Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress—A Causative Factor and Therapeutic Target in Many Diseases

The excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of defensive antioxidant systems leads to a condition known as oxidative stress. The main source of free radicals responsible for oxidative stress is mitochondrial respiration. The deleterious effects of ROS on cellular biomolecules, including DNA, is a well-known phenomenon that can disrupt mitochondrial function and contribute to cellular damage and death, and the subsequent development of various disease processes. In this review, we summarize the most important findings that implicated mitochondrial oxidative stress in a wide variety of pathologies from Alzheimer disease (AD) to autoimmune type 1 diabetes. This review also discusses attempts to affect oxidative stress as a therapeutic avenue.
Risk Factors for Progression to Referable Diabetic Eye Disease in People With Diabetes Mellitus in Auckland, New Zealand: A 12-Year Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for the development of any and referable diabetic eye disease in a multi-ethnic New Zealand population with diabetes mellitus attending a regional retinal screening service. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of people living with diabetes who attended the Auckland Regional Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme 2006–2018 inclusive (n = 41,786). Results: Any retinopathy/maculopathy was present at first screening for 48.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 45.8%–50.6%] / 37.8% (95% CI: 35.5%– 40.1%) of people with Type 1 and 25% (95% CI: 24.6%–25.4%) / 21.9% (95% CI: 21.5%–22.3%) with Type 2 diabetes. Referable retinopathy at baseline screening was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.6%–5.3%) and 1.6% (95% CI: 1.5%–1.7%) among people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. After 4 years, cumulative incidence for referable retinopathy /referable maculopathy was 12/36 per 1000 people with Type 1 and 2.4/16 per 1000 people with Type 2 diabetes. Independent hazards for disease progression varied for the diabetes cohort types but baseline grade, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c were common to all. Conclusions: Referable diabetic eye disease at the first screening and after 4 years of follow-up is uncommon. Lengthening of the screening intervals for people with no or mild diabetic eye disease at first screening assessment could be considered.
Single-feature metrology by means of light scatter analysis

During the last years, the prospects ofthe angle resolved optical scatterometry as an alternate and supplementary measuring technique in micrometrology were discussed. In a series of publications, the potential of the method was shown to be able to meet the challenges of quarter micron technology and beyond. However, until now, to our knowledge the applications were mainly confmed to periodic patterns. In this paper, the extension of the method to the characterization of single features is outlined by means of a theoretical simulation of the simple one-dimensional case. Therefore, we assume that a laser beam focussed down to about one micron in one dimension illuminates the target under investigation, e.g., a resist line on silicon. Because of the fmite spot diameter of the light probe, the method may be named as focussed beam optical scatterometry (FBOS). Then, quite similar to the angle-resolved scatterometry (ARS), the diffracted far field intensity is calculated in dependence on the angle. The paper shows that the basic tools of the grating theory can be taken over. Additionally, only the convolution of the calculated transfer functions, i.e., reflection and transmission coefficients for plane wave incidence, with the angular spectrum ofthe incident focussed beam has to be carried out. The selected grating period and accordingly the stepwidth of the angular spectrum can be chosen properly to prevent numerical artefacts. In this paper, the diffraction calculation will be done by means ofthe rigorous coupled wave approach (RCWA). Based on this model, several one-dimensional measuring problems have been investigated by means of multivariate regression and cross validation with the fmal goal to assess the measurement accuracy. To emulate real conditions, the computed light scatter distribution was degraded by a Gaussian noise and a certain depth of focus was admitted by shifting the focus of the laser spot vertically. In conclusion, it may be claimed that the FBOS may be able to enhance the resolution limit as well as the measurement accuracy in comparison to imaging optical microscopy.
Project Leadership Influences Resistance to Change: The Case of the Canadian Public Service

