Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An in vitro Comparison Study of Adhesion and Proliferation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts on Acellular Dermal Matrix with and without Low Level Diode Laser Irradiation

Orod Taghva ; Shirin Amini ; Fatemeh Ejeian ; 1 Postgarduate Student, Dept. of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 2 Dept. of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. 3 Dept. of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
LEARNING TO NOTICE: A STUDY OF PAKISTANI STUDENT TEACHERS’ REFLECTION ON THEIR CLASSROOM VIDEOS

This paper examines the use of videos of Student Teachers' (STs') classrooms to develop their noticing skills as teachers in the Pakistani context. Data were collected from twenty-four students during two teaching practicums in the VII and VIII semesters of a four-year B.Ed program offered in Pakistan’s public university. Analysis of STs' videos, reflections, and classroom observations show that the STs focused on discipline issues in their classroom during the VII semester. The following semester increased attention to their teaching was observed in very few STs. In addition, none of the STs focused on students' thinking in the classroom or connected events directly with larger principles of teaching per se. The findings highlight the importance of using videos to develop necessary skills in prospective teachers and underscore the significance of developing faculty members professionally who teach B.Ed programs with new ideas of teaching and learning.
A Study on Neural Models for Target-Based Computer-Assisted Musical Orchestration

In this paper we will perform a preliminary exploration on how neural networks can be used for the task of target-based computer-assisted musical orchestration. We will show how it is possible to model this musical problem as a classiﬁcation task and we will propose two deep learning models. We will show, ﬁrst, how they perform as classi-ﬁers for musical instrument recognition by comparing them with speciﬁc baselines. We will then show how they perform, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in the task of computer-assisted orchestration by comparing them with state-of-the-art systems. Finally, we will highlight beneﬁts and problems of neural approaches for assisted orchestration and we will propose possible future steps.
Towards an Extension of the Model for Transitional Flows

In part, this study investigates the performance of the turbulence model of Walters and Leylek (2004) in the flow over a flat plate under the influence of a disturbed freestream. The most important feature of the model is that is solves an equation for a laminar kinetic energy, which is coupled to a typical model, to improve the performance in transitional flows. The model is shown to be very sensitive to the prescribed freestream turbulence length scale. The study also describes the initial steps towards coupling the laminar kinetic energy transition modelling approach, suggested by Walters and Leylek (2004), to the turbulence model in an effort to improve the model’s performance in transitional flow regimes. This coupling requires modifications of the model but the intention is that the new model should retain the properties of the original model in fully turbulent boundary layers and that the additional laminar kinetic energy equation should make the predictions in transitional boundary layers more reliable. Finally, in an initial numerical study some potential pitfalls when modelling the flat plate flow are analyzed. It is shown that the predicted transitional behavior obtained with the simplified, as compared with the experimental set-up, numerical domain used in this study may be directly compared with measurements.
Robotic Surgery in Total Hip Replacement in Obesity

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopaedic operation of recent time. The outcomes of THR may be influenced by several factors including patient demographics, surgical technique and implant features. One of the most important surgeon-controlled factors is component positioning. Surgical positioning of the acetabular cup and femoral prosthesis remains fundamental to obtaining accurate implant fit and prevent hip dislocation or impingement. Different categories of robotic assistance have been established during the previous years and all of the technologies target accuracy and reliability to reduce complications, and enhance clinical outcomes. In this article, we discuss the advantages and difficulties of robotic total hip replacement in obese patient and provide the recent scientific evidence from the literatures.
“THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL STRUCTURE ON FIRMS’ PERFORMANCE: A COMPARISON ACROSS WESTERN EUROPE CONVERGENCE REGIONS”

The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact of financial structure on firms’ performance in Western Europe convergence regions. While large amount of evidence exists on the relation between financial development, firms’ survival and growth both cross-country and cross-industry, much less is known at the microeconomic level of the firm. In this context, the contribution of our research which relies on accounting data collected from the Bureau van Dijk’s Amadeus database is twofold. First, we make a microeconomic comparison across Western Europe convergence regions, where the percentage of small and medium enterprises is relatively higher than in more developed regions. Second, following the most recent literature in this field, our research takes into account several financial ratios instead of a commonly used one-dimensional definition of financial status. The empirical evidence shows that the financial strength is a key factor explaining firm survival in Western Europe convergence regions. Some differences arise from a deeper analysis of the financial ratios. While both the debt and the cash flow ratios, as well as profitability, are strongly significant in explaining firms’ survival in Western Europe convergence regions, structure and operational ratios are not important factors explaining firms’ survival. Additional differences arise when we consider the countries separately: while debt and cash flow ratios are significant for bank based economies, they are not significant for United Kingdom, which is characterized by a more developed financial market. This analysis would have interesting applications, given the potential impact of financial constraints on market selection mechanisms and, therefore, on market structure.
Reliability and risk analysis of micropile bearing capacity based on SPT variability: Case Study

