Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies, Molecular Modeling and Antimicrobial Activity of Binuclear Ni(II) Complexes of 4,6-Diacetylresorcinol

Reactions of 4,6-diacetylresorcinol with different Ni(II) salts viz., OAc, Cl, NO3 , ClO4 – and SO4 , in both presence and absence of LiOH, yielded a new series of binuclear Ni(II) complexes that reflect the non-coordinating or weakly coordinating power of the ClO4 , NO3 – and SO4 2– anions as compared to the strongly coordinating power of OAc and Cl anions. Reactions of the ligand with nickel(II) ion in the presence of a secondary ligand (L′) [O,O-donor; acetylacetone (acac), N,O-donor; 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) or, N,N-donor; 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and 2,2'bipyridyl (Bpy)] in 1:2:2 (L:M:L′) molar ratio yielded mixed-ligand complexes with two molar ratios 2:2:2 (L:M:L′) (complexes 6, 7 and 8) and 1:2:1 (L:M:L′) (complexes 9 and 10). The metal complexes were characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, IR, electronic and mass spectra as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The analytical and spectroscopic data suggested that the H2L ligand acts as a neutral, monobasic or dibasic tetradentate ligand, depending on the pH of the medium, through the two phenolic and two carbonyl groups. Electronic spectra, magnetic and conductivity measurements showed that all complexes are octahedral with non-electrolytic nature except complex 3 that has a 1:2 electrolytic nature. Molecular orbital calculations were performed for the ligands and their complexes using Hyperchem 7.52 program on the bases of PM3 level and the results were correlated with the experimental data. The free ligand and its nickel(II) complexes showed antimicrobial activity towards some of Gram– positive and Gram–negative bacteria, yeast (Candida albicans) and fungus (Aspergillus fumigatus). [Magdy Shebl, Saied M.E. Khalil, A. Taha and M.A.N. Mahdi. Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies, Molecular Modeling and Antimicrobial Activity of Binuclear Ni(II) Complexes of 4,6-Diacetylresorcinol. J Am Sci 2012;8(7):183-197]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 28
Physical Wtness, fatigue, and quality of life after liver transplantation

Fatigue is often experienced after liver trans- plantation. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to assess physical Wtness (cardiorespiratory Wtness, neuromus- cular Wtness, body composition) in liver transplant recipients and to explore whether physical Wtness is related to severity of fatigue. In addition, we explored the relationship between physical Wtness and health-related quality of life. Included were 18 patients 1-5 years after transplantation (aged 48.0 § 11.8 years) with varying severity of fatigue. Peak oxygen uptake during cycle ergometry, 6-min walk distance, isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, severity of fatigue, and health-related quality of life were measured. Cardiorespiratory Wtness in the liver transplant recipients was on average 16-34% lower than normative values (P · 0.05). Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity seemed to be higher than in the general population (17 vs. 10%). We found no deWcit in neuromuscular Wtness. Cardiorespiratory Wtness was the only Wtness component that was related with severity of fatigue (rs = i0.61 to rs = -0.50, P · 0.05). Par- ticularly cardiorespiratory Wtness was related with several aspects of health-related quality of life (rs = 0.48 to rs =0 .70, P · 0.05). Results of our study imply that cardiorespiratory Wtness and body composition are impaired in liver transplant recipients and that Wtness is related with severity of fatigue (only cardiorespiratory Wtness) and quality of life (particu- larly cardiorespiratory Wtness) in this group. These Wndings have implications for the development of rehabilitation pro- grams for liver transplant recipients.
PROBIOTICS- A NEW MILEU IN PERIODONTICS

Periodontal diseases are chronic in nature with the potential to attack diverse age groups. Our understanding on periodontal disease etiology has undergone many transformations starting from the very old specific plaque hypothesis proposed by Bass & Johns in 1915 to the present ecological plaque hypothesis by P.D. Marsh in 1994. Today, though we are equipped with various treatment modalities, we still are being intimidated with disease recurrence. Now, the question is "Are we truly able to eliminate the causative bacteria present at the site with all these available options? " We are moving from pillar to post to address this problem. Why not let's search a medicine from our own kitchen in the form of fermented curds ? The answer is yes in the form of "Probiotics". The concept of probiotics seems logical as it highlights the age old saying which goes as "A Thorn can be taken out by a thorn". Similarly, probiotic therapy utilizes the beneficial microbiota to combat with the pathogenic ones. It was Elie Metchnikoff during the early 1900's made this observation that the Bulgarians who relied on the fermented foods, rich in specific microbiota lived a relatively longer and healthy life.
Teachers' Perceptions toward Implementing English as a Foreign Language at Kindergarten: What Can We Learn from the Case of Kuwaiti Kindergarten Teachers?