This article analyzes how leadership affects resistance to change in projects. Using Dulewicz and Higgs' (2005) leadership framework in the context of the Canadian Public Service, types of resistance and factors influencing them were listed, leading to the identification of competence areas for the project manager. It was found that an engaging leadership style, developed through proper training, effectively reduced resistance to change. Other factors, such as the inclusion of affected people in the decisions, as well as a formal project management methodology, were instrumental in reducing resistance. Finally, upper management support was identified to be a mandatory success factor.
The Dynamics of Individual Differences in Teaching/Learning of English as a Second/Foreign Language

The subject of individual learner differences (IDs) in English as a Second/Foreign (ESL/EFL) Language teaching and learning is an area which has been much debated and investigated. Since these differences vary according to the geographical or cultural influences of the learners, variations in results and opinions among language instructors are inevitable. However, the indubitable fact is that these differences considerably influence the ESL/EFL language learners’ performances. Individuals are different in personality styles, and these personality styles are influenced by age, cultural background and a whole lot of other factors. These IDs lead to dynamism in language acquisition. The current study thus examined three set of IDs to determine how they affect the learning style preferred by individuals. The individual differences analyzed in this study include: race, exposure to English Language, and personality type (i.e., introvert or extrovert). The study concluded that while race and exposure to English Language affected the preferred learning style significantly as expected English language acquisition, personality style, however, did not have an influence on the preferred learning style for this study sample. IDs are extremely complex, with a large number of variables. As a result, it is critical for researchers as well as English language instructors to identify the source of the problem from a psychological standpoint and consider variables that would aid in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) improvement.
Role of Probiotics in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia Receiving Phototherapy

Study Objectives: To compare the mean duration of phototherapy in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia receiving phototherapy with vs. without probiotics. Study Design and Settings: It was a randomized controlled trial carried at Department of Pediatrics, DHQ Hospital Kasur from Jan 2021 to June 2021. Patients and Methods: The present research involved 94 neonates of both genders aged between 2 to 28 days of life diagnosed of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin level ≥15mg/dL and direct bilirubin level ≤1.5 mg/dL). These neonates were allocated into two groups randomly. Neonates in Group-I were given probiotics along with conventional treatment of phototherapy whereas neonates in Group-II received conventional phototherapy alone. Study outcome was described in terms of mean duration of phototherapy (phototherapy was stopped when serum bilirubin level was less than 10 mg/dl during the ﬁrst week and less than 11 mg/dl after the first week) which was recorded and compared between the groups. An informed written consent was taken from parents of every neonate. Results of the Study: The mean age of the neonates was 6.54±4.96 days while the mean gestational age was 37.31±2.04 weeks. There were 55 (58.5%) baby boys and 39 (41.5%) baby girls with a boys to girls ratio of 1.4:1. The mean weight of the neonates was 2.89±0.49 Kg while the mean serum bilirubin level upon admission was 16.73±1.19 mg/dl. The mean duration of phototherapy was significantly shorter in neonates receiving probiotics along with phototherapy as compared to phototherapy alone (3.13±0.92 vs. 3.81±1.12 days; p=0.002). Similar significant difference was observed across various subgroups based on age, gender, gestational age, weight and serum bilirubin level upon admission. Conclusion: Addition of probiotics to conventional practice of phototherapy alone in jaundiced neonates was found to hasten the recovery evident from significant reduction in the mean duration of phototherapy advocating its routine use in future practice. Keywords: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia, Phototherapy, Probiotics
Increasing profitability and improving semiconductor manufacturing throughput using expert systems

This paper describes a new procedure for using a machine-learning classification technique coupled with an expert system to increase profitability and improve throughput in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. The authors show how to use this procedure to identify relationships between work-in-process data (information obtained during semiconductor fabrication) and potential integrated circuit yield. The relationships, in the form of IF-THEN rules, are extracted from databases of previously fabricated integrated circuits and final yield. It is further shown that these rules, when incorporated into expert systems, can advise the human operator as to which batches of circuits are likely to produce submarginal yield if processed to completion, thereby providing a basis for developing or enhancing a quality control strategy. These rules also identify the parameters and values which have historically provided the highest and lowest final wafer yields. A cost analysis is given to illustrate the cost-effectiveness of this procedure. An introduction to semiconductor manufacturing and a glossary are provided. >
The Effects of Incorporation of Banana Pseudostem Flour at Different Proportions on the Sensory Properties, Proximate, and Mineral Composition and Microbial Quality of Baked Brownies

