Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-management practices among type 2 diabetes patients attending physicians and pharmacists: An exploratory study from Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Globally, Pakistan is among the top 10 countries in terms of the proportion of the population living with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured permanently, but complications and premature deaths can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyles. Self-management is the key to controlling diabetes. Besides rational therapeutic approaches, patient counseling by physicians and pharmacists is crucial because self-management practices are generally influenced by the patient’s knowledge of their disease. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore self-management practices among type 2 diabetes patients visiting physicians and pharmacists, and to assess the differences in the self-management practices of patients who visit physicians and those who visit pharmacists concerning type 2 diabetes in the past two years. Methods: This exploratory study recruited 363 established type 2 diabetes patients using a simple random sampling technique. The patients had consulted either a physician or pharmacist (but not both) over the past two years in relation to their type 2 diabetes, and physically visited a branch of a private-chain retail pharmacy in Lahore, Pakistan. Face-to-face interviews and structured questionnaires with a few open-ended questions were adopted as methods of data collection, focusing on socio-demographic and clinical factors, and the standard self-management practices of patients. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The difference between categorical variables, i.e. self-management practices and visits to healthcare professionals, were determined using chi-square tests. Results: The results showed that none of the standard diabetes self-management practices were fully adhered to by the patients. The use of the HbA1C test to monitor diabetes was the least used test among diabetic patients visiting a physician (29.60%) or pharmacist (25.70%). Patients visiting pharmacists adhered to medication use (88.50%, p<0.001), eating a well-balanced diet (75.22%, p=0.050), blood glucose level check (88.50%, p<0.001) and regular blood pressure monitoring (81.42%, p<0.001), whereas patients visiting physicians adhered better to daily feet checking (69.20%, p<0.001) and regular exercise (74.80%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates that there is a significant fluctuation in adherence to key self-management practices among type 2 diabetes patients who visit physicians and those who visit pharmacists. Increasing the numbers of pharmacists in the healthcare system who have a special focus on diabetes may improve self-management practices among diabetic patients. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2020; 34(3):165-170] Key words: Pharmacists, physicians, consultation, type 2 diabetes, self-management
Low Glucose Enhances the Cytoprotective Effect of Metformin Against Doxorubicin Induced Cytotoxicity in Normal Cells

The anti-diabetic drug, metformin, has been reported to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system and may facilitate the extension of a healthier lifespan. Doxorubicin is a leading chemotherapeutic drug used to treat a variety of cancers, yet it can cause significant adverse effects with cardiac toxicity and longterm damage. To test the hypothesis that the hypoglycaemic agent, metformin, may protect normal cells during chemotherapy treatment with liposomal doxorubicin, C2C12 myoblast cells were used to study cellular bioenergetics, variations in gene expressions and biochemical alterations induced by metformin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (L-Doxo) under low glucose conditions (2.7 mM or 50 mg/dL). Using confocal microscopy, we noted that treatment of C2C12 cells with 30 µg/mL L-Doxo under low glucose conditions induced a number of cellular defects. L-Doxo treatment dysregulated the expression of mitochondrial fission and fusion genes, which may influence transformation of the network’s connectivity. L-Doxo significantly reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). However, pre-treatment of cells with 100 nM metformin provided protection against L-Doxo-induced damage and increased cell viability and ATP levels in cells even under low glucose conditions. In addition, metformin increased and restored the decreased OCR and ECAR. Our data provide a mechanism by which low dose metformin exerts protective effects against L-Doxo via involvement of AMPKα under low glucose conditions. Taken together, our results demonstrate that metformin protects normal cells from L-Doxo damage even under low glucose conditions.
The Optimal Setting of A/B Exam Papers without Item Pools: A Hybrid Approach of IRT and BGP

The administration of A/B exams usually involves the use of items. Issues arise when the pre-establishment of a question bank is necessary and the inconsistency in the knowledge points to be tested (in the two exams) reduces the exams ‘fairness’. These are critical for a large multi-teacher course wherein the teachers are changed such that the course and examination content are altered every few years. However, a fair test with randomly participating students should still be a guaranteed subject with no item pool. Through data-driven decision-making, this study collected data related to a term test for a compulsory general course for empirical assessments, pre-processed the data and used item response theory to statistically estimate the difficulty, discrimination and lower asymptotic for each item in the two exam papers. Binary goal programing was finally used to analyze and balance the fairness of A/B exams without an item pool. As a result, pairs of associated questions in the two exam papers were optimized in terms of their overall balance in three dimensions (as the goals) through the paired exchanges of items. These exam papers guarantee their consistency (in the tested knowledge points) and also ensure the fairness of the term test (a key psychological factor that motivates continued studies). Such an application is novel as the teacher(s) did not have a pre-set question bank and could formulate the fairest strategy for the A/B exam papers. The model can be employed to address similar teaching practice issues.
On‐line partitioning of the sample space in the regional adaptive algorithm

