Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three Age Indicators of the Adult Human Pelvis and the Influence of Occupation on Morphology

The adult human pelvis is useful to estimate age because it contains three age indicators—the pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and acetabulum. Few studies test the relative performance (accuracy, inaccuracy, and bias) or address whether there are trends in physical activity’s influence the morphology of these age indicators. To this end, I addressed three questions: 1) How do the pelvic aging methods perform in terms of accuracy, inaccuracy, and bias in predicting age? 2) Does a summary age of the methods produce a closer estimate to the known age of an individual? And 3) Does occupation (classified as manual or non-manual labor) influence the age estimate produced by any of the pelvic indicators? Occupation was used as an approximation of physical activity. I tested four different pelvic aging methods: the Suchey-Brooks (1990) pubic symphysis, Osborne et al. (2004) auricular surface, and Rissech et al. (2006) and Calce (2012) acetabulum methods. White male and female individuals (N = 212), with documented occupation and known age from the W.H. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were used to test the performance of these methods. After, I estimated the indicator’s age I combined them into a summary age. The Rissech method performed the best, was most accurate method with the smallest inaccuracy and bias, followed by the Osborne, Suchey-Brooks, summary age, and then Calce methods. Despite not having the best performance, only the Suchey-Brooks age estimates correlated significantly with known age. The Suchey-Brooks method had the largest reference population used to generate its regression statistics (N=1225), which suggests a large sample size may be crucial to determining age estimates that are significantly close to the known age of an individual. Alternatively, it may be that Suchey-Brooks study sample coincidentally reflected the age distribution of the reference sample used in this study sample and the significant correlation is misleading. Summary age did not perform better, which may be due to it being average of the four method’s age estimates combined. The Rissech method had the best performance, which may indicate that Bayesian prediction may improve age estimation and should be applied to other age indicators. Occupation did not influence the age estimates except in four cases—Suchey-Brooks and Calce’s estimates for the whole sample and Osborne and Rissech’s female estimates. Nonmanual occupations were overaged compared to manual. The significant relationship for female estimates may be the consequence of small sample size (n = 76) of females classified as manual laborers. The implications of the overestimation of age should not be dismissed entirely though. It is possible inactivity (non-manual occupations) increases bone degeneration (“older” appearance) in pelvic age indicators. Further occupation studies will clarify whether a relationship between occupation and age estimation exists. These studies should be expanded to other age indicators.
Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Adsorbents to Reduce the Combined Toxic Effects of Dietary Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, and Zearalenone and Their Residues in the Tissues of Weaned Pigs

Mycotoxins present a significant health concern within the animal-feed industry, with profound implications for the pig-farming sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial adsorbents, an organically modified clinoptilolite (OMC) and a multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA), to ameliorate the combined adverse effects of dietary aflatoxins (AFs: sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), fumonisins (FBs), and zearalenone (ZEN) at levels of nearly 0.5, 1.0, and 1.0 mg/kg, on a cohort of cross-bred female pigs (N = 24). Pigs were randomly allocated into six experimental groups (control, mycotoxins (MTX) alone, MTX + OMC 1.5 kg/ton, MTX + OMC 3.0 kg/ton, MTX + MMDA 1.5 kg/ton, and MTX + MMDA 3.0 kg/ton), each consisting of four individuals, and subjected to a dietary regimen spanning 42 days. The administration of combined AFs, FBs, and ZEN reduced the body-weight gain and increased the relative weight of the liver, while there was no negative influence observed on the serum biochemistry of animals. The supplementation of OMC and MMDA ameliorated the toxic effects, as observed in organ histology, and provided a notable reduction in residual AFs, FBs, and ZEN levels in the liver and kidneys. Moreover, the OMC supplementation was able to reduce the initiation of liver carcinogenesis without any hepatotoxic side effects. These findings demonstrate that the use of OMC and MMDA effectively mitigated the adverse effects of dietary AFs, FBs, and ZEN in piglets. Further studies should explore the long-term protective effects of the studied adsorbent supplementation to optimize mycotoxin management strategies in pig-farming operations.
Imipramine Administration in Brucella abortus 2308-Infected Mice Restores Hippocampal Serotonin Levels, Muscle Strength, and Mood, and Decreases Spleen CFU Count

