with a non‐operated control group with the same severely impaired fertility and without clinical sign of varicocele.
Sensitivity of Soil Respiration to Variability in Soil Moisture and Temperature in a Humid Tropical Forest

Precipitation and temperature are important drivers of soil respiration. The role of moisture and temperature are generally explored at seasonal or inter-annual timescales; however, significant variability also occurs on hourly to daily time-scales. We used small (1.54 m2), throughfall exclusion shelters to evaluate the role soil moisture and temperature as temporal controls on soil CO2 efflux from a humid tropical forest in Puerto Rico. We measured hourly soil CO2 efflux, temperature and moisture in control and exclusion plots (n = 6) for 6-months. The variance of each time series was analyzed using orthonormal wavelet transformation and Haar-wavelet coherence. We found strong negative coherence between soil moisture and soil respiration in control plots corresponding to a two-day periodicity. Across all plots, there was a significant parabolic relationship between soil moisture and soil CO2 efflux with peak soil respiration occurring at volumetric soil moisture of approximately 0.375 m3/m3. We additionally found a weak positive coherence between CO2 and temperature at longer time-scales and a significant positive relationship between soil temperature and CO2 efflux when the analysis was limited to the control plots. The coherence between CO2 and both temperature and soil moisture were reduced in exclusion plots. The reduced CO2 response to temperature in exclusion plots suggests that the positive effect of temperature on CO2 is constrained by soil moisture availability.
Selection of treatment modalities for Budd-Chiari Syndrome in China: a preliminary survey of published literature.

AIM To evaluate the frequency of use of various treatment modalities for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in China by conducting a preliminary survey of relevant literature. METHODS All papers regarding the treatment of BCS in Chinese patients were identified by searching PubMed, Chinese Scientific and Technological Journal, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Data regarding the number of BCS patients treated with different treatment modalities over time were collected. The proportions of BCS patients undergoing various treatment modalities were calculated. RESULTS Overall, 300 of 3005 papers initially retrieved were included. These papers included 23352 BCS patients treated with different treatment modalities. The treatment modalities include surgery (n = 8625), interventional treatment (n = 13940), surgery combined with interventional treatment (n = 363), medical therapy (n = 277), other treatments (n = 91), and no treatment (n = 56). After 2005, the number of BCS patients treated with surgery was drastically decreased, but the number of BCS patients who underwent interventional treatment was almost maintained. Shunt surgery was the most common type of surgery (n = 3610). Liver transplantation was rarely employed (n = 2). Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting was the most common type of interventional treatment (n = 13747). Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was rarely employed (n = 81). CONCLUSION Selection of treatment modalities for BCS might be different between China and Western countries. Further work should be necessary to establish a unanimous therapeutic strategy for BCS in China.
Increased Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels are elevated in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) compared with healthy controls. Moreover, we aimed to find out whether there is a correlation between NLR levels and the severity of hearing loss. Materials and MethodsThe study group consisted of 40 subjects with ISSHL and 40 control subjects with no evidence of ear pathology. Severity of hearing loss in the ISSHL patients was classified as mild (<40 dB loss for any frequency), moderate (up to 80 dB), and severe (profound, >80 dB). ResultsThe mean ± SD NLR values were 5.53 ± 1.72 in the ISHHL patients and 2.73 ± 0.81 in the control group. The mean NLR values in the patients with ISHHL were significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.0001). The mean ± SD NLR values in the patients with mild (group A), moderate (group B), and severe (group C) sensorineural hearing loss were 5.53 ± 1.72, 5.29 ± 1.81, and 5.82 ± 1.72, respectively. The mean NLR values in the patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss were significantly higher than in the other groups (P = 0.0001). Nevertheless, there was no correlation between NLR values and severity of hearing loss. ConclusionsThere is no previous study that investigated the association between NLR and ISSHL in the literature. High NLR values in ISSHL patients may be a predictor of other ishemic conditions such as coronary or cerebral ischemia. Thus, the otorhinolaryngologist would then refer the patient to cardiology and then neurology specialists for the appropriate examinations.
Agricultural Extension Messages Using Video on Portable Devices Increased Knowledge about Seed Selection, Storage and Handling among Smallholder Potato Farmers in Southwestern Uganda

