Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probiotic and glutamine treatments attenuate alcoholic liver disease in a rat model

The pathogenesis underlying alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is often a result of alcohol abuse, currently remains unclear. Previous studies have reported that enteric dysbiosis serves an important role in the pathogenesis of ALD. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glutamine and probiotics on a rat model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups including control (C), alcohol (M), alcohol + Golden Bifido (T), alcohol + glutamine (G), alcohol + Medilac-S® (N) and alcohol + Golden Bifido + glutamine (L). Histology, body weight (BW), triglycerides (TG), serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), diamine oxidase (DAO), occludin, endotoxin and D-lactate levels were assessed whilst changes in the gut flora were evaluated and compared. Results determined that all probiotic and glutamine treatments elevated the abnormally decreased BW and occludin levels whilst the abnormal elevated serum AST, ALT, TG, IL-6, TNF-α, DAO, endotoxin and D-lactate levels were significantly reduced following chronic ethanol consumption. Histopathological observation of the liver demonstrated that probiotic and glutamine treatments attenuated liver damage induced by alcohol. Moreover, sequencing determined that there was a reduction in Firmicutes as well as an increase in Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Porphyromonadaceae abundance in the ALD group compared with the healthy controls. However, these changes were prevented by glutamine and probiotic therapy. In conclusion, the present results suggested that probiotics and glutamine ameliorated ALD by suppressing inflammation and regulating the gut microbiota. Therefore, probiotic and glutamine treatments can potentially serve as therapies for the prevention and treatment of ALD.
Lowering Transport Costs and Prices by Competition: Regulatory and Institutional Reforms in Low Income Countries

High passenger and freight transport costs are a barrier to economic growth and social mobility, particularly in Low Income Countries (LICs). This paper considers the current state of knowledge regarding the barriers to achieving lower generalised transport costs. It considers both the road and railway modes across passenger and freight transport. These issues include a reform on the regulations for driver hours (preventing the road infrastructure from overloading), structuring rail concessions, increasing competition, and tackling corruption. Such reforms aim to deliver efficiency gains and service quality improvements at lower costs for users. This paper identifies the knowledge gap in previous research and concludes by setting out a research agenda that builds the evidence base for how the best practices from around the world can best be applied to the specific circumstances in Low Income Countries, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF HUMIC ACIDS ISOLATED FROM SOILS AMENDED... 333

The structural features of humic acids (HA) after addition of organic matter from urban residues were evaluated. The HAs were extracted from the surface (0-20 cm) of an ultisol (Seropédica, RJ) and oxisol (Piraí, RJ) which had been treated with the equivalent of 80 t ha-1 (dry material) of compost from urban waste and also sewage sludge. The incubation time in the laboratory was 24 weeks under room temperature and humidity at field capacity. Tha HAs were characterized by elemental analysis, 13C NMR spectroscopy and pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). NMR spectroscopy allowed the clear observation of alterations in the molecular composition of the HAs, mainly through the increase in the content of mono and dioxygenated carbon atoms (δ 50-100) and decrease in the content of CH2 and CH3 groups (δ 0-40). The increase in the amount of carbohydrates suggests the presence of more labile structures in the HAs with organic residues amendment. In addition, Py-GC/MS led to the observation of significant qualitative differences between the compounds which arose from the thermal fragmentation of HAs, mainly lipids and carbohydrate derivatives (such as furan), for soil samples treated with either organic residues. The coupling of 13C NMR spectroscopy and Py-GC/MS has proven useful in evaluating physical changes in HAs isolated from soils treated with urban organic residues.
The effects of airborne abrasion on micro-shear bond strength of resin cements on zirconia

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various air abrasion treatments on micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) of zirconia bonded with different self-adhesive resin cements. Methods: Fully-sintered Y-TZP block specimens (IPS e.max® ZirCAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared to 5 types of surface treatments: no treatment [CON], air abrasion with different particle sizes and pressures: 50 μm & 1 bar [50.1], 50 μm & 3 bar [50.3], 110 μm & 1 bar [110.1], and 110 μm & 3 bar [110.3]. Then, the specimens were divided into two subgroups for further cementation with self-adhesive resin cements (Rely X Unicem Aplicap, 3M ESPE and Panavia SA, Kuraray). These cements were placed into tygon tubes over the zirconia specimens. After water storage at 37°C for 24 hours, micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) was measured. Failure mode was observed under SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: The air abrasion treatment with various particle sizes and pressures affected μSBS (p<0.05). The higher pressure and larger particle size improved zirconia bond strength. Panavia SA performed superiorly in μSBS than Rely X Unicem (p<0.05). Conclusions: The air abrasion with larger particle size (110 μm) & higher air pressure (3 bar) in combination with MDP-containing resin cement (Panavia SA) could create the optimal adhesion to zirconia.
E-WOM BOMB EFFECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE TO BRAND: CASES IN HALAL PRODUCTS

