Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Glaucoma Detection and Prediction with Perimetry Visual Field using Classification and Regression Trees

Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by an increase in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) which affects the eye and causes blindness. It is a degenerative disease that damages the nerve fiber layer in the retina of the eye. Its mechanisms are not fully known and there is no fully-effective strategy to prevent visual impairment and blindness. However, if detected early and treatment is carried out at an early stage, it is possible to slow glaucomatous progression and improve the quality of life of possible victims. Despite the great amount of heterogeneous data that has become available for detecting glaucoma, the measures available for early diagnosis are still insufficient, due to the complexity of disease progression and the difficulties in obtaining sufficient measurements. This research aims to develop a framework using visual field data for the detection and prediction of glaucomatous retinal diseases. Classification and regression trees (CART) due its flexibility to continuously check multiple conditions make it a suitable tool to effectively exploit the available data. The processes performed on visual field data include; observation, region extraction and variable preparation, segmentation, classification, etc. Rules set by an ophthalmologist were used as the split criterions which eventually help to detect whether glaucoma was positive or negative.
Phenomenon of becoming a midwife

My research explored student experiences of becoming midwives. It focused specifically on understanding their lived world experiences. The research is located in a hermeneutic framework as described by van Manen (1990). I chose to undertake a longitudinal study as the length of the students’ course of study was three years. My study recruited two cohorts of student midwives from two universities in the North West of England (n=90). Each university had a different recruitment target for their midwifery programme of study; University A (n=60), University B (n=30). I prepared a PowerPoint presentation and an information leaflet which supported the recruitment strategy (Appendix B). My approach proved successful as the study originally consisted of a purposive sample of student midwives (n=22); University A (n=10) which equated to 20% of the cohort and University B (n=12) equated to 33% of the cohort. Four students from University B dropped out of the research following the first focus group, thereby reducing the total sample to 18. This reduced the sample size of university B (n=8) which equated to 27% of the cohort.My use of narrative inquiry within focus groups enabled a hermeneutic cyclical process of gathering and interpreting the student holistic experiences in a constructivist paradigm (Clandinin and Connelly, 2000). I also used reflective diaries which enabled the students to reflect on their personal experiences. This added richness to the empirical data (Berg, 2009). The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken using the principles of van Manen (1990). I gained ethical approval from LJMU and the two universities where the students were studying. The aims of my research directed the focus of the study. Discovering their interpretations of their experiences of becoming midwives brought an understanding of the influences the working environment had on the process. The findings of my study brought new knowledge in respect of the education of student midwives. It also highlighted some of the restrictions imposed on their training within a medical model of care in an NHS Trust. The research also highlighted some of the challenges experienced by the students as they progressed through their training. The findings suggested there were many tension experienced by the students. The broad themes were related to: the students’ understandings of their learning and development, the ideology of the role of the midwife and the role of the midwife within the philosophy of the medical model of care in NHS Trusts. This brings new knowledge in respect of the education of student midwives.
Impact of Instructional Strategies: A Research-Based Pedagogy for Teaching Physics in Secondary Schools in Ekiti Nigeria

The study investigated the impacts of demonstration, programmed and projects instructional strategies on students' academic performance in secondary school Physics in Ekiti State. A quasi-experimental design, involving experimental and control groups plus pre-test and post-test were adopted. There were four strategies, three strategies in the experimental group (programmed, demonstration and project strategies) and traditional chalk and talk strategy in the control group. The samples consisted of 240 Physics Students (Male and Female) selected from eight secondary schools. The research instrument used for the study was physics Achievement Test (PAT). The instrument was administered as a pre-test before the treatment and as post-test after treatment for a period of six weeks. The data generated were computed using inferential statistical analysis of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Three hypotheses were raised and tested at α=0.05 level of significance. The results generated from the study shows that students exposed to programmed strategy was the best if compared with demonstration, project and the traditional chalk and talk strategies. The study revealed that location of the school is helpful in enhancing academic performance in Secondary School Physics as most students in urban area performed better than those in rural areas. From the findings, it was recommended that programmed and demonstration strategies should be adopted as effective strategies of teaching Physics in secondary schools and that the government should ensure equal distributions of teachers to rural and urban secondary School.
In everlasting fight against academic procrastination: The roles of classroom engagement and internal locus of control