This paper evaluates the reliability index of a single micropile ( = 0.31 m and L= 16 m) under axial loading based on the variability of eigth Standard Penetration Tests used as site characterization for a underpinning solution of a viaduct in the southern region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Horizons of varied granulometry ranging from clays to sand, with high consistencies or compactness were identified in such tests. Two probabilistic approaches were performed in order to obtain the reliability index (β): First-Order Second-Moment Method (FOSM) and Monte Carlo Method (MCM) with 100.000 simulations. As a result, it was possible to analyze the probability of failure of the foundation whereas it is dependent on the reliability index. Furthermore, six hypothetical scenarios of different pile lengths (from 15 to 10 meters) were evalueated in order to analyse if the performed pile length was conservative based on technical literature. It was possibile to verify that the perfomed micropile ( = 0.31m and L= 16 m) presented conservative values of reliability index and the optimum length of the pile should be between 13 and 15 meters for a costeffective design. Finally, a mixed load test was conducted up to twice the workload in order to verify the performance of the micropile and as realibilty analysis validation. Geotechnical failure was not evidenced in the test and a maximum displacement of 2.8 mm was reached with a load of 1544 kN.
Molecular profiling of the artemisinin resistance Kelch 13 gene in Plasmodium falciparum from Nigeria

Accurate assessment and monitoring of the Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 (pfk13) gene associated with artemisinin resistance is critical to understand the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites in malaria-endemic regions. In this study, we evaluated the genomic profile of the pfk13 gene associated with artemisinin resistance in P. falciparum in Nigerian children by targeted sequencing of the pfk13 gene. Genomic DNA was extracted from 332 dried blood (DBS) spot filter paper samples from three Nigerian States. The pfk13 gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and amplicons were sequenced to detect known and novel polymorphisms across the gene. Consensus sequences of samples were mapped to the reference gene sequence obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Out of the 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the pfk13 gene, five (F451L, N664I, V487E, V692G and Q661H) have not been reported in other endemic countries to the best of our knowledge. Three of these SNPs (V692G, N664I and Q661H) and a non-novel SNP, C469C, were consistent with late parasitological failure (LPF) in two States (Enugu and Plateau States). There was no validated mutation associated with artemisinin resistance in this study. However, a correlation of our study with in vivo and in vitro phenotypes is needed to establish the functional role of detected mutations as markers of artemisinin resistance in Nigeria. This baseline information will be essential in tracking and monitoring P. falciparum resistance to artemisinin in Nigeria.
Assessment of causal direction between thyroid function and cardiometabolic health: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Growing evidence have demonstrated that thyroid hormones have been involved in the processes of cardiovascular metabolism. However, the causal relationship of thyroid function and cardiometabolic health remains partly unknown. METHODS The Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to test genetic, potentially causal relationships between instrumental variables and cardiometabolic traits. Genetic variants of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) levels within the reference range were used as instrumental variables. Data for genetic associations with cardiometabolic diseases were acquired from the genome-wide association studies of the FinnGen, CARDIoGRAM and CARDIoGRAMplusC4D, CHARGE, and MEGASTROKE. This study was conducted using summary statistic data from large, previously described cohorts. Association between thyroid function and essential hypertension (EHTN), secondary hypertension (SHTN), hyperlipidemia (HPL), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), pulmonary heart disease (PHD), stroke, and non-rheumatic valve disease (NRVD) were examined. RESULTS Genetically predicted FT4 levels were associated with SHTN (odds ratio = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.04−0.82,P = 0.027), HPL (odds ratio = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.18−0.88,P = 0.023), T2DM (odds ratio = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.42−0.86,P = 0.005), IHD (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.49−0.98,P = 0.039), NRVD (odds ratio = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.27−0.97,P = 0.039). Additionally, genetically predicted TSH levels were associated with HF (odds ratio = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.68−0.99,P = 0.042), PHD (odds ratio = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.32−0.82,P = 0.006), stroke (odds ratio = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.81−0.97,P = 0.007). However, genetically predicted thyroid function traits were not associated with EHTN and MI. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests FT4 and TSH are associated with cardiometabolic diseases, underscoring the importance of the pituitary-thyroid-cardiac axis in cardiometabolic health susceptibility.
Sex and APOE ɛ4 modify the effect of cardiovascular risk on tau in cognitively normal older adults