Brucellosis infection causes non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headaches, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, fatigue, and mood disorders. In mouse models, it has been associated with increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, a decrease in serotonin and dopamine levels within the hippocampus, induced loss of muscle strength and equilibrium, and increased anxiety and hopelessness. Imipramine (ImiP), a tricyclic antidepressant, is used to alleviate neuropathic pain. This study evaluated the effects of ImiP on Balb/c mice infected with Brucella abortus 2308 (Ba) at 14- and 28-days post-infection. Serum levels of six cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12, MCP-1. and IL-10) were assessed by FACS, while the number of bacteria in the spleen was measured via CFU. Serotonin levels in the hippocampus were analyzed via HPLC, and behavioral tests were conducted to assess strength, equilibrium, and mood. Our results showed that mice infected with Brucella abortus 2308 and treated with ImiP for six days (Im6Ba14) had significantly different outcomes compared to infected mice (Ba14) at day 14 post-infection. The mood was enhanced in the forced swimming test (FST) (p < 0.01), tail suspension test (TST) (p < 0.0001), and open-field test (p < 0.0001). Additionally, there was an increase in serotonin levels in the hippocampus (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an improvement in equilibrium (p < 0.0001) and muscle strength (p < 0.01). Lastly, there was a decrease in IL-6 levels (p < 0.05) and CFU count in the spleen (p < 0.0001). At 28 days, infected mice that received ImiP for 20 days (Im20Ba28) showed preservation of positive effects compared to infected mice (Ba28). These effects include the following: (1) improved FST (p < 0.0001) and TST (p < 0.0001); (2) better equilibrium (p < 0.0001) and muscle strength (p < 0.0001); (3) decreased IL-6 levels (p < 0.05); and (4) reduced CFU count in the spleen (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest the potential for ImiP to be used as an adjuvant treatment for the symptoms of brucellosis, which requires future studies.
Instructional Toolkit for Outcome-Based Instruction on English Grammar of Thai EFL Students in the Thonburi District in Bangkok

The purposes of this research were to a) find out how well the new instructional toolkit works at improving students’ English grammar skills in verb tense structures, b) investigate the effects of Thai EFL students’ learning achievement in utilizing an instructional toolkit on the acquisition of English grammar, c) investigate Thai EFL undergraduate students’ knowledge retention after teaching using an instructional toolkit, d) study relationships among study levels, English proficiency levels, and learning achievement of Thai EFL students on the acquisition of English grammar before and after utilizing an instructional toolkit, and e) explore the Thai EFL students’ perceptions regarding the instructional toolkit in terms of design, retention development, and implementation. The sample was categorized into two groups: 100 primary students and 100 secondary students. All students were studying in public school in the Thonburi district in Bangkok, Thailand, using multilevel group research design. The instruments were a) an instructional toolkit, b) achievement tests, c) a questionnaire, and d) interviews. The data were collected before, during, and after conducting research. The data were analysed quantitatively, using SPSS to find out the frequency, mean (M), and standard deviation (SD) of the participants’ perceptions regarding use of the instructional toolkit, and qualitatively using content analysis. The research revealed that a vast majority (95%) of students and teachers acknowledged the toolkit’s efficiency and efficacy, with significant improvements noted post-intervention. Additionally, the toolkit effectively enhanced knowledge retention in verb tense structures across different educational levels, showing particular resonance with higher-grade students and those at intermediate proficiency. However, despite appreciation for its user-friendly design and retention-enhancing features, there was a clear recommendation for the inclusion of more diverse real-world examples in future iterations.
Sexual satisfaction predicts future changes in relationship satisfaction and sexual frequency: New insights from within-person associations over time

Considerable research demonstrates a positive association between sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, but longitudinal evidence on the direction of this link remains inconclusive. To address this research gap, the present research provided a stringent test of the within-person associations between sexual and relationship satisfaction over time by analyzing 4-year longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of newlywed couples in the United States (N = 2,104). The results indicated that within-person changes in sexual satisfaction predicted future changes in relationship satisfaction, whereas changes in relationship satisfaction did not predict future changes in sexual satisfaction. These results remained consistent when accounting for changes in couples’ sexual frequency, which showed significant associations with sexual satisfaction but non-significant associations with relationship satisfaction over time. All associations were consistent across gender. Overall, the current findings inform theory and practice on the roles of sexual dynamics in shaping overall perceptions of intimate relationships.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR NIGERIA

The readiness for acceptance of inclusion varies across countries and continents of the world. While countries within the advanced economies have gone beyond categorical provisions to full inclusion, Nigeria and most countries of Africa, are still grappling with the problem of making provisions for children with special needs especially those with handicaps, even on mainstreaming basis. This paper attempts to highlight and examine the concept of inclusion and the prospects it holds, for special education practice in Nigeria in the 21st century. In addition, the paper discusses the challenges of inclusion in Nigeria, while reflecting upon the ground reality in the country.
Effects of COVID-19 vaccination on cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid cancer

