Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drivers of Wetland Utilisation Patterns and The Current Status of Provisioning and Cultural Services In Driefontein and Intunjambili Wetlands, Zimbabwe

The study assesses drivers of wetland utilisation patterns and the current status of provisioning and cultural services in Driefontein and Intunjambili wetlands, Zimbabwe. A total of 280 questionnaires were administered together with semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants in the two wetlands. Qualitative data obtained through the questionnaire survey and key informant interviews were analyzed using the content analysis method. The majority of the households in Driefontein (86%) and Intunjambili (75%) indicated that there is no change in wetland utilisation patterns over the past decade as horticultural activities remain the predominant activity. Most households (90%) in Intunjambili indicated that the availability of water is the major factor influencing wetland use. This was different from Driefontein where market availability for horticultural products (66%) was the main reason for wetland use. Land use land cover (LULC) changes established through analysis of remotely sensed imagery for the years 1999, 2009 and 2019 indicate an increase in the spatial extent of the cultivated area, bare land and a decrease in the area covered by water. Results also show that the two wetlands are providing water for drinking and crop cultivation, pasture for livestock grazing and opportunities for academic incursions. Overall, the two wetlands provide essential provisioning and cultural services hence the need for wise use and proper management to prevent their degradation and possibly loss of human benefits.
Dynamic reactive power management based on forecasts and chronological power flow

EDP Distribuicao (EDPD) is developing methodologies to establish a dynamic ‘next-day’ reactive power management plan based on load and generation forecasts for 100k connection points of the high voltage/medium voltage Portuguese network. This is achieved by using a Big Data platform to compute the 100k forecast profiles whose results are then accessed by an optimal power-flow software. This study presents the methodologies developed by EDPD with its partners to establish a ‘next-day’ reactive power program based on the optimisation of reactive power flows in the Portuguese network as constrained by the reactive power requirements at each of the distribution system operators–transmission system operators interconnection points.
Health Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Strategy and Experience Analysis

Background: Sharing experiences and learning from health measures taken during the outbreak of epidemics is a critical issue that affects the right and timely decisions in health crises. In the present study, an attempt has been made to review the health policies adopted against COVID-19 and extract critical points for resolving the epidemic crisis. Materials and Methods: This article was a comparative study. The study population comprised Canada, Japan, Germany, Korea, Turkey, and Iran. Ten effective indicators in the management of epidemics were extracted by reviewing the literature and interviewing disaster management experts, and the degree of conformity of the research community with them was examined. The study data were collected from articles published in scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus search engines) or information from COVID-19 disease management organizations from official sites. The obtained data were processed and analyzed by matrix content analysis. Results: The results showed the importance of 10 effective indicators in the management of epidemics during the outbreak of COVID-19 studied and noticed by the health system of most countries. And the government, local and private organizations have participated in the implementation of the studied indicators according to the conditions of each country’s health system. Therefore, the success rate of countries in managing COVID-19 disease varies according to the time, type, and manner of implementation and monitoring of measures. Conclusion: Speed of action in adopting health policies and integration in its implementation, construction of convalescence, adequate training and access to personal protective equipment, prevention of nosocomial contamination, and voluntary assistance are essential issues in the fight against epidemics. These measures should be considered and used as teachings in managing health crises, especially emerging diseases and pandemics.
The prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal pain among pilgrims during the Hajj: cross-sectional results from 59 nationalities

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a major burden on individuals, social and healthcare systems. Annually, 2–3 million pilgrims perform the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Hajj involves a high level of physical demand because pilgrims generally move by foot for long distances among a series of religious sites, an effort that may exceed the typical physical activity level for most individuals. To understand the impact of musculoskeletal pain on the completion of the Hajj, it is first necessary to evaluate the extent of the problem. This study aimed to estimate the point prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated risk factors among pilgrims. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period of the Hajj. Data were collected after completion of the 2 nd day of the Hajj (21–31 August 2018), mainly by volunteers using an online application or paper form and approaching individuals at different sites around Mecca. The main inclusion criteria were as follows: adult pilgrims aged 18 or older. Participants were allowed to report more than one site of pain. Prevalence and odds ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 1,715 responses were included in the data analysis. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was high (82.27%). Musculoskeletal pain was most commonly reported in the ankle/foot (39.07%), leg (30.38%), lower back (28.40%), knee (23.03%) and shoulder (16.09%). The odds ratios revealed that musculoskeletal pain was more common in females; older individuals; individuals who smoked, had diabetes or hypertension; those who believed that the Hajj was physically exhausting and those who had experienced a fall during the Hajj. However, there were variations in the degrees of importance of these factors across different anatomical sites of the pain. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain is common among pilgrims, and it is more prevalent among pilgrims than among the general population. Unlike most populations examined in other studies, ankle/foot and leg pain were the most common in pilgrims. These data provide guidance for potential preventative programs and the allocation of resources to optimise pilgrims’ experiences and ability to complete the Hajj. Trial registration: The study was registered at https://www.researchregistry. com in August 2018 (No. 4352).
Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

