Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Problem Solving Method Based on E-Learning System for Engineering Education.

Encouraging engineering students to handle advanced technology with multimedia, as well as motivate them to have the skills of solving the problem, are the missions of the teacher in preparing students for a modern professional career. This research proposes a scenario of problem solving in basic electrical circuits based on an e-learning system to assess students skills in solving the problem through the use of the e-learning system. Through cooperation between the teacher and the students and among the students themselves, the proposed scenario indicates a high acceptability from the students to acquire cognitive skills; the students present more motivation to use advanced technology during instruction.
A guide to organize voluntary stem cell donors recruitment drive for hematopoietic progenitor stem cell transplant

Background: Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HPCT) is used as a definitive treatment in hematological malignancies. For a successful HPCT, the donor and recipient should have matching human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). About 25% of patients have a chance of finding matching HLA within family, while rests 75% are dependent on voluntary stem cell donor. Globally, there are 75 stem cell registries with more than 30 million donors registered among which India represents 0.36 million. Therefore, finding a stem cell donor for Indian patient is quite difficult. The aim of the present study is to discuss the significance of voluntary stem cell donor recruitment drive and also to guide the drive organizers and their team for effectively organizing the drive to increase the database of such donors. Materials and Methods: Voluntary stem cell donor recruitment drives are conducted to spread awareness among the people and motivate them to register as a donor. Once the donors have given their consent, the sample is taken and sent to laboratory for HLA typing and the result is uploaded in World Marrow Donor Association, an international association of member to find the best possible matches for patients with hematological disorders. Results: Genebandhu has organized over 127 recruitment camps since 2012 and recruited 13,000 voluntary stem cell donors. HLA typing of 7446 donors has been completed. Out of this small number of typed donors, 11 lifesaving HPCTs have been successfully facilitated. Conclusions: Here, we have demonstrated guidelines along with steps to organize voluntary stem cell donors recruitment drive that is needed to increase number of donors, thus increasing significantly the chances of saving many vital lives.
Bilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy in a Patient with Breast Cancer

We describe a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy. After an extensive workup including an unremarkable Computed Tomography (CT) scan, she was found to have skull base metastasis from breast cancer on thin-slice Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is the first reported case of isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy and demonstrates that thin-slice MRI provides.
Does liver regeneration after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases affect recurrence rate

Background: Resection of liver metastases is the only potential cure for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to liver metastasis (CRCLM). Overall 5-year survival with liver resection is 25−44%. Recurrence rate is as high as 60%. The surge of growth factors and cytokines that promote liver regeneration postoperatively has been linked to disease recurrence following hepatectomy in animal models. Our group has previously established the correlation of liver regeneration after portal vein embolization to tumor progression. The liver capacity in regeneration is affected by NAFLD and it may affect recurrence, by elevating TGF-β, specific Metalloproteinase levels and oxidative stress. Objectives: We studied the relationship between degree of liver regeneration after hepatectomy for CRCLM and disease recurrence, as well as the effect of the various degrees of each histologic features of NAFLD separately on liver regeneration and cancer recurrence. Material and methods: We performed retrospective analysis of 120 patients who underwent a single-staged hepatectomy using our CRCLM database. Total liver volume (TLV), future liver remnant volume (FLR), total tumor volume (TTV) and postoperative TLV were calculated from the preoperative and postoperative CT scans. Volume measurements were performed on axial view, porto-venous phase from 2.5 mm thick multiphasic CT images. Percentage of liver regeneration (%LR) was measured using this formula [(TLVpost op – FLR)/ FLR](1) x100. We scored each of NAFLD histological features (steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning) as per NAS system, as well as tissue fibrosis for half of our study population. Results: 70.8% of patients studied had major liver resection. Median estimated liver regeneration was 72.5% (-10.6–721.3%). Overall recurrence rate was 65%. Median disease-free and overall survival was 15 and 50 months, respectively. There was no significant relation between %ELR and disease-free or overall survival rates (p=0.99, p=0.74). Multivariate analysis revealed significant positive correlation of recurrence rate with number of lesions (p =0.023), and T in TNM score (p =0.044). The only NAFLD histological feature that correlated with the risk of hepatic recurrence was hepatocyte ballooning (p=0.003). A higher degree of lobular inflammation and fibrosis decreased the capacity of liver to regenerate (p=0.003 and p=0.0004) but not multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In our patient population, the degree of liver regeneration post R0 CRCLM resection does not correlate with recurrence rate. A higher degree of steatosis does not increase the risk of hepatic recurrence, however hepatocyte ballooning does increase this risk. %%%%Contexte : L'hepatectomie est le seul traitement potentiel propose aux patients atteints de metastases hepatiques du cancer colorectal (MHCC). En general, le pourcentage de survie sur cing ans apres resection du foie varie de 25 % a 44 %. Le taux de recidive est eleve et atteint 60 %. La poussee des facteurs de croissance et des cytokines qui favorisent la…
The influence of learning value on learning management system use

