Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipid profile changes after direct acting antiviral treatment in different genotypes of chronic hepatitis C virus‐infected patients

The fact that chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus interacts with serum lipid metabolism is well‐known, and previous studies have demonstrated that hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication using direct acting antivirals (DAAs) or interferon‐based therapy, can cause lipid levels to increase during treatment. The current study focused on HCV patients with different genotypes who had a sustained virological response (SVR); their lipid levels and metabolism changes after DAA treatment were investigated. The current study retrospectively included 394 patients who received DAAs treatment for CHC with SVR in Liouying Chi‐Mei Medical Center. Patients who accepted lipid‐lowering therapy within 6 months prior to the start of DAA treatment were excluded. The patient's lipid profiles and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index were measured and evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. The SVR rate was 96.2% across all patients. The mean triglyceride level was not significantly increased after SVR. The mean total cholesterol level was significantly increased from baseline 165.2 ± 33.6 mg/dL to after SVR 184.5 ± 36.0 mg/dL (P < .0001). The mean high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) was significantly increased from baseline level 45.9 ± 12.3 mg/dL to after SVR 49.0 ± 12.4 mg/dL (P < .0001). The mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) was significantly increased from baseline 95.2 ± 28.3 mg/dL to after SVR 111.7 ± 31.3 (P < .0001). The HOMA‐IR had no significant change in the 294 patients without diabetes. The subgroups analysis of genotypes 1a, 1b, 2, and 6 revealed a significant increase in total cholesterol and LDLC levels following treatment. In conclusion, it was found that lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, HDLC, and LDLC levels, were significantly increased after DAA treatment for CHC patients who achieved SVR 12 with genotypes 1a, 1b, 2, and 6.
Management of mungbean Cercospora leaf spot through fungicides

Difenoconazole at 0.0125% was the most effective treatment in controlling Cercospora canescens on Vinga radiata as compared with the control, in microplot experiments conducted during 1995-1996 in Gujarat, India. Thiophanate methyl, carbendazim, mancozeb, propiconazole, hexaconazole and bitertanol were effective to a lesser degree.
Reutilización de un dispositivo liberador de progesterona (CIDR-B) para sincronizar el estro en un programa de transferencia de embriones bovinos

Reuse of a progesterone releasing device (CIDR-B® 1.9 g) within an embryo transfer program in black Brangus cattle was assessed. Comparisons were performed on percentage of estrus per day after CIDR removal (PTE), percentage of total estrus during synchronization period (PTE), percentage of recipient cows with corpora lutea on the day of embryo transfer (CLt), pregnancy rate to embryo transfer (PGE) or to artificial insemination (PGI), pregnancy rate with grade 1 or 2 embryos (EG1, EG2), and serum progesterone concentrations during CIDR treatment (CSP). Control treatment for synchronization (new CIDR = CIDRn), as well as treatment 1 (CIDR first reutilization = CIDR1) and treatment 2 (CIDR second reutilization = CIDR2) were performed in 3 successive periods. No differences (P>0.05) were found when evaluating estrus per day after CIDR removal. PTEs were 90.9, 88.4 and 88.1 % for CIDRn, CIDR1 and CIDR2, respectively (P>0.05). CLts were 95.0, 92.1 and 97.3 % for CIDRn, CIDR1 and CIDR2, respectively (P>0.05). PGT in CIDRn, CIDR1 and CIDR2 were 42.1, 37.1 and 36.1 %, respectively (P>0.05). PGI did not differ between treatments (76.5, 61.0 and 76.5 % for CIDRn, CIDR1 and CIDR2, respectively). Pregnancy rate to embryo transfer was not affected by embryo quality (EG1 vs EG2, P> 0.05). CSP while CIDRs were inserted did not differ between treatments (Treatment and Treatment x Day, P>0.05). Results indicate the possibility of reusing a new CIDR up to two times in succession as an alternative for estrus synchronization of recipient dams in embryo transfer programs in bovines.
Factors Affecting Radiation Protection Behaviors among Emergency Room Nurses

투고일 : 2019. 10. 1 1차 수정일 : 2019. 12. 4 2차 수정일 : 2019. 12. 24 3차 수정일 : 2020. 1. 13 게재확정일 : 2020. 1. 15 주요어 : 응급실 간호, 방사선 촬영, 방사선 방어 * 이 논문은 제 1저자 이수진의 석사학위논문을 수정하여 작성한 것임 Address reprint requests to : You, Mi-Ae https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1256-3276 College of Nursing · Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Korea Tel : 82-31-219-7016, Fax : 82-31-219-7020, E-mail : dew218@ajou.ac. kr 중환자간호학회지 2020년 2월 제13권 제1호 plSSN 2005-212X / elSSN 2671-8634 Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing Vol.13, No.1, 15-26, February, 2020 https://doi.org/10.34250/jkccn.2020. 13.1. 15
Patients’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to the Adoption of E-Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Study in Western China