A B S T R A C T In this novel research study, the degradation of aqueous alachlor by ultrasonic irradiation was investigated. 575 kHz ultrasonic oxidation has obeyed first order kinetic model. The rate constant has increased with the applied power: k = 2.00 � 10 � 2 min � 1 (at 45 W), k = 2.70 � 10 � 2 min � 1 (at 60 W), k = 13.07 � 10 � 2 min � 1 (at 90 W). Alachlor oxidation was achieved, leading to 100% pesticide removal for both 60 and 90 W while 12% mineralization for 60 W and 25% for 90 W. The alachlor removal was terminated in 30 min at 90 W application and the speed of the process did not allow the investigation of the intermediate and/or by-products appearing and disappearing during the pathway. For this reason the reaction mechanism was studied by using the 60 W process. A detailed reaction mechanism was proposed for the degradation of 100 ppb alachlor. The operation was also evaluated by the Microtox toxicity measurement of treated solutions. The fluctuations in the toxicity levels were explained by the simultaneous detection of the pesticide and the intermediate products throughout the process. For the recalcitrant feature of the pesticide, the process required high energy ultrasonic irradiation to achieve non-toxic solutions.
Changes in production performance, antioxidant capacity and immune status of meat ducks under different rearing systems

Background As potential substitutes of traditional free-range rearing, floor rearing system (FRS) and net rearing system (NRS) are currently predominant dryland rearing systems. In this study, a total of 720 Nonghua ducks were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two rearing systems (FRS and NRS) and three ages (4w, 8w, and 13w) to study the effects of FRS and NRS on production performance, antioxidant capacity and immune status. Results The production performance was mainly affected at 8w. Body weight, average daily gain, eviscerated weight and semi-eviscerated weight were higher in NRS at 8w, but carcass yield was decreased at 8w and 13w (P < 0.05). Lipid deposition was enhanced in NRS with higher sebum and abdominal fat yield at 8w and 13w (P < 0.05). NRS resulted in the liver developmental retardation at 4w and decreased gizzard index at all ages (P < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity was not affected by rearing systems (P > 0.05), but a tendency of better antioxidant capacity in NRS at 4w was found, while glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was higher in NRS at 13w (P < 0.05). Spleen and thymus were promoted in NRS and immune cytokines were extensively affected by rearing system (P < 0.05), exhibiting general higher profiles of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, immunoglobulins in NRS. Serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, and ALP) indicated NRS was better for liver health, and in liver, ALP was higher in FRS at 13w, while ALP and IFN-γ in 13w-FRS were both higher than 4w-FRS and 8w-FRS (P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with FRS, NRS was conducive to production performance and duck liver health to some extent but it had defects in visceral organ development and lipid deposition. Though antioxidant capacity was not significantly affected, NRS ducks might have better antioxidant capacity at the early stage of breeding, while GSH-Px activity was increased for scavenging excess free radicals at the later one. NRS increased the levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, immunoglobulins in serum and promoted the development of thymus and spleen to improve duck immune function. These results revealed the physiological impacts of FRS and NRS on ducks and provided a reliable reference for rearing system selection.
Machine learning driven software test case selection

After each software is developed, tests are carried out to identify defects that are subsequently deleted. But testing a non-trivial software completely is a really complex endeavor. Therefore, testing the software using critical test cases is important. Thus test case selection aims to minimize unnecessary test data, which is important for determining testing methods. In this study, we have created an approach for regression testing based on machine learning software tests. We initially clean the data and preprocess it in order to construct the approach. The category data is then converted to its numerical value. To generate a bag of characteristics for text features such as test case title, we apply natural language processing. For test cases selection we evaluate various machine learning models. The results of the experiments show that machine learning-based models can eliminate the need for domain experts to select test cases manually.
A Contribution of Teacher vs. Student Languaging in Response to Direct Corrective Feedback to Iranian EFL Learners' Writing Accuracy

