Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MRI IN DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION OF AVN OF FEMORAL HEAD IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND COMPARISON WITH PLAIN X RAY

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of MRI in cases of AVN of femoral head in sickle cell disease in comparison to x-ray. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 55 patients (110 hip joints) who were suffering from sickle cell disease (Confirmed by HB electrophoresis) & with complain' of pain in one or both hip joints, were examined by plain x-ray and 0.2 tesla MRI, using T1W (350ms/17ms), T2W (2200ms/110ms) and STIR (4000ms/80ms/90) sequences in axial, coronal and sagittal planes. RESULTS: study comprised of 55 patients suffering from sickle cell disease (110 hip joints). 49 of these patients confirmed changes relative to avascular necrosis of femoral head. Out of which 30 patients had bilateral involvement. 19 patients showed unilateral hip joint involvement. Therefore 79 femoral heads out of 110 hip joints showed changes of avascular necrosis in MR. Fatty marrow conversion, neck widening, marrow edema, joint effusion, abnormal signal like; band pattern, ring pattern. homogenous and inhomogenous pattern are MRI characteristics of AVN. Plain x-ray shows changes of AVN in 59 hip joints. Sclerosis, Mottling, flattening, Perthes like lesion and Destruction were the main findings in xray in our study. CONCLUSION: MRI turns out to be most sensitive for diagnosis and determination of extent of disease process. MR imaging has high degree of sensitivity in early stages of AVN as compared to x-ray. MR imaging also helps to evaluate asymptomatic contralateral hip in single setting as there is increased chances of opposite hip getting involved in AVN in sickle cell disease.
The Use of Computerized Cognitive Assessment with Children with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a rapidly increasing category of diagnosis in the United States today; however, little is definitively known about the cognitive abilities of individuals with ASD despite frequent study of this area. Results of the most recent studies have suggested that previously accepted idea about cognitive abilities for individuals with autism may be inaccurate. One reason for these mixed finding may be that the levels of communication and social skills vary greatly for individuals with ASD, and these variations can have powerful effects on the scores obtained on measures of intellectual abilities. One method of controlling for these specific variables may be through computerized testing, which research findings have demonstrated to be associated with higher scores on tests of executive functioning and working memory for individuals with autism but not for neurotypical individuals. Computer-based testing controls for the social and verbal aspects of the testing process, which are factors that may be affecting scores for individuals with autism, but not for others. The current study used three measures to discriminate the causes of score discrepancies: a verbal measure, a nonverbal measure that incorporates a social component, and a computerized test that has no social component and only a minimal verbal component. The scores were analyzed to find which one best predicts academic achievement and is the optimal measure of
Cassava Pulp Hydrolysis under Microwave Irradiation with Oxalic Acid Catalyst for Ethanol Production

Microwave irradiation is an alternative method of starch hydrolysis that offers a rapid process. The aim of this research was to improve microwave-assisted hydrolysis of cassava pulp by using oxalic acid as a catalyst. Suspension of cassava pulp in 0.5% oxalic acid (1 g/20 mL) was subjected to microwave irradiation at 140-230 °C for 5 minutes, with 4 minutes of pre-heating. One gram of fractured activated carbon made of coconut shell was added into a number of suspensions that were subjected to the same conditions of microwave irradiation. The soluble fraction of the hydrolysates was analyzed for its total soluble solids, malto-oligomer distribution, glucose content, pH value, and formation of brown compounds. The effects of the combined severity parameter at a substrate concentration of 5-12.5% on the glucose yield were also evaluated. The highest glucose yield (78% of dry matter) was obtained after hydrolysis at 180 °C without activated carbon addition. Heating above 180 °C reduced the glucose yield and increased the pH and the formation of brown compounds. The use of activated carbon in microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis of cassava pulp reduced the glucose yield, but suppressed the formation of brown compounds. The highest glucose yield (70-80% of dry matter) was attained at a severity parameter of 1.3-1.5.
Factors Influencing Adults’ Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors and the Role of Environmental Schools in Influencing Their Communities

The present study revisits a subfield of environmental education: significant life experiences, which studies the influences that shape the development of environmental stewardship. In the present study, we examine the effect of various formative experiences on a group of adults and analyze the role of school, as a formative influence on the parents of the students. By employing factor analysis, we were able to differentiate between groups of variables influencing attitudes and those influencing behavior. Cluster analysis enabled us to differentiate between types of respondents in accordance to their responsiveness to influencing experiences. The results draw attention to (a) the different pathways by which environmental attitudes and behaviors are influenced; (b) the important role of the inner self (“personality”) in organizing and giving meaning to all other formative influences; and (c) the effectiveness of environmental schools in urban communities in Israel, in influencing the behavior of students’ parents.
Fixed drug eruptions: causing drugs, pattern of distribution and causality assessment in a leading tertiary care hospital -

