Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adlercreutzia equolifaciens Is an Anti-Inflammatory Commensal Bacterium with Decreased Abundance in Gut Microbiota of Patients with Metabolic Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 20–40% of the adult population in high-income countries and is now a leading indication for liver transplantation and can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. The link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and NAFLD is now clearly established. Through analyses of the gut microbiota with shotgun metagenomics, we observe that compared to healthy controls, Adlercreutzia equolifaciens is depleted in patients with liver diseases such as NAFLD. Its abundance also decreases as the disease progresses and eventually disappears in the last stages indicating a strong association with disease severity. Moreover, we show that A. equolifaciens possesses anti-inflammatory properties, both in vitro and in vivo in a humanized mouse model of NAFLD. Therefore, our results demonstrate a link between NAFLD and the severity of liver disease and the presence of A. equolifaciens and its anti-inflammatory actions. Counterbalancing dysbiosis with this bacterium may be a promising live biotherapeutic strategy for liver diseases.
Bacterial Etiology of Urinary Tract Infection and Antibiogram Profile in Children Attending Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Bacterial urinary tract infections are important public health problems in children. This study was conducted to identify the bacterial agents of urinary tract infections and antibiogram patterns in children. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study including 220 children was carried out between November 15, 2021, and March 10, 2022. Simple random sampling was used to enroll participants. The sociodemographic and clinically pertinent information was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. Every participant in the study who was ≤15 years old gave clean-catch midstream urine. Urine samples were inoculated onto a cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient agar using a calibrated inoculating loop with a 0.001 ml capacity and then incubated aerobically for 24 hours at 37°C. Subculturing for significant bacteriuria was done on MacConkey and blood agar. Gram staining, biochemical assays, and colony characteristics were used for bacterial identification. The disc diffusion method developed by Kirby and Bauer was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. SPSS software version 25 was used for data entry and analysis. To find the risk factors, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. An association was deemed statistically significant if the p value at the 95 percent confidence interval was less than 0.05. Results In this study, the majority (50.5%) of the study participants were males. The mean age of the study participants was 6 ± 0.91 years. It was found that 31.8% of children had urinary tract infections. The most prevalent urinary pathogens among the isolates were E. coli (27.1%) and S. aureus (18.6%). Approximately 56% of the participants were infected with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Additionally, compared to children who have never had a urinary tract infection, children with a history of infection had 1.04 (95 percent confidence interval (CI): 0.39, 2.75) times higher risk of infection. Conclusion This study has shown an alarming increase in the prevalence of pediatric urinary tract infections which warrants further investigation into multidrug-resistant bacterial infection.
Direct numerical simulation of shock wavy-wall interaction: analysis of cellular shock structures and flow patterns

The reflection on a wavy wall of a planar shock propagating at Mach number 1.5 in air is simulated in a two-dimensional geometry by solving the fully compressible Navier–Stokes equations. A high-order spectral difference numerical discretization is used over an unstructured mesh composed of quadrilateral elements. The shock discontinuity is handled numerically through a specific treatment, which is limited in space to a small portion of the computational cell through which the shock is travelling. In the conditions under investigation, the reflection on the wavy wall leads to a weak and smooth deformation of the shock front without singularities just after reflection. Long-living triple points (Mach stems) are spontaneously formed on the reflected shock at a finite distance from the wavy wall. They then propagate on the front in both directions and collide regularly, forming a periodic cellular pattern quite similar to that of a cellular detonation. Transverse waves, issued from the triple points, are generated in the shocked gas. As a result of their mutual interaction, a complex and strongly unsteady flow is produced in the shocked gas. The topology of the instantaneous streamline patterns is characterized by short-lived critical points that appear intermittently. Due to the compressible character of the unsteady two-dimensional flow, the topology of critical points which can be observed is more diverse than would be expected for incompressible two-dimensional flows. Some of them take the form of short-lived sources or sinks. The mechanism of formation and the dynamics of the triple points, as well as the instantaneous streamline patterns, are analysed in the present paper. The results are useful for deciphering the cellular structure of unstable detonations.
MAGNETOHYDRO DYNAMIC FLOW OF BLOOD IN A PERMEABLE INCLINED STRETCHING SURFACE WITH VISCOUS DISSIPATION, NON-UNIFORM HEAT SOURCE/SINK AND CHEMICAL REACTION

