Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison between The Incidence of Paresthesia in Median and Paramedian Approaches of Intrathecal Anesthesia in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Sections: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Paresthesia with intrathecal anesthesia occurs when the entry of the needle causes an uncomfortable pain, burning, or electric sensation that usually radiates to the buttocks or legs. The importance of avoiding paresthesia is to lower the risk of postoperative neurological problems, in addition to reducing the incidence of that unpleasant sensation. The majority of reported occurrences of nerve injury caused by spinal anesthesia were preceded by paresthesia during the spinal anesthesia needle insertion. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been done to compare the incidence of paresthesia in cesarean sections using median and paramedian routes to provide spinal anesthetic. AIM: Our study aimed to compare the incidence of paresthesia in the median and paramedian approaches of intrathecal anesthesia to predict its association with nerve injury. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred-ninety-six parturients scheduled for elective cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia were in the study from November 2020 to January 2021. They were divided into two groups. The median group (n = 157) and the paramedian group (n = 135) according to the approach used for providing spinal anesthesia. The incidence of paresthesia was compared between both groups. The number of trials in each approach and the occurrence of postoperative neurological complications (for example: nerve injury, paraplegia, or foot drop) were also documented. RESULTS: The sample size was calculated based on a pilot study that was conducted before the original study. The calculated sample size was based on an alpha error of 0.05 and 90% power. The incidence of paresthesia was higher in the median group (10.7%) than the paramedian (3.7) group with statistical significance (p = 0.039). In both groups, no postoperative neurological problems were noted in any groups. CONCLUSION: The median group has significantly more incidence of paresthesia than the paramedian group. The significance of this finding is that the paramedian approach is expected to be less likely to cause neurologic problems during spinal anesthesia.
A Model Proposal to Address Relationships Between Epistemic Practices and Socioscientific Issues in Science Education

In this paper, we present a model that relates epistemic practices and socio-scientific issues (SSI) in science education. In order to develop it, we establish interweavings between norms, practices, epistemic objectives, epistemic cognition, informal reasoning, epistemic practices and justified positioning. We suggest that epistemic cognition is the link between reasoning and epistemic practices. We present three epistemic goals that should guide work with epistemic practices when solving a SSI: recognising and using multiple lines of reasoning when solving the SSI, construction and evaluation of holistic arguments aiming to understand the multiple dimensions of the SSI and the development of sceptical investigations to resolve the SSI. The stated objectives contribute to the critical assessment and resolution of the SSI. We believe that for the construction of social norms in teaching environments with SSI, it should be considered that these questions do not require a “single” answer and, therefore, a space for reflection, awareness and justification of the different perspectives on the question must be allowed. The relationships established in this article contribute to research that aims to develop and analyse epistemic practices “in situ” in teaching contexts with SSI. In addition, they have the potential to provide support to teachers who wish to favour the occurrence of epistemic practices in a SSI approach.
EXAMINING THE ADEQUACY OF SEPARATION GAPS BETWEEN ADJACENT BUILDINGS UNDER NEAR-FIELD AND FAR-FIELD EARTHQUAKES

Earthquake-induced pounding is a phenomenon that has been observed in almost every major earthquake since the 1960s. Pounding between adjacent buildings occurs due to insufficient separation and with different dynamic properties. This usually causes local damage, and in some extreme cases, total collapse of structures. Building codes in seismically active zones recommended a minimum separation gap between adjacent buildings to avoid pounding during severe earthquakes. AS1170.42007 is an Australian standard that requires 1% of the building height as a minimum separation gap between buildings to preclude pounding. This article presents experimental and numerical results to examine the adequacy of this specification to avoid seismic pounding between steel-frame structures under near-field and far-field earthquakes. It is found that AS1170.4-2007 is inadequate if the shorter building is used to estimate the required separation between adjacent structures under both near-field and far-field earthquakes. The code specification is adequate if the taller building is used to estimate the required separation between adjacent structures under far-field earthquakes only. The results are also compared with corresponding results obtained using the ABS and SRSS methods.
Exploring the Influence of Commodity Prices, Real Exchange Rate and Trade Openness on Economic Performance in an Emerging Country