Background: It is bitter truth that there is no drug in this world which is without an adverse drug reaction (ADR). After the clinical trials when the drug comes in market or when it is taken by variety of population then actual reality of the drug comes out about its efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Fixed drug eruption is also one such type of ADR in which a specific type of lesions occurs over the skin after the drug is taken. Methods: We have conducted a clinical, observational study, in BPS Government Medical College, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India over a period of eight months. In that period we have found 159 patients having adverse drug reactions. Patients of both genders, under all age group were included in the study. Results: Out of 159 adverse drug reactions reports 69 (43.39%) were cutaneous adverse drug reaction report, 45 (28.30%) cases were of fixed drug eruption (FDE). Out of these 45 cases seen, there were 4 males (8.88%) and 41 females (91.11%). Flouroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and norofloxacin were the most common drugs causing fixed drug eruption followed by nitroimadazole antibiotic like metronidazole, tinidazole and NSAIDS like diclofenac, paracetamol and meftal spas in our study. FDE are more common in upper limbs extremities followed by lower limb extremities than face and trunk. Causality assessment was done with the help of WHO UMC scale and we found that association was possible in all the cases. Conclusions: Fixed drug eruptions are one of the major types of adverse drug reactions and should be assessed and reported.
Muscle strength in young judo contestants vs. untrained subjects

Background (1) to evaluate the level of relative strength in judoists compared to untrained peers; (2) identification of dominant muscle groups in strength preparation profile of judo contestants. Material/Methods: The study was carried out in 11 judoists (J) who took at least fifth place in national judo tournaments. Average age of the subjects was 17 years, average body mass 79.8 kg. Their fight was registered during national-level championships: all successful actions in standing and on the ground were recorded. A comparative group (N) consisted of fifteen boys at similar age and body mass, recruited from randomly assigned schools. In the Department of Biomechanics, measurements of muscle torques were taken in study participants for extensor and flexor muscles in hips, knees, elbows shoulders and trunk, in both left and right body sides. The analysis concerned relative torques. Mean values for left and right sides were calculated for upper and lower extremities. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between mean values of relative muscle torques concerned flexors and extensors of elbow joint (J>N), shoulders joint (J>N), knee joint extensors (J>N) and trunk flexors and extensors (J<N). The group of judoists was characterized by higher percentage of relative torques knee extensors, with lower percentage of flexors and trunk extensors compared to untrained controls. Conclusions: Although judo contestants exhibit similar relative strength to untrained peers, many-year training causes that they demonstrate higher strength in the muscles which are active when pulling or lifting the opponent during performing throws. Antigravity muscles are able to develop particularly high force in these people: they play an essential role when throws are performed.
Using Authentic Materials for Extensive Reading to Promote English Proficiency.

Current literature points to the importance and benefits of extensive reading. Extensive reading provides contextualized clues for better reading comprehension (Krashen, 1982), and substantial linguistic input (Bell, 1998) needed for language development. Several studies have found a correlation between extensive reading and specific linguistic skills including breadth of reading choices, improved writing skills, ease in oral communication, and improvement in other aspects of language. Literature already incorporates much simplified reading material that would encourage even beginners to engage in extensive reading; however, there has been insufficient research to explore the effects of extensive reading that utilizes authentic materials. Krashen (2011) specifies a crucial need for continuous research in this area in support of the inclusion of extensive reading in the EFL curriculum. Thus, this researcher attempted to add to the literature by investigating the impact of authentic materials as the main source of extensive reading. This quantitative study employed a pre- and post-test design using a simulated English proficiency test and an attitudinal survey. Other data such as course exams and students’ class participation records were also included to increase validity. This study intended to discover the effects of extensive reading using online materials on students’ language proficiency, and students’ attitudes toward the extensive reading activity. The study results indicated a strong relationship between extensive reading and vocabulary development. Students thought that extensive reading also enhanced their overall English ability and knowledge.
Impact of row spacing and seeding rate on yield components of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