In this study the perceived value construct of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) is investigated in the context of a learning management system (LMS), in which the construct is redefined from its original price value conceptualization. It was found that many researchers simply ignore the price value construct when applying the UTAUT2 model in technology use studies in the educational context. This study extends the UTAUT2 framework by integrating the learning value construct and provides fresh insight about predictors of students’ intentions towards LMS and its use. A quantitative research approach was employed by utilizing a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data from Malaysian university students who were users of LMS. Probability proportional stratified sampling was employed to select an appropriate sample. The results indicated a good measurement and structural model fit and suggested the significant influence of performance expectancy, social influence and learning value on students’ intention towards LMS and also confirmed the influence of facilitating conditions and behavioral intention on LMS use. The extended UTAUT2 framework helps in understanding students’ perceived value in the LMS context. Furthermore, this study will help institutions to consider the factors for successful implementation of an LMS in an academic setting.
Optimal timing of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in an evaluation of severe acute pancreatitis-associated complications

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has been used previously to evaluate severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-associated complications. However, optimal time points of CECT have not yet been established. The present study aimed to determine optimal timings for CECT to be undertaken for patients with SAP. The results of CECT from 309 patients with SAP, who were classified into either infected or non-infected SAP groups, were retrospectively analyzed. The severity and alterations in the periods within 72 h to >4 weeks of SAP onset were also assessed. In the analysis of the disease severity and changes, acute peripancreatic fluid collection was detected, where the number of areas increased within 1 week of SAP onset but decreased within 4 weeks and longer. However, no significant differences were observed between the infected and non-infected groups. The acute necrotic collection (ANC) areas were ≤30% of the area of the pancreas, with significantly more ANC areas and pancreatic necrosis in the infected SAP group compared with the non-infected SAP group at a time interval of >4 weeks. The exudation of pleural effusion (PE) was elevated within 1 week, but decreased within 2 weeks and longer. The difference in the alteration of the exudation of PE was not statistically different between the two groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that the period between 72 h and 1 week of SAP onset is optimal timing of CECT to assess SAP-associated complications, particularly for infected SAP patients.
Serum adiponectin and leptin as predictors of the presence and degree of coronary atherosclerosis

BackgroundThe association of adipocyte-derived proteins, adiponectin and leptin, with the degree of coronary atherosclerosis has not been not been well elucidated. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum adiponectin and leptin with the presence and degree of coronary atherosclerosis. MethodsSeventy patients and 20 matched controls were recruited. Angiographic evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis was carried out by assessing three atherosclerotic indices, severity (transverse disease), extent (longitudinal disease), and pattern (lesion complexity). ResultsThe independent predictors of atherosclerosis severity were larger waist/hip ratio, followed by higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low serum adiponectin level, older age, higher leptin level, current unstable angina, and finally previous myocardial infarction (MI). This model is a good one as indicated by the model-adjusted r2 (50%). For extent index, lower serum adiponectin level was by far the most important independent predictor, followed by higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, older age, and previous MI, whereas higher serum leptin level was only a univariate predictor. The model-adjusted r2 was 65%. For pattern index, the independent predictors were previous MI, lower serum adiponectin level, larger waist/hip ratio, higher serum leptin level, older age, and higher fasting blood glucose level. The model-adjusted r2 was 62%. ConclusionBoth serum adiponectin and leptin might play an important pathogenic role not only in the occurrence but also in the severity, extent, and lesion complexity in coronary artery disease patients.
Effect of Preserving Condition of Porcine Ovaries on the Development of In Vitro Matured Oocytes

The effect of preservation condition of ovaries on the in vitro maturation of the porcine oocytes was studied. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from the ovaries preserved in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at various temperatures for different time intervals, and cultured in M199 maturation medium. Matured oocytes were obtained from the ovaries preserved in PBS for 8 h and electrically activated. The activated oocytes were then cultured in NCSU23 embryo culture medium for 16 h to observe activation or 144 h to observe embryo development. It was found that the preservation temperature affected the maturation of porcine oocytes greatly. The effect was described as a compromise of the suppressions of autolysis at physiological temperature and frostbite because of low temperature. A preservation temperature of approximately 25°C showed the maximum maturation rate for a preservation time of 8 h. Preservation temperature also affected the activation and embryo development of porcine oocytes greatly, following a trend similar to the effect of preservation temperature on the maturation. Based on maturation rate, activation rate and cleavage rate, a preservation temperature of approximately 25°C would be optimum for a preservation time of 8 h.
In vitro susceptibility of clinical uropathogens to levofloxacin at the Ghana police hospital