Abstract The interaction between APOE ɛ4 and vascular risk factors on cognitive function is stronger in women than in men. These effects may be mediated by the amount of tau pathology in the brain. Therefore, we examined whether APOE ɛ4 and sex modify cross-sectional associations between cardiovascular risk and tau deposition in cognitively normal older adults from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We calculated the Framingham Heart Study cardiovascular disease risk score for 141 participants (74 women, 47 APOE ɛ4 carriers) with complete medical history data, processed tau-PET data and a Clinical Dementia Rating global score of 0.0 at the time of the tau-PET scan, implying no significant cognitive or functional impairment. We used linear regression models to examine the effects of sex, APOE ɛ4, cardiovascular risk and their interactions on tau deposition in the entorhinal cortex, inferior temporal cortex and a composite meta-region of interest of temporal lobe areas. We found a significant three-way interaction among sex, APOE ɛ4 status and cardiovascular disease risk on tau deposition in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01–0.07; P = 0.008), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0–0.05; P = 0.029) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0–0.04; P = 0.042). After stratifying by APOE ɛ4 status to examine interactions between sex and cardiovascular disease risk on tau in APOE ɛ4 carriers and non-carriers, we found a significant two-way interaction between sex and cardiovascular disease risk on tau in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08; P = 0.001), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01–0.05; P =0.009) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01–0.04; P = 0.008) only among APOE ɛ4 carriers. In analyses stratified by sex, higher cardiovascular risk scores were associated with higher levels of tau in the entorhinal cortex (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02–0.08; P = 0.002), inferior temporal cortex (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.0–0.05; P = 0.023) and meta-region (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01–0.04; P = 0.013) in female APOE ɛ4 carriers but not in male carriers. Our findings suggest that cognitively normal older women carrying at least one APOE ɛ4 allele, may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of cardiovascular disease risk on early tau deposition.
Perception towards cardiovascular diseases preventive practices among bank workers in Hossana town using the health belief model

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are becoming a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially among those who have limited physical activity. Although bank workers are at an increased risk of contracting CVD, their participation in CVD preventive activities is not studied in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the perception of bank workers towards CVD preventive behaviors and associated factors in Hossana town. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 258 participants from February 11 to 30/2020. A simple random sampling method was used to select study participants from the enumerated list of staff. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and the collected data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were done. A p-value less than 0.05 with 95% CI was considered to declare an association between independent and dependent variables. Results A total of 253 respondents with response rate of 98.0% were participated. The study revealed that the likelihood of performing CVD preventive behaviors is 62.0%. Moreover, the study found that bank workers’ exposure to passive smoking [AOR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.23–0.98], level of alcohol consumed [AOR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.01–0.54], regularly consuming fruit and vegetable in daily meal [AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03–0.80], perceived severity[AOR = 0.1;95% CI: 0.01–0.68], and cues to take action [AOR = 0.12;95% CI: 0.02–0.73] were identified as predictors of perception to engage in CVD preventive behaviors. Conclusion The level of bank workers’ perception of engaging in CVD preventive behavior was in a considerable state to design and implement intervention strategies. Behavior change communication should be strengthened to improve their knowledge and perception of the severity of CVD and barriers so as to improve the likelihood of taking action.
Molecular detection and genetic characterization of small rodents associated Bartonella species in Zhongtiao Mountain, China