To feed a growing population, agricultural productivity needs to increase dramatically. Agricultural extension information, with its public, non-rival nature, is generally undersupplied, and public provision remains challenging. In this study, simple agricultural extension video messages, delivered through Android tablets, were tested in the field to determine if they increased farmers’ knowledge of recommended practices on (i) potato seed selection and (ii) seed storage and handling among a sample of potato farmers in southwestern Uganda. Using a field experiment with ex ante matching in a factorial design, it was established that showing agricultural extension videos significantly increased farmers’ knowledge. However, results suggested impact pathways that went beyond simply replicating what was shown in the video. Video messages may have triggered a process of abstraction, whereby farmers applied insights gained in one context to a different context.
[CAG repeats of DNA polymerase gamma in Chinese males and relationship of idiopathic male infertility to CAG repeats].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the polymerase gamma(Polg) gene polymorphisms in Chinese idiopathic infertile males and evaluate the correlation of the polymorphisms with male infertility. METHODS We conducted a study of Polg CAG repeats in the sperm or blood DNA of 55 asthenospermia patients, 57 oligospermia patients, 34 azoospermia patients, and 104 controls with PCR and GeneScan. Phenotypic data were available in all the subjects, including semen parameters, and clinical profiles. RESULTS The frequency of 10/not 10 CAG genotype in asthenospermia patients was higher than in the other groups, but with no significance. CONCLUSION Our findings have shown for the first time that there exits an ethnic difference between Chinese and European males in the number of CAG repeats of Polg gene, and that 10/not 10 CAG genotype may affect sperm motility.
Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas

The objective of this study was to assess long‐term prognosis and patterns of failure in patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma who underwent surgery with curative intent at a single institution. Several series of patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma were reported, providing widely variable data regarding local and distant failure.
The Effectiveness of Group Training of Life Skills on Schizophrenia Patients: Applications for Comprehensive Therapeutic Methods

Background and Objectives: Group training of life skills means how to use behavioral techniques in schizophrenic patients to manage their interpersonal and interpersonal deficiencies, to achieve independent lofe skills. The present study intends to investigate the effectiveness of training five different life skills, including; self-care skill, disturbance reducing skill, interpersonal communication skills, social contact and responsibility taking in schizophrenia patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a pretest and posttest designed study. Frothy schizophrenia patients were randomly allocated and divided in two equal groups, study and control group. Study group underwent twelve sessions of life skill training. Data was gathered by life skills profile questionnaire. Results: The results were compared between study and control group using test and gain score method. There were meaningful difference between study and control group in their social interaction skill and personal/social ability (P=0/001). There were not a meaningful difference in self care (P=0/230) and disturbance reducting skills (P=0/330) between these two groups. Conclusion: Training life skills including self-caring skill and disturbance reducting did not change noticeably in posttest in comparison with pretest. But in social contact skill, interpersonal skill and responsibility taking there was a significant difference statistically between pretest and posttest in study group.
Enhanced killing of B lymphoma cells by granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐primed effector cells and Hu1D10 – a humanized human leucocyte antigen DR antibody

Summary. Antibody‐based approaches have become a novel treatment modality for lymphoma patients. Humanized 1D10 (Hu1D10; Remitogen) is among the antibodies that are currently under evaluation in phase II clinical trials in lymphoma patients. The 1D10 antibody is directed against a polymorphic epitope on the β‐chain of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II. We found expression of the 1D10 epitope on B cells and monocytes from approximately 50% of healthy donors. Analyses of 1D10 expression on malignant cells revealed that approximately half of the HLA class II‐positive haematological malignancies expressed the 1D10 epitope. In whole blood antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays, Hu1D10 was more effective than rituxan in killing malignant ARH‐77 B cells. Interestingly, Hu1D10‐mediated lymphoma cell lysis was significantly enhanced when blood from granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐treated patients was compared with blood from healthy controls. Analyses of the relevant effector cell populations revealed that FcγRI (CD64)‐positive polymorphonuclear cells were critical for enhanced Hu1D10‐mediated lymphoma killing during G‐CSF therapy, while the same effector cell population induced only marginal lysis with rituxan. Furthermore, Hu1D10 was highly effective in inducing apoptosis in primary lymphoma cells from B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients. These preclinical results form the basis for a phase I/II clinical trial of Hu1D10 in combination with G‐CSF.
Percentage change in body mass index or gestational weight gain: Which is a better predictor of foetal macrosomia?

