Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loneliness Level and Its Associated Factors in Patients With Hemodialysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of loneliness and its relationship with socioeconomic and health conditions, social support, family functionality, and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study involved analysis of a secondary data, collected in 2019 among 80 patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Participants completed the following instruments: socio-demographic, economic, and health condition characterization, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Family APGAR. On average, the sample was mostly female (55%), white (65%), and the mean age was 59.63 years. In the perception of loneliness, the highest index was (55%), moderately high. Social support scored the worst in the Positive Social Interaction domain. The prevalance of severe depression was approximately 29%. Family functioning was positive, with a good score (69%). There was a weak negative correlation between loneliness and all domains of Social Support, besides Family Functioning.
The Behaviour of Home Advantage during the COVID-19 Pandemic in European Rink Hockey Leagues

The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the home advantage (HA) and the home team performance in the most relevant European rink hockey leagues (Spanish, Portuguese and Italian), considering the presence or absence of spectators in the competition venues due to the effect of COVID-19 restrictions. The sample was composed of 1665 rink hockey matches (654 from the Spanish league, 497 from the Portuguese league, and 514 from the Italian league) played between the 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 seasons. The HA and match variables comparisons were established using several negative binomial regression models. Results showed that the effect of HA did not disappear despite playing without spectators but decreased from 63.99% to 57.41% (p = 0.002). Moreover, the comparison of the match variables showed that playing with spectators benefited local teams’ performance, especially in the Portuguese and Italian leagues. Playing with spectators favoured local team performance in rink hockey matches, which is more evident in some analysed leagues. However, as HA does not disappear entirely without spectators, it is necessary to study other relevant performance factors that are not directly or indirectly attributable to crowd behaviour in rink hockey performance analyses.
Neighbourhood parks and reduction in stress among adolescents: Results from Buffalo, New York

Planners and landscape architects have long recognized the critical role of green space in urban environments. This cross-sectional field study of 68 adolescents determined the association between percent neighbourhood park area and perceived stress among adolescents, while controlling for physical activity. This study is the first to examine this association using objective measures of park area and adolescents’ physical activity. A multivariate regression model indicated that percentage of park area (β = −62.573, p < 0.03) predicts perceived stress among adolescents. Access to neighbourhood parks buffers adolescents against perceived stress after controlling for socio-economic status and physical activity. Policy recommendations for incorporating parks into neighbourhood design are given.
Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Survey of Undergraduate Students of Pokhara University, Nepal

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational institutions throughout the world to shut, putting academic calendars in jeopardy. To continue the academic activities, most educational institutions have switched to online mode of learning. Objective: Against this backdrop, the study aims to identify the perception and attitude of the undergraduate students towards e-learning during Covid-19 pandemic, to determine the online learning characteristics of the students across different academic year, and to explore the factors that influence the online learning activities of the students. Method: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The self-administered questionnaire was developed after a thorough assessment of the literature and consultation with topic specialists, and it included demographic information about the research participants, as well as their perceptions and attitudes regarding online classes. The questionnaire was created on Google Forms, and the link was distributed to the students of all the four schools through Viber and Messenger groups. Data was collected online from 300 undergraduate students at Pokhara University in Nepal. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics were used to examine and interpret the data. The Chi-squared test was employed to analyze the link between the student’s online learning characteristics and academic year. To discover the characteristics that impact online learning activities, exploratory factor analysis was performed. Result: The results indicated statistically significant association of online learning characteristics of students of different academic year with availability of alternative power source, internet service, digital platform used and availability of basic computer skill and continuation of online class. Majority of the students evinced a positive attitude towards online classes. Online learning was deemed advantageous since it offered learners with flexibility and convenience. Furthermore, teachers devote appropriate time to studying, motivate students to learn, and emphasize student-centered learning. However, students are dissatisfied with the teachers’ online teaching skills owing to a lack of training and familiarity with modern information technology. Conclusion: The study concluded that although students reported positive attitude towards online classes, there are serious challenges of power backup or alternative power supply, poor connectivity, unfamiliarity of digital platforms and poor ICT skills among students. Teachers need to be trained properly for the effective and productive teaching and learning along with proper handling of digital platforms. The school/ college/ university must have a well-established IT infrastructure for the smooth operation of online classes.
Personality Traits, Cognitive Styles, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Healthy Youngsters

