Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA metabarcoding to assess diet partitioning and feeding strategies in generalist vertebrate predators: a case study on three syntopic lacertid lizards from Morocco

DNA metabarcoding is a fast and simple alternative to traditional microscopy methods, which have been the main tool for identification of prey in dietary studies of lizards. In this study, we applied a metabarcoding approach based on COI and 16S rRNA amplicons to assess diet partitioning and feeding strategies in three syntopic lizards from Taza, Morocco: Scelarcis perspicillata chabanaudi, Scelarcis perspicillata pellegrini and Podarcis vaucheri. In order to avoid competition, these lizards are expected to consume different prey species because they occupy distinct trophic niches, use different foraging strategies and express different dorsal pigmentation patterns. Given the spotted pattern of S. p. chabanaudi, we hypothesize a sit-and-wait foraging strategy with a less diverse diet and a higher consumption of mobile prey relative to the striped S. p. pellegrini and P. vaucheri which, as potential active foragers, are expected to have a higher diet diversity. Previous diet assessments using microscopy on faecal remains seem to contradict these expectations. Our results show that, as expected, the diet of S. p. chabanaudi is less diverse than the diet of S. p. pellegrini. Regarding P. vaucheri, our dietary data are consistent with the hypothesis that this species behaves as an active forager, owing to its high niche overlap with S. p. pellegrini. Advantages and limitations of molecular barcoding compared with the microscopy approach to the analysis of lizard diets are discussed.
Effect of Wind Tunnel Blockage on the Performance of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine with Different Blade Number

Blockage corrections for the experimental results obtained for a small-scale wind turbine in a wind tunnel are required in order to estimate how the same turbine would perform in real conditions. The tunnel blockage is defined as the ratio of the wind turbine swept area to the wind tunnel cross-section area. Experimental measurements of the power coefficient were performed on a horizontal-axis wind turbine with two rotors of diameter equal to 2 m and different numbers of blades, namely three and five. Measurements were carried out for different tip speed ratios in the closed circuit open test section wind tunnel of the University of Perugia (Italy). The obtained experimental results were compared with the numerical ones carried out in free conditions by using a CFD approach based on the steady-RANS method with the SST k-ω turbulence model, adopting the multiple reference frame (MRF) strategy to reduce the computational effort. The comparison showed that the maximum value of blockage, which is reached in the asymptotic limit at very large tip speed ratio (TSR) values, does not depend appreciably on the number of blades. A higher number of blades, however, makes the occurrence of the maximum blockage come earlier at lower TSRs.
Comprehensive Hip Fracture Care Program: Successive Implementation in 3 Hospitals

Introduction: Hip fractures are common and costly in the elderly population, often contributing to loss of function and independence. Prompt, coordinated surgical care may improve clinical and economic outcomes for this population. Materials and Methods: We created an interdisciplinary care program focused on minimizing time spent immobilized awaiting surgery and streamlining the care pathway for hip fracture. Patients older than 65 years with any hip fracture type including hip fracture repair Diagnosis-Related Group codes (MS-DRG 480, 481, or 482) and MS-DRG 469 and 470 with a hip fracture diagnosis were included in the study. The Hip Fracture Care program (HFCP) was implemented on a staggered basis in 3 hospitals in the HonorHealth system. Time to surgery, length of stay, and discharge location (home/skilled nursing facility) were compared pre- and post-intervention, utilizing an interrupted time series analysis to account for background trends. Results: More than 2000 patients across the 3 facilities received HFCP care; demographics were similar for the 826 patients serving as the pre-implementation comparison group. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) length of stay decreased from 5.6 (4.0) to 4.7 (2.9) days (mean difference 0.9 days; P < .05). Mean (SD) time from admission to the operating room decreased from 30.8 (21.1) to 25.6 (20.5) hours (mean difference 5.2 hours; P < .05). There was no change in the proportion of patients discharged to home versus skilled nursing facility. Discussion: Optimal care of this vulnerable population can significantly reduce the time to surgery and length of stay. Conclusions: Length of stay was reduced by nearly 1 day with implementation of a multifactorial program for hip fracture care.
Intraoperative and early postoperative complications in women with stress urinary incontinence treated with suburethral slings: a randomised trial