Present work aims to investigate the blood stream in a permeable vessel in the presence of an external magnetic field with heat and mass transfer. The instability in the coupled flow and temperature fields is considered to be produced due to the time-dependent extending velocity and the surface temperature of the vessel. The non-uniform heat source/sink effects on a chemically responded blood stream and heat viscous. This study is of potential value in the clinical healing of cardiovascular disorders accompanied by accelerated circulation. The problem is treated mathematically by reducing it to a system of joined non-linear differential equations, which have been solved by utilizing similarity transformation and boundary layer approximation. The resultant non-linear coupled ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by utilizing the fourth order Runge-Kutta method with shooting technique. Computational results are gotten for the velocity, temperature, the skin-friction coefficient, the rate of heat transfer and rate of mass transfer in the vessel. The evaluated results are compared with another analytical study reported earlier in scientific literatures. The present investigation exposes that the heat transfer rate is upgraded as the value of the unsteadiness parameter increases, but it decreases for the increment of the space reliance parameter for heat source/sink.
Occurrence of Faba Bean Diseases and Determinants of Faba Bean Gall (Physoderma sp.) Epidemics in Ethiopia

Physoderma fungal species cause faba bean gall (FBG) which devastates faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands. In three regions (Amahara, Oromia, and Tigray), the relative importance, distribution, intensity, and association with factors affecting FBG damage were assessed for the 2019 (283 fields) and 2020 (716 fields) main cropping seasons. A logistic regression model was used to associate biophysical factors with FBG incidence and severity. Amhara region has the highest prevalence of FBG (95.7%), followed by Tigray (83.3%), and the Oromia region (54%). Maximum FBG incidence (78.1%) and severity (32.8%) were recorded from Amhara and Tigray areas, respectively. The chocolate spot was most prevalent in West Shewa, Finfinne Special Zone, and North Shewa of the Oromia region. Ascochyta blight was found prevalent in North Shewa, West Shewa, Southwest Shewa of Oromia, and the South Gondar of Amhara. Faba bean rust was detected in all zones except for the South Gonder and North Shewa, and root rot disease was detected in all zones except South Gonder, South Wollo, and North Shewa of Amahara. Crop growth stage, cropping system, altitude, weed density, and fungicide, were all found to affect the incidence and severity of the FBG. Podding and maturity stage, mono-cropping, altitude (>2,400), high weed density, and non-fungicide were found associated with increased disease intensities. However, crop rotation, low weed infestation, and fungicide usage were identified as potential management options to reduce FBG disease.
Influence of Anxiety on Non Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment among Tb Patients in Selected Chest Clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya

Purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of anxiety on Non adherence to tuberculosis treatment among Tb patients in selected chest clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methodology. The study adopted correlation research design as guided by the hypothesis that anxiety had an effect on Nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment. It was conducted in Mombasa County, Kenya in 3 selected Chest clinics. All tuberculosis patients were the target population. Convenience sampling was used to identify those registered and on active treatment while simple random sampling was used for those who accepted to participate in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaires that had both open and close ended questions. Descriptive statistics helped in data analysis which were then presented using frequencies, percentages and tables. Results. 312 respondents were interviewed, 91% reported that anxiety affected their Tb treatment. 75% of them reported that side effects of the Tb medicines were the reason they had anxiety, 16.3% said the long duration of therapy while 8.7% stated that misinformation was the cause. 17.3% of respondents with severe anxiety had moderate Nonadherence to their Tb treatment. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation. From the result the study noted that the two most common triggers of anxiety in tuberculosis patients were Side effects and the long duration of treatment. It was noted there exists a relationship between anxiety and Non adherence but the association was not significant as indicated by chi-square (X2(4, 312) = [2.532], p = [p=. 639]). Screening and assement of patients on long term treatment would be needful in helping manage comorbidities.
Prevalence of Enterococcus species in adults with periodontal health or with periodontitis: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Enterococcus species in the mouth of adults with periodontal health and periodontitis. A systematic search was made in databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search for articles was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science databases and in the System of Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SINGLE) and included articles published in English up to April 25th, 2021. Observational studies in humans with and without periodontitis were evaluated to identify the prevalence of Enterococcus species. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed and classified to determine the quality rating in good, fair, and poor. A new detailed checklist for quality assessment was developed based on the information required for applicable data extraction in reviews. The study design, sample size, demographic data, periodontal clinical parameters, microbial analysis method, biological sample, prevalence of Enterococcus spp. , and correlations with periodontal clinical parameters were assessed. After screening and full-text reading, 8 articles met the inclusion criteria. All selected studies showed a significantly higher prevalence of Enterococcus spp. in patients with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy patients. Thus, the present systematic review suggests that the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis in the mouth of periodontitis individuals is higher than that of periodontally healthy individuals.
When Transparency Fails: Financial Incentives for Local Banking Agents in Indonesia

