Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum CRP, BNP, CyPA, IL-1β levels and prognosis of elderly patients with both diastolic heart failure and renal insufficiency

The relationship between serum CRP, BNP, CyPA, IL-1β levels and prognosis in elderly patients diagnosed with both diastolic heart failure (DHF) and renal insufficiency (RI) was explored. A total of 76 patients with heart failure (HF) alone, 77 patients with RI alone, and 95 patients with both DHF and RI in our hospital were enrolled as Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The patients with both HF and RI were classified according to NYHA heart function. According to the glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), they were assigned to mild, moderate, and severe groups, and the correlation of CRP, BNP, CypA, and IL-1β with their prognosis was analyzed. Group C showed significantly higher levels of CRP, BNP, CyPA and IL-1β than other two groups (P < 0.05), and Group B showed significantly higher levels than Group A (P < 0.05). The levels of CRP, BNP, CyPA, and IL-1β in the serum of patients with both HF and RI increased with the increase of NYHA grade and the severity of RI (P < 0.05). A total of 39 patients with readmission or death within 6 months after discharge were classified into an incident group, 56 patients without readmission or death were classified into the non-incident group. The incident group showed significantly higher serum levels of CRP, BNP, CyPA and IL-1β than the non-incident group (P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that age, CRP, BNP, CyPA, and IL-1β were independent risk factors for events in patients with HF and RI. Serum CRP, BNP, CyPA, and IL-1β are highly expressed in patients with both HF and RI; which can be adopted as a short-term prognosis indicators for patients with both DHF and RI.
Comparison of prophylactic dexmedetomidine and ketamine for the control of shivering under spinal anaesthesia

Post-anaesthetic shivering (PAS) is a common complication following general and regional anaesthesia. Various studies reported the incidence of shivering to be between 5% and 65% in patients recovering from general anaesthesia and 40 and 60% in patients recovering from regional anaesthesia. Shivering is an involuntary, repetitive activity of skeletal muscles which occurs as a physiological response to combat hypothermia. Shivering increases oxygen requirement, basal metabolic rate, lactic acidosis and carbon dioxide production. Core body temperature is maintained within very narrow levels by the hypothalamus. This is known as the interthreshold range, sweating and vasodilation at one extreme and vasoconstriction and shivering at the other.
Repair of an iatrogenic posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia after pedicled omentoplasty for chronic empyema in an immunocompromised patient: taking down the omentum or not?—A case report

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernias (IDHs) are rare, but the incidence is potentially rising due to the increased implementation of laparoscopy. In case of complications i.e. perforation, bleeding, and/or incarceration, urgent exploration is mandated. However, treatment algorithms lack. We present a case of a 49-year old immunocompromised male patient who developed an IDH with gastric herniation 1 year after performing a pedicled thoracic omentoplasty in the treatment of a recurrent pleurocutaneous fistula. An emergency laparoscopy with 3-trocar approach was performed and the stomach could successfully be reduced. In order to preserve the existing omentoplasty a gastropexy was performed to cover the large diaphragmatic defect (5 cm × 5 cm). Though, due to persisting postural pain, laparoscopic reintervention with detachment of the gastropexy and omentoplasty took place 6 weeks postoperatively. Diaphragmatic repair was executed using a polypropylene mesh. Further postoperative course was uneventful. One year postoperatively neither chronic pain nor signs of hernia recurrence or empyema are noted. In the repair of IDH caused by a pedicled omentoplasty a laparoscopic approach with mesh repair might be preferred considering previous thoracic surgery and/or infections, overview of the abdominal cavity and diaphragm, and visualization of the pedicle. Nevertheless, the need to preserve the omentoplasty in immunocompromised and other patients should be further investigated, as repair after detachment is technically less complex.
Postharvest quality of pepino melon (Solanum muricatum Aiton) as influenced by NPK fertilizer rates, growing environment and storage temperature

The present study evaluated the effect of NPK fertilizer (17:17:17) rates (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha­1) on the postharvest quality of field and greenhouse grown pepino melons (Solanum muricatum Ait.) stored at room temperature (15­22°C) and at low temperature (7°C). The study was carried out in randomized complete block design with fruits from the field and greenhouse, five NPK fertilizer rates as treatments and the two storage temperatures repli­ cated three times. Data were collected on percentage fruit weight loss (PWL), total soluble solids (TSS), firmness and shelf life. Results indicated that green­ house and field grown fruits from the control and plants supplied with 100 kg NPK ha­1 had low PWL at both storage temperatures. Field grown fruits from the control stored at room temperature had the highest TSS and were firmer after 28 days of storage. Field grown fruits not supplied with fertilizer and stored at low temperature had a shelf life of 27 and 26 days in trial one and two respectively. Application of 100 kg NPK ha­1 and storage of pepino melon fruits at low temperature can be used to enhance quality and shelf life.
A Meta-Analytic Study of Instructed Second Language Pragmatics: A Case of the Speech Act of Request