Introduction The midurethral sling has become the current standard for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. Aim To assess intraoperative complications, early post-operative complications as well as the efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape: retropubic and trans-obturator tape procedures. Material and methods The analysis involved 91 tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and 60 transobturator tape (TOT) procedures. Both groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics, urodynamic results, and preoperative quality of life (QoL) assessment. The complications were registered, and the effectiveness of the procedures was assessed subjectively by the patients at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Results A significantly lower risk of intraoperative and early post-operative complications was noted in the case of TOT procedures (OR = 0.35%, 95% CI: 0.13–0.92). Moreover, regardless of the method used, patients with two or more vaginal deliveries in their history had a reduced risk of complications, as compared to nulliparas and uniparas (OR = 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91). Previous gynaecological surgery and old age increase the risk of complications with borderline significance (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 0.97–6.3; OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 0.95–5.5 respectively). The rates of cure, improvement and failure were similar in both groups, as was the significant positive change in post-operative life quality. Conclusions TVT and TOT procedures are characterised by a high cure rate and improvement in the post-operative quality of life. However, it seems that the transobturator approach should be the preferred method of treatment of SUI due to the reduced risk of complications, shorter procedure time, and lower intraoperative blood loss.
The Association of Late-Life Diabetes Status and Hyperglycemia With Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: The ARIC Study

OBJECTIVE We sought to examine associations in older adults among diabetes, glycemic control, diabetes duration, and biomarkers of hyperglycemia with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and incident dementia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a prospective analysis of 5,099 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study who attended the fifth (2011–2013) exam. Cognitive status was assessed during follow-up via telephone calls, death certificate codes, surveillance, and a follow-up examination (2016–2017). We defined incident cognitive impairment as incident MCI or incident dementia in persons dementia-free at the index examination; we also examined each outcome separately. Diabetes was defined using self-report, medications, or HbA1c ≥6.5%; poor glycemic control in persons with diabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥7%. We examined the following biomarkers of hyperglycemia: HbA1c, fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol. RESULTS Mean age at baseline was 76 years, 59% were female, and 21% were black. Diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [95% CI 1.00, 1.31]), poor glycemic control in persons with diabetes (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.05, 1.63]), and longer diabetes duration (≥5 vs. <5 years; HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.23, 2.07]) were significantly associated with incident cognitive impairment. We found a J-shaped association between HbA1c and incident dementia. Glycated albumin and fructosamine were also associated with incident dementia, independently of HbA1c. HbA1c and fructosamine were also associated with incident MCI. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes status, poor glycemic control, and longer diabetes duration were associated with worse cognitive outcomes over a median follow-up of 5 years.
The Effect of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia using transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a newer and safer method that can be used in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to quantify the analgesic potential and opioid-sparing capability of TAP block in these patients. Methods The studies comparing TAP-block to conventional analgesic regimens for liver transplant were searched. The studies evaluating the comparative 24-h morphine consumption during postoperative period in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries were searched and included as the primary outcome in the analysis. Results We found two randomised controlled trials and two retrospective studies that on meta-analysis showed that TAP block group had significantly lower requirement of morphine (WMD=27.59 mg; 95% CI: 33.47-21.70) at 24 h for pain mitigation. Also, postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower (RR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.47-1.22) but not statistically significant. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided TAP block provides postoperative analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. This study was registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews [PROSPERO: CRD42018094595].
TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES ON THE USE OF GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Technology has impacted in most of the sectors, including education field. Nowadays, many schools have incorporated technology through the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into the learning. The use of platforms such as Google Classroom is one of the ways to fit the best classroom practices. This study reveals the teacher’s perception on the use of Google Classroom as a learning media. The qualitative research design which applies interview method is carried out. Seven high school teachers in Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia, who have actively integrated Google Classroom in their teaching for at least 1 year became the participants. Findings showed that teachers use it as a facilitation tool for managing students’ tasks, organizing classroom and accommodating students’ interaction. In general, teachers perceived the use of Google Classroom was very helpful to conduct their virtual classroom. However, teachers stated that they needed to maximize other features of Google Classroom as they hadn’t explored all which would surely bring benefits for their professional development.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characters of Mycobacteria Isolated from Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Sohag Governorate

