Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison Study between Angio CT and USG Doppler for Early Detection of Arterial Stenosis of Lower Extremities in University Clinical Center of Kosovo

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as atherosclerotic disease leading to peripheral artery obstruction, with a variety of symptoms and signs revealing extremity ischemia. The signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency are due to low blood flow to the musculature. Low blood circulation leads to the changes in the metabolism. These changes are manifested with the pain in the precious muscle relating to the anatomical structure in which the obstruction occurs. Undoubtedly the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common disease that can affect different groups of population with higher prevalence in different groups with risk factors such as: age (older age), hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, obesity, inflammation, stress, live style, family history of cardio vascular (CV) disease, gender, heredity and dyslipidemia. The main purpose of this study is to determine the role of USG Doppler and CT angiography examination in patient with PAD, furthermore to estimate the incidence rate of PAD in different group of population based on the age, profession and to identify the potential risk factors. Material and method: This study was implemented at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo in the department of Radiology for patient with clinical signs of PAD in the lower extremities admitted from the emergency unit and patients who were referred by different unit over a period of one year. All patient were subjected to the duplex ultrasound examination and Angio-CT. In this study included 150 patients from which 73.3 % were male and 26.7 female. Among the total number of patients 17.3% were urban residence and 82.7 % rural residence. 59.3% of patient were active smokers. During our study we found that most of the patient with peripheral disease were previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus(DM). In our study we found that just 9.3 % of patient were without chronic disease.36. 0% of patients were in the age-group from 60-70 years old. Our study showed that 39.4% of patients were with intensive claudication, 49.3% with moderate and 11.3% with mild claudication. The sensitivity of Duplex Doppler was 88.36%, specify is 50.0 % and accuracy 87.33%. Angio CT together with duplex ultrasound has higher predictive value that determines the level of occlusion. According to our results the accurate occlusion/sub occlusion is better defined if we use Angio CT and Duplex Doppler together to improve the diagnostic accuracy in PAD. More than half of patients participating in this study were heavy smoker. Clinical article (J Int Dent Med Res 2020; 13(2): 816-823)
A Stakeholder Perspective

Offshore outsourcing of business processes is a rapidly increasing global phenomenon that requires a greater reliance on the effective development of strategic alliances and inter-firm relationships. The stakeholders involved in these service purchases influence the success or failure of the buyer-supplier relationship. This article examines the key stakeholders involved in the offshore outsourcing of services, determines what expectations these stakeholders hold, and assesses how a buying firm and the offshore supplying firm work together to meet these expectations. The case research method is used to address this phenomenon by studying six U.S.-based, Fortune 500 firms involved in offshore outsourcing of services. These buying organizations initially experienced more complexity than anticipated in engaging with offshore suppliers in outsourcing relationships. To achieve success with these relationships, the buying organizations needed to embrace cultural differences, including the needs of their suppliers’ employees.
Mapping Systemic Inflammation and Antibody Responses in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Initially, the global outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spared children from severe disease. However, after the initial wave of infections, clusters of a novel hyperinflammatory disease have been reported in regions with ongoing SARS-CoV-2 epidemics. While the characteristic clinical features are becoming clear, the pathophysiology remains unknown. Herein, we report on the immune profiles of eight Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases. We document that all MIS-C patients had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, mounting an antibody response with normal isotype-switching and neutralization capability. We further profiled the secreted immune response by high-dimensional cytokine assays, which identified elevated signatures of inflammation (IL-18 and IL-6), lymphocytic and myeloid chemotaxis and activation (CCL3, CCL4, and CDCP1) and mucosal immune dysregulation (IL-17A, CCL20, CCL28). Mass cytometry immunophenotyping of peripheral blood revealed reductions of mDC1 and non-classical monocytes, as well as both NK- and T- lymphocytes, suggesting extravasation to affected tissues. Markers of activated myeloid function were also evident, including upregulation of ICAM1 and FcR1 in neutrophil and non-classical monocytes, well-documented markers in autoinflammation and autoimmunity that indicate enhanced antigen presentation and Fc-mediated responses. Finally, to assess the role for autoimmunity secondary to infection, we profiled the auto-antigen reactivity of MIS-C plasma, which revealed both known disease-associated autoantibodies (anti-La) and novel candidates that recognize endothelial, gastrointestinal and immune-cell antigens. All patients were treated with anti- IL6R antibody or IVIG, which led to rapid disease resolution tracking with normalization of inflammatory markers.
Foundational research and NIH funding enabling Emergency Use Authorization of remdesivir for COVID-19