The regional adaptive (RAPT) algorithm is particularly useful in sampling from multimodal distributions. We propose an adaptive partitioning of the sample space, to be used in conjunction with the RAPT sampler and its variants. The adaptive partitioning consists in defining a hyperplane that is orthogonal to the line joining averaged coordinates in two separate regions and that goes through a point such that both averaged coordinates are equally Mahalanobis‐distant from this point. This yields an adaptive process that is robust to the choice of initial partition, stabilizes rapidly and is implemented at a marginal computational cost. The ergodicity of the sampler is verified through the simultaneous uniform ergodicity and diminishing adaptation conditions. The approach is compared to the RAPT algorithm with fixed regions and to the RAPT with online recursion (RAPTOR) through various examples, including a real data application. In short, our main contribution is the development of an alternative version of RAPTOR that seems to have no obvious downside and runs 15–35% faster in the examples considered.
Sensitivity of Analytical Flux Footprint Models in Diverse Source‐Receptor Configurations: A Field Experimental Study

Flux footprint models simulate the source area of scalar fluxes from a measurement site but are hindered by the assumptions that are rarely satisfied in real field conditions. We conducted artificial tracer (CO2) experiments in unstable conditions over an open field, to evaluate three analytical footprint models (Kormann and Meixner‐KM, Hsieh‐HS, and Schuepp‐SP) under variable source‐receptor settings. Experimental configurations include (i) source length (point to semi‐infinite), (ii) emission height (below and above zero‐plane displacement), (iii) measurement height (1.5 and 2.8 m above ground level), and (iv) offset from the principal wind direction (±60°). Eddy covariance (EC) fluxes were measured using one source‐multiple sampling system approach. Results indicate that KM model is in good agreement with the EC measurements under ideal conditions (R2 = 0.81, root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) = 0.008 m−1) compared to HS (R2 = 0.60, RMSE = 0.014 m−1) and SP (R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 0.009 m−1) models. The KM model captured both footprint maximum and its location. Uncertainties in the model estimates were ascertained by considering random ensembles of wind speed, friction velocity, and Obukhov length. The KM model has resulted in the least uncertainty band containing all the flux observations. Error propagation into model simulations resulting from a progressive deviation of the underlying assumptions was assessed. Model‐to‐measurement discrepancies were positive (flux overestimation) for offset deviations up to ±30° and negative beyond. Modeled fluxes were sensitive to source length and emission height in comparison to the offset deviation. Overall, the KM model showed the least error (9.6 ± 8.12%) for different source‐receptor deviations. Study findings can help in evaluating and improving the analytical models for use under nonideal source‐receptor configurations and scaling measurements for different applications.
Observation of a New Long‐Period (16‐s) Persistent Tremor Originating in the Gulf of Guinea

A new persistent microseismic tremor, with a narrowband period centered near 16 s, was discovered in the primary microseism spectral peak by analyzing seismic waveforms recorded by African, European, and American seismometers. This tremor may generate coherent arrivals in noise cross‐correlation functions (NCFs), which could potentially bias ambient noise tomography. Using an envelope‐stacking method, we discovered that the 16‐s tremor source is in the coastal region of the Gulf of Guinea and is probably isolated from the previously reported 26‐s tremor source. The nature of the newly identified 16‐s tremor, like the 26‐ and 27‐s tremors, is similar to a volcanic tremor radiated by the Mayotte volcanic system, thereby suggesting that the excitation of all the Gulf of Guinea tremors may be related to volcanic activities. Thus, this study implies that there may still be active volcanoes in the gulf.
População negra e Covid-19: reflexões sobre racismo e saúde

Este artigo tem por objetivo contribuir para a reflexao no tocante aos impactos da pandemia Covid-19 na populacao negra, tendo como marco disparador a necessidade premente de analisar as assimetrias que essa emergencia sanitaria global produz, particularmente em contextos de desigualdade social, como e o caso do Brasil, em que a 242 ESTUDOS AVANCADOS 34 (99), 2020 populacao em situacao de vulnerabilidade social pode ser representada majoritariamente pela populacao negra, em seus diferentes grupos especificos, tipificados por genero, por restricoes de acesso a educacao, protecao social, moradia adequada, servicos de saneamento basico, internet, bem como por ocupacao/desocupacao, por espaco geografico, por privacao de liberdade, ainda que paradoxalmente, quantitativamente equivalha a maioria da populacao brasileira, que acumula os piores indicadores.
The relationship between coach behavior and athlete self-regulated learning