In Tunisia lentil (Lens culinaris L.) which is an annual grain legume, is included in cropping systems throughout the semiarid region but information on optimum plant population density was not well developed for this region. This study was conducted in kef (Northwest Semi-Arid region of Tunisia) in order to determine the impact of row spacing and seeding rate on yield and yield components of lentil. ‘Siliana’ lentil cultivar was sown at 17 and 34cm cm row spacing, and at three seeding rates (80, 120, 160 seeds/m). Analysis of variance showed that the effect of row spacing, plant seeding rates and interaction between them was significant on all traits show that was significant on all measured parameters except for 100seed weight. Results show that 34cm row spacing and seed rate of 120 seeds/m was found to be the best for lentil production in terms of biological and grain yields with 2119,2 and 903,9 kg/ha respectively. On the other hand, 17cm row spacing and 160seeds/m affects negatively the yields and components.
40 years of political budget cycles: What do we know? A Meta-Regression Analysis

Despite a long history of research on political budget cycles, their existence and magnitude are still in question. By conducting a systematic analysis of the existing literature we intend to clarify the debate. Based on data collected from over 1,700 regressions and 58 studies, our meta-analysis suggests that leaders do manipulate scal tools in order to be re-elected but to an extent that is signicantly exaggerated by scholars. However, we show the incumbents’ strategy dier depending on which tools they leverage. Finally, we discuss in further details how authors’ methodological choices and country institutions aect political budget cycles.
Preferential Trade among the SAARC Countries: Prospects and Challenges of Regional Integration in South Asia

The prospects and challenges of preferential trade liberalisation and regional integration in South Asia are analysed by analysing regional and international trade structures of South Asian countries through conventional trade measures such as commodity composition and direction of trade, and bilateral trade shares. Findings indicate that, with the existing low level of bilateral and intra-original trade shares and low trade with South Asian countries, the gains from free trade arrangements in this region are likely to be minimal. The region accounts for a very insignificant share of world trade but persistent high levels of tariff barriers. Thus, preferential trade liberalisation is more likely to bring about trade diversion than trade creation leading to more gains for large countries and more losses for small countries. Further, trade policies of individual countries are shaped more by political considerations than economic factors. Therefore, implementation of a free trade area and deriving benefits from it will be challenging.
Thermal-hydraulic analysis of flow in rib-roughened passages with application to gas-cooled nuclear reactors

The present paper reports RANS simulations of the flow and heat transfer in a 2-dimensional rib- roughened passage. Rib pitch-to-height ratios of 6, 9, and 12 are examined. The blockage ratio of the transversely-mounted rectangular ribs is 10%, making the case 'very rough'. The Reynolds number, based on the channel bulk velocity and hydraulic diameter, is 30,000. Three low-Reynolds-number linear EVMs, namely the Lien-Chen-Leschziner k-� model, the Menter k-�-SST model, and a variant of Durbin's v 2 -f formulation are examined. Results for a square rib profile are compared to those for the rib profile used in the fuel pins of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors. All computations are undertaken using the commercial CFD code 'STAR-CD'. In comparison with experimental data, it emerges that the v 2 -f model generally returns more accurate results than the k-� or k-�-SST closures.
SERUM LEPTIN AND BONE TURNOVER IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE Leptin is a small peptide hormone that is mainly, but not exclusively, produced in adipose tissue and cleared principally by the kidney. Serum leptin concentrations and bone mass are directly related. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who were undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). METHOD Serum calcium, phosphorus, predialysis serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), intact serum PTH (iPTH) and serum leptin were measured in 36 dialysis patients, 10 of whom were diabetic. RESULTS A significant difference in serum leptin between male and female diabetic patients was seen with higher values in females. In all patients a significant positive correlation of the logarithm of serum leptin with the logarithm of serum iPTH and a significant positive correlation of serum leptin with body mass index (BMI) were found. In male HD patients a near significant and inverse correlation of serum ALP with serum leptin was seen. In female HD patients a near significant inverse correlation of serum leptin with serum phosphorus and a significant inverse correlation of serum leptin with Ca ́P products were found. CONCLUSIONS In HD patients serum leptin affects bone activity.
Control of Blood Glucose for People with Type 1 Diabetes: an in Vivo Study

Since continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology and insulin pumps have improved recent years, a strong interest in a closed-loop artificial pancreas for people with type 1 diabetes has arisen. Presently, a fully automated controller of blood glucose must face many challenges, such as daily variations of patient’s physiology and lack of accuracy of glucose sensors. In this paper we design and discuss an algorithm for overnight closed-loop control of blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. The algorithm is based on Model Predictive Control (MPC). We use an offset-free autoregressive model with exogenous input and moving average (ARMAX) to model the patient. Observer design and a time-varying glucose reference signal improve robustness of the algorithm. We test the algorithm in two clinical studies conducted at Hvidovre Hospital. The first study took place overnight, and the second one took place during daytime. These trials demonstrate the importance of observer design in ARMAX models and show the possibility of stabilizing blood glucose during the night.
Bullying in schools: Lessons from two decades of research