Tuberculosis is a major global health problem. ExtrapulmonaryTB(EPTB) refers to TB involving organs other than the lungs. It shoulddrag more attention after increasing numbers of immunocompromised individualswith higher risk of developing EPTB. Aim: This study aimed to detectEPTB in clinically suspected cases and identificationof mycobacteria species by phenotypic and genotypicmethods. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 clinical specimens were collected during the study period from September 2016 to January 2018 at Sohag University from patients suspected to have EPTB. All samples subjected to ZN staining & culture on LJ media then all positive culture were subjected for identification of mycobacteria speciesby two methods, phenotypically by biochemical tests and genotypically by conventional PCR for detection of mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex ( MTC). Immunochromatographic tests were done for all strains with negative PCR in addition to some strains with positive PCR for confirmation and for comparison between immunochromatographic test and both biochemical test and PCR in identification of MTC. Results: Mycobacteria were isolated from 66 samples of which the highest number of isolates were obtained from urine samples followed by stool samples then other extrapulmonary samples. By using different methods of identification, 53 isolates were identified as MTC and 13 isolates were identified as nontuberculus mycobacteria (NTM). Conclusion: Our results suggest that due attention should be given for EPTB and rapid differentiation between MTC and NTM is very important for the proper management of patients with mycobacterial infections.
Customer Satisfaction Impact on Behavioral Intentions: The Case of Pizza Restaurants in Nablus City

ABSTRACT Customer satisfaction has been extensively studied in marketing science and other business management disciplines. Yet, in quality management discipline, the question how customer satisfaction measured differs greatly from one business sector to another. The aim of this research is to explore the influencing factors on customer satisfaction, and explore the impact of customer satisfaction on behavioral intentions in pizza restaurants. A structural model was designed to predict the relationship between six constructs: food quality, service quality, quality of physical environment, customer perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. The research model was assessed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Using SmartPLS software, a questionnaire of 386 responses collected from three local pizza restaurants customers in the west bank city of Nablus, Palestine was analyzed. The results demonstrate that customer perceived value has the strongest effect on customer satisfaction compared to the other three factors. The results also confirm that customer satisfaction positively affects behavioral intentions.
Self-medication of antibiotics: investigating practice among university students at the Malaysian National Defence University

Background: Self-medication of drugs to alleviate symptoms is a common global behavior, helping relieve burdens on health services, but many drugs eg, antibiotics are prescription-only. Self-medication of antibiotics (SMA) is an irrational use of drugs, contributing to microbial resistance increasing health care costs and higher mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess SMA among university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical and non-medical students of the National Defence University of Malaysia. A validated instrument was used to gather data. Ethics approval was obtained. Random and universal sampling was adopted, and SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 649 students participated in the study: 48.5% male and 51.5% female, 39.3% reported self-medicating with antibiotics. Penicillin, doxycycline, clarithromycin were the antibiotics most used with the majority reporting no adverse drug reactions. Cost savings and convenience were the principal reasons for SMA which were mainly obtained from local retail pharmacies. Despite medical students (particularly the more senior) having better knowledge of antibiotic use than non-medical students, 89% of all research participants responded that practicing SMA was a good/acceptable practice. Conclusion: SMA is common amongst Malaysian students and, despite understanding why SMA is unwise, even medical students self-medicate.
City University of Hong Kong 滞在記 (特集 中国における数学の研究と教育の現状)

Rationale State-directed authoritarian economic development and its political consequences will be the central focus of the course which is theoretical (theories of developmental states, modernization, and authoritarian development), comparative (searching for regional patterns of economic development and political change), as well as case study-based (with student presentations and research papers analysing the particularities of one county’s experience based on one of three theoretical approaches).
Plate Waste in Public Hospitals Foodservice Management in Selangor, Malaysia

Background/Objectives: Food waste has become an issue of concerns globally. In health institutions, the most significant food waste concern is on the plate waste. Plate waste in hospitals has contributed up to 50% of total waste stream from overall output of all waste. Additionally, high level of plate waste is also an indicator for malnutrition among patients and this will, in turn, affect the management financially. Methodology: this study IS carried out qualitatively and quantitatively via visual estimation observation and semi-structured questionnaire respectively. Two hundred fifty-six patients were selected as respondents from 2 public hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia. Food is categorized according to the hospital menus, which are carbohydrate that consists of rice, protein that includes fish or chicken, and fruits and vegetables. Visual estimation of plate waste is used as a method to assess the percentage of plate waste among patients. Findings: According to visual estimation analysis, fruits are the least item contributed to plate waste as compared to the other three items, namely carbohydrate, protein, and vegetables. Meanwhile, based on the regression analysis, temperature and taste of food is the strongest dimension that influence the plate waste generation. Novelty: The outcome of this research can also be used as indicators to improve their patient meal quality served thus reduce the plate waste generated. Indirectly, knowing reasons for plate waste in the health institutions can reduce cost wastage in the said organizations.
Theoretical Verification of the Formula of Charge Function in Time of Capacitor (q = c*v) for Few Cases of Excitation Voltage