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesized link between athletes’ perception of coach behavior and their self-regulation of sport learning. Self-report questionnaires were administered to 140 Division-I National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes to assess aspects of coach control, autonomy support, and athlete self-regulated learning. From a person-centered approach, a cluster analysis resulted in the identification of three groups which exhibited contrasting profiles of coach behavior. Groupings consisted of athletes who were highly supported, moderately supported and controlled, and highly controlled. From a variable-centered approach, a canonical correlation analysis was performed followed by individual univariate analyses. The results offer both person-level and variable-level support for the relationship between coach behavior and self-regulated learning. Overall, a positive relationship between autonomy-supportive coaching and athlete self-regulation was found. Future directions for research and practical applications for coaching are discussed.
Insecticide application rate in coffee crop: qualitative and quantitative aspects and efficacy of leaf miner control

Leaf miner is a key coffee crop pest in Central and South America countries, especially in Brazil, where the insect causes considerable production losses. In the management of this insect pest, insecticide applications at reduced rates are fundamental for the rational use of water. Thus, the aim of this study was to select a spraying system that ensures effectiveness of cyantraniliprole, cartape hydrochloride and beta-cypermethrin insecticides in the leaf miner control, good spraying quality with varying application rates and low impact on natural parasitism. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of spraying with the Blue spray marker were evaluated at the following rates: 28.1, 60.5, 80.2 and 180.0 L ha-1 and the efficacy of cyantraniliprole (100 g a.i. L-1), cartape hydrochloride (500 g a.i. kg-1) and beta-cypermethrin insecticides (100 g a.i. L-1). Pest infestation and parasitism were determined before and after applications. Application rate interferes with qualitative aspects and spray deposition levels. Rates between 80.2 and 180.0 L ha-1 are the most suitable for the control of this insect. Cyantraniliprole insecticide is effective in controlling L. coffeella up to 45 DAA at rate of 180 L ha-1. The impact of cyantraniliprole, cartape hydrochloride and beta-cypermethrin insecticides on L. coffeella natural parasitism varies with application rates and time after application. Key words: Brilliant blue marker; beta-cypermethrin; cartape hydrochloride; cyantraniliprole; Leucoptera coffeella.
STUDY OF VARIABILITY, CORRELATION AND PATH ANALYSIS IN FORAGE SORGHUM [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Sorghum is one of the important crops of dry land agriculture. In a systematic breeding programme, collection and evaluation of germplasm is the first step. Variability is the prerequisite for the effective selection. The success of any crop improvement programme not only depends on the amount of genetic variability present in the population but also on the extent to which it is heritable, which sets the limit of progress that can be achieved through selection(Narasimharao et al., 1964). Knowledge of heritability influences the choice of selection procedures used by the plant breeder to decide which selection methods would be most useful to improve the character, to predict gain from selection and to determine the relative importance of genetic effects. Characters with high heritability can easily be fixed with simple selection resulting in quick progress. (Mallinath et al., 2004). Genetic advance shows the degree of gain obtained in a character under a particular selection pressure. High genetic advance coupled with high heritability estimates offers the most suitable condition for selection Kalpande et al., (2015). The correlation study among quantitative traits is important for assessing the feasibility of joint selection of two or more traits and hence for evaluating the effect of selection for secondary traits on genetic gain for the primary trait under consideration.Kalpande et al., (2015) A positive genetic correlation between two desirable traits makes the job of the plant breeder easy for improving both traits simultaneously Dapke etal. , (2014). Path coefficient analysis was performed to qualify the direct and indirect contributors of yield. Therefore the present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability, relationships among quantitative traits and Path coefficient analysis in selected genotypes of sorghum.
Electrolytes Profile of Estrual Mucus of Gir Cows with Reference to Body Condition Score and Fertility