The objective of the present study was to explore possible changes in the psychological wellbeing of young healthy students during the initial 14 days of the COVID-19 general lockdown that occurred in March of 2020, and if there was any relation with specific personality traits (neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion), cognitive styles (internal and external locus of control and intolerance of uncertainty), and coping strategies. One hundred twenty-two university students aged from 18 to 29 years participated in the study. The dispositional factors were assessed at the beginning of the study, while measures of psychological adjustment (anxiety, depression, and self-perceived health) were taken in three different assessment stages, employing validated questionnaires and scales. Anxiety and depression scores significantly increased after one week of lockdown, reaching a plateau pattern by the second week. The levels of self-perceived mental health, vitality, and quality of life showed a pattern of sustained progressive decrease, with a more acute lessening during the first week. Neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, and negative autofocus were associated to worse levels of psychological adjustment. These individual differences might be taken into consideration when designing prevention programs aiming to dampen the psychological impact of a general lockdown in healthy population.
Vertical scaling of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors using top gate electrodes

We have fabricated single-wall carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs) in a conventional metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) structure, with gate electrodes above the conduction channel separated from the channel by a thin dielectric. These top gate devices exhibit excellent electrical characteristics, including steep subthreshold slope and high transconductance, at gate voltages close to 1 V—a significant improvement relative to previously reported CNFETs which used the substrate as a gate and a thicker gate dielectric. Our measured device performance also compares very well to state-of-the-art silicon devices. These results are observed for both p- and n-type devices, and they suggest that CNFETs may be competitive with Si MOSFETs for future nanoelectronic applications.
Electronic Cigarettes as a Cause of Stuttering Priapism: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 31-year-old Final Diagnosis: Stuttering priapism Symptoms: Intermittent prolonged painful erections Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Urology Objective: Unknown etiology Background: Having painful intermittent penile erections that last less than 4 h is known as stuttering priapism. Sickle cell disease is a well-known risk for stuttering priapism; although, other causes could be related to this disorder. To date, no study has examined the relationship between stuttering priapism and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Case Report: We present a case of a 31-year-old man who came to our clinic with recurrent stuttering priapism. He had no chronic medical illnesses. He had smoked half a pack of cigarettes per day for the past 6 years but had shifted to vaping e-cigarettes for which he used several e-fluids and brands. His stuttering priapism started approximately 1 week after he began vaping. A detailed history and physical examination were unremarkable. Laboratory results showed a normal complete blood count and metabolic panel along with a normal testosterone level and negative sickle cell screening test. The chest X-ray and abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were normal. Initially, we reassured the patient; however, his condition persisted with no significant changes in his general health or lifestyle. We asked him to stop using e-cigarettes, and after he stopped, his stuttering priapism surprisingly completely resolved. He has not experienced a single episode of stuttering priapism in the 3 months since the cessation of e-cigarettes use. Conclusions: The relationship between stuttering priapism and e-cigarettes remains largely unexplored in the literature. Whether e-cigarettes and e-fluids represent a risk factor for priapism in novice e-cigarette smokers warrants further investigation.
Synthetic Perturbations in IL6 Biological Circuit Induces Dynamical Cellular Response

Macrophage phenotype plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Leishmanial infection. Pro-inflammatory cytokines signals through the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway that functions in parasite killing. Suppression of cytokine signaling (SOCS) is a well-known negative feedback regulator of the JAK/STAT pathway. However, change in the expression levels of SOCSs in correlation with the establishment of infection is not well understood. IL6 is a pleotropic cytokine that induces SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression through JAK-STAT signaling. Mathematical modeling of the TLR2 and IL6 signaling pathway has established the immune axis of SOCS1 and SOCS3 functioning in macrophage polarization during the early stage of Leishmania major infection. The ratio has been quantified both in silico and in vitro as 3:2 which is required to establish infection during the early stage. Furthermore, phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3 have been established as an immunological cross talk between TLR2 and IL6 signaling pathways. Using synthetic biology approaches, peptide based immuno-regulatory circuits have been designed to target the activity of SOCS1 which can restore pro-inflammatory cytokine expression during infection. In a nutshell, we explored the potential of synthetic biology to address and rewire the immune response from Th2 to Th1 type during the early stage of leishmanial infection governed by SOCS1/SOCS3 immune axis.
Sub-lethal effects of thiamethoxam on Apis mellifera Linnaeus