Background: Quinolones are among drugs used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, there has been an increase in quinolone-resistant uropathogens over the last decade. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity pattern of isolated uropathogens to levofloxacin. Methods: Urine samples (n = 519) from suspected UTI patients were collected from July 2014 to September 2014. Microorganisms with significant growth were identified after initial culturing at 370C for 24 hours. Susceptibility of isolated uropathogens to levofloxacin at a break point of 5 μg was done by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The prevalence of UTI among sampled patients was 18.3%. Predominant microbial isolates were: Escherichia coli (56.8%), Coliform spp. (24.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (9.5%). Overall resistance of isolated uropathogens to levofloxacin was 51.6%. Levofloxacin resistance by predominant uropathogens was 63% for E. coli, 34.8% for Coliform spp. and 22.2% for S. aureus. Conclusions: High resistance of some isolated uropathogens to levofloxacin, especially with E. coli was observed in this study. Thus, the need for coordinated susceptibility monitoring of clinical isolates to levofloxacin.
Perceptions of Pre-service Teachers of English towards Grammar Teaching in the

Problem Statement: ESL/EFL grammar teaching has been a controversial issue due to the contextual differences. Therefore, there is a growing need to explore how English teachers perceive and practise grammar teaching in a variety of contexts. Research studies into this issue can provide them with context-sensitive perspectives. Purpose of Study: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and classroom practices of Turkish pre-service teachers of English employing a quantitative research design. Methods: In this study, which employs a quantitative research design, the questionnaire adapted from a recently conducted study was distributed to 39 female and 5 male senior students at the Department of English Language Teaching at an English-medium state university in Turkey. They were all enrolled in the course Practice Teaching. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. Findings and Results: The student-teachers favored benefiting from not only form-focused instruction and but also holistic, meaning-based approaches. They assumed an active role in the teaching process as informed decision-makers sensitized to cultural and individual variables in their contexts within which their perceptions were shaped. Instructional
Limited morbidity and possible radiographic benefit of C2 vs. subaxial cervical upper-most instrumented vertebrae.

Background The study aims to evaluate differences in alignment and clinical outcomes between surgical cervical deformity (CD) patients with a subaxial upper-most instrumented vertebra (UIV) and patients with a UIV at C2. Use of CD-corrective instrumentation in the subaxial cervical spine is considered risky due to narrow subaxial pedicles and vertebral artery anatomy. While C2 fixation provides increased stability, the literature lacks guidelines indicating extension of CD-corrective fusion from the subaxial spine to C2. Methods Included: operative CD patients with baseline (BL) and 1-year postop (1Y) radiographic data, cervical UIV ≥ C2. Patients were grouped by UIV: C2 or subaxial (C3-C7) and propensity score matched (PSM) for BL cSVA. Mean comparison tests assessed differences in BL and 1Y patient-related, radiographic, and surgical data between UIV groups, and BL-1Y changes in alignment and clinical outcomes. Results Following PSM, 31 C2 UIV and 31 subaxial UIV patients undergoing CD-corrective surgery were included. Groups did not differ in BL comorbidity burden (P=0.175) or cSVA (P=0.401). C2 patients were older (64 vs. 58 yrs, P=0.010) and had longer fusions (9 vs. 6 levels, P=0.002). Overall, patients showed BL-1Y improvements in TS-CL (P<0.001), cSVA (P=0.005), McGS (P=0.004). Cervical flexibility was maintained at 1Y regardless of UIV, assessed by CL flexion (-0.2° vs. 6.0°, P=0.115) and extension (13.9° vs. 9.9°, P=0.366). While both subaxial and C2 patients showed BL-1Y improvements in McGS (both P<0.030), C2 patients improved to a larger degree (7.3° vs. 6.2°). Between UIV groups, there were no differences in BL-1Y changes in HRQLs, overall complication rates, or operative complication rates (all P>0.05). Conclusions C2 UIV patients showed similar cervical range of motion and baseline to 1-year functional outcomes as patients with a subaxial UIV. C2 UIV patients also showed greater baseline to 1-year horizontal gaze improvement and had complication profiles similar to subaxial UIV patients, demonstrating the radiographic benefit and minimal functional loss associated with extending fusion constructs to C2. In the treatment of adult cervical deformities, extension of the reconstruction construct to the axis may allow for certain clinical benefits with less morbidity than previously acknowledged.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Pathogens Isolated from Post-Operative Wounds of Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Uyo, Nigeria