The objective of this study is to analyze social media effect on brand image and purchase intention. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of Word-of-Mouth (WOM) communication on social media negatively or positively towards the brand / product rumored as not halal. The investigation shows that about 82 percent of respondents are internet / social networking (such as Facebook or Twitter) users for over 5 years. With the extent of network and the increasing number of users of social networking (Facebook, twitter) then if WOM is used, it will result in a major impact on the brand image, brand awareness and purchasing behavior. Design / methodology / approach To collect the data, this paper uses an online survey of social media users (Facebook and Twitter in particular). To analyze the data, this study uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings The research on WOM as a means of communication has been done by many researchers. The widespread use of social media results in the magnitude impact of WOM on brand, like a bomb such as the impact on the brand, good brand reputation / brand image, brand awareness which in turn will affect the purchasing behavior (attitudes, interests and action). As a Muslim-majority country, Indonesia is very concerned about halal products, so when the news spread about the products suspected to contain haram substances, the news will have an impact on the reputation and image of the brand and also have a major impact on purchase behavior. Research limitations / implications This study provides insight into the role of WOM information on social media which is limited to users of Facebook and twitter in shaping attitudes towards the issue of the purchase of products containing haram substances. However, the specific characteristics of the truth of the WOM information in shaping perceptions that affects halal / haram products is not explored in this study. Originality / value The results can help practitioners to determine and overcome the impact of WOM in social media and provide correct information to make marketing communications more efficient and powerful.
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation: Intensive Care Management

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has assumed in creasing importance in the treatment of bone marrow failure, hematopoietic malignancies, congenital immuno deficiencies, and solid tumors. Children undergoing BMT are at high risk for infection and hemorrhage dur ing the period of aplasia. In addition, life-threatening complications of circulatory, pulmonary, gastrointesti nal, hepatic, and renal function are common and fre quently require intensive supportive care. This review provides an overview of pediatric BMT that focuses on management problems relevant to intensive care. Thor ough pretransplantation assessment of underlying organ dysfunction is mandatory before undertaking BMT. The complications associated with preconditioning regi mens that use total body irradiation and high doses of ablative chemotherapy are described. Finally, problems involving individual organs are discussed by systems. The challenge of improving the results of BMT in the treatment of childhood malignant and hematopoietic disorders depends, in large part, on successful preven tive measures and good management of complications that occur immediately before and within the first 100 days after transplantation. As BMT is indicated for treat ment of an increasing number of diseases, more patients will require the care of intensivists familiar with trans plantation-related complications.
Impact of Islamic practices on the mental health of Muslims

Background: The article is an attempt to provide a true and clear understanding of the principles of Islam and their psychological influence on the followers. Like all religions, Islam, its teachings and rituals also have an impact on the everyday life of an individual. This makes the study of mental health in relation to Islam an important field of research which is very much required in the current global sociopolitical scenario. Aim: The aim of the article is to discuss various Islamic rituals and how they influence on mental health. To provide a clear understanding of Islamic principles, the impact of Islamic rituals on mental health and to understand factors outside of Islam that contributes to poor mental health outcomes. Materials and Methods: To explore the research question, a literature review was conducted. Deakin library resources were used through EBSCOhost, databases such as MEDLINE complete, PsycARTICLES, PsycEXTRA, CINHAL Complete, and Psychology were also systematically explored for appropriate peer-reviewed research literature. Reference lists of the retrieved articles were also searched. Google Scholar was also used to search for and obtain literature unavailable in other databases. Articles relating to Islamic principles and mental health outcomes were included. Results: At the end of literature review, it is concluded that Islamic rituals play a constructive part in developing the personality of the believer where some rituals are seen encouraging a disciplined lifestyle and some play a part in increasing self-control. Following most of the Islamic rituals reduces stress and depression of everyday life. Conclusion: It is recommended that non-Muslims should participate more in exploring Islam and conduct studies on it with the western perspective. For studies to be more neutral, researchers from different religious backgrounds should work together with the help of scales especially meant for measuring Islamic religiosity.
Single-Row Versus Double-Row Repair in Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator cuff (RC) tear is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability among adults. Surgical management of RC tears is recommended after conservative treatment failure. Due to the development of arthroscopic repair techniques, the use of the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has become the gold standard. Single-row (SR) and double-row (DR) suture anchor repairs are the two most popular and commonly used arthroscopic techniques. However, the optimal arthroscopic surgical technique remains controversial in terms of clinical and biomechanical outcomes, healing, and re-tear rates. This chapter will focus on differences between these two techniques regarding biomechanics, clinical results, healing rate, and cost effectiveness.
Be Cautious with the Precautionary Principle: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident

