Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation Module in Kuwait: A Survey on Undergraduate Dental Training Curriculum

Introduction The use of nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation sedation in dentistry has increased worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation sedation undergraduate teaching curriculum at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving dental students in their clinical years (5th, 6th, and 7th years) at Kuwait University Faculty of Dentistry was conducted. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The Likert scale-based survey comprised 17 statements that assessed various aspects of N2O/O2 inhalation sedation in dental procedures. Continuous data variables were compared among different groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Categorical data variables were compared using either the Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. Results Fifty-six students participated in this survey-based study. All students attended an approximately equal number of practical hands-on-training sessions, with a mean of 1.7 (± 1.1) sessions (p = 0.813). Most students expressed confidence in administering N2O/O2 inhalation sedation with an insignificant difference between each group (p = 0.276). However, low confidence level was observed in certain intraoperative and postoperative management aspects of providing N2O/O2 to patients. Conclusion This study indicated that the teaching curriculum regarding N2O/O2 inhalation sedation should be regularly evaluated. The quality of students’ educational pathways should also be assessed through surveys to improve and develop dental school curricula to the highest standard levels.
Strength Characteristics of M40 Grade Concrete using Waste PET as Replacement for Sand

The wide variety of industrial and domestic applications of plastic products has fuelled a global trend in their use. The vast amount of plastic items that are discarded after use, on the other hand, pollutes the environment. In light of this, the current study investigated the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as substitute for natural sand in concrete production. Locally sourced river sand was replaced with industrially ground waste PET in proportions of 4 to 20% at a step of 4% by the weight of natural sand whereas other concrete constituents (cement, granite, water-cement ratio and superplasticizer) were kept constant. A Grade M40 concrete with a mix proportion of 1:1:2:0.35 (cement: sand: granite: water-to-cement ratio) was used for all concrete mixes. Concrete without PET represents the control. Fresh (Slump) and hardened (compressive, split tensile and flexural) properties of the produced concrete were assessed using standard testing methods. The results showed that the slump of concrete decreased by 1.8% and 12.5% with an increase in PET content from 0 to 20%. The 28-day compressive strength of concrete containing PET was lower than the control. However, concrete with 4% PET compared considerably well with control with the compressive strength value exceeding the target strength of 40 N/mm2 while concretes containing PET beyond 4% had compressive strength below the target strength. The split tensile strength of concrete containing 4% PET was higher than that of the control but exhibited lower flexural strength than the control at the age of 28 days. It was concluded that the reuse of PET as a substitute for natural sand as an alternative waste disposal solution for eco-friendly concrete development and attainment of a pollution-free environment is viable.
Correlates of sharing of needles and syringes among people who inject drugs in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION This paper examines the correlates of needle and syringe sharing among People Who Inject Drugs in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, which is currently experiencing a steep increase in HIV prevalence despite the ongoing presence of Needle Exchange Programs. METHODOLOGY This was a retrospective chart review with cross-sectional design that extracted data from 783 male People Who Inject Drugs enrolled into five Opioid Substitution Treatment clinics in Dhaka city between April 2010 and January 2016. Data were retrieved from the program's electronic database. Needle and syringe sharing constituted the borrowing or lending of needles and syringes from others within the past month preceding data collection. RESULTS Buprenorphine was the preferred injection drug and 44.6% shared needles and syringes within the past month. Multivariate analysis indicated that People Who Inject Drugs who were homeless (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.4-44.9, p < 0.05), living with friends (OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 2.5-18.2, p < 0.001), injecting 2-3 times/day (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.2-19.7, p < 0.05), injecting more than three times/day (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.1-20.0, p < 0.05), not using condom with non-commercial female sex partners (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.8-6.0, p < 0.05), bought sex from female sex workers (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.0-8.3, p < 0.05), and did non-suicidal self-injury (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0-3.0, p < 0.05) were more likely to share needles and syringes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that operating a standalone harm reduction approach that just provides sterile needles and syringes may not adequately curb needle and syringe sharing among People Who Inject Drugs.
Application of the analytical hierarchy process to the design of a water distribution system in Malawi

An efficient water network design is a balance between network cost, reliability, performance and appropriateness to the community. The application of the analytic hierarchy process and an array of reliability measures to the design of a water distribution network in a peri-urban area is described. Fieldwork was carried out to ascertain the relevant topographical, demographic and socio-economic data for the study area. In addition to the capital cost and performance indicators for the water distribution system, social and health-related issues were included in the design process. The results showed that a design with a high value of statistical entropy, reliability and redundancy would also have a higher cost. When the analytical hierarchy process was used to carry out a systematic assessment of the various trade-offs, the more expensive but reliable networks were determined to be more appropriate.
Low-carbon housing design informed by research