This study assessed the effects of incorporating banana pseudostem flour (BPSF) into all-purpose flour (APF) in five treatments, T0 (100% APF), T1 (15%), T2 (30%), T3 (45%) and T4 (60%) on the sensory and chemical properties based on proximate composition, mineral & microbial contents of baked brownies. This experimental study used a crossover design to gather data from 322 experts and consumers, and data were analyzed through SPSS. Findings revealed that the banana-like flavor was slightly noticeable in all treatments with BPSF. T0, T1 & T2 were dark brown while T3 & T4 were brown, all with a slightly noticeable banana-like odor and slightly fine texture except T3. The respondents rated all the brownies' sensory attributes as liked very much. Statistically, significant (P<0.05) differences existed between treatments in each of sensory attributes and based on general acceptability, T1 (15% BPSF) emerged as the most acceptable formulation. The moisture (15.9 – 13.3 g/100g), protein (7.9 – 5.76 g/100), and crude fat (19.8 -17.1 g/100g) contents decreased as the level of BPSF increased. The values of carbohydrates (55.1 – 60.8 g/100g), crude ash (1.65 – 3.02 g/100g), and total dietary fiber (3.92 - 7.17 g/100g) increased as the amount of BPSF flour increased. A similar trend was shown for the mineral contents: magnesium, calcium and sodium except for potassium, as BPSF content increased, values of such minerals increased as well. The formulated brownies were safe for consumption as all microbial parameters conformed to the standard limits. Hence, BPSF is a potential ingredient for producing nutritious
Small magnetless integrated optical isolator using a magnetized cobalt ferrite film

We experimentally demonstrated a silicon optical isolator using a monolithically integrated cobalt ferrite (CFO) film as magneto-optical material, achieving an isolation ratio of 9.6 dB near 1550 nm wavelength. By virtue of the large Faraday rotation coefficient of CFO, the device has a compact footprint comparing to the current yttrium iron garnet-based isolators. Further, we demonstrated self-biased isolation by the strong remanence of CFO films, eliminating the tedious demand of an external magnet. Cobalt ferrite represents a potential alternative approach to yttrium iron garnets to realize a practical device for on-chip isolation in silicon photonic integrated circuits because of the small footprint. film as an alternative MO material to conventional garnet ferrites. We recently demonstrated the crystalline deposition by a sputtering method of CFO films on Si substrates using a magnesium oxide (MgO)
Women authorship in library and information science journals from 1981 to 2020: Is equitable representation being attained?

This study examines the proportion of women as first authors in major library and information science (LIS) journals over the years 1981–2020. Author name and year data were collected for 10 LIS journals – five that are associated more with library topics and five with information science topics – and analysed using the genderize.io tool. Both general trends over time and comparisons of information science versus library science journals are presented. The findings indicate significant growth in the proportion of women authors among the LIS journals, but primarily concentrated only among the library science journals, with information science journals falling well behind. Representation of women authors (~60%) still lags well below the overall representation of women in librarianship (~80%). These findings suggest that there is still considerable growth needed to decrease the gender gap among authorship in top LIS journals.
Gain enhancement in partial double-pass L-band EDFA system using a band-pass filter

The partial double-pass L-band erbium-doped fiber amplifier with enhanced gain characteristic is demonstrated using a band pass filter (BPF). The BPF is incorporated in the double-pass route to suppress the amplified spontaneous emission from the single-pass output for gain enhancing. The gain of 51.5 dB is obtained for the proposed amplifier at input signal power of -40 dBm, which is approximately 5.2 dB higher compared with the system without the BPF. However, the insertion loss of the BPF contributes to a small noise figure penalty in the system. This amplifier can be easily modified to support dense wavelength division multiplexing system application by using multiple channel BPFs or interleaver.
Study of the Prevalence of Obesity and Its Association with Maternal and Neonatal Characteristics and Morbidity Profile in a Population of Moroccan Pregnant Women