We study the effect of raising the level and transparency of financial incentives offered to local agents for acquiring clients of a new banking product on take-up. We find that paying agents higher incentives increases take-up and usage, but only when the incentives are unknown to prospective clients. When disclosed, higher incentives have no effect on take-up and usage, despite greater agent effort. This is due to the financial incentives sending a negative signal to potential clients about the reliability and trustworthiness of the product. Hence, when designing incentives, organizations should consider both their level and transparency.
Leopard: Sublinear Verifier Inner Product Argument Under Discrete Logarithm Assumption

An inner product (IP) argument is a proof system that convinces the verifier of an IP relation between committed integer vectors. IP arguments are crucial building blocks for range proof and zero knowledge arguments, which can be applied to verifiable computation, confidential transactions, decentralized identification, and so on. This paper proposes a novel efficient IP argument with a trustless setup. For integer vectors of size <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$N$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, the proposed IP argument provides a proof size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(\log _{2}{N})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, a verification cost of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(\sqrt {N})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and a size of public parameter size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$O(\sqrt {N})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The construction relies solely on the discrete logarithm (DL) assumption, a well-established standard cryptographic assumption. Consequently, we obtain the first DL-based IP argument with a trustless setup that achieves a sublinear verifier and logarithmic proof size, which we call Leopard. Furthermore, We empirically evaluate the performance of Leopard. The experimental results demonstrate that Leopard is highly efficient and scalable compared to previous works.
DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICS ANIMATION VIDEOS (MAV) WITH THE QUR'AN CONTEXT ON MATHEMATICAL REASONING ABILITY

Digital technology can help the learning mathematics process with learning designs in videos by linking mathematical material to the Qurâ€™an context. This is used to help students use mathematical reasoning skills to solve problems and are less interested and enthusiastic when learning, so they can understand the material well and have religious values from the non-Qur'anic text presented. This study aims to create media and learning resources for mathematics in the Qurâ€™an context on mathematical reasoning abilities. The e-module development model used is ADDIE. The data collection instrument uses a validation instrument as a useful data collection tool whether or not the video was developed. Moreover, the practicality instrument is a practicality aspect test given to students after participating in the learning process using the developed product. The study results obtained a score of 3.61 for the material expert and a score of 3.56 for the media expert with the criteria of being tested. The results of student mastery of 82.9% with reasonably practical student responses indicate that the Islamic-based animated video media used is effective and practical. Based on the study's results, the developed media meets the valid, practical, and effective criteria to help develop students' reasoning abilities.
Long-Term Lifestyle Habits and Quality of Life after Roux-in-Y Gastric Bypass in Brazilian Public versus Private Healthcare Systems: Beyond Weight Loss

Lifestyle and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are good markers of surgical obesity treatment. This study aimed to investigate the lifestyle and HRQoL of patients at least five years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in public (SUS) and private (PVT) Brazilian healthcare systems. In this cross-sectional study, weight loss (WL), % of excess WL (%EWL), diet quality, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and HRQoL were evaluated. Analysis of covariance, binary and multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, were performed. The SUS group had more vulnerable socioeconomic statuses than the PVT group. Total %WL and % EWL were 24.64 ± 0.99% and 60.46 ± 2.41%, respectively, without difference between groups. In the Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression domains of HRQoL, more than 50% reported moderate problems without differences between groups. Processed food ingestion was higher in the PVT (132.10 ± 60.15 g/1000 kcal) than in the SUS (103.43 ± 41.72 g/1000 kcal), however, without statistical significance (p = 0.093). The PVT group showed lower physical activity (OR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.87–0.63; p = 0.004) and a higher risk of alcohol-related problems (OR: 3.23; 95%CI; 1.03–10.10; p = 0.044) compared to SUS group. Participants generally achieved satisfactory WL, regardless of healthcare systems. However, PVT participants had unfavorable lifestyle characteristics, highlighting the need for studies investigating environmental issues post-bariatric surgery.
A prey-predator model with a free boundary and sign-changing coefficient in time-periodic environment