Research on the effectiveness of request instruction in L2 pragmatics has been extensive, yet inconclusive. The present meta-analysis aims not only to provide a quantitative and reliable measure of the effects of instruction for the speech act of request in Iran, but also to illustrate a description of the relationship between some variables that moderate its effectiveness (age, gender, proficiency level, treatment type, research design, and data collection procedure). To do so, a total of 37 studies were retrieved and by establishing a set of different inclusion/exclusion criteria, 17 primary studies were coded and analyzed. Results revealed that (1) there is an overall large effect size on the effectiveness of the instruction of request (g = 1.48) in an Iranian context; (2) some variables were found to be a moderator for this effectiveness like gender and treatment type; (3) considering gender, the male group produced a larger effect size (g = 3.09) than the female one (g = 1.10); (4) and regarding treatment types, the explicit group yielded a larger effect size (g = 1.53) than the implicit one (g = 1.20). A thorough interpretation of the results, as well as a discussion of practical, theoretical, and methodological implications of this study, is provided to tackle a number of conundrums surrounding the instruction of request and shed light on how to reorient future research.
Relationship of Beta -hCG in Embryo Culture Media with Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Rate

Background: Despite the high cost of ICSI treatment, its success rate is still poor. Furthermore, it has beeb shown that the standard criterion for embryo selection based only on morphology is insufficient to represent 'Embryo Quality'. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in embryo culture media and its effect on the development of embryos and whether it can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict pregnancy rate and assist in embryo selection during ICSI cycles Patients, Materials and methods: in the report, forty infertile women receiving ICSI treatment were included. For ovulation induction, an antagonist procedure was used. Patients were classified into two groups: (pregnant n=18), and (non-pregnant n=22) women. The embryo culture media samples were collected at the day of embryo transfer. Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) equipment has been used to determine human chorionic gonadotropin levels in embryo culture media. Results: The mean level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in the embryo media of pregnant women was significantly higher compared to the mean level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in non-pregnant women (3.896 ±1.868 versus 2.94 ±0.625). In addition, beta-hCG levels in embryo culture media were not correlated with the total number of embryos, GI, GII, and GIII in the two groups. Conclusion: The concentration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in embryo culture media plays a significant and influential role in pregnancy rates, although the level of embryo culture media hCG showed no association with the total number and quality of embryos in the pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Keyword: Beta-hCG, Infertility, Embryo Quality, ICSI Cycle How to cite this article: Abdullah JF, Ali NM, Al-Anbari LA (2021): Relationship of beta-hCG in embryo culture media with embryo quality and pregnancy rate, Ann Trop Med & Public Health; 24(S2): SP24205. DOI: http://doi.org/10.36295/ASRO.2021. 24205
EFFECT OF BUSINESS PRACTICES ON MICRO AND SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM MSFES IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the effect of business practices on the performance of micro and small-scale family enterprises, using primary data obtained from enterprises in Delta State, Nigeria, through questionnaire instrument. A sample of 250 enterprises drawn from selected towns was used. The enterprises were delineated into performing and non-performing enterprises based on an overall average performance score of 3.12, with enterprises having performance score below 3.12 categorized as non performing. The data obtained were analyzed using the methods of factor analysis, correlation analysis and general linear regression. The t-test statistic and coefficient of regression (B) at p<0.05 both showed significant results in both the overall set of enterprises and in the two separate sets delineated. The study therefore concluded that business performance in micro and small-scale enterprises not only significantly relate to business practices of the enterprises, but it is also significantly impacted by the business practices of the enterprises.
Housing, Inequality and Economic Growth: Evidence from a Sample of Brazilian States

This paper investigates the inequality-growth nexus using state-level data for Brazil from 2005 to 2013 and considers that the housing deficit better reflects inequality in the Brazilian economy, a highly unequal country. We estimate a growth regression where the housing deficit is the main explanatory variable taken alongside other control variables. The findings point to the existence of a negative linear association between the housing deficit and the growth rate of real GPD per capita across the 27 Brazilian states, with a higher explanatory power relative to the regressions that use the Gini index. The association is also stronger for the sample of richer states. Other statistically significant regressors include initial income and human capital/education. Our findings endorse investing in housing as a potential important means for fighting inequality and promoting faster economic growth in Brazil. Attention should also be given to broadening access to higher quality utilities such as electricity and sanitation. The promotion of universal access to education as a means to increase the human capital stock is also a path to achieve faster growth in Brazil.
Antimicrobial activity of a crude peptide extract from lablab bean (Dolichos lablab) for semi-dried rice noodles shelf-life