This study aims to test the hypothesis that classroom engagement mediates the relationship between students’ internal locus of control and academic procrastination. As many as 302 students from a private university between 18 to 26 years of age were recruited to respond to Internal-External Locus of control Scale, Classroom Engagement Inventory, and Academic Procrastination scale. Bootstrapping analyses were conducted by utilizing PROCESS Macro model 4 in SPSS software, and the results showed that the mediator variable fully mediates the link between the predictor and outcome variables. In other words, the direct effect of internal locus of control on academic procrastination was no longer significant when controlling for classroom engagement. Further discussion, implications and suggestions were presented at the end of the article.
Cadaveric Study of Morphometry of Spleen

Aim of the Study: Spleen is a clinically important organ because of its immunological and hematological role in the body. It can show a wide range of variation, the knowledge of which is important for physicians, surgeons and radiologists The present study was done to perform a morphometric analysis of cadaveric spleens and compare the results with previous studies. Materials and Methods: The present study was done on 53 cadaveric spleens. It can show a wide range of variation, the knowledge of which is important for physicians, surgeons and radiologists The present study was done to perform a morphometric analysis of cadaveric spleens and compare the results with previous studies. Results: Out of 53 spleens studied, a wedge shaped or triangular spleen was the most common shapes encountered (18 each) followed by 8 tetrahedral spleens and 5 oval spleens. The least common shapes were heart shaped, semi lunar shaped spleens (2 each). Weight of the spleen ranged from 53 to 444 g average weight being 145 g. Length of the spleen ranged from 50.5 to 144.3 mm average being 96.88. Breadth of the spleen ranged from 43.7 to 107.5 mm average being 68.4. Thickness of spleen ranged from 22.3 to 52.14 mm average being 36.12. Notches were only seen on the superior border of 44 spleens and most of these spleens had one or two notches. Three spleens showed the presence of multiple notches and in 5 spleens no notches were seen. Conclusion: These findings will be helpful for operating surgeons and intervention radiologists and for objective determination of splenomegaly.
Effect of Sugar Industry Effluent on Germination, Growth, Yield and Metabolism in Barley( Hordeum vulgare L.) Plants

Seeds of hordeum vulgare were used as test material. The various concentrations of treated effluents and control were taken for the study in triplicate. It was observed that seed germination, plant growth, total fresh weight, photosynthetic pigments, sugar and protein concentrations and amylase activity was found to be significantly decreased with increase in concentrations of effluent. Total dry weight showed enhancement at 25, 50 and 75% concentrations of effluent while a decrease was observed at 100% concentration of effluent. Catalase and peroxidase enzymes showed variable results at increasing concentrations of effluent.
Leptospirosis in non-endemic areas in and around Dharwad District

Introduction: Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease of pathogenic spirochete has gained public health importance in India due to several outbreaks in recent years. The disease is prevalent in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Gujarat, Andamans, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Leptospirosis outbreaks have been reported from 15 districts of Karnataka. Serological testing is the most widely used diagnostic means. IgM ELISA is promising for detection of early leptospirosis. Objectives: The present study determines the prevalence and clinical profiles of leptospirosis in and around Dharwad district. Materials and Method: This was a prospective study conducted in patients clinically suspected of leptospirosis from January 2013 to December 2015. Blood samples were tested for positive leptospirosis by IgM ELISA. Results: A total of 375 samples were tested during the study; of these, 39 samples were tested in 2013 with 16 positives, all hailing from Uttara Kannada. In 2014, 44/125 samples and in 2015, 25/211 samples tested positive for leptospirosis with majority of the patients belonging to adult age group (>12 years age). These cases belonged to non-endemic areas like Haveri, Dharwad and Gadag. Male predominance was noteworthy in 2013 and 2014 unlike in 2015. Conclusion: Cases of leptospirosis have been detected in non-endemic areas after heavy rainfall and flooding. Increased awareness among physicians regarding early diagnosis of leptospirosis and fever of unknown origin especially after water related natural calamities even in non-endemic regions is of paramount significance which may help in providing better healthcare management
The Quest for Immortality: Introducing Metadichol® a Novel Telomerase Activator