Bullying is described as aggressive behavior normally characterized by repetition and imbalance of power, It may be considered as a normative in many group settings, but socially unacceptable within the ethos of a democratic society, The history of research and intervention on bullying in schools during the past two decades is summarized, School bullying emerges as an international issue, and we have increasing knowledge of its nature and effects, There is also growing experience of the effectiveness of a range of school-based intervention strategies, These issues are discussed in relation to the 10 articles from 9 countries that constitute the remainder of this Special Issue on Bullying in Schools,
Text-picture integration - Teachers' attitudes, motivation and self-related cognitions in diagnostics

Especially in secondary school, students need to learn from multi-representational material. For integrating information from different sources, students need specific competencies, which are seldom explicitly fostered. Teaching and learning with text-picture material is not systematically embedded in teacher education at German universities, but teachers have to deal with this material and its inherent challenges. For initiating successful learning processes teachers need to judge students’ learning prerequisites and the level of difficulty of text-picture material. This raises the need for investigating teachers’ attitudes, motivation and their self-related cognitions in diagnostics, which are assumed to impact teachers’ diagnostic activities. The presented study aims at examining teachers’ attitudes towards diagnostics, motivation towards diagnostics, self-efficacy beliefs and self-reflection in diagnostics in regard to teaching with multi-representational learning material. CFAs support the superiority of a four-factor model. Structural equation models reveal that teachers’ experience is positively related to their motivation in diagnostics. Teachers’ attitudes and self-related cognitions are positively related to their diagnostic behavior. The study provides evidence of the structure and importance of teachers’ attitudes, motivation and self-related cognitions.
Powder-snow avalanches: approximation as non-Boussinesq clouds with a Richardson number-dependent entrainment function

[1] This paper presents an investigation into non-Boussinesq particle-driven gravity currents such as powder snow avalanches and pyroclastic flows. For a finite-volume current to maintain its non-Boussinesq character (i.e., a substantial density difference with its surroundings) and therefore high velocities, it must counterbalance the entrainment of surrounding fluid by entraining particles from the bed. A number of theoretical models have assumed that the volume growth rate of such currents is controlled by the local slope and the density ratio between the current and the ambient fluid. An alternative assumption, according to which the volume growth rate is controlled solely by the overall Richardson number, is examined here. Both assumptions were used successively in the same theoretical model, primarily developed by A. G. Kulikovskiy and E. I. Sveshnikova, then by P. Beghin. The model predictions were compared to laboratory experiments (release of a finite volume down an inclined channel, with particle entrainment from the bed) and field data (a well-documented large powder snow avalanche in Switzerland). In both cases, the assumption of a slope-dependent volume growth rate received little support, whereas assuming that the entrainment coefficient is controlled by the Richardson number makes it possible to describe the velocity and volume variations fairly well, except for highly concentrated particle-driven currents in the laboratory.
X-RAY SOURCE MODEL FOR MODERN DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY SETS

This paper presents the model of a static diagnostic X-ray set. The model takes into account such parameters as a high anode voltage, total beam filtration, anode voltage pulsations, field dimensions and the type of a diagnostic investigation. X-ray spectra of a tube were generated using the “TASMIP”. The ICRP voxel phantoms were adapted for modeling one of the most frequent diagnostic procedures of a chest in order to obtain the profiles of absorbed dose distributions from the developed X-ray source model.
Molecular confirmation of Schistosoma and family relationship in two ancient Egyptian mummies

Egg morphology and immunocytochemistry have identified schistosomiasis in ancient Egypt. Our study aimed to detect and characterize schistosomal DNA in mummified human tissue. Liver samples from the mummy Nekht-Ankh (c. 3900 BP) and intestinal samples from Khnum-Nakht, possibly his brother, were analyzed using PCR primers suitable for fragmented ancient DNA, specific for either Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium. Mitochondrial primers examined any relationship between the supposed brothers. Two independent laboratories confirmed S. mansoni DNA from the Nekht-Ankh liver. One laboratory detected S. haematobium DNA in both the Nekht-Ankh liver and intestinal samples from Khnum-Nakht in repeat experiments. We believe this is the first verified report of S. mansoni in ancient Egypt. Although no S. haematobium DNA sequence was obtained, the results support earlier histological findings of S. haematobium in ancient Egyptian mummies. These findings demonstrate that both S. mansoni and S. haematobium were present in Central Egypt during the Middle Kingdom, around 3900 years ago. From the mitochondrial DNA analysis it appears that these two individuals were not maternally related, which is consistent with the morphology of the skulls. The lack of genetic relatedness between these supposed brothers throws light upon the habit of adoption in this society.