The UK government is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 in a bid to tackle climate change. Dwellings in the UK account for approximately 27% of the UK total of carbon dioxide emissions through the burning of fossil fuel for heating, lights and appliances. This includes combustion on the premises, mainly natural gas for heating and cooking, and combustion in power stations to produce electricity for homes. In order to address the climate change contribution from the domestic sector, the UK government has stated that every new home needs to be zero-carbon by 2016. This paper outlines the proposed line of research which will be undertaken on a number of experimental eco-houses constructed at the University of Nottingham. The on-going work will trial and test different construction solutions and sustainable energy technologies. The paper investigates the role that post-occupancy evaluation will play in ensuring that design aspirations are actually met once the dwellings are inhabited.
A Cancellation Method for Simulating Multiphase Switching Operations

This paper presents a generalized mathematical model for simulating multiphase switching operations. The development of this model entails the extension of well-known cancellation techniques in such a manner as to obtain an automatic switching format that is compatible with an existing digital computer transient program. The validity of this model is demonstrated by the comparative results of previously conducted field tests and analog computer studies.
Compaction Characteristics of Prominent Agricultural Soils in Borno State of Nigeria

ABSTRACT THE penetration resistance, bulk density and the hydraulic conductivity of two soil types were measured at different compaction efforts and moisture contents. Results indicate that bulk density and penetration resistance increased considerably with increase in compactive effort and that maximum values of bulk density and penetration resistance were reached at pre-determined optimum moisture contents for compacting the soils. On the other hand, the hydraulic conductivity of the soils decreased with increase in compactive effort.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the supersonic steam ejector. Part 2. Optimal design of geometry and the effect of operating conditions on the ejector

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of computational fluid dynamics in predicting the performance and optimal design of the geometry of a steam ejector used in a steam turbine. In the current part, the real gas model was considered using IAPWS IF97 model, and the influences of working fluid pressure and backpressure were investigated. The results illustrate that working critical pressure and backflow critical pressure exist in the flow. Moreover, the entrainment ratio reaches its peak at the working critical pressure. The performance of the ejector was nearly the same when the outlet pressure was lower than the critical backpressure. Effects of ejector geometries were also investigated. The distance between the primary nozzle and the mixing chamber was at optimum, the length of the mixing chamber and the diameter of the throat had an optimal value according to the entrainment ratio. When the length of the diffuser or throat was decreased within a range, the entrainment ratio did not change significantly.
Emotional Intelligence in Distance Learning: A case study of English as a second language via distance learning

Distance learners studying English confront emotionally demanding obstacles. A mixed methods study was conducted to explore the role that distance learners’ emotional intelligence (EI) plays as they learn English. In phase one of the study, 238 students responded to a composite questionnaire that yielded their EI scores, demography, and viewpoints regarding the English course. In phase two, 18 volunteers selected based on their EI scores were interviewed to obtain qualitative data to build upon the quantitative results. This paper presents a case study of a student called Aini. The findings revealed that Aini’s EI helped her manage her emotions, perceptions, and actions, and ultimately obtain her obligatory English credits for graduation. It is imperative to inculcate students’ EI to help them manage their emotions in order to adapt and persevere, not only when learning English via distance learning but also to successfully accomplish one’s goals in life.
New psychosocial intervention approaches: reflections on the scope and limitations of the work of “psychosocial pairs” in secondary schools in Temuco, Chile

The objective of this study was to analyze, in an exploratory manner and through a case study, to what extent the presence of psychosocial teams generates an expected positive impact on social relations within schools, and in turn, what may be the unexpected negative consequences that arise as a result of their implementation. The research was qualitative in approach and involved the participation of 22 people, with a total of 29 interviews. The results indicate, on the positive side, a progressive opening of schools to interdisciplinarity and intersectorial work in social intervention with students and their families. On the negative side, it was identified that the subject of regulation par excellence of these teams tends to be represented in the so-called "problematic student", in addition to the excess of administrative responsibilities to professionals, and, finally, an excessive confidence of the State in the "expert" knowledge, paradigmatically represented in the disciplines that make up these teams.
LEAN AND VIRGINIA’S WOOD INDUSTRY – PART I: AWARENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION

During the most recent decades the U.S. wood products and furniture manufacturing industries have been greatly affected by economic cycles, rising production and transportation costs, changing buyer habits, and, arguably most powerfully, increasing global competition. However, theories exist stating that the use of management systems, such as Lean, allows companies to be more successful despite operating in a more challenging environment. To assess Virginia’s wood products and furniture manufacturing industry’s Lean awareness and Lean implementation efforts, a census survey was conducted. Findings indicate that a majority of Virginia's wood products and furniture manufacturing industry have heard about Lean (72 percent), but a relatively low number of respondents are aware of the details of Lean. Forty-seven percent of respondents indicated to have implemented Lean. However, the extent of Lean implementation varied widely, with a majority having implemented less than half of all 29 Lean elements inquired about in this survey. Business results from implementing Lean and the need for external Lean implementation support are presented in the second manuscript of this two-manuscript series.
Prevalence and molecular identification of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir. During meat inspection, 104 suspected tuberculosis lesions were sampled from a total of 102,681 animals slaughtered between November 2016 and January 2018. These samples were subjected to Ziehl Neelsen staining, followed by culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 65KDa heat shock protein (hsp65) gene were performed to identify and phylogenetically characterize the cultured organisms. Because sequencing of the hsp65 gene was unable to distinguish between Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and M. tuberculosis, PCR was performed to amplify a genomic region-specific to M. bovis in order to differentiate them from M. tuberculosis. Results showed that, 14 samples yielded growth after culture. Furthermore, hsp65 was detected in 9 out of the 14 isolates screened, 5 of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Similarity search using NCBI BLAST tool showed the five sequences to share highest identities with Mycobacterium novocastrense (95.99%), M. canettii (94.54%), and M. tuberculosis/M. bovis (100%). Two out of the 5 isolates were confirmed to be M. bovis after PCR amplification using M. bovis specific primers. Phylogenetic tree further confirmed the identity of these isolates by placing them close to species of their kind. Further studies should be conducted to establish the transmission dynamics of the zoonotic Mycobacteria between animals and their owners, to facilitate control and eradication of tuberculosis.
Characterization and origin of the Mn-rich patinas formed on Lunéville château sandstones

Abstract. The formation of iron- and/or manganese-rich dark patinas on sandstones is a common natural phenomenon that occurs also on building stones. Lunéville château, in eastern France, presents such patinas that developed either under natural conditions (rain and time) or after an accidental fire and exposure to significant amounts of water as part of attempts to extinguish the fire. The present study aimed at characterizing both types of patinas in an effort to determine their formation mechanisms and Mn sources. In both cases, Mn required for patina formation likely derives from the reductive dissolution of Mn-rich minerals present in pristine sandstones, as suggested by the contrasting mineralogy and chemistry of Mn-rich phases present in the bulk and in the patina of a given building block. Reduced Mn species then migrate to the exposed surface of building blocks where they are re-oxidized via undetermined processes. Patinas developing “naturally” over time result from the alternation of wetting-reducing and drying-oxidizing cycles and appear to be composed of birnessite. Patinas formed after the 2003 fire result from this single accidental event and form a much thinner, heterogeneous, and discontinuous layer of poorly crystalline lithiophorite at the sandstone surface (∼ 0–150 µm compared to ∼ 300–600 µm for “natural” patinas). The lack of Mn-rich patinas on areas of Lunéville château is likely related to the lower Mn content of pristine sandstone blocks.
DOCK2 Sets the Threshold for Entry into the Virtual Memory CD8+ T Cell Compartment by Negatively Regulating Tonic TCR Triggering

Key Points DOCK2-deficient CD8+ T cells spontaneously convert into virtual memory cells. Dock2−/− CD8+ T cells exhibit enhanced responsiveness to weak agonists. The control of cytoskeletal dynamics by dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2), a hematopoietic cell–specific actin effector protein, has been implicated in TCR signaling and T cell migration. Biallelic mutations in Dock2 have been identified in patients with a recessive form of combined immunodeficiency with defects in T, B, and NK cell activation. Surprisingly, we show in this study that certain immune functions of CD8+ T cells are enhanced in the absence of DOCK2. Dock2-deficient mice have a pronounced expansion of their memory T cell compartment. Bone marrow chimera and adoptive transfer studies indicate that these memory T cells develop in a cell-intrinsic manner following thymic egress. Transcriptional profiling, TCR repertoire analyses, and cell surface marker expression indicate that Dock2-deficient naive CD8+ T cells directly convert into virtual memory cells without clonal effector T cell expansion. This direct conversion to memory is associated with a selective increase in TCR sensitivity to self-peptide MHC in vivo and an enhanced response to weak agonist peptides ex vivo. In contrast, the response to strong agonist peptides remains unaltered in Dock2-deficient T cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that the regulation of the actin dynamics by DOCK2 enhances the threshold for entry into the virtual memory compartment by negatively regulating tonic TCR triggering in response to weak agonists.
A narrative review of the Swiss Neonatal Network & Follow-up Group (SwissNeoNet)