The teaching of English as a foreign language has a promising outlook in the nation of Kuwait. Recent policy reflects language development theories that see early childhood as an especially good period for the learning of a foreign language. Thus, English is now taught at 30 public kindergartens in Kuwait. However, the program apparently was implemented quickly, with little consideration for how teachers and other stakeholders would respond to it. This paper explores that program in the context of the perceptions and views of teachers affected by it. A review of the existing curriculum points towards deficiencies, and investigation of the perceptions of teachers clarifies them. For this study, surveys were distributed to kindergarten teachers tasked with teaching English in 30 kindergartens in five different school districts, in Kuwait. 631 surveys were completed, providing information about teachers’ perceptions and views towards: 1) learning English at an early age, 2) the current English curriculum, 3) teacher needs for effective instruction, and 4) the challenges teachers face. Total agreement was tabulated for each survey statement. Results were also subjected to one-way analysis of variance tests to identify differences according to school district, training institution, and length of teaching experience. The results show that teachers generally agree with the idea of introducing children to English at an early age. Their agreement with the actual curriculum used for that purpose is considerably weaker. At the same time, the results indicate that teachers generally recognize that they have needs for teaching English which are not currently being met, and that they face considerable challenges in that role. District, source of training, and years of experience are connected to variation on only a few statements, but these variations help to explain the source of certain teacher perceptions and what can be done by policymakers to improve teacher engagement with kindergarten English education. Improvements to pre-service and in-service training are recommended as the most essential changes that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education must make in order to continue implementing the current curriculum.
The Influence Study of Transformational Leadership in University on Teachers' Organizational Commitment: The Construction and Verification of a Theoretical Model

There i s c lose re la t ionsh ip be tween teacher ’s organizational commitment in university and educational quality. How did the leadership in university take effect on teacher’s organizational commitment? It is an urgent problem to explore and solve. This paper proposes a theoretical analytical model including transformational leadership, goal setting, self-efficacy, goal selfconcordance and organizational commitment on the basis of discussing the function and relationship of mediating factor about self-efficacy, goal setting and goal selfconcordance between transformational leadership in university and teacher’s organizational commitment. Using the sample of 309 data in China and Structural Equation Model, the present research empirically tests the direct and indirect effect of transformational leadership. The research changes our views on the role of goal setting, self-efficacy and goal self-concordance in the function mechanism of transformational leadership. At the same time, the results provide some references for leaders of universities on how to perfect the effectiveness of leadership by improving teachers’ autonomous motivation and organizational commitment.
Bullying and Victimization Experienced by Students with Learning Disabilities: Brief Literature Review

Bullying and victimization have been documented in the school culture for decades. However, research on the involvement of students with learning disabilities emerged in the 1990s to evidence high perpetration and victimization rates in this population. General and special education teachers have to implement proper intervention strategies and prevention programmes in order to promote a safe context for all students and ensure that bullying behaviours are not perpetuated. The present article is a brief review of the literature on the involvement of children with disabilities in bullying. After defining bullying, victimization and learning disabilities and reviewing relative research, with reference to Greek studies, the article attempts to provide insight into the consequences of bullying and victimization and shed light on teachers’ role.
MICROPROPOGATION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE ANALYSIS OF TISSUE CULTURE