This paper provides a large scale, empirical evaluation of unintended effects from invoking the precautionary principle after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. After the accident, all nuclear power stations ceased operation and nuclear power was replaced by fossil fuels, causing an exogenous increase in electricity prices. This increase led to a reduction in energy consumption, which caused an increase in mortality during very cold temperatures. We estimate that the increase in mortality from higher electricity prices outnumbers the mortality from the accident itself, suggesting the decision to cease nuclear production has contributed to more deaths than the accident itself.
Technical Efficiency of Nepalese Banking Sector

The paper estimates and assesses the technical efficiency at individual and aggregate levels and categorizes groups of banks at various ranges of efficiency. The commercial and development banks established before 2005 in Nepal has been considered as the population of the study and 20 banks are selected using systematic random sampling. The 180 observations of nine year’s panel data from FY 2006/07 to FY 2014/15 has been used. Stochastic Frontier Approach is used taking three input variables i.e. capital, deposit and human resource cost, and one output variable i.e. loans and advance of sampled banks for analysis. The study found that the average technical efficiency (TE) by nature of banks provide commercial banks as the more efficient than development banks. The joint venture banks are the most efficient than other categories of banks. The average efficiency of banks established inside the Kathmandu valley (Head Office located inside Kathmandu) is lower than the average efficiency of banks established outside the Kathmandu valley (Head Office located outside Kathmandu). Similarly, the banks established after 1995 are found more efficient than the banks established before 1995. The study has important implications for the policymakers to take corrective actions for improving the efficiency of the Nepalese banking sector with respect to human resource policy, deposit collection policy and loan management policy.
Synergistic Value in Vertically Integrated Power‐to‐Gas Energy Systems

This paper examines the value that can potentially be created by a vertically integrating energy system. Integration entails operational gains that must be traded off against the requisite cost of capacity investments. In the context of our model, the operational gains are subject to inherent volatility in both the price and the output of the intermediate product transferred within the vertically integrated structure. Our model framework provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the value (NPV) of an integrated system to exceed the sum of two optimized subsystems on their own. We then calibrate the model in Germany and Texas for systems that combine wind energy with Power-to-Gas (PtG) facilities which produce carbon-free hydrogen. Depending on the prices attainable for hydrogen in different market segments, we find that a synergistic investment value emerges in certain settings. In the context of Texas, for instance, neither electricity generation from wind power nor hydrogen production from PtG is profitable on its own in the current market environment. Yet, provided both subsystems are sized optimally in relative terms, the attendant operational gains from vertical integration more than compensate for the stand-alone losses of the two subsystems.
Drug resistance pattern in ESBL producing E.Coli in clinical isolates from stand alone diagnostic centre in central Madhya Pradesh

Background: Growing multiple drug resistance in microorganisms is of great importance and so is the knowledge about the current drug susceptibility pattern for deciding the empirical usage of antibiotics. E.coli is one of the commensals in the human intestinal tract and contributes to the maintenance of Health of the person. However when E.coli enters into unnatural sites, it can cause variety of infections, bacteremia, meningitis and other soft tissue infections. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in Ecoli is threatening the effectiveness of many antibiotics which has resulted in increased hospital stay of patients, which in turn causes economic burden. Extended spectrum Beta lactamase (ESBL) producing E.coli has tremendously increased worldwide and it is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality associated with hospital acquired infections. Objective: The present retrospective study highlights the susceptibility pattern of E.coli in clinical specimens obtained at Sampurna Sodani Daignostic Clinic Indore (MP) Microbiology department for the year 2014 from January to July. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of ESBL producing E.coli in different clinical specimens including urine, blood, pus, vaginal swab, stool, semen, aural swab, BAL fluid and conjuctival swab obtained from out patients at Sampurna Sodani Diagnostic Clinic Microbiology department located in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) from January to July 2014 and reported in fully automated Microscan (Siemens) according to CLSI guidelines. A total of 542 samples were reviewed. A total of 29 antibiotics were assessed for the resistance pattern in E.coli isolates. Results: Out of 542 E.coli isolates grown in the lab from urine, blood, pus, vaginal swab, stool, aural swab, BAL fluid, and conjunctival swab. 420 isolates showed sensitivity to imipenem, amikacin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactum in more than 70 % cases. Conclusion: ESBLs are enzymes that mediate resistance to extended spectrum Beta lactamase (third generation) cephalosporins (eg. Ceftazidime, cefotaxime, & ceftriaxone) and monobactums (eg. Aztreonam) but do not affect cephamycins (eg.cefoxitin) or carbapenems (eg.meropenem or imipenem). 40. 95% isolates of E.coli were ESBL. Among oral antibiotics highest sensitivity was observed to nitrofurantoin (68.33 %) and Amoxy/ Clavulinic acid (44.8%) which can be the drug of choice for E.coli infections specially in UTI. Injectable drugs like Imipenem (90.4%) and Amikacin showed sensitivity in 84.87% isolates but being injectable drugs, should be used with caution. Key words: E.coli,ESBL,Beta Lactamases,drug sensitivity pattern
A Global Model for Parallel Programming