This study provides an application of new, natural source of crude peptide extract from Lablab bean (CPL). Use of additive such as benzoate in the rice noodle industry is a common practice and has several beneficial ef﻿fects on quality and shelf-life. However, the shelf-life of semi-dried rice noodles can be extended by crude peptide extract with acceptable quality when compared to other additives. This research aimed to extract CPL and determine its ef﻿fect on the growth of microorganisms. The use of the CPL to extend the shelf-life of semi-dried rice noodles was compared with other natural extracts (chitosan and thymol) and benzoic acid. The CPL samples were extracted using 5% pepsin and incubated for up to 24 h. CPL at 200 mg/mL could be used as the growth inhibitor for Bacillus cereus but not for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It was found that noodles with CPL had the highest cooking loss (4.69) and lowest tensile strength (22.6 g.force). Overall-liking scores showed slightly liked (6.0 out of 9) and 68% of the consumers accepted the CPL-treated noodles. Shelf-life testing showed that CPL could extend the shelf-life of the noodles for 3 days than the control (1 day). Using 200 mg/mL of CPL could extend the shelf-life more than 3 times when compared to the control noodle (no additive). The CPL was nearly as ef﻿fective as benzoic acid that could be kept for 3 days. Hedonic score in overall-liking showed a slightly like (6.2) for the noodles with CPL. This study suggests the application of adding CPL could be used as new natural additive and seems to be promising to apply in many food products such as pasta or sausages.
The Effect of Regulation, Collaboration, and Financial Literacy on Financial Technology Adoption

The purpose of the study to determine the effect of regulation, collaboration, and financial literacy on the adoption of financial technology for Small and Medium Enterprises. This research was conducted based on a causal design to analyze the relationship between regulatory, collaboration, financial literacy, and adoption of financial technology through hypothesis testing. The research sample involved 95 small and medium-sized businesses in East Java, Indonesia. The sampling method uses purposive sampling with the following criteria: (1) A minimum of 5 employees and a maximum of 99 employees; (2) Businesses use financial technology applications, namely OVO, GoPay, DANA, or LINK; (3) Businesses are carried out in the East Java region. This research uses Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis technique. Results show that regulation has a significant effect on financial literacy. Moreover, collaboration has a significant effect on financial literacy. Additionally, financial literacy has no significant effect on the adoption of financial technology and regulation does not significantly influence the adoption of financial technology. Furthermore, collaboration has a significant effect on the adoption of financial technology. Regulation and collaboration can be used to support increasing financial literacy for small and medium businesses. The higher level of understanding of the regulation and implementation of the collaboration carried out will increase financial literacy and can support the adoption of financial technology for small and medium businesses. This study uses regulatory and collaborative variables that have not been studied much in relation to financial literacy. On the other hand, not many studies have examined the relationship of financial literacy to the adoption of financial technology.
Applied Bio-Communication For Language Competence

The language competence is obtained through the bio-communication stimuli given in the forms of visual presentation of still text and moving text; the pronunciation of still text and moving text; and visual, audio, and pronunciation presentations. Through the laboratory experiment method and with the support of the electroencephalography. The findings indicate that ability of the frontal lobe constantly increased from 7 to 17 MHz; the temporal fluctuated between 13 and 22 MHz; the Occipital was stable with 4 waves; the amplitude was also stable at 21 MHz, and the response rate was stable at 25.30 MHz. These findings are expected to contribute to the way learning materials are packaged to support the improvement of language competence
Effects of early intervention strategies using telehealth on an infant with Down syndrome: A case study

Purpose: To present the strategies used and the effects of early physiotherapy intervention using telehealth on a Down syndrome infant. Materials and methods: An infant diagnosed with Down syndrome performed the early intervention. Telehealth was performed synchronously according to the biopsychosocial model The assessments were carried out using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health checklist. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale and the Brazilian version of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development Infant scale were used to assess the activity component and environmental factors, respectively. Evaluations were performed at 5, 50, 79, and 105 days of corrected age. Results: The infant obtained progressive and constant gains during 100 days of early intervention. It is known that environmental and personal factors interfere with the performance of the infant's skills. Conclusion: Early intervention initiated in the first month of life using telehealth in an infant with Down syndrome proved an effective intervention method.
THE EFFECTS OF AUTHENTIC PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES ON STUDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCES AND RETENTION POWER