The prevalence and molecular characteristics of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Zhongtiao Mountain, China have been explored. In this study, the liver, spleen and kidney tissues of captured rodents were used for Bartonella spp. detection and identification by combination of real-time PCR of transfer-mRNA (ssrA) gene and traditional PCR and sequencing of citrate synthase (gltA) gene. It was shown that 49.52% of the rodents (52/105) were positive for Bartonella spp. The infection rate in different gender (χ2 = 0.079, P = 0.778) and tissues (χ2 = 0.233, P = 0.890) of small rodents did not have statistical difference, but that in different small rodents (Fisher’s exact test, P < 0.001) and habitats (χ2 = 5.483, P = 0.019) had statistical difference. And, the sequencing data suggests that Bartonella sequences (n = 31) were identified into three species, including 14 of B. grahamii, 3 of B. queenslandensis and 14 of unknown Bartonella species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that B. grahamii sequences were clustered with the isolates from South Korea and China, and B. queenslandensis sequences were mainly closely related to the isolates from China and Thailand. The genetic diversity analysis showed that B. grahamii and B. queenslandensis sequences exhibited noticeable intraspecies diversity. Taken together our data demonstrates the high prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella infections in small rodents in the Zhongtiao Mountain, especially a potential novel Bartonella specie was detected, which could benefit the prevention and control of rodent-Bartonella species in this area.
Promotion of osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in adolescents: Application of protection motivation theory

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is considered a health problem that can be simply prevented by lifestyle modifications in adolescence. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of protection motivation theory (PMT)-based training on osteoporosis-preventive behaviors in female high school students in Zahedan, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present quasi-experimental study was performed on 240 female high school students who were selected by a multistage sampling technique in Zahedan in 2019–2020. To collect the data, a multipart questionnaire was distributed among the participants in three stages, namely at the baseline, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. This instrument consisted of demographic information, socioeconomic status, knowledge, PMT constructs, and preventive behaviors. The intervention group was subjected to educational content. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) by descriptive and analytical tests (i.e., Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANOVA). RESULTS: Based on the results, the intervention and control groups showed no significant difference in terms of the mean score of knowledge, theoretical constructs, and preventive behaviors at the baseline (P > 0.05). However, the two groups were significantly different in terms of the mentioned variables immediately and 2 months after the intervention (P = 0.001). Mean score of preventive behaviors, the two groups also demonstrated a significant difference (i.e., calcium intake, physical activity, and sunlight exposure) 2 months after the intervention, compared to before the intervention. (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study were indicative of the PMT effectiveness, which can, therefore, be used as a framework for designing educational programs regarding osteoporosis prevention.
Almost all working adults have at least one risk factor for non-communicable diseases: Survey of working adults in Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction The disease burden and mortality related to Non-communicable Diseases (NCD) increased in the last couple of decades in Ethiopia. As a result, an estimated 300,000 deaths per annum were due to NCD. According to a World Health Organization report, 39% of the total deaths in Ethiopia were attributable to NCD. Rapid urbanization characterized by unhealthy lifestyles such as tobacco and/or alcohol use, physical inactivity, low fruits and vegetable consumption, and overweight drive the rising burden of NCD. However, studies on risk factors for NCD and associated variables are limited among working adults in Eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the magnitude of the risk factors of NCD and associated factors among working adults in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,200 working adults in Eastern Ethiopia that were selected using a simple random sampling technique from December 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected following the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (WHO STEP) instruments translated into the local language. A total of five risk factors were included in the study. The Negative Binomial Regression Model was used to determine the association between NCD risk factor scores and other independent variables. Adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to report the findings while the association was declared significant at a p-value of less than 0.05. STATA version 16.1 was used for data clearing, validating and statistical analysis. Results Totally, 1,164 (97% response rate) participants were employed for analysis. Overall, 95.8% (95% CI: 94.4–96.7%) of the participants had at least one of the five risk factors of NCD. Furthermore, the proportion of participants that had all NCD risk factors was 0.3%. Among the participants, 47.5% were alcohol drinkers, 5.1% were current smokers, 35.5% were overweight, 49.1% exercise low physical activity, and 95% had less than five portions of fruits and vegetables intake per day. Higher risk factor scores were associated with those of advanced age (AIRR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.53 in 35–44 age group and AIRR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.01–1.62 in 45–54 age group), and the ones who are higher educational level (AIRR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07–1.43 for those who have completed secondary school and AIRR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.11–1.50 for those who have completed college education). Conclusion The overwhelming majority (95.8%) of the participants had at least one risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The risk score of non-communicable diseases was higher among those with advanced age and who completed secondary and above levels of education. In a nutshell, the finding shows the need for lifestyle modification and comprehensive non-communicable diseases prevention programs for working adults in Eastern Ethiopia.