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates from wounds of diabetic and non diabetic patients in University of Uyo metropolis. Eighty five wound swab samples were collected from the culture bench of University of Uyo Health Center and three neighboring hospitals. The isolates were characterized and identified using standard microbiological methods. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the disc diffusion method. Oral interview was conducted on patients to ascertain their medical history and samples taken to conduct HbA1c test at the time of wound swab collection. Out of the samples collected, 62.5% were infected with bacteria (80% Gram negative and 20% Gram positive) featuring frequency of occurrence percent of Staphylococcus aureus (28.8%), Pseudomonas spp . (33.1%), Escherichia coli (25.0%), Proteus spp . (8.3%) and Klebsiella spp . (2.6%). There was significant difference in the antibiotic sensitivity of S. aureus to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin comparing the two groups. Similarly, there was significantly lower sensitivity to ofloxacin shown by E. coli and Klebsiella spp . in the DM group compared with the control. There were no significant differences in the antibiotic sensitivities of the isolated organisms for the cephalosporin and aminoglycoside antibiotics. The study showed that isolates from SWI demonstrated significant differences in susceptibility to fluoroquinolones but no differences to the aminoglycoside and cephalosporin antibiotics based on the glycaemic levels.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in the Gulf: G-SCAD Registry

Data on spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is based on European and North American registries. We assessed the prevalence, epidemiology, and outcomes of patients presenting with SCAD in Arab Gulf countries. Patients (n = 83) were diagnosed with SCAD based on angiographic and intravascular imaging whenever available. Thirty centers in 4 Arab Gulf countries (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain) were involved from January 2011 to December 2017. In-hospital (myocardial infarction [MI], percutaneous coronary intervention, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, cardiogenic shock, death, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, dissection extension) and follow-up (MI, de novo SCAD, death, spontaneous superior mesenteric artery dissection) cardiac events were recorded. Median age was 44 (37-55) years, 42 (51%) were females and 28.5% were pregnancy-associated (21.4% were multiparous). Of the patients, 47% presented with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, 49% with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, 12% had left main involvement, 43% left anterior descending, 21.7% right coronary, 9.6% left circumflex, and 9.6% multivessel; 52% of the SCAD were type 1, 42% type 2, 3.6% type 3, and 2.4% multitype; 40% managed medically, 53% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, 7% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Females were more likely than males to experience overall (in-hospital and follow-up) adverse cardiovascular events (P = .029).
Periventricular Hemorrhage in Term and Late Preterm Neonates: Risk Factors and Outcomes

Background: Periventricular hemorrhage (PVH) is common in early preterm neonates but much less common in term and late preterm neonates. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors and outcomes of PVH in term and late preterm neonates in a tertiary care center in Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 33 term and late preterm (≥ 34 weeks of gestation) neonates (18 females and 15 males) admitted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Sohag University Hospital and diagnosed with PVH from January 2016 to October 2018 were included in this prospective study. The neonates with major congenital malformation of the nervous system were excluded. The risk factors for PVH were ascertained, and the diagnosis was confirmed by transcranial ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The outcomes were assessed at discharge time and the age of 6 months. Results: ThePVH was diagnosed in 5.9% of the neonates. The median of age was 12 days (age range: 2-28 days) at presentation, and convulsions were the most frequent presentations followed by poor suckling and pallor. The risk factors for PVH included prolonged prothrombin time, thrombocytopenia, non-administration of vitamin K, and prolonged labor in 54.5%, 30 %, 30 %, and 27.3% of the cases, respectively. Moreover, 26 (78.7 %) cases were discharged with good conditions, and 7 (21.2 %) subjects died in the NICU. The investigation of the patients’ follow-up at the age of 6 months revealed neurological impairments in 36 % of the survivors. Grade IV and III PVH had mortality rates of 66.67% and 18.75%, respectively (P=0.009). Neurodevelopmental impairments were more frequent in Grade III and IV (P=0.002). Conclusion: The incidence of PVH was 5.9% among term and late preterm neonates admitted to our NICU. Coagulation disorders and prolonged labor were the leading risk factors. Most patients had favorable outcomes, and one-third of the cases had neurodevelopmental impairments. In addition, mortality was reported in one-fifth of the neonates. Severe grades of PVH had the worst outcomes.
Time-frequency analysis applied to signaturing of underwater acoustic signals

The Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) and the cross Wigner-Ville distribution (XWVD) are applied to signal detection and classification, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance is discussed. The method is applied to signaturing the individual cylinders of a diesel engine. A comparison with the short-time Fourier transform is provided. <<ETX>>