Abstract Bees are the important natural resources, play a crucial role in maintaining diversity and sustaining food security. In the past couple of years, these tiny animals are facing problems due to various factors like climate change, loss of habitat, loss of bee pasturage, reduced immunity, pesticide poisoning, etc. Among these, the insecticides, particularly the ones belonging to the class neonicotinoids have been blamed worldwide. Thiamethoxam is the one among various insecticides in this group. It is a systemic insecticide whose residues have been reported to contaminate the nectar and pollen. Since it has been classified as a highly toxic insecticide to bees, several cases of acute toxicity to adult bees have been reported. Besides this, sub-lethal doses have also been reported to cause negative effects on workers, queen bee, and drones. Some of the negative effects on important physiological or behavioral processes are reduced brood development, altered locomotion, incapability in maintaining thorax temperature, sensitivity to sucrose, effect on olfactory learning and foraging, etc. At the same time, the effects on the reproductive capacity of the colony due to the negative effects on queen bee and drone have also been observed. The work has also been carried out to find the basis, at the molecular level, governing such effects. Since there are several negative effects even due to the sub-lethal doses of thiamethoxam, it becomes imperative to sum up all the generated knowledge on this topic. Hence, the present review has been prepared which will provide critical information to the various stakeholders who may use the information to safeguard the bees/apiaries in a better way.
Osteopathic Manipulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglia Versus Sham Manipulation, in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrom: A Randomised Controlled Trial

(1) Background: osteopathic manipulation of the sphenopalatine ganglia (SPG) blocks the action of postganglionic sensory fibres. This neuromodulation can reduce nasal obstruction and enhance upper airway stability. We investigated the manipulation of the SPG in 31 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS); (2) Methods: Randomised, controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Participants received active (AM), then sham manipulation (SM), or vice versa. The primary endpoint was apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). Secondary endpoints were variation of nasal obstruction evaluated by peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and upper airways stability evaluated by awake critical closing pressure [awake Pcrit]), at 30 min and 24 h. Schirmer’s test and pain were assessed immediately post-manipulation. Tactile/gustatory/olfactory/auditory/nociceptive/visual sensations were recorded. Adverse events were collected throughout. (3) Results: SPG manipulation did not reduce AHI (p = 0.670). PNIF increased post-AM but not post-SM at 30 min (AM-SM: 18 [10; 38] L/min, p = 0.0001) and 24 h (23 [10; 30] L/min, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference on awake Pcrit (AM-SM) at 30 min or 24 h). Sensations were more commonly reported post-AM (100% of patients) than post-SM (37%). Few adverse events and no serious adverse events were reported. (4) Conclusions: SPG manipulation is not supported as a treatment for OSAS but reduced nasal obstruction. This effect remains to be confirmed in a larger sample before using this approach to reduce nasal congestion in CPAP-treated patients or in mild OSAS.
Chemical treatability of dairy wastewater