Current day HPC is acutely aware of the importance of data movement during program execution. Strangely enough, very few programming tools have ways of explicitly manipulating communication as first-class objects. For instance, in MPI communication is implicitly defined by the sequence in which MPI calls in the code are executed. By contrast, we argue for the model used in the PETSc library, where the traffic pattern of an algorithm is an explicit first-class object, and the actual communication is the result of applying this object to input and output arrays. We extend this model to include callbacks, and both data-parallel and data-pipelined communication. Furthermore, we introduce a formal description of parallel algorithms, from which the communication objects can be derived by formal reasoning. Thus we argue for the prospect of a parallel language and compiler (or more modestly, a code transformation tool) that is more convenient for expressing parallel algorithms than MPI, while still delivering performance on the order of MPI code. Eijkhout, Smith, Arora Parallel Programming
Bacteriological status of chicken meat products marketed at Menofia governorate

A total of 90 random samples of semi-cooked chicken Pane, Nuggets and Strips products (30 samples of each) were collected from different supermarkets in different districts at Monofia governorate for determination of their bacteriological aspects. The obtained results indicated that the mean values of total bacterial count, total Enterobacteriace and total coliforms counts/g in the examined samples were 4.25x 10 1.40 x 10, 5.47 x 10 1.98 x 10 and 8.32x 10 3.33x 10 for pane, 7.12 x 10 2.11 x 10, 6.58 x 10 1.98 x 10 and 6.87 x 10 2.00 x 10 for Nuggets and 5.96 x 10 1.49 x 10, 6.19x 10 1.30x 10 and 5.49x 10 2.00 x 10 for Strips, respectively. Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Salmonella could be detected in examined sample with different percentages. The public health significances of isolated bacteria were discussed. Key words; Chicken Pane, Nuggets, Strips, Salmonella, E.coli, Staph aureus. (http://www.bvmj.bu.edu.eg) (bvmj, 34(1): 28-40 , MARCH, 2018
PRBM_A_209931 609..617

Wen Ying Chang Chin-Tien Hsu Pei Yun Yu 1Department of Counseling and Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan District, Taiwan; 2Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taoyuan Branch Registered Nurse, Taoyuan District, Taiwan; 3TriService General Hospital Nurse Anesthetist, Taipei, Taiwan Background: According to the social identity theory and Chinese cultural influences, power distance orientation may play an important role in this relationship, and thus the examined model investigates the mediating role of team-based self-esteem relations between voice behavior and team trust. Purpose: This study explores how voice behavior in the nursing workplace correlates to changes in team-based self-esteem and trust. We also examine the power distance orientation level in this process to test for any moderated mediation in these linkages. Patients and methods: Employing convenient sampling of 247 registered nurses from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Nurses received envelopes including self-report questionnaires from the researchers, which were immediately sealed after interviews. Results: Structural equation modeling indicates all model fits are acceptable, suggesting that team-based self-esteem has partial mediation between team trust and voice behavior. Power distance orientation also moderates the indirect effect of team trust upon self-esteem, such that the relationship is stronger among those who have a high power distance orientation. Conclusion: This study highlights the usefulness of continued research into how nurses display promoting behavior through team-based self-esteem with a distinct level of power distance orientation under differing sources of team trust from peers, managers, and organizations, as well as how nurses, especially fresh graduates and those who underwent a job transfer, shape their social identity through psychological factors in the sense-making process.