Do commodity prices, real exchange rate and trade openness influence economic growth in South Africa? This question is fundamental to academic research since it forms the basis of macroeconomic policies. Therefore, the comprehension of such a relationship is vital which has ushered this study into investigating the effect of real exchange rate, commodity prices and trade openness on economic growth in South Africa from 1984-2019. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the diverse literature on macroeconomics and international trade in the continent and the rest of the world. To achieve this, the Johansen cointegration method and Vector Error Correction Model were employed. The Johansen cointegration method confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship among the variables. Commodity prices and trade openness positively influenced economic growth while real exchange rate inversely influenced economic growth. The Vector Error Correction Model also confirmed that the disequilibrium in the model can be corrected in 1 year 9 months. The study`s findings suggest a methodical monetary policy synthesis that controls both the commodity price stability and exchange rate that spurs economic growth.
Effects of mechanical thinning on botrytis bunch rot on Sauvignon blanc wine grapes

Mechanical fruit thinning could be a practical and cost-effective alternative to hand thinning of Sauvignon blanc grapes to increase quality by reducing yield. Botrytis bunch rot, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is the main seasonal disease risk for grapes grown in New Zealand but it is unknown if this disease is exacerbated by mechanical rather than manual thinning of the vines. It was hypothesised that the damage caused by mechanical thinning would result in more disease or increase disease pressure than hand thinning or no thinning. Botrytis bunch rot was determined in the field at harvest following mechanical thinning in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons compared with an un-thinned control. In the 2011 season, possible mechanisms that may have influenced disease severity were investigated. The parameters investigated were: bunch openness; berry susceptibility to infection; and percentage of bunch debris infected with Botrytis cinerea. Mechanical thinning resulted in the same or lower observed disease severity compared with the un-thinned control in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons while reducing yield as desired. In all seasons, both heavy and light machine thinning treatments reduced incidence of botrytis compared to the un-thinned control and the heavy machine treatment always reduced disease severity compared to the un-thinned control. Berry susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea was a complex interaction between various factors. Heavy machine thinned berries without wounding and inoculation were significantly less susceptible than the un-thinned control. Further investigation will be required to determine if the significant differences observed in berry susceptibility to infection and total infected bunch debris per bunch can be correlated with observed field disease levels.
The Influence of Earning Per Share, Price Earnings Ratio, and Price to Book Value toward Price of Stok of Coal Mining Companies Listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange During 2014-2018

Company's financial performance is a factor considered by investors in investing. This study aims to determine the effect of Earning per Share (EPS), Price Earnings Ratio (PER), and Price to Book Value (PBV) on stock price. Eight coal mining companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2014-2018 were taken for the samples of this research using purposive sampling technique. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. The results show that (1) EPS, PER, and PBV simultaneously have a significant effect on stock price with a significance value of 0.000; (2) EPS and PBV partially have a significant effect on stock price with a significance value of 0.000 and 0.006 respectively. EPS, PER, and PBV can explain variation of the stock price of the coal companies listed in the IDX in 2014-2018 as much as 88.5%. The results of this study is expected to provide recommendations for investors in choosing stocks of coal mining company with good performance based on EPS and PBV ratios.
Vitamin D Level in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Stage 3 to 5 and Predictors of its Deficiency

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly encountered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with or without undergoing dialysis. This study was conducted to assess vitamin D level in patients diagnosed with predialysis CKD stage 3 – 5, and to determine the predictors of its deficiency in such patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 patients who were divided into three equal groups of CKD-3, CKD-4 and CKD-5. All cases were subjected to detailed history taking, physical examination and measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to Cockcroft-Gault formula. In addition, laboratory investigations included CBC, renal function tests, serum ferritin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and vitamin D level. Results: Patient demographics and other co-morbidities were comparable among the three groups. Serum vitamin D had mean values of 24.84, 20.52 and 11.24 ng/ml in patients with stages III, IV and V respectively, with significant difference between the three groups. Vitamin D deficiency was more common in CKD-5 cases. On the contrary, serum parathyroid hormone and ferritin were significantly higher levels, in patients with higher stages. There was statistically significant positive correlation of serumvitamin D with eGFR, Hb, calcium and albumin. On the other hand, serum vitamin D was negatively correlated with phosphate, PTH, urea andcreatinine. Conclusion: It is evident that higher stages of CKD are associated with more vitamin D deficiency.
Comparative Study of Nutrient Values and Heavy Metals Content of Corchorus olitorius Collected from Farm Land (Post Service) and Dumpsite (Oko Fili) In Lagos, Nigeria.