Emergency Use Authorization for remdesivir months after discovery of COVID19 is unprecedented. Typically, decades of research and public sector funding are required to establish the mature body of foundational research requisite for efficient, targeted drug discovery and development. This work quantifies the body of research related to the biological target of remdesivir, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), or parent chemical structure, nucleoside analogs (NcAn), through 2019, as well as NIH funding for this research from 2000 to 2019. There were 6,567 RdRp related publications in PubMed, including 1,263 with NIH support, and 11,073 NcAn-related publications, including 2,319 with NIH support. NIH support for RdRp research comprised 2,203 Project Years with Costs of $1,875 million. NIH support for NcAn research comprised 4,607 Project Years with Costs of $4,612 million. Research Project grants accounted for 63% and 48% of Project Years for RdRp and NcAn respectively, but only 19% and 12% of Project Costs. Analytical modeling of research maturation estimates that RdRp and NcAn research passed an established maturity threshold in 2008 and 1994 respectively. Of 97 investigational compounds targeting RdRp since 1989, the three authorized for use entered clinical trials after both thresholds. This work demonstrates the scale of foundational research on the biological target and parent chemical structure of remdesivir that supported its discovery and development for COVID19. This work identifies $6.5 billion in NIH funding for research leading to remdesivir, underscoring the role of public sector investments in basic research and research infrastructure that underlie new drugs and the response to emergent disease.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN ULVA (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA) TAXONOMY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY INDICATE BOTH COSMOPOLITANISM AND ENDEMIC CRYPTIC SPECIES 1

Appreciation of the true species diversity of the genus Ulva in Australian waters has been blinkered by the unproved assumption that its representatives there are largely cosmopolitan. As species of Ulva are some of the longest‐standing and most widely reported taxa of macroalgae, the presumption that they are worldwide in distribution has led to most Australian members being equated with species originally described from extra‐Australian type localities. Ulva species can be notoriously difficult to identify due to the few and often variable characters on which classical taxonomic studies focus so that names of specimens in hand, as well as names appearing in historical distribution records, are frequently difficult or impossible to verify. The combination of morphological and molecular analyses, the latter involving both nuclear (internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) and plastid (rbcL) markers, is critically important in taxonomic studies of the genus and has here been applied to selected Ulva populations from mostly cool‐temperate southern Australian localities. It has been determined that habit‐ and anatomy‐based keys of standard taxonomic literature are largely adequate for assigning species names based on classical concepts, but they often obscure a number of cryptic and pseudocryptic species that do not conform to extra‐Australian populations of the same designation, as indicated by the corresponding molecular data. Here, we present six species (Ulva australis Aresch., U. compressa Forssk., U. fasciata Delile, U. intestinalis L., U. laetevirens Aresch., U. tanneri H. S. Hayden et J. R. Waaland) for which anatomical and molecular data were congruent with both classical concepts and GenBank accession data and confirm these as cosmopolitan taxa in Australia. We also present six putative species designations based on anatomy [U. clathrata (Roth) C. Agardh, U. flexuosa Wulfen, U. linza L. , U. prolifera O. F. Müll. , U. stenophylla Setch. et N. L. Gardner, U. brisbanensis sp. nov.] that are inconsistent with molecular data, suggesting novel or cryptic taxa not represented in GenBank.
Study of the Dependence of Effective Reproduction Number of COVID-19 on the Temperature and Humidity: A Case Study with the Indian States

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in Wuhan province of China in November 2019 and within a short time, it was declared as a worldwide pandemic by World Health Organisation due to very fast worldwide spread of the virus. In the absence of any vaccine, various mitigation measures were used. In the past, the effect of temperature and humidity on the spread of the virus was studied for a very early phase of the data with mixed results. We are studying the impact of COVID-19 on the maximum temperature and relative humidity of a place using Indian states as test cases for SIR, SIRD, and SEIR models. We used a linear regression method to look for any dependency between effective reproduction number with maximum temperature and relative humidity. Most of the states show a correlation with the negative slope between the effective reproduction number with the maximum temperature and the relative humidity. It indicates that the effective reproduction number goes down as maximum temperature or relative humidity rise. But, the regression coefficient R2 is low for these correlations which means that the correlation is not strong.
Evaluation of Viasure SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR kit (CerTest Biotec) using CDC FDA EUA RT-qPCR kit as a gold standard.