This study endeavored to investigate into teacher vs. student languaging in response to Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) and its effect on promoting writing accuracy. To this end, 45 pre-intermediate Iranian English learners were selected based on their performance on an Oxford Placement Test and were randomly assigned into the three groups of Student-Generated Languaging (SGL), Teacher-Generated languaging (TWCF), and Non-generated Languaging (NGL). The groups were invited to write a composition with the same topic based on the written prompts in their textbook as the pretest while they revised the composition on the final session as the posttest. During 14 sessions of treatment, each group was provided with direct WCF on the erroneous parts of their compositions differing from each other in that the SGL group was requested to language about the reasons behind the erroneous items; the TWCF group received direct languaging by the teacher while the NGL group received direct WCF without any languaging. The results of the ANOVA revealed that the SGWL group significantly outperformed the other two groups in writing accuracy on the posttest. It came to light that direct WCF followed by written languaging by the learners led to increased gains in English learners' writing accuracy.
Foveal Avascular Zone Evaluation in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy without Diabetic Macular Edema Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose:To evaluate dimensions of Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) at level of superficial and deep capillary plexuses (SCP/DCP), in patients with different grades of non proliferative diabetic retinopathy without Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA). Patients and Methods: 80 type II diabetes mellitus patients and 20 healthy control subjects were included in this cross sectional study ,aged from 40-60 years with DM type 2 of more than five years ,ecxluding proliferative diabetic retinopathy and DME.Patients were subdivided into four groups according to ETDRS Classification (without retinopathy,mild ,moderate and sever retinopathy) . All subjects undewent: measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin level ,standard Structural Optical coherence tomography for the macula and optic nerve head with OCTA for evaluation of FAZ in both SCP and DCP networks of all eyes using (Heidelberg engineering, OCT spectralis, Germany) (SD-OCT). Results: Mean total macular thickness in control group (322.89 ± 16.31 μm) vs (316.57 ± 20.21 μm) in patients` group.Average RNFL thickness(158.61 ± 12.99 μm )in control group vs(156.07 ± 22.58) μm in patients` group.Mean FAZ in SCP in control group ( 0.32 ± 0.12) mm2 versus( 0.44 ± 0.17) mm2 in patients` group, while FAZ IN DCP (0.23) mm2 ± 0.12 in controls versus ( 0.34 ± 0.16) mm2 in patients.There was a statistically significant wider FAZ in DR patients (P-value 0.003). Conclusion: Enlargement of FAZ in SCP and DCP in patients with moderate to severe NPDR without DME was detected using OCTA, proceeded by neurodegenerative changes with reduction in thickness of ORL and GCC layer. This can be used to monitor the progression of the disease and to evaluate the response to treatment.
Validation of an analytical method for the determination of acrylamide in potato chips and french fries

The aim of this study was to validate a GC-MS/MS method for determining acrylamide (AA) in potato-based products by using the solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up. The method consisted in defatting the sample (potato chips, French fries) with hexane, extraction of AA in water, centrifugation, followed by AA purification on two SPE columns. The purified extract was derivatized with bromine compounds, then extracted with ethyl acetate: hexane mixture. The residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and triethylamine was injected into the GC-MS/MS. The method showed a good precision (RSDr= 1.13- 4.26%; RSDR= 1.19- 8.84%) and accuracy (recovery= 85.64- 109.22%). The precision of the results was demonstrated by participation in two proficiency tests launched by the FAPAS® program, yielding z-scores of -0.8 (for pre-cooked French fries) and 0 (for potato crisps). Good sensitivity was achieved for potato chips with a LOD and LOQ of 6.94 and 20.83 μg/kg, while for French fries, it was 10.29 and 30.87 μg/kg, respectively. When applying the method on potato chips sample, the AA level varied between undetectable and 1504.93 μg/kg, while for French fries was between 31.45- 371.30 μg/kg. The method fulfilled the performance criteria of Commission Regulation EU 2017/2158 for the determination of AA in potato-based products.
Knowledge and attitudes among healthcare workers and patients with total knee and hip replacement towards the use of brief psychological techniques: A qualitative study in UK and Saudi hospitals

Introduction: Brief psychological interventions, including guided imagery, relaxation, and distraction-based techniques, can be effective adjunctive techniques to manage acute surgical pain, but are not widely adopted in clinical practice. Furthermore, mixed adherence to conventional pain treatments sometimes limits the effectiveness of pain management. Patients’ perceptions of these techniques, and the attitudes of health professionals involved in managing acute pain, are not sufficiently well understood to inform research or policy. Methods: Key informants such as 58 patients and 20 healthcare professionals in two Orthopedic departments in the UK and Saudi Arabia, were interviewed. Patient interviews were conducted at three distinct points in their care: before surgery (T1), on the ward (T2), and several weeks after surgery (T3). A thematic analysis explored participants’ perceptions, understanding and acceptance of brief psychological interventions (BPIs) for acute pain after surgery. Results: Most patients expressed favorable opinions towards BPIs. These opinions were often linked to concerns about painkillers including side effects, tolerance, or dependence. Many patients reported the spontaneous practice of non-drug interventions to cope with their pain. Interviews also revealed numerous barriers to the delivery of BPIs in mainstream clinical practice including lack of knowledge and expertise among healthcare workers (HCWs), and prejudice associated with psychological treatments. HCWs were positive towards the use of BPIs in principle but highlighted a perceived lack of scientific evidence and lack of time and resources as the primary barriers to broader adoption. Conclusion: Our findings provide insights into the perception of psychological interventions for acute pain among patients and healthcare professionals, and provide a foundation for the design, evaluation and dissemination of future BPIs for postoperative pain relief. A better understanding of perceived barriers to use will inform the structure and presentation of future BPI packages. Future evaluation studies using structured, well-documented interventions that are designed for ease of dissemination are required. Journal of Health and Social Sciences 2021; 6,1:41-58 The Italian Journal for Interdisciplinary Health and Social Development
Decision science: a multi-criteria decision framework for enhancing an electoral voting system