Objective: To compare the effects of congenital Prekallikrein deficiency in humans and in animal. Patients and animals: All reported cases of patients with Prekallikrein deficiency have been taken into consideration as gathered from personal papers and Pub Med repeated searches carried out during the past 16 years. Prekallikrein deficiency in animals has been obtained by two Pub Med searches carried out on July 2017 and May 2018. Results: Congenital Prekallikrein deficiency in humans is associated with no bleeding tendency even though in two patients surgical bleeding has been reported to stop after the administration of Fresh Frozen Plasma. Bleeding in animals was seen in one horse after castration and in a dog with unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding Hypertension, hypertension related disorders and thrombosis have been frequently reported in humans with Prekallikrein deficiency. On the contrary no cardiovascular disorder or thrombotic event has ever been reported in Prekallikrein deficient animals. Conclusions: Comparison between human and animals has a limitation due to the fact that the number of animals with such a defect is very scanty. Due to the revival of interest in the contact phase of blood coagulation it would be very useful if a large number of animals, dogs in particular, could be investigated. Such study could cast some new light on the relation between the contact phase of blood coagulation and cardiovascular diseases and thrombosis.
Clinical Audit: Paediatric Medical Team Attendance at Deliveries in an Outer Metropolitan Hospital in Western Australia

Background: The attendance of paediatric medical teams at deliveries has become accepted as an integral part of birth management under current multidisciplinary team arrangements. Under current guidelines, specific clinical indicators have been developed to determine whether paediatric teams need to attend deliveries. High rates of attendance indicate that paediatric medical team resources are being extended beyond the criteria at the expense of essential services being provided elsewhere. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit was used to evaluate the frequency of paediatric team attendance and related clinical indicators. Deliveries were recorded and audited for a randomly selected calendar month. Paediatric team attendance was evaluated against foetal distresses, types of delivery, gestational age and birth weight. Results: A total of 112 deliveries were recorded for the selected calendar month and paediatric medical teams attended 74.1% (n=80) of the deliveries. Participants were comprised of 50.9% (n=57) male and 49.1% (n=55) female babies. Of these deliveries, 66.7% (n=72) were term, 30.6% (n=33) post-term and 2.8% (n=3) pre-term. A total of 69.4% (n=75) of deliveries were spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD), while 22.2% (n=24) were caesarean sections and 8.3% (n=9) were instrumental deliveries. Foetal distress was experienced by 16.2% (n=17) of babies. Conclusion: Paediatric medical team attendance at deliveries was higher than the combined rate of caesarean sections, pre-term babies, instrumental deliveries and reported cases of foetal distress.
EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON POST-HARVEST SHELF LIFE AND QUALITY OF TOMATO FRUITS IN STORAGE AT WUKARI, TARABA STATE

Tomato fruit are vested with problems of field and storage rot. Among these are Aspergillus niger and A. flavus which are omnipresent in all tomato growing regions. Experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 on the effect of plant extracts and varieties in extending the shelf life of tomato fruits in the study area. Tomato fruits samples consisting of two varieties (Seria and Tangino) obtained from three different locations namely New Market, Old Market, and Federal university gate (FUW) were used for the experiments. The result showed that Neem leaf extract, Garlic bulb extract, and Ginger extract were effective in reducing mycelia growth, extended shelf life and maintain the quality of tomato fruits during storage. Significant variations were observed among the varieties in relation to most of the parameters studied. Irrespective of treatment, weight loss, postharvest decay, marketability, shelf life, and firmness decrease with increase in storage duration. The Ginger extract had a significant effect in preventing tomato rot disease compared to Neem leaf extract. The finding indicates that Ginger extract can be used to extend shelf life and quality of tomato fruits beyond their natural limit.
Anti-VEGF Therapy for Retinal Diseases Treatment: Recommendations for its Practice in Colombia

Objective: To display local experience on treatment for retinal diseases with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies and to raise awareness regarding patient-centered care, recognizing the role of medical specialists in determining the most appropriate treatment mainly based on scientific evidence, but also considering the successful experience and practice handling each patient, based on their unique and individual characteristics. Method: Review and comparison of scientific literature according to the authors experience to diagnose and treat diseases involving intraocular injections, focusing on Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (NV-ARMD), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Macular Edema due to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO), Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) and Subretinal Neovascularization associated with Pathological Myopia (PM). Results: The review confirms that, when speaking of drug classes, treatment algorithms or patient profiles, different agents of the same therapeutic class can result in variable efficacies or safety profiles. The clinical relevance represented by the adequate assessment of post-treatment results must be considered, but specially, the careful screening to determine the most appropriate agent and regimen in the intention to treat a patient. Though recommendations and treatment guidelines for pathologies exist, protocols in individualized management and exposure of these real-life experiences are necessary, since not all patients or all retinal diseases respond in the same way to each therapeutic agent. Conclusion: Efficacy and safety using anti-VEGF therapies are extremely important when it comes to providing truly patient-centered care. There is no therapeutic solution, intervention or alternative that fits all complex ocular diseases, so it is important to weigh the available evidence, the experience and the expectations of both patients and prescribers. This will allow to get access to the appropriate therapeutic alternatives, in a timely manner, always considering the efficacy and safety profiles, active pharmacovigilance and the costs associated with the therapeutic alternatives used locally.
Study on the Effect of Day Length and Seasonal Variation on Haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal Traits of Indigenous Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Ghana