Abstract. Background. Several RT-qPCR kits are available for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, some of them with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by FDA, but most of them lacking of proper evaluation studies due to covid19 emergency. Objective. We evaluated Viasure RT-qPCR kit (CerTest Biotec, Spain) for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis using CDC FDA EUA kit as gold standard. Results. Although we found the lack of RNA quality control probe as the main limitation for Viasure kit, the sensitivity was up to 97.5% and specificity was 100%. Conclusions. Viasure RT-qPCR kit is a reliable tool for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis but improvement of an alternative RT-qPCR reaction for RNA extraction quality control as RNaseP is recommended.
Effects of ultraviolet irradiation on genetical inactivation and morphological features of sperm of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

SUMMARY: Effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on genetical inactivation and morphological features of sperm were examined in the Pacific oyster. Ultraviolet light (254 nm) was effective for inactivating sperm chromosomes. Irradiation for 60 s at a UV intensity of 72 erg/mm 2 per s was the optimum dose to achieve haploid gynogenesis. The rates of the fertilization and the development of D-shaped larvae decreased with increasing irradiation time, and the development of the eggs fertilized with the genetically inactivated sperms terminated before reaching the D-shaped stage. Electron microscopy showed clear destruction of the sperm acrosome and flagellum in the UV-irradiated sperms. As the duration of irradiation increased, the acrosome of sperms tended to suffer greater damage until the sperms eventually lost their flagella. Abnormalities in these structures have appeared to account, at least in part, for the decline of the fertilization rate of eggs inseminated with UV-irradiated sperms.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Background and purpose: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, mainly synthesized cutaneously during solar exposure. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and investigation of its health consequences, both classical (skeletal) and non-classical (non-skeletal), is ongoing. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence regarding vitamin D deficiency and maternal outcomes during pregnancy and provide suggestions for vitamin D supplementation. Methods: We conducted a thorough literature search in the electronic databases of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for literature available until March 2019. Results: Available data suggest an association between vitamin D deficiency and pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, small for gestational age, delivery mode and bacterial vaginosis. Evidence for causative links, however, is still inconclusive. Conclusions: According to experts’ recommendations standard prenatal vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed during pregnancy.
Reproductive performance of sows in rural communities of Busia and Kakamega Districts, Western Kenya

This study provided baseline performance of breeding pigs information on local sow productivity that was previously lacking. The objective was to investigate performance of breeding pigs in rural smallholder communities of Western Kenya. A random sample of 288 smallholder farms in Busia and Kakamega districts was selected pigs. The farms were visited three times in the course of the study period, 2006 to 2008. Data on management and productivity were gathered by means of questionnaires administered to sow owners. The average number of sows owned per farm was 1.3±0.6. Sows were bred for an average of 2.18±1.08 days during one estrus. Sows were 12.1±4.5 months old when they farrowed for the first time. They were bred 1.9±1.6 month after piglets were weaned. Sources of breeding boars
DETERMINATION OF SUITABLE CUTTING TYPE AND LENGTH FOR ROOTING IN PEACH CV. SHAN-I-PUNJAB

For determination of suitable cutting type and length for rooting in peach cv. Shan-i-Punjab a research study was conducted at the nursery of Department of Horticulture, Khalsa College, Amritsar during 2019-2020. In the study the cuttings were selected with three different lengths, viz. 15 cm ( L1 ), 30 cm ( L2 ) and 45 cm ( L3 ) along with five types (T1) apical, (T2)sub-apical (T3)basal, (T4) heel and (T5) mallet. The cuttings were planted in the nursery and observed for sprouting, survival percentage, root and shoot parameters. The results of the study revealed that the mallet stem cuttings (T5) with 45 cm length (L3) proved to be the most efficacious for propagation as compared to other types of cuttings. It proved to be the best in terms of minimum days to first sprouting (13.66), maximum sprouting percentage (69.40), survival percentage (92.37), rooting percentage (86.40), number of roots per cutting (5.37), root length (10.53), number of shoots per cutting (6.37), maximum fresh weight (0.97g) and dry weight (0.71g) respectively.
Towards a general theory of access

This paper integrates and extends many of the concepts of accessibility deriving from Hansen’s (1959) seminal paper, and develops a theory of access that generalizes from the particular measures of access that have become increasingly common. Access is now measured for a particular place by a particular mode for a particular purpose at a particular time in a particular year. General access is derived as a theoretical ideal that would be measured for all places, all modes, all purposes, at all times, over the lifecycle of a project. It is posited that more general access measures better explain spatial location phenomena.
Assessment of Certain Physico-Chemical Parameters of Satpala Lake, Virar, Palghar, Maharashtra