Background As an innovative approach to providing web-based health care services from physical hospitals to patients at a distance, e-hospitals (ie, extended care hospitals through the internet) have been extensively developed in China. This closed health care delivery chain was developed by combining e-hospitals with physical hospitals; treatment begins with web-based consultation and registration, and then, patients are diagnosed and treated in a physical hospital. This approach is promising in its ability to improve accessibility, efficiency, and quality of health care. However, there is limited research on end users’ acceptance of e-hospitals and the effectiveness of strategies aimed to prompt the adoption of e-hospitals in China. Objective This study aimed to provide insights regarding the adoption of e-hospitals by investigating patients’ willingness to use e-hospitals and analyzing the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of this technology. Methods We used a pretested self-administered questionnaire and performed a cross-sectional analysis in 1032 patients across three hierarchical hospitals in West China from June to August 2019. Patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, current disease status, proficiency with electronic devices, previous experience with web-based health services, willingness to use e-hospitals, and perceived facilitators and barriers were surveyed. Multiple significance tests were employed to examine disparities across four age groups, as well as those between patients who were willing to use e-hospitals and those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression was also performed to identify the potential predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals. Results Overall, it was found that 65.6% (677/1032) of participants were willing to use e-hospitals. The significant predictors of willingness to use e-hospitals were employment status (P=.02), living with children (P<.001), education level (P=.046), information technology skills (P<.001), and prior experience with web-based health care services (P<.001), whereas age, income, medical insurance, and familiarity with e-hospitals were not predictors. Additionally, the prominent facilitators of e-hospitals were convenience (641/677, 94.7%) and accessibility to skilled medical experts (489/677, 72.2%). The most frequently perceived barrier varied among age groups; seniors most often reported their inability to operate technological devices as a barrier (144/166, 86.7%), whereas young participants most often reported that they avoided e-hospital services because they were accustomed to face-to-face consultation (39/52, 75%). Conclusions We identified the variables, facilitators, and barriers that play essential roles in the adoption of e-hospitals. Based on our findings, we suggest that efforts to increase the adoption of e-hospitals should focus on making target populations accustomed to web-based health care services while maximizing ease of use and providing assistance for technological inquiries.
Performance of green gram (Vigna Radiata L.) cultivars under different dates of sowing

A Field trial was carried out during summer season of 2009 at college farm, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari to find out the optimum planting time for summer green gram. Three cultivars viz., GM-3, GM-4 and K-851 were tested. Sowing of the crop on 20th February was found to be beneficial. Variety GM-4 recorded highest grain and stover yield.
Biochemical and biophysical studies of the prokaryotic proton dependent oligopeptide transporters

The proton dependent oligopeptide transporters (POT family) are members of the Major Facilitator Superfamily of secondary active transporter proteins. They use the transmembrane proton gradient to drive the uptake of di- and tripeptides into the cytoplasm. Members of the family are highly conserved in pro- and eukaryotic genomes, and in humans they are responsible for the oral absorption of many drug families, including β-lactam antibiotics. Recently, the crystal structures of PepT So and PepT St , two prokaryotic homologues of the human proteins PepT1 and PepT2, captured the proteins in two distinct conformations, providing insight into the structural aspects of the transport mechanism. A protocol was designed for functional liposome reconstitution of POT proteins, and transport assays were conducted to characterise their substrate specificity, pH dependence and kinetic properties. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified binding site residues involved in peptide recognition and proton translocation, and distinguished between the two roles by comparing protein activity in proton- and peptide-driven conditions. We also investigated the roles of key residues in the conformational transitions that accompany the transport cycle, using data from biochemical assays, molecular dynamics simulations and modeling, as well as electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. In addition, several bacterial POT members were screened for crystallisation, in order to assess their stability and crystal diffraction quality in different detergents. Further work was performed with bacterial POT homologues YdgR and GkPOT, including binding studies using NMR spectroscopy and assaying drug transport in vivo and in vitro . Together, the data establish bacterial POTs as model systems for studying the mammalian oligopeptide transporters, and a mechanistic model for peptide transport is proposed.
Tourists’ pro-environmental behaviour in travel destinations: benchmarking the power of social interaction and individual attitude

Abstract Tourists’ pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in travel destinations features the social attributes of altruism and collective action. In addition to recognising the power of individual attitudes (e.g. environmental value, environmental concern, and environmental knowledge) in predicting tourists’ PEB intentions, this paper highlights the role of social interactions. After reviewing different schools of the social capital theory, this study identifies three social interactional factors, i.e. emotional bonding, in-group norm, and trust in cooperation and examines their power in predicting tourists’ PEB intentions. It further benchmarks the social interactional and individual attitudinal factors that influence tourists’ low-effort and high-effort PEB intentions. An empirical survey study is conducted with over 500 Chinese domestic tourists in an iconic wetland park. Analysis of the data indicates that the social interactional factors are significantly associated with both the low-effort and high-effort PEB intentions of tourists, and the effects are generally stronger for tourists’ high-effort PEB intentions. By contrast, environmental value and environmental concern displayed by the tourists only show positive association with high-effort PEB intentions, and environmental knowledge is unrelated to the PEB intentions of tourists. Recommendations are provided for a more nuanced understanding and effective promotion of PEB in travel destinations.
The Behavioral Determinants of Intestinal Schistosomiasis Transmission: Water Contact, Hygienic Practices and Risk Prevention. A study in Northern Senegal

textabstractSchistosomiasis (bilharzia) is one of the major parasitic diseases in the world, ranking second only to malaria in terms of its socio-economic and public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas (WHO, 1985; WHO, 2002). At least 200 million people are infected and 600 million at risk. An estimated 85% of all cases occur in Africa. Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with blood-dwelling fl uke worms (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. These are transmitted by fresh water snails and contracted through the skin during water contact. Humans can be infected by fi ve different species of the parasite, each of which has its own characteristics and effects. Except where mentioned differently, this thesis considers S. mansoni, the parasite of intestinal schistosomiasis