Africa is blessed with great diversity of plant resources that play major role in the continent's food, socio-economic and cultural development. These traditional leafy vegetables help to improve the nutritional status of populations and generate significant income in both rural and urban areas.Hence, this study investigated the nutrient contents and level of heavy metals in Corchorus olitorius collected from dumpsite (Oko fili in Alimosho Local Government Area) and farmland (Post Service in Ojo Local Government Area) using a standard procedure and t-test analysis. The results showed the presence of amino acids(aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, glycine, histidine, Arginine, threonine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, cysteine, iso-leucine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine) in C. olitorius from both sites, however no significant (p>0.05) difference exists between the mean of all the amino acids taken from both sites. Values of metals recorded in dumpsites were higher than that from farmland. However, only calcium (Ca), iron(Fe), potassium(K), magnesium(Mg), sodium(Na), phosphorus(P), and zinc (Zn) had higher significant differences in values for both the soil and C. olitorius. The respective values of these metals (mg/100g) in C. olitorius at dumpsite and farmland are: Ca (985.3±310.8, 633.8±190.1), Fe (141.4±18.314, 5.415±0.742), K (112.200±51.477, 32.200±13.717), Mg (308.050±121.552, 107.050±3.889), Na(37.995±16.497, 25.015±5.550), P(305.635±257.860, 137.500±39.739) and Zn(18.235±13.103, 4.380±1.810). Potassium/sodium ratio (K/Na) for C. olitorius at both sites is comparable to recommended value of 1.00. In conclusion, all the values of metals (except Na in soil and K in plant) are within WHO/FAO maximum recommended limits. Therefore, C. olitorius examined in this study is safe for consumption while the metals in both farmland and dumpsite are considered to be less concentrated.
Self-Instructional Training Application on Diabetic Patients' Self-Care Behaviors

Background: The diabetes mellitus cases have significantly increased in Indonesia over recent years. Health education for patients has often been carried out; however, education using self-instructional methods, which provided self-learning to solve problems by adjusting the patient's ability to improve self-care behaviors, has not been widely used.Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the self-care behaviors of diabetic patients with the application of self-instructional training.Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent pretest-posttest with a control group design. The participants were 73 diabetic patients in the out-patient units selected by a purposive sampling technique, and divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=37) and the control group (n=36). The intervention group received a self-instructional training program which was carried out in two sessions using a booklet; each session lasted for 45 minutes. The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was used to collect diabetic patients' self-care behavior data. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were employed for data analysis.Results: Self-care behaviors of patients with diabetes mellitus increased before and after the training in both groups (p=0.000). However, the increase in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group, from 46.46±5.014 to 58.03±7.320 and from 47.78±4.929 to 51.64±6.406, respectively. There was also a significant difference in the self-care behaviors of diabetic patients between the intervention group and the control group (p=0.000). Conclusion: Self-instructional training significantly improves self-care behaviors of diabetic patients. Therefore, self-instructional training can be considered to apply in the clinical setting for improving self-care behaviors of diabetic patients to prevent complications, and for enhancing nursing care of diabetes mellitus.
Value aggregation of pine (Araucaria angustifolia) nuts agro-industrial waste by cellulose extraction

Araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia) is a tree species found in the Southeast and South of Brazil. It is also known as Brazilian pine, presenting fruits of high acceptance. However, its processing generates by-products that are little used. Thus, this work aimed to extract and characterize the cellulose obtained from the pinion husk, as well as to evaluate the contents of ash, lignin, cellulose and α-cellulose in its composition. The raw material and the extracted cellulose were characterized by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As for the contents of chemical composition detected, the husks showed 1.6% ash, 7% extractives, 34% lignin and 55% cellulose, being 46% α-cellulose and 9% hemicellulose. It was observed by XRD that the removal of amorphous materials resulted in a gain of crystallinity (from 19 to 33%). Proving the efficiency of the extraction, the characterization of the cellulose obtained was shown to be of high purity, since the main band of the lignin (FTIR) and the amorphous materials of the cellulosic sample (TGA) disappeared. Finally, this work shows that the pinion bark is a rich source of cellulose, making it possible to obtain nanocrystals.
Resource Control and Secessionist Movements in Nigeria: Implications for National Unity and Development