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of day length and season on haematological characteristics, biochemical and hormonal profiles of laying Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Four hens and 1 male were each subjected to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness (12L: 12D), 14hours of light and 10 hours of darkness (14L: 10D), 16hours of light and 8 hours of darkness (16L: 8D) and 18hours of light and 6 hours of darkness (18L: 6D). Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS. Significantly (p 0.05) in all parameters except prolactin. The findings of this study suggest that daylength of 14-16hrs and major rainy season in Ghana supports adequate haematological, biochemical and hormonal profiles of Guinea.
Efficacy of Curcumin on Lead Induced Nephrotoxicity in Female Albino Rats

Lead (Pb) toxicity remains a significant public health problem because of its global pervasiveness and its adverse effects on the renal system. Oxidative stress plays a key role in lead-induced nephrotoxicity. The aim of the present study is to clarify the possible corrective role of curcumin on the nephrotoxicity induced by lead acetate. Thirty mature female albino rats (190 225 g) were randomly divided into five equal groups, First and second groups were kept as positive and negative controls orally received 1% carboxymethyl cellulose dissolved in distilled water 3 times a week and drinking water respectively. Third group received orally 100 mg curcumin / Kg B. W. dissolved in 1% carboxymethyl cellulose 3 times a week, fourth group received 500 mg lead acetate / L in drinking water, fifth group received lead acetate and curcumin as previously mentioned with regard to dose and route for each of them. All rats were decapitated after two months from previous treatments. The results revealed that lead acetate toxicity induced significant increase in the levels of serum urea and creatinine as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and lead acetate residue in kidney tissues meanwhile, renal antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly when compared with the control groups. On the level of metallothionein (MT1-MT-2) mRNA expression, lead induced mild up regulation when compared to control groups. The co-treated group with lead and curcumin evoked a significant amelioration. The histopathological investigation confirmed the aforementioned findings. The current study concluded that curcumin mitigate the nephrotoxic, oxidative, histopathological and residual impacts of lead acetate exposure however the detailed role of metallothionein in the nephrotoxicity mediated by co-exposure to lead and curcumin still remains to be elucidated. [Mervat H. Ghoniem; Nabela I. El-Sharkawy; Mohamed M.A. Hussein and Gihan G. Moustafa . Efficacy of Curcumin on Lead InducedNephrotoxicity in Female Albino Rats] Journal of American Science 2012; 8(6): 502-510]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience. org.
Management of overweight and obesity in Egyptian school children-An intervention study

Background: Increasing rates of overweight and obesity in children & adolescents in Egypt signal a very alarming trend indicating an urgent need for development of strategies to address this new problem. Objective: To examine the individual and combined effects of dietary weight loss and exercise interventions on body mass index (BMI), various lab. parameters &dietary habits. Methods: This longitudinal intervention study was done in 30 randomly selected elementary & secondary schools of two governorates; Cairo & El Behaira. A total of 841 over weight & obese adolescent school children were randomly assigned to either diet modification or diet & exercise program. All Participants were subjected to baseline assessment (weight, height, waist circumference hemoglobin concentration, fasting blood sugar & lipid profile dietary intake including “Twenty four-hour recall“ method & food frequency questionnaire). The intervention strategy aimed to decrease the energy consumption, adopting healthy eating habits and increase physical activity. All baseline assessments were repeated at 6 and 12 months. Results: A total of 718 cases continued 12 months follow up with dropout rate of 14.6 %. The results indicated that 27.9% of our total participants lost 5% or more of their initial body weight after 12 months of follow-up especially among the group who followed diet & exercise regimen. All lab parameters improved significantly by the end of the study. The mean total daily caloric intake, mean total Fat energy ratio & Carbohydrates energy ratio have been significantly decreased by visit 12 especially among the group who followed diet & exercise regimen. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that diet alone can have a beneficial effect on reducing weight; however, a combination of weight loss and regular exercise may provide greater improvement in reducing weight, improving lipid profile & dietary intake on long scale programs. [Maysa A.Samy, Sahar A Khairy, Sahar A Ibrahim, May K Matter, and Hoda A.Hassan. Management of overweight and obesity in Egyptian school children-An intervention study. J Am Sci 2012;8(11):595-603]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience. org. 89