Background Cervical lymph node enlargement caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has been reported, but little is known on whether the vaccination would influence preoperative cervical lymph node evaluation and its risk of lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent thyroid cancer surgery in Tangdu Hospital, China, from 1 March 2021 to 30 June 2021. A total of 182 patients were included in the cohort study. All patients with suspected malignant tumors underwent ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid lesions before surgery to confirm the diagnosis. Cervical lymph nodes were evaluated by preoperative physical examination and imaging. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate the effect of vaccination on cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid cancer. Statistical significance was defined at P<0.05. Results The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had been vaccinated or not. Our results showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in the brand of the vaccine, operation method, and the extent of surgery. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the evaluation of US characteristics of cervical lymph nodes between the two groups regardless of having the vaccination or not. Interestingly, US evaluation found that the experimental group’s proportion of cervical lymph node enlargement increased significantly within 14 days after vaccination, which was statistically significant. Conclusions This study found that vaccination against COVID-19 did not increase the number of cervical lymph node metastases, but inaccurate assessment of cervical lymph nodes in thyroid cancer patients within 14 days of vaccination (due to temporary lymph node enlargement) may lead to more extensive surgery.
Support needs of parents with preterm infants at resource-limited neonatal units in Limpopo province: A qualitative study

Background Preterm birth is often unexpected and life-threatening for the baby and/or the mother. When admitted to the hospital, midwives need to provide informational, instrumental, psycho-cultural and emotional support to enhance post-discharge care. Objectives This study aimed to explore and describe the support provided to parents of preterm infants in preparing for post-discharge care. The study was conducted in three district hospitals in the Mopani district, South Africa. Method A qualitative approach wherein explorative, descriptive and contextual designs were used. A non-probability, convenience sampling was used to select 23 midwives who were working in the maternity unit for at least 2 years. Data were collected through in-depth individual semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analysed through Tesch’s open coding method. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability and confirmability. Ethical principles adhered to were: informed consent, beneficence, right to self-determination, confidentiality and anonymity. Results The findings revealed that parents need informational, instrumental direct supervision, and psycho-cultural and emotional support during preparation for discharge. Conclusion Parents were unsure of their ability to care for the preterm infants after discharge and manage their own needs. The provision of informational, instrumental, psycho-cultural and emotional support needs would play a vital role in their ability to cope with their parental roles and the relationship with their infant. Contribution The support provided to parents could build parental confidence and act as an integral part of neonatal follow-up programmes.
*Relative Price Distortions and Inflation Persistence

Many sticky-price models suggest that relative price distortion is one of the major costs of inflation. We show that this resource misallocation is costly even at quite low rates of inflation. This is because inflation strongly affects price dispersion which in turn has an impact on the economy qualitatively similar to, and of the order of magnitude of, a negative shift in productivity. Similarly, the utility cost of price dispersion is large. We incorporate price dispersion in a linearized model. This radically affects how shocks are transmitted through the economy. Notably, a contractionary nominal shock has a persistent, negative hump-shaped impact on inflation, but may have a positive hump-shaped impact on output. Observed persistence in the policy rate is not due to the policy rule per se.
Financial Market Analysis Can Go Mad (in the Search for Irrational Behaviour During the South Sea Bubble)

An investigation into the legal and political history of South Sea Company subscription finance shows that the subscription contracts had default options built into them, as was typically the case in eighteenth-century subscription financing. Company records and contemporary pamphlet literature show that people understood the subscription finance mechanics that were stated in law. A fair presentation of South Sea share value data also supports this view. We thus conclude that the analyses published in this Review by Dale, Johnson and Tang were irretrievably flawed and present a substantially incorrect history of the markets for South Sea shares.
Chemical Composition of Atmospheric Aerosols in the General Environment and Around a Trunk Road in Urban and Suburban Areas in Japan