The geographical entity called Nigeria came into existence on January 1, 1914, when the then Northern and Southern protectorates were merged. Since then, successive governments in the country have been trying to unite the diverse elements that make up the country, all to no avail. From the North and South, there have been called for the dismemberment of the country due to the failure of successive administrations to address the national questions. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the issues confronting Nigeria’s unity and suggests a way forward. The paper is anchored on elite and frustration-aggression theories and relies on secondary sources of data. The paper contended that injustice, high-handedness, and marginalization of certain sections or regions of the country in the governance of the country accounted for resource control and secessionist movements in the country. The paper suggests justice and inclusiveness of all sections of the country in the affairs of the state, among others.
Non-Carious Cervical Lesions and risk factors in Brazilian athletes: A cross sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Noncarious Cervical Lesions (NCCL), Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity (CDH) and Gingival Recession (GR) and their associated risk factors in athletes. Methodology: A questionnaire was used to obtain basic information. An evaluator clinically examined all subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using Poisson multiple regression with robust variance, and the prevalence ratio and confidence intervals (95%) were calculated. Results: The final sample consisted of 264 athletes of different sports (7285 teeth). The present study found that the type of sport and weekly training time are important factors. Athlete’s ages ranged from 17 to 46 years (mean: 20.33 years). Majority of the athletes were males (90.46%). The teeth most affected by NCCL were the first upper premolars (29.35%), and the prevalence of NCCL increased with age. The prevalence of NCCL, CDH, and GR was 17.42%, 35.35%, and 59.09%, respectively. The linear regression shows that the most important risk factor(s) for NCCL was age, training hours, stress, excessive brushing force and orthodontic appliance; for CDH were age, education, type of sport, training hours and acid diet; and for GR were age, income, education, type of sport and excessive teeth brushing. Conclusion: It must be understood that the presence of all elements are factors capable of destabilizing the athlete's daily life. Athletes have risk factors that are closely related to the onset and progression of the disease. It is necessary that the dentist knows prevention and minimization measures.
Examining Green Hotel Patronage Intention from the Perspective of Behavioural Reasoning Theory

Green hotels help minimise the negative impact of consumption on the environment. This study examines consumers’ intention to patronise green hotels by applying the Behavioural Reasoning Theory (BRT). In the BRT, the drivers of behavioural intentions include value, reasons for, reasons against as well as global motives (attitude). This study surveyed 262 respondents in the Klang Valley, Malaysia using questionnaires. The findings indicated that reasons serve as essential linkages between consumers’ values and their attitudes. In particular, Attitude is the strongest predictor of green hotel patronage intention, followed by Reasons against Patronage, Altruism and Reasons for Patronage. Reasons against Patronage have a stronger influence on green hotel patronage intention than Reasons for Patronage. Marketers should minimise the effects of reasons against to improve green hotel patronage intention, promote consumer’s altruism value and attitude toward choosing green hotels.
Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis IgA, IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Sexually Active Individuals at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West Cameroon

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Infections caused by this pathogen are usually symptomatic in men and asymptomatic in about 2/3 of women resulting in a variety of clinical complications. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of immunological markers and the risk factors associated with the seropositivity to C. trachomatis infection in sexually active individuals visiting the Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, West region Cameroon Study Design: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted between July and September 2020 at Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital in Dschang, Cameroon. Methods: A total of 154 participants were recruited during the data collection period. An indirect ELISA method was used to analyse participant’s serum samples. Risk factors were assessed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression using SPSS 25. Results: The seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38.3% (95%CI: 30.6 - 46.0). Only 39.6% (95%CI: 31.6 - 47.3) of the study population had never been in contact with the bacterium. The reinfection rate among participants was 8.4% (95%CI: 4.0 - 12.8). Results revealed that being Male is a protective factor against the infection [aOR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.56; P ꞊ . 007]. The non-use of condom [aOR: 21.58; 95% CI: 3.53 – 132.06; P ꞊ . 001] and having encountered three or more sexual partners [aOR: 9.90; 95%CI: 1.07 – 91.60; P ꞊ . 043] were the significant predictors of Chlamydia seropositivity. Conclusion: The implementation of proactive strategies to curb down the spread of the infection is necessary in this locality. This can be done by providing NAATs to as many health facilities as possible, educating the population and standardizing treatment protocols.
Impact of Gut Microbiota Extracellular Vesicles on Inflammatory and Metabolic Disease

The microbiome is the collection of genetic material associated with the microbial community of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes that coinhabit a given environment. The number of symbiotic microbes in the human body has been conventionally estimated to be 100 trillion, 10 times more than human cells, and contribute over 100 times more genetic material than the human genome [1]. The intestinal microflora is the largest component of the human microbiome and is known to play an important role in human physiology. For example, the intestinal microbiota metabolizes substances that humans cannot process through digestion, contributes to immune system maturation, and has been associated withdevelopment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, anxiety, depression, dementia and other mental health disorders [2].