The deployment of effective and efficient information and communication technologies (ICTs) remains a major priority for the smooth running of electoral management systems worldwide. To guarantee the integrity of the electoral voting process and ensure the reliability of the electoral results, selecting the correct vendor with the requisite expertise is a key success factor that cannot be ignored. This paper proposes a framework for selecting a vendor to offer support and implementation services using the Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) programme as a case study. Our proposed framework uses a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology comprising the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Consistency tests and sensitivity analysis are carried out to check the quality of the expert’s inputs and the robustness of our approach respectively. Our work offers a better understanding of the role a hybrid AHP-TOPSIS method plays in selecting a suitable vendor to play an effective role in enhancing the voter system’s credibility in a democratic process. Again, the study extends the application of MCDM methods to areas such as supplier selection for electoral voting systems.
Power supply with parallel reactive and distortion power compensation and tunable inductive filter — Part 2

The paper is the second part of the work, devoted to a DC power supply with a power factor correction function. The power supply is equipped additionally with a shunt active power filter function, which enables the compensation of reactive and distortion power, generated by loads, connected to the same power grid node. A tunable inductive filter, included at the input of the power electronics current source – the main block of the power supply – allows for an improvement of the quality of the system control, compared to the device with a fixed inductive filter. This improvement was possible by extending the current source “frequency response”, which facilitated increasing the dynamics of current changes at the power supply input. The second part of the work briefly reminds the reader of the principle of operation and the structures of both the power supply control system and its power stage. The main purpose of this paper is to present the selected test results of the laboratory model of the electric system with the power supply.
Fibrinogen Early In Severe Trauma studY (FEISTY): results from an Australian multicentre randomised controlled pilot trial

Background: Haemorrhage is a major cause of death in severe trauma. Fibrinogen plays a critical role in maintaining haemostasis in traumatic haemorrhage, and early replacement using fibrinogen concentrate (FC) or cryoprecipitate (Cryo) is recommended by several international trauma guidelines. Limited evidence supports one product over the other, with widespread geographic and institutional variation in practice. Two previous trials have investigated the feasibility of rapid FC administration in severely injured trauma patients, with conflicting results. Objective: To compare the time to fibrinogen replacement using FC or Cryo in severely injured trauma patients with major haemorrhage and hypofibrinogenaemia. Design, setting, patients and interventions: A multicentre controlled pilot trial in which adult trauma patients with haemorrhage were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive FC or Cryo for fibrinogen replacement, guided by FIBTEM A5 (functional fibrinogen assessment at 5 minutes after clot formation, using rotational thromboelastometry). Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was time to commencement of fibrinogen replacement. Secondary outcomes included effects of the intervention on plasma fibrinogen levels and clinical outcomes including transfusion requirements and mortality. Results: Of the 100 randomly assigned patients, 62 were hypofibrinogenaemic and received the intervention (n = 37) or Cryo (n = 25). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to delivery of FC was 29 min (23–40 min) compared with 60 min (40–80 min) for Cryo (P = 0.0001). All 62 patients were hypofibrinogenaemic before receiving FC or Cryo (FC: median FIBTEM A5, 8 mm [IQR, 7–9 mm]; Cryo: median FIBTEM A5, 9 mm [IQR, 5–10 mm]). In the FC arm patients received a median of 3 g FC (IQR, 2–4 g), and in the Cryo arm patients received a median of 8 units of Cryo (IQR, 8–14 units). Restoration of fibrinogen levels was achieved in both arms after the intervention. Blood product transfusion, fluid resuscitation and thromboembolic complications were similar in both arms. Overall mortality was 15.3%, with more deaths in the FC arm. Conclusion: Fibrinogen replacement in severely injured trauma patients with major haemorrhage and hypofibrinogenaemia was achieved substantially faster using FC compared with Cryo. Fibrinogen levels increased appropriately using either product. The optimal method for replacing fibrinogen in traumatic haemorrhage is controversial. Our results will inform the design of a larger trial powered to assess patient-centred outcomes.