Chemical treatability of dairy wastewater originating from a dairy and dairy products plant at Istanbul was investigated on the basis of chemical oxygen demand (COD) parameter as a pre‐treatment alternative. FeCl3, FeSO4 and alum were used as coagulants in the jar‐test experiments of four sets of daily composite wastewater samples taken once every month. The effect of acid cracking has also been searched through acid addition and pH adjustment. Characterisation studies demonstrated that wastewater characteristics varied within a wide range in spite of no significant production changes at the plant during the experimentation period. Optimum coagulant dosage has been determined as 200mg l–1 for all the coagulants with the optimum pH values between 4 and 4.5 for FeCl3 and FeSO4, and 5‐6 for alum. Maximum overall COD removal efficiencies were obtained as 72 per cent, 59 per cent and 54 per cent for FeCl3, FeSO4 and alum, respectively. Nevertheless, COD removal efficiencies were found to be inadequate to meet the current discharge standards of Greater Metropolitan Istanbul to sewer systems indicating that chemical treatment is insufficient for discharging chemically pre‐treated dairy wastewater to a sewage system, which was actually the main objective of the study. The results showed that the wastewater composition greatly influences the maximum removal efficiencies and also the conditions for optimum coagulation. However, attention to such chemical treatment studies on dairy wastewater has started to accelerate within the last decade in various countries of the world, such as United Arabic Emirates and Scandinavian countries where the targets of applying chemical treatment varied. In Scandinavian countries, biodegradable coagulants have been applied to use the sludge arising from the system for livestock feeding, leading to reuse of sludge. In Arabic Emirates, chemically treated dairy effluents are utilised for irrigation purposes. These recent studies point out that application of chemical treatment to dairy wastewater with various coagulants lead to a variety of utilities apart from being a pre‐treatment alternative.
A Novel Deep Learning–Based System for Triage in the Emergency Department Using Electronic Medical Records: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Emergency department (ED) crowding has resulted in delayed patient treatment and has become a universal health care problem. Although a triage system, such as the 5-level emergency severity index, somewhat improves the process of ED treatment, it still heavily relies on the nurse’s subjective judgment and triages too many patients to emergency severity index level 3 in current practice. Hence, a system that can help clinicians accurately triage a patient’s condition is imperative. Objective This study aims to develop a deep learning–based triage system using patients’ ED electronic medical records to predict clinical outcomes after ED treatments. Methods We conducted a retrospective study using data from an open data set from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2012 to 2016 and data from a local data set from the National Taiwan University Hospital from 2009 to 2015. In this study, we transformed structured data into text form and used convolutional neural networks combined with recurrent neural networks and attention mechanisms to accomplish the classification task. We evaluated our performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results A total of 118,602 patients from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were included in this study for predicting hospitalization, and the accuracy and AUROC were 0.83 and 0.87, respectively. On the other hand, an external experiment was to use our own data set from the National Taiwan University Hospital that included 745,441 patients, where the accuracy and AUROC were similar, that is, 0.83 and 0.88, respectively. Moreover, to effectively evaluate the prediction quality of our proposed system, we also applied the model to other clinical outcomes, including mortality and admission to the intensive care unit, and the results showed that our proposed method was approximately 3% to 5% higher in accuracy than other conventional methods. Conclusions Our proposed method achieved better performance than the traditional method, and its implementation is relatively easy, it includes commonly used variables, and it is better suited for real-world clinical settings. It is our future work to validate our novel deep learning–based triage algorithm with prospective clinical trials, and we hope to use it to guide resource allocation in a busy ED once the validation succeeds.
Reuse of Pruning Waste from Subtropical Fruit Trees and Urban Gardens as a Source of Nutrients: Changes in the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of the Soil

A field experiment was conducted on the Andalusian coast (Granada, Southern Spain) to study the time course of nutrient release into the soil after the addition of bagged pruning waste from subtropical orchard trees (avocado, cherimoya, and mango) and urban garden waste over three two-year periods. N, P, and K concentrations were greater in the garden waste, whilst avocado and cherimoya pruning waste registered the highest values for Mg. In general, micronutrient contents were low in all waste, especially Cu. Macronutrient release followed a three-phase dynamic: fast initial release, intermediate stabilization, and final increase. Garden waste showed a similar time course in all three trees and released greater concentrations of K and P. The annual decomposition rate factor k was negative for N and Ca in the avocado tree, indicating strong biological activity in this plot. Avocado, cherimoya, and garden waste showed a good microbial degradation, improving soil quality by increasing carbon and nitrogen contents as well as soil microbial activity. As for the mango tree, its special microclimatic conditions appeared to favor waste photodegradation, thus eliminating nutrients that were not incorporated into the soil. Soil enzymatic activities increased in the avocado and cherimoya trees with the addition of all waste. In the mango tree, only an increase in urease was detected after the addition of garden waste. Our results suggest that the time course of organic waste in different subtropical trees grown on similar soils is significantly conditioned by the microclimatic characteristics.
Internal R&D Versus In-licensing Complements or Substitutes

This paper analyzes whether internal R&D and external R&D are substitute or complementary strategies with respect to firm innovative performance. Few studies have evaluated this issue, which is surprising since the combination of internal and external R&D investments have been emphasized extensively in the technology strategy literature. We present a two-step model that starts by testing for the proper functional form of the innovation production function. We then use the estimated specification in a profit maximization model to measure the degree of complementarity or substitutability between internal and external R&D. Using a unique dataset, our results suggest that these two types of R&D are complementary activities. Moreover, the degree of complementarity increases over time and it is accentuated for those firms with a higher level of