Fifty Gir cows of different reproductive status (10 = normal cyclic, 20 = repeat breeders and 20=induced estrus) were selected to determine the association of electrolytes mainly the macro-minerals profile of their estrual cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) to their body condition score (BCS) and fertility post-AI. The overall pooled mean concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium obtained in CVM of Gir cows were 14.27 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 1.87 ± 0.13 mg/dL, 4.24 ± 0.10 mEq/L, 159.85 ± 5.52 mEq/L and 29.50 ± 0.78 mEq/L, respectively. The repeat breeding cows had significantly (p less than 0.01) higher calcium and lower inorganic phosphorus, sodium and potassium in their CVM than the normal cyclic and/or induced estrus cows. Similarly, the conceived cows, overall and of repeater group, had significantly (p less than 0.05) lower calcium and higher phosphorus, sodium and potassium than the non-conceived cows. However, no such variation was found in the magnesium content of CVM of these groups. Further, the levels of calcium in CVM showed an increasing trend, while other elements showed a decreasing trend with an increase in BCS from 2.5 to 3.5 (on 0-5 point scale) in all three categories of animals, but the differences were not significant for BCS within the group/category. It was thus inferred that significantly increased or widened Ca:P ratio and absolute lower levels of sodium and potassium in CVM could be responsible for conception failure and repeat breeding in dairy cows.
Highly efficient 5.8‐GHz class E−1 frequency doubler using a transmission‐line‐based notch filter

An inverse class E frequency doubler is proposed to improve power conversion efficiency by using a transmission‐line‐based notch filter. The notch filter implemented using a transmission line is used at the output network in the doubler to suppress both fundamental and high‐order harmonic signals by a switching‐mode operation. A fourth harmonic signal is also reduced by using the quarter‐wavelength transmission line at the output network. Two frequency doublers with the proposed output network are optimized at different input power values and implemented on an FR4 PCB. In the measurement results, the doubler optimized at a low driving power shows a power conversion efficiency of 26.3% and an output power of 11.2 dBm for an input power of 11.5 dBm. The signal rejection levels of the low‐power optimized doubler power are −32, −40.1, and −31.7 dBc at the fundamental frequency, third harmonics, and fourth harmonics, respectively. The doubler optimized at a high driving power shows a power conversion efficiency of 24.6%, an output power of 13.7 dBm, and a signal rejection of less than −29.8 dBc, respectively.
A simplified feeding system did not affect milk production compared with a total mixed ration system in dairy cows

Abstract The objective of our study was to compare animal performance of a simplified feeding system, named easy feeding (EF), with animal performance of a total mixed ration (TMR) feeding system, using high yielding dairy cows in early lactation. Two treatments, TMR (n = 16) and EF (n = 16), were evaluated in a completely randomised design. Holstein cows (617 ± 85.1 kg of body weight and 52 ± 16 days in milk) were used. The TMR treatment consisted of a mix of concentrates, corn silage and alfalfa hay, mixed and offered twice a day, while EF treatment involved the same diet components offered separately, with concentrate offered individually in the milking parlour, alfalfa hay offered as bales and corn silage offered straight from the silo bag, with no intervention of machinery in the feeding process. The feeding system had no effect on milk production, fat and protein yield, total net energy intake, total dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score plasma metabolites and eating and ruminating time. Cows in EF system had higher non-fibrous carbohydrates intake, lower intakes of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre and longer drinking time than cows in TMR system. Cows in EF selected a diet according to their preferences, which may have allowed them to achieved similar milk yield to TMR cows, despite the advantages of mixed diets in TMR treatment. Thus, the EF system is an attractive alternative to traditional TMR system, provided that costs of feeding operations are effectively reduced. Highlights A new simplified feeding system was compared to TMR system Milk production was similar in both feeding systems Simplified feeding system is an attractive alternative to traditional TMR systems, provided that costs of feeding operations are effectively reduced in EF
Effects of dietary short- and medium-chain fatty acids on performance, carcass traits, jejunum morphology, and serum parameters of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effect of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; C4 powder) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs; Bergaprime) on performance, carcass characteristics, and some serum parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned to five dietary treatments, including control diets (C), C plus Virginiamycin (200 g/ton; ANTI) as positive control, C plus MCFAs supplement (1 kg Bergaprime/ton; M), C plus SCFAs supplement (3 kg C4 powder/ton in starter and 1.5 kg/ton in grower and finisher diets; S), and C plus the combination of SCFAs and MCFAs supplement (SM), as mentioned above according to a completely randomized design. Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates with 10 chicks each. There were no significant differences in body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and carcass traits among the treatments. SCFAs and MCFAs treatments had higher heterophil and lower lymphocyte percentage compared to the control treatment. Blood glucose and cholesterol concentrations were decreased in MCFAs and SCFAs (p < .05). Lipid percentage of thigh meat of MCFAs and SCFAs was decreased. These results indicated that dietary MCFAs and SCFAs positively decreased broiler chicken meat.