To clarify the effect of the Diesel Vehicle Exhaust Gas Regulations enforced by Tokyo Metropolis, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Chiba Prefectures in October, 2003, we compared concentration of various chemical components in size-separated SPM and traffic volume of 2002 or 2003 (before the Regulation) to that of 2003 or 2004 (after the Regulation) at the road site of National Road Route 17 and Prefecture Road Route 57. Generally, decreasing tendency in EC concentration of each particle sizes was found from 2002 and 2003 to 2003 and 2004 sampling periods, respectively. Especially, decrease in average concentration of EC ＜2㎛ was clear. In the next, we analyzed various correlations of chemical components in size-separated SPM and traffic volume. From their results, we concluded decrease of the EC ＜2㎛ concentration at the roadside was caused by this Regulation. Also, we will discuss on long term trend of mass concentrations and chemical composition for SPM and fine particles observed at general environment and around the other trunk roads in the greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
SMAF: A Soil Health Assessment Tool

The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was developed to help quantify soil quality/health effects of tillage, crop rotation, and other soil management practices. Our objective was to determine if the SMAF could detect soil health differences after growing a single winter triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) crop. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 7.5- and 7.5 to 15-cm depth increments during the 2003 – 2004 and 2004 – 2005 growing seasons near Ames and Lewis, IA, and analyzed for several potential soil quality indicators. The SMAF analysis showed higher soil quality ratings for surface than subsurface samples. It also showed that a single winter grain crop can significantly improve soil quality after either corn (Zea mays L.) or soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Finally, in response to increasing interest in soil health assessments, a detailed appendix is attached to provide guidance for future soil health assessments.
The type-2 Streptococcus canis M protein SCM-2 binds fibrinogen and facilitates antiphagocytic properties

Streptococcus canis is a zoonotic agent that causes severe invasive diseases in domestic animals and humans, but little is known about its pathogenesis and virulence mechanisms so far. SCM, the M-like protein expressed by S. canis, is considered one of the major virulence determinants. Here, we report on the two distinct groups of SCM. SCM-1 proteins were already described to interact with its ligands IgG and plasminogen as well as with itself and confer antiphagocytic capability of SCM-1 expressing bacterial isolates. In contrast, the function of SCM-2 type remained unclear to date. Using whole-genome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics, FACS analysis, fluorescence microscopy and surface plasmon resonance spectrometry, we demonstrate that, although different in amino acid sequence, a selection of diverse SCM-2-type S. canis isolates, phylogenetically representing the full breadth of SCM-2 sequences, were able to bind fibrinogen. Using targeted mutagenesis of an SCM-2 isolate, we further demonstrated that this strain was significantly less able to survive in canine blood. With respect to similar studies showing a correlation between fibrinogen binding and survival in whole blood, we hypothesize that SCM-2 has an important contribution to the pathogenesis of S. canis in the host.
Study of Salinity Intrusion through the Estuaries of Periyar River using an Emperical Model

The salinity distributions of estuaries exhibit unique characteristics due to the effects of various external forces including freshwater discharges and topographic effects. To identify the salinity distribution of Periyar River Estuary, Kerala the surface salinity of Aluva Head works area were observed from 2008 to 2010. Variations in the salinity were clearly correlated in month wise with all other fluctuations. Furthermore, the salinity strongly decreased when additional freshwater was discharged relative to the dry period. The characteristics of the salinity distribution in the Periyar River were studied using data from the Water Resources Department and Central Water Commission, and the length of the salinity intrusion relative to the amount of freshwater discharge, and topographic effects were expressed using an empirical equation. A correlation between the saltwater intrusion limit at the Periyar River the freshwater discharge rate was also expressed using an empirical equation. Based on this simple analytical approach, it can believe that the structural characteristics of the salinity distribution in estuarian rivers vary not only due to freshwater discharge but also due to topographic effects. Keywords— Discharge; Empirical Model; Estuaries; Intrusion Length; Periyar River; Salinity Intrusion
Construct Validation of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) among Young College-Aged Women

The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is designed to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet. While previous research has utilized DII among college-aged women, no study to date has validated it in this population. We conducted a construct validation of DII among 393 healthy women aged 18–31 years against a robust panel of 14 inflammatory biomarkers, including CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, which were used in the development of DII. Three linear regression models were constructed: (1) an age-adjusted model, (2) the most parsimonious model based on likelihood ratio tests, and (3) a fully adjusted model for age, race, body mass index, waist circumference, physical activity, smoking status, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. DII was derived from the Harvard food frequency questionnaire and categorized into quartiles. Consistent with our hypothesis, DII was negatively and significantly associated with back-transformed IL-10 levels, confirming that a more pro-inflammatory diet was associated with lower levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine (Model 3: Q4 vs. Q1 β = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.93; p-trend = 0.04). While validated in other populations, DII may not be a suitable tool for assessing the inflammatory potential of the diet among college-aged women.