Objective: Plantago ovata is an important medicinal plant of the Himalayan region which is greatly used in herbal drugs manufacturing. The plant is multipurpose constrained in Himalayan regions. Plantago has many medicinal properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hematopoiesis effects, and used for the treatment of cancer. Plantago contains copious amount of mucilage that is able to treat diarrhea, constipation, and act as an effective weight loss aid. The plant being medicinal possesses complex phytochemicals. The investigation of various Plantago organs (leaves, stem, etc.) revealed their high potential to produce a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites. In the present study, a new method of micropropagation through tissue culture was developed for Plantago so as to meet the future demand of plant. Further, a morphological and physiochemical comparison of tissue culture grown plant was done with in vivo grown plants. Methods: P. ovata was grown in vitro through tissue culture technique using Murashige and Skoog media and in vivo in the nursery area of Shoolini University. The tissue culture of P. ovata Forsk was managed to restrict the ecological factors. Experimentally, parameters including germination growth and phytochemical constituents of plant in vivo and in vitro conditions were observed. Results: The result revealed an easy method for the micropropagation of Plantago. However, changes in the concentration of phytochemical constituent’s in tissue culture grown Plantago were reported in comparison to in vivo grown plants. Phytochemicals constituents (carbohydrate, chlorophyll, saponin, and tannin) were reduced in tissue culture grown plant whereas some phytochemicals (phenol, alkaloid, Flavonoid, protein, and phytosterol) increased in tissue culture grown plant than in vivo plant. A reduction in morphological trait was found in tissue cultured plant. Conclusion: The developed tissue culture method for the micropropagation of P. ovata can be proved as a landmark to meet the industrial need in the near future.
Study on Effect of Different Packaging Materials on Shelf Life of Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) cv. Harichal Under Different Conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life of banana (Musa sp. L.) cv. Harichal under different conditions. A laboratory experiment was laid out at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, School for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Plant Science (Horticulture), Vidya-Vihar, Rae-bareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from the period 2008-2009. The packaging materials were wooden box, plastic bag, polysheet and open air as a control. Packaging maintained the peel and the pulp thickness, firmness, dry matter and pulp to peel ratio was kept lower. On the basis of above findings it is concluded that the quality grade of banana fruits with nutritional and storage properties, Cool chamber+Brown paper and Cool chamber+Tissue paper were found good for improving significantly. The fruit length, fruit width, cumulative physiological loss in weight and ascorbic acid of banana fruits. The treatment T2 (CC+Brown paper), T5 (AT+Brown paper) are well for TSS. Treatment T2 (CC+Brown paper) is good for ascorbic acid. Treatment T4 (AT+Tissue paper) is useful for reducing sugars and treatment Ts (AT+Brown paper) is good for total sugars. These treatments were found to be good for 3 days of storage both at ambient and cool chamber conditions respectively. Fruits are edible at 7 days of storage under ZECC conditions and after 7 days they become pulpy and are infected by fungus. Thus, it can be concluded that packaging of banana fruits in high density and low density polyethylene bags resulted in longer shelf life and improved quality of the produce followed by packaging in dried banana leaf and teff straw. A randomized block design was employed with three treatments and replicated four times to arrange the experimental units in the lab. Harichal variety were harvested by hand in the month of March and obtained from village Itaunja (Bakshi Ka Talab) of District Lucknow. Healthy and uniform fruits were washed to remove adhering dirt and dust and dried in air and kept in plastic crates for packaging and storage to be used in the experiment. On the other hand, wooden box combined with straw was the best storage material to ripen banana fruit faster. Producers, traders or consumers may use the technology in order to get quicker ripening of banana fruits.
Physiological Responses of Walking on a Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Males Classified as Obese

Purpose: To investigate physiological responses to walking at 100% to 75% while on a lower body positive pressure treadmill (LBPP). Results: and Heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak)were significantly lower(p<.05) at 75% BW compared to 100% BW. Conclusion: Unweighting on the LBPP can be used as a low to moderate intensity exercise for obese individuals to sustain physical activity and improve one’s exercise tolerance resulting in an improved quality of life.
Contribution of Soil and Waterconservation Techniques to Soil Carbon Sequestration in a Forest Ecosystem in West Africa (Burkina Faso)