We have a developed and derived a formula for capacitor i.e. charge as a function of time, which is convolution operation of time varying capacity function and time-varying voltage function. This is different to the usual and conventional way of writing capacitance multiplied by voltage to get charge stored in a capacitor. This new deliberation with convolution operation works well for classical capacitors (i.e. ideal loss less capacitors), that is of a constant capacity at all frequencies, and also for a time varying capacity function given by decaying power-law: that gives the formation of a fractional capacitor. In this paper, we use this developed new charge storage expression and apply to various types of inputs excitation voltage-sinusoidal, step, ramp voltage and then analyze and interpret the results for charge stored, the current expressions, the loss-tangent and the memory effects. With this new formulation, we also evaluate impedance function of a classical capacitor as well as a fractional capacitor, and also elaborate on the Nyquist’s diagram, that is employed to study various dielectric materials via impedance spectroscopy. This new approach of charge storage concept is yet to be practically as well as theoretically applied-though some initial work has started. This paper gives a theoretical validity test i.e. analytically obtained in several applications for this new formulation, of charge storage formula. This paper will be useful in various super-capacitor studies, dielectric relaxation experiments, and impedance spectroscopy for various material developments for electrical energy storage missions; however, this concept is yet to be used to its full potential.
Board Level IT Governance: A Scoping Review to Set the Research Agenda

ABSTRACT Digital transformation is becoming pervasive, resulting in the intertwine of organizational strategy with IT strategy and increasing importance of IT risk. This falls into the domain of the board of directors, who are ultimately accountable for strategy and control. Yet, research shows that the involvement of boards in governing digital assets is low. In order to address this topic, this paper summarizes the state-of-the-art of this research domain and identifies an agenda for future research.
Evaluation of symptoms and sings of oral soft tissue disorders among inpatients with schizophrenia

Introduction. Patients with schizophrenia are likely to constitute a high-risk group of individuals with respect to prevalence of oral diseases and they require special attention. Factors like nature of psychiatric disorders, length of stay and oral-side effects of psychotropic medications have been noted as contributors to poor oral health among institutionalized chronic psychiatric patients. Methods. This cross-sectional study comprised 190 inpatients with schizophrenia at the Dr Laza Lazarevic Clinic for Mental Disorders in Belgrade, and 190 mentally healthy patients at the Clinic for Periodontology and Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. A questionnaire was designed for the purpose of this research with the aim of recording information on demographic data (age and sex), unhealthy habits (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and drug abuse), and data about the existence of any oral symptom and/or sings related to oral soft tissue pathology. All participants were subjected to targeted clinical examinations. Results. All study group patients were receiving psychotropic medications (mean number 4.18 ? 1.14; from 1 to 7 medications). The study group patients had a total of 272 symptoms and 121 signs of oral disorders; which was almost four times higher for symptoms and even nine times higher for signs of oral disorders than in the control group. Conclusion. Schizophrenia as a mental disorder does not directly affect the condition of oral health of this group of psychiatric patients, but indirectly ? reducing their motivation and awareness of the importance of oral health, which is particularly emphasized in hospital conditions.
On the Existence and Uniqueness of Global Solutions for the KdV Equation with Quasi-Periodic Initial Data

We consider the KdV equation $$ \partial_t u +\partial^3_x u +u\partial_x u=0 $$ with quasi-periodic initial data whose Fourier coefficients decay exponentially and prove existence and uniqueness, in the class of functions which have an expansion with exponentially decaying Fourier coefficients, of a solution on a small interval of time, the length of which depends on the given data and the frequency vector involved. For a Diophantine frequency vector and for small quasi-periodic data (i.e., when the Fourier coefficients obey $|c(m)| \le \varepsilon \exp(-\kappa_0 |m|)$ with $\varepsilon > 0$ sufficiently small, depending on $\kappa_0 > 0$ and the frequency vector), we prove global existence and uniqueness of the solution. The latter result relies on our recent work \cite{DG} on the inverse spectral problem for the quasi-periodic Schr\"{o}dinger equation.