Satpala Lake is situated in Satpala village, 5-6 km away from Virar town, Palghar district, Maharashtra at 19°25'58"N and 72°46'41"E. It is a naturally originated lake having an area of about 90,000 m. The lake waters are utilized for a variety of purposes including domestic, agricultural purposes as well as for cultural and religious processions and other programmes. Regular monitoring of these waters is of paramount importance as a relationship can been established between different parameters that can indicate the health status of a habitat. Our present studies are carried out to examine and assess the quality & sustainability of water. Our observations suggest that the lake is fairly contaminated by varied pollutants and by adopting and implementing modern scientific-cum-technological measures, the lake can be reconstituted for a variety of purposes including pisciculture and other activities.
HOW SPIDERS INITIATE AIRBORNE LINE S

Airborne line initiation was observed in spiders of at least 46 genera in 16 araneomorph families . At least three different methods of initiation were observed, two of which have apparently not bee n described previously . Two other methods of airborne line initiation described in the literature may no t occur . In one araneid it was determined that the anterior spinnerets are apparently not involved in producing airborne lines .
A new barn owl (Aves: Strigiformes: Tytonidae) from the Middle Miocene of the Nördlinger Ries (Germany) with remarks on the history of the owls

We describe a new taxon of barn owl, Miotyto montispetrosi nov. gen. et spec. from the Middle Miocene (Astaracium, MN6) localities at Steinberg and Goldberg in the Nordlinger Ries (Southern Germany). A single individual from Steinberg is represented by well-preserved long bones of the limbs, the shoulder girdle and by phalanges of the wing and foot. The description lists almost 60 features used for the determination of the affinities of the fossil. Although Miotyto montispetrosi nov. spec. clearly belongs to the Tytonidae, it shows some characters intermediate with Strigidae. Some additional juvenile bones from Goldberg indicate that the species was breeding at the Middle Miocene Ries crater lake.
Assessment of genetic stability of micropropagated plants of Curcuma longa L. by cytophotometry and RAPD analyses

was developed for in vitro propagation of an elite genotype of Curcuma longa (cv Roma) using axillary buds from unsprouted rhizomes. The explant produced multiple shoots when cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with varying combinations and concentrations of Benzyladenine, Kinetin,α Napthalene, Acetic acid, Indole-3- acetic acid and Adenine sulphate. Medium containing BA (3mg/l) was found to be optimum for micropropagation and conservation of C. longa plantlets. The genetic stability of the micropropagated clones was evaluated over 26 months in culture using cytophotometry and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Cytophotometry analysis revealed unimodal DNA distribution with 4C peak and RAPD analysis revealed monomorphic bands in all in vitro grown plants of C. longa, thus confirming genetic uniformity among somaclones of C. longa. This study is of high significance as these cultures are currently being used as source of disease free planting material for commercial utilization.
Ecological conditions during winter predict arrival date at the breeding quarters in a trans‐Saharan migratory bird

We studied variation in arrival date to the breeding colonies in Italy of a trans-Saharan migratory bird, the barn swallow Hirundo rustica, in relation to variation in ecological conditions, as reflected by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), in the winter quarters. Arrival date of old but not young individuals captured during consecutive breeding seasons was earlier after winters with favourable conditions. Change in arrival date in relation to change in NDVI was similar in the two sexes. Change in arrival date significantly and positively predicted change in breeding date. As a result of increased frequency of second broods determined by earlier arrival, the number of fledged offspring per season was larger after African winters with good in comparison to poor ecological conditions for barn swallows. This is the first study demonstrating phenotypic plasticity in migration phenology of a long-distance migratory bird in relation to ecological conditions during wintering.
Financial Intermediation and Capital Formation: A Time Variant Study from Nigeria

This study examined the effect of financial intermediation on Nigeria gross fixed capital formation from 1985-2018. The objective was to investigate the effect of financial intermediation indicators on Nigeria gross fixed capital formation. Time series data was sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical bulletin and publications of Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. Nigeria gross fixed capital formation was proxy for dependent variables while banking sector credit, banking sector deposit, savings prime lending and maximum lending rates was proxy for independent variables. Ordinary least square methods of cointegration, granger causality test, unit root test and Vector error correction model. The study found that financial intermediation can explain 47.1 percent variation on Nigeria gross fixed capital formation. The estimated F-statistics and probability found that the regression model is fixed and adequate to explain variation on Nigeria gross fixed capital formation. The beta coefficient of the variable found that commercial banks deposit and savings rate have negative relationship with Nigeria gross fixed capital formation while commercial banks credit, maximum lending rate and prime lending rate. The variable was stationary at first difference and there was presence of long run effect from the cointegration test. The granger causality test proved bi-directional effect while the vector error correction model found adequate speed of adjustment. We conclude that financial intermediation significantly affect Nigeria gross fixed capital formation We recommend financial inclusion policy, expansionary monetary policy and other implementable policies to increase effective financial intermediation in Nigeria financial market.