This paper is concerned with a prey-predator model with sign-changing intrinsic growth rate in heterogeneous time-periodic environment, where the prey species lives in the whole space but the predator species lives in a region enclosed by a free boundary. It is shown that the results for the case of the non-periodic environment remain true in time-periodic environment. In fact, we first establish a similar spreading-vanishing dichotomy, which implies that if the predator species could spread successfully, then the two species will coexist, and this is certainly for the situation that the predation is relatively weak. Furthermore, some criteria are also obtained for spreading and vanishing. At last, some rough estimates of the asymptotic spreading speed are given if spreading occurs.
Apoptotic Cell-Derived CD14(+) Microparticles Promote the Phagocytic Activity of Neutrophilic Precursor Cells in the Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Membranous CD14 is crucial in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils. However, the role of CD14(+) microparticles (MPs) derived from apoptotic neutrophils (apo-MP) during the phagocytic process is not clear. All trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces acute promyelocytic leukemic NB4 cells along granulocytic differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of CD14(+)apo-MP in the cell–cell interaction during the phagocytic process of apoptotic cells by viable ATRA-NB4 cells. We firstly demonstrate that CD14 expression and phagocytic activity of NB4 cells were upregulated simultaneously after ATRA treatment in a time-dependent manner, and both were significantly enhanced via concurrent lipopolysaccharide treatment. The phagocytic activity of ATRA-NB4 cells and lipopolysaccharide-treated ATRA-NB4 cells were both significantly attenuated by pre-treating cells with an antibody specific to either CD14 or TLR4. Further flow cytometric analysis demonstrates that apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells release CD14(+)apo-MP in an idarubicin dosage-dependent manner. Both CD14 expression and the phagocytic activity of viable ATRA-NB4 cells were significantly enhanced after incubation with apo-MP harvested from apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells, and the apo-MP-enhanced phagocytic activity was significantly attenuated by pre-treating apo-MP with an anti-CD14 antibody before incubation with viable cells. We conclude that CD14(+)apo-MP derived from apoptotic ATRA-NB4 cells promotes the phagocytic activity of viable ATRA-NB4 cells in engulfing apoptotic cells.
Model selection in probability density estimation using Gaussian mixtures

This thesis proposes Gaussian Mixtures as a flexible semiparametric tool for density estimation and addresses the problem of model selection for this class of density estimators. First, a brief introduction to various techniques for model selection proposed in literature is given. The most commonly used techniques are cross validation nad methods based on data reuse and they all are either computationally very intensive or extremely demanding in terms of training set size. Another class of methods known as information criteria allows model selection at a much lower computational cost and for any sample size. The main objective of this study is to develop a technique for model selection that is not too computationally demanding, while capable of delivering an acceptable performance on a range of problems of various dimensionality. Another important issue addressed is the effect of the sample size. Large data sets are often difficult and costly to obtain, hence keeping the sample size within reasonable limits is also very important. Nevertheless sample size is central to the problem of density estimation and one cannot expect good results with extremely limited samples. Information Criteria are the most suitable candidates for a model selection procedure fulfilling these requirements. The well-known criterion Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) has been analysed and its deficiencies when used with data of large dimensionality data are noted. A modification that improves on BIC criterion is proposed and named Maximum Penalised Likelihood (MPL) criterion. This criterion has the advantage that it can adapted to the data and its satisfactory performance is demonstrated experimentally. Unfortunately all information criteria, including the proposed MPL, suffer from a major drawback: a strong assumption of simplicity of the density to be estimated. This can lead to badly underfitted estimates, especially for small sample size problems. As a solution to such deficiencies, a procedure for validating the different models, based on an assessment of the model predictive performance, is proposed. The optimality criterion for model selection can be formulated as follow; if a model is able to predict the observed data frequencies within the statistical error, it is an acceptable model, otherwise it is rejected. An attractive feature of such a measure of goodness is the fact that it is an absolute measure, rather than a relative one, which would only provide a ranking between candidated models.
Effect of the Cross-Section Morphology in the Antimicrobial Properties of α-Ag2WO4 Rods: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

In this work, α-Ag2WO4 particles with different cross-sections were obtained using the co-precipitation method at different synthesis temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods against the Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. indicated that concentrations of 2.5–5 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL completely inhibit its growth, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed employing band-edge positions for ROS generations and the superficial distribution of Ag+ species that contribute to antimicrobial activity. Quantum-chemical calculations were used at the DFT level to investigate the surface-dependent reactivity of α-Ag2WO4, and we demonstrated how the antimicrobial properties could be tailored by the geometry and electronic structure of the exposed surfaces, providing guidelines for the morphology design.