The aim of the study was to evaluate gestational weight gain (GWG) and percentage change in body mass index (BMI) for prediction of foetal macrosomia. A total of 409 term pregnant women, of whom 86 delivered macrosomic infants (> 4000 g) and 323 delivered non-macrosomic infants were recruited for the study. GWG and body mass index at delivery were significantly higher in the macrosomic than non-macrosomic group (15.8 ± 5.6 vs 13.9 ± 5.6, and 31.4 ± 4.3 vs 29.5 ± 4.3, respectively) (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for testing the significance of weight gain in prediction of macrosomia showed an area under curve of 0.58 (p = 0.012, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52–0.65), and significance of percentage change in BMI in prediction of macrosomia revealed an area under curve of 0.52 (p = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.46–0.59). BMI percentage changes both in obese (BMI ≥ 25) and non-obese (BMI < 25) groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). BMI percentage change does not seem to be a strong predictor of foetal macrosomia, and GWG was not found to be an independent risk factor after multivariate regression analysis was performed.
Randomised controlled trial of atraumatic versus standard needles for diagnostic lumbar puncture

Abstract Objective: To compare the ease of use of atraumatic needles with standard needles for diagnostic lumbar puncture and the incidence of headache after their use. Design: Double blind, randomised controlled trial. Setting: Investigation ward of a neurology unit in a university hospital. Participants: 116 patients requiring elective diagnostic lumbar puncture. Interventions: Standardised protocol for lumbar puncture with 20 gauge atraumatic or standard needles. Outcome measures: The primary end point was intention to treat analysis of incidence of moderate to severe headache, assessed at one week by telephone interview. Secondary end points were incidence of headache at one week analysed by needle type, ease of use by operator according to a visual analogue scale, incidence of backache, and failure rate of puncture. Results: Valid outcome data were available for 97 of 101 patients randomised. Baseline characteristics were matched except for higher body mass index in the standard needle group. By an intention to treat analysis the absolute risk of moderate to severe headache with atraumatic needles was reduced by 26% (95% confidence interval 6% to 45%) compared with standard needles, but there was a non-significantly greater absolute risk of multiple attempts at lumbar puncture (14%, −4% to 32%). Higher body mass index was associated with an increased failure rate with atraumatic needles, but the reduced incidence of headache was maintained. The need for medical interventions was reduced by 20% (1% to 40%). Conclusions: Atraumatic needles significantly reduced the incidence of moderate to severe headache and the need for medical interventions after diagnostic lumbar punctures, but they were associated with a higher failure rate than standard needles.
Pruning Conformant Plans by Counting Models on Compiled d-DNNF Representations

Optimal planners in the classical setting are built around two notions: branching and pruning. SAT-based planners for example branch by trying the values of a selected variable, and prune by propagating constraints and checking consistency. In the conformant setting, a similar branching scheme can be used if restricted to action variables, but the pruning scheme must be modified. Indeed, pruning branches that encode inconsistent partial plans is not sufficient since a partial plan may be consistent and complete (covering all the action variables) and still fail to be a conformant plan. This happens indeed when the plan does not conform to some possible initial state or transition. A remedy to this problem is to use a criterion stronger than consistency for pruning. This is actually what we do in this paper where the consistency-based pruning criterion used in classical planning is replaced by a validity-based criterion suitable for conformant planning. Under the assumption that actions are deterministic, a partial plan can be defined as valid when it is logically consistent with the theory and each possible initial state. A valid partial plan that is complete is guaranteed to encode a conformant plan, and vice versa. Checking validity, however, while useful for pruning can be very expensive. We show then that such validity checks can be performed in linear time provided that the theory encoding the problem is transformed into a logically equivalent theory in deterministic decomposable negation normal form (d-DNNF). In d-DNNF, plan validity checks can be reduced to two linear-time operations: projection (finding the strongest consequence of a formula over some of its variables) and model counting (finding the number of satisfying assignments). We then define and evaluate a conformant planner that branches on action variables, and prunes invalid partial plans in linear time. The empirical results are encouraging, showing the potential benefits of stronger forms of inference in planning tasks that are not reducible to SAT.
Killing Characters in Video Games Kills Memory for In-Game Ads

Evolutionary theory predicts that people attend to emotionally arousing cues at the expense of less arousing cues. Violence is one emotionally arousing cue that attracts attention away from less arousing cues located in the same visual environment. Previous research has shown that violent media content attracts attention at the expense of brands advertised during violent media content. We predicted that participants who played a video game violently would recall and recognize fewer brands than participants who played the same game nonviolently. In Study 1, participants (N = 154) drove cars in the game The Getaway while real brands appeared within the city. Half of the participants played the game violently (running over characters) and half of the participants played the game nonviolently (carefully avoiding characters). Violent players recalled and recognized fewer brands than did nonviolent players. In Study 2, participants (N = 102) drove cars in the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas while fictitious brands were advertised on their vehicles. Half of the participants played the game violently (running over characters) and half of the participants played the game nonviolently (carefully avoiding characters). Violent players were less likely to recognize advertised brands than were nonviolent players. Not enough participants recalled brands to test whether violent players recalled fewer brands than did nonviolent players. These results across both studies suggest that within-game violence reduces the effectiveness of product placement, such that brands advertised in violent video games are less likely to be remembered than brands advertised in nonviolent video games.