Obesity is a real public health problem whose prevalence continues to increase throughout the world. It affects all age groups and does not spare pregnant women. This work aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and to study its association with maternal and neonatal characteristics and the morbidity profile of pregnancy. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out in the maternity ward of the prefectural hospital center called “Sidi Lahcen” in Témara, Morocco, over a 12-month period. Maternal and neonatal data are collected through a preestablished questionnaire, and anthropometric parameters were recorded. 390 participants, aged between 18 and 43 years, were included in this study, with a prevalence of overweight and obesity of 34.9% and 41%, respectively. Correlation results revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly elevated in women over 25 years (p < 0.001). The rate of caesarean section was four times higher in obese women compared to women of normal weight (53.8% versus 12.8%; p=0.018). The over-term was significantly high in the obese group compared to the nonobese group (33.8% versus 20.2%; p=0.013). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between gestational body mass index and newborn birth weight (r = 0.29; p < 0.001) as well as a high prevalence of macrosomia in newborns of comparatively obese women compared to newborns of nonobese women (17.6% versus 9.6%; p=0.041). The correlation analysis with the morbidity profile showed a significantly high preponderance of gestational diabetes, anemia, and toxemia of pregnancy in the obese group compared to the normal group (p < 0.001). This study clearly demonstrated that obesity during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of maternal and neonatal complications, the management of which places a burden on the health system as well as families. These data reinforce the need to improve antenatal care for the prevention of obesity and its preventable complications.
Prediction of neonatal and maternal index based on development and population indicators: a global ecological study

Introduction: Although worldwide maternal and neonatal mortalities have decreased, but Achieving sustainable development goals remains an unfinished agenda and global challenge. This study aimed to predict neonatal and maternal index based on development and demographic indicators. Methods: In this ecologic study, the dependent variables were Maternal mortality ratio (MMR), Neonatal mortality rate (NMR), and Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) and the independent variables were Gender gap index (GGI) and its four components, human development, life expectancy, total fertility rate, and population growth. Data conducted using international secondary data published data bases of health metrics from 2016 to 2018 in 149 countries from WHO (World Health Organization), World Economic Forum, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Data analysis was performed using correlation model in Stata version 14.1 software. Results: In this study, economic participation and total fertility rate are positively and educational attainment, Human Capital Index and life expectancy are negatively associated with MMR. Human Capital Index, Educational attainment, and Life expectancy are negatively associated with NMR. Economic participation and total fertility rate are positively and educational attainment, Human Capital Index and life expectancy are negatively associated with U5MR. Discussion: To reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality rate, it is important to pay attention to indirect causes such as equal conditions for men and women to demographic and population indices such as economic participation, educational attainment, Human Capital Index and life expectancy.
The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey

Introduction Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign. Results The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40–49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21–25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46–60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.
Overview of funding for construction craft skills training in Sub‐Saharan Africa: a case study of Zambia

The wealth of any nation is ultimately based on its human resource or social capital. Education and training are the primary vehicles of developing this resource. Funding of formal construction craft skills training at trade institutions in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is examined, using Zambia as a country case study. The data in the research were collected via semi‐structured questionnaire interviews directed at government financed trades training schools offering construction programmes in Zambia. Results of the research show that formal construction craft skills training in Zambia has not been adequately funded over the years resulting in: ill‐qualified low numbers of poorly remunerated teaching staff; poorly maintained infrastructure and workshop facilities not well equipped for teaching purposes; and out‐dated curricula of construction craft programmes. A wide range of measures is required to improve funding for construction craft skills training. These include: increased training regulation and co‐ordination by government, development of efficient and effective funding mechanisms that involve employers of crafts‐persons, and training provision frameworks that encourage increased involvement of private training providers.