: The Swiss Neonatal Network & Follow-up Group (SwissNeoNet) started as a paper based standardized data collection for very preterm born infants in 1995 for the purpose of research. It has since evolved into a sophisticated online medical registry with the chief aim of improving the quality of medical care for high-risk newborn infants through research, education and collaborative audit. In support of its aim, it collects primary hospitalization and neurodevelopmental follow-up data of various cohorts of newborns from all level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and all peripheral intermediate care level IIB neonatal units (NUs) in Switzerland. It coordinates clinical, epidemiological and health-services research that provide orientation for Swiss neonatologists on how their performance compares with that of other networks, how different approaches in practices without clear evidence base associate with outcome, or how processes and outcomes evolve longitudinally. Its research also allowed former very preterm born children to express their own perception of their quality of life. SwissNeoNet closely monitors and compares NICUs and NUs and provides the infrastructure for quality improvement collaboratives. All units jointly and openly compare their performance and identify potential for changing clinical practices which has led to several local improvement projects as well as revisions of national treatment recommendations. To collaborate in research, to acquire benchmarks, and to serve as a benchmark, SwissNeoNet is actively engaged in several national and international collaborations. Receiving no governmental support, SwissNeoNet struggles with a limited budget to continuously operate a multifaceted, complex network with an electronically advanced, security sensitive infrastructure. Nevertheless, it plans expanding by connecting closer to the families and ultimately the former very preterm born children in the near future: building a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) repository and thus learning more about the parental/patient perspective will benefit clinical research, qualitative research, quality assessment, long-term follow-up recruitment and may even pave the way to later expand into citizen science and personalized health care.
Spatial Trends and Drivers of Bedload and Suspended Sediment Fluxes in Global Rivers

Bedload is notoriously challenging to measure and model; its dynamics, therefore, remains largely unknown in most fluvial systems worldwide. We present results from a global scale bedload flux model as part of the WBMsed modeling framework that well predict the distribution of water discharge, suspended sediment and bedload. The sensitivity of bedload predictions to river slope, particle size, discharge, river width, and suspended sediment were analyzed, showing the model to be most responsive to spatial dynamics in river discharge and slope. The relationship between bedload and total sediment flux is analyzed globally, and for representative longitudinal river profiles (Amazon, Mississippi, and Lena Rivers). The results show that while the proportion of bedload decreases from headwaters to the coasts, there is considerable variability between basins and along river corridors. The topographic and hydrological longitudinal profiles of rivers are shown to be the key drivers of bedload trends, with fluctuations in slope controlling its more local dynamics. Estimates of water and sediment fluxes to global oceans from 2,067 largest river outlets (draining 67% of the global continental area) are provided. Estimated water discharge at 30,579 km3/y corresponds well to past estimates; however, sediment flux is higher. Total global particulate load of 17.8 Gt/y is delivered to global oceans, 14.8 Gt/y as washload, 1.1 Gt/y as bedload, and 2.6 Gt/y as suspended bed material. The largest 25 rivers are predicted to transport more than half of the total sediment flux to global oceans.
INDICATIONS AND OUTCOMES OF NEPHRECTOMY IN AYDER COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED AND MEKELLE HOSPITALS, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA: A 5 YEAR EXPERIENCE

Background : The introduction of nephrectomy and subsequent surgical interventions for renal diseases provided clinical information and histopathological insight that form the basis of current concepts regarding renal diseases. Objective : To describe the indications and outcomes of nephrectomy in upper urinary tract lesions including tumors Patients and Methods : This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent nephrectomy in Ayder comprehensive specialized(ACSH) and Mekelle hospitals during a five-year study period (January 1,2013 to December 31,2017). Relevant information was retrieved from case notes and analyzed. Results : There were 106 patients who underwent nephrectomy in Ayder and Mekelle hospitals. The age ranged from 1-85 years with slight male preponderance. Most 78(73.6%) were carried out for benign conditions. Majority 53(50%) for non-excreting kidneys due to stone diseases, followed by PUJ obstruction 15(14.2%), benign renal masses 3(2.8%) and renovascular hypertension 3(2.8%). Twenty-eight (18.8%) patients had nephrectomy for malignant renal diseases, mainly adenocarcinoma and Wilm’s tumor accounting for 20(18.8%) and 6(5.6%), respectively. The overall complication rate was 42(39.6%) which was higher in those patients operated for renal neoplasms, the commonest being postoperative bleeding that required transfusion 16(15.1%). There was one death (0.9%). Conclusion : In this study, the rate of nephrectomy for non-excreting kidneys due to stone disease appeared to be higher, mostly affecting the younger age groups. Hence, early intervention with effective preventive and organ sparing therapy measures can reduce most of the preventable benign conditions for nephrectomy. Key words : Nephrectomy, indication, outcome, Mekelle