Kuinima forest ecosystem, a classified forest, located in western Burkina Faso, is undergoing accelerated degradation due to climatic hazards and anthropogenic factors such as excessive cutting of trees, bush fires, etc. The main objective of this study is to assess the contribution of three water and soil conservation techniques (Zai forest, stone rows, Zai forest+ stone rows) to soil carbon sequestration and their impact on some soil physicochemical parameters. Thus, soil samples were taken, and the physicochemical parameters of the soil were analyzed in the laboratory. The organic carbon stock was calculated based on the results of the carbon content analysis. The results revealed that the treatments had higher clay and silt contents than the control. The treatments also had a significant impact on soil organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available potassium and cation exchange capacity over the 0-20 cm depth. Compared to the control, the Zai forest, Zai forest+stone rows and stone rows treatments led to respective increase in the carbon stock of 166%, 77% and 21%. In conclusion, this study has shown that Zai forest and stone rows can contribute significantly to soil carbon sequestration to fight against climate change.
Effects of Continous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Microalbuminuria in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that is associated with various cardiovascular conditions. Treatment of OSA with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is postulated to positively mitigate cardiovascular disorders. Microalbuminuria is well established as an early marker of cardiovascular disease, and it can be assessed by albumin to creatinine ratio. Objectives: We documented the baseline prevalence of microalbuminuria in OSA patients being started on CPAP and correlated it with various findings of nocturnal polysomnograms (including Apneahypopnea index/AHI and sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90%/T sat < 90%). For patients with significant microalbuminuria; we repeated the urine testing after 3-12 months, and correlated changes with CPAP compliance. Material and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal pilot study of 32 adult patients with OSA being started on CPAP therapy. Exclusion criteria included renal disease, diabetes and those recently started on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or statins. Baseline sleep study data was extracted and spot urine was tested for albumin-creatinine ratio. Follow up urine studies were performed for microalbuminuria at 3 12 months and CPAP compliance data was collected. Significant microalbuminuria defined as level greater than 20 mg/dl. Results: Of forty-nine patients screened over 18 months, 17 met the exclusion criteria and 32 were analyzed. Sixteen (50%) were male with a mean age of 51.2 years (range 29 74), and 10 (31%) had severe OSA. All patients had some degree of microalbuminuria (range 3.2 138.6 mg/dl) and 10 (31.3%) had significant microalbuminuria. T sat < 90%, AHI, age and gender did not correlate with microalbuminuria (p values 0.13, 0.57, 0.14 and 0.87 respectively). Seven out of ten (70%) with significant microalbuminuria had follow up urine testing which showed improvement over previous baseline values in five (71.4%) and worsening in two (28.6%). Improvement in albuminuria was significantly associated with CPAP adherence (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: OSA may be associated with a high incidence of microalbuminuria. However, no clear predictors were identified for microalbuminuria in our patient cohort. CPAP therapy and adherence may be associated with improvement of microalbuminuria.
Assessment of Information Communication Technology Adoption for Performance of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya

The SMEs are regarded as the backbone of economy growth for developed and developing countries principally Kenya. The dynamics in the state of conducting business has necessitate many organization to align their business in order to survived and compete in the global market. Moreover, ICT is one of propelling force of change which has pose unique opportunities to most of SMEs enabling them to compete in the global market. However, from various literatures review it reveals that despite SMEs being engines for growth globally, the ICT adoption by SMEs in Kenya has been reported to be comparatively low. Therefore the study embark on the assessment of ICT Adoption for Performance of SMEs so as to achieve an insight into the various factors that affects the adoption of Information and Communication Technology for performance of SMEs in Nairobi county Kenya. The study used descriptive design. The targeted population was 4560 SMEs registered by the Ministry of Trade and Industrialization within Nairobi County. The sample size of 367 SMEs was used. The stratified random sampling was used in selecting the sample. The data was collected using structured questionnaire. The administering was on a “drop and pick-later” basis. The questionnaires return represented an approximately 70% of the sample population.The data analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS. Moreover, the result was presented using pie charts, bar charts and tables. From the findings ICT infrastructure, ICT user skills, ICT services, and government policies as licenses showed statistical significance in relation to ICT adoption on performance.
Risk Factors for in-hospital Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients 80 Years Old or Older: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Age remains a significant and unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and an increasing number of patients older than 80 yo (years old) undergo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Older age is also an independent risk factor for postoperative complications Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzing 388 consecutive patients aged 80 yo or older who underwent isolated CABG procedure between 2010 and 2014 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Results: In-hospital mortality stood at 7%, compared to 3.4% for all isolated CABG procedures at our Institution. In an univariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for in-hospital mortality were as follows: NYHA class (p=0.005, OR 1.05, 95% CI [1.23-3.1]), prolonged mechanical ventilation (p<0.001, OR 7.08, 95% CI [2.47-20.3]), rethoracotomy (p=0.04, OR 3.31, 95% CI [1.04-10.6]), duration of the procedure and ECC (for every 10 minutes p=0.01, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0-1.01]; p=0.03, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0-1.02], respectively), PRBC, FFP, andPLT transfusion (for every unit transfused p=0.004, OR 1.42, 95% CI [1.12-1.8]; p=0.002, OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.18-2.04]; p=0.009, OR 1.93, 95% CI [1.18-3.14], respectively). Higher LVEF (p=0.02, OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94-0.99]) and LIMA graft implantation (p=0.04, OR 0.36, 95% CI [0.13-0.98) decreased the in-hospital mortality. Death before discharge was more often observed in patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (0-2 – 5.7%; 37.4%, 4 – 26.6%; p=0.03).