In-practice traditional lecture, discussion and assignments based pedagogical practices play its role in students’ learning and retention power. The current study intends to investigate whether authentic pedagogical practices are more effective in terms of enhancing students’ educational performances and retention power or the traditional pedagogical practices. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the effects of authentic and traditional pedagogical practices on students’ educational performances and retention power at secondary level. The objective was to measure the effects of authentic and traditional pedagogical practices on students’ educational performances and retention power. A pre-test post-test comparative group design was adopted to conduct the study. The students of experimental group were exposed to authentic pedagogical practices while the control group was treated on traditional routine pedagogical practices. Data from the experimental and control group were collected through a self-developed test. Thrice was the test administered to both groups, the collected data were analyzed through Mean, Standard Deviation and independent sample t-test. Results of the study concludes that students of experimental group performed higher on the post-test than the students of control group, the performance of experimental group was also better as * Lecturer, Center for Education & Staff Training, University of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan ** Assistant Professor, Center for Education & Staff Training, University of Swat, KPK, Pakistan *** Assistant Professor and Director, Center for Education & Staff Training, University of Swat, KPK, Pakistan Sajjad, Nasir and Farooq 48 compared to the control group on the test of retention power. Keeping in view the results that data yielded, it was recommended that teachers at secondary level may follow authentic pedagogical practices as compared to other traditional ones. Based on the findings of the study relevant and applicable recommendations were made.
A meta-analytic review of parenting interventions in foster care and adoption

Foster and adoptive parents often face challenges while taking care of children who, due to their adverse early life experiences, are at risk of developing insecure attachment relationships, behavior problems, and stress dysregulation. Several intervention programs have been developed to help foster and adoptive parents to overcome these challenges. In the current study, a series of eight meta-analyses were performed to examine the effectiveness of these intervention programs on four parent outcomes (sensitive parenting, k = 11, N = 684; dysfunctional discipline, k = 4, N = 239; parenting knowledge and attitudes, k = 7, N = 535; parenting stress, k = 18, N = 1,306), three child outcomes (attachment security, k = 6, N = 395; behavior problems, k = 33, N = 2,661; diurnal cortisol levels, k = 3, N = 261), and placement disruption ( k = 7, N = 1,100). Results show positive effects for the four parent outcomes and child behavior problems, but not for attachment security, child diurnal cortisol levels, or placement disruption. Indirect effects on child outcomes may be delayed, and therefore long-term follow-up studies are needed to examine the effects of parenting interventions on children.
Treatment of Refinery Industry Wastewater Using Ion Exchange Technology and Studies Kinetics and Thermo-dynamic Parameters

Dr. Thamer J. Mohammed, Saif I. Habeeb, Zaydoun K.Kreamid, Ali A. Ali Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq. Petroleum Research and Development Center, Ministry of Oil. Corresponding Author Emailthamer_jasim58@yahoo.com, Abstract A batch system has been used for removal of chloride, sulfate and sodium pollutants from wastewater of Daura refinery. The fine grained resin lewatit was used in this study, batch experiments were performed to examine the effects amount of resin and mixing time on the removal efficiency and residual of pollutants. The kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption were also analyzed. Various thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔH◦), free energy (ΔG◦) and entropy (ΔS◦) showed that the adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. The removal efficiency of sulfate, chloride and sodium is (91%, 88%, 82%), respectively. The optimum mixing time is (12min) for sulfate and sodium, and (14 min) for chloride. Sulfate adsorption on lewatit fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, but adsorption of chloride and sodium on lewatit behaves to the pseudofirst-order kinetic model.
Online Trading Effectiveness in Nepal Share Market: Investors Awareness, Challenges and Managerial Solution

Over a long time, the developing businesses have a brief history of victory all due to web. The online exchange forms of back comprehensive of buying and offering of bonds, stocks and other ventures, these all comes beneath online exchanging. Even though the world has already adopted the online trading, in Nepal it was recently introduced. This paper aims to explore online trading effectiveness in Nepal Share Market. Explanatory research design is applied in this study. Both primary and secondary sources are used for collecting various data and information in the study. Quantitative technique is used for data analysis. Most of the respondents responded that they are involved and fully aware of the online trading. Majority of respondent agreed that they use both fundamental analysis as well as technical analysis for online trading. Similarly, most of the respondents expressed their opinion that technological factor caused problem on online trading. Original Research Article Devkota et al.; AJEBA, 21(5): 90-98, 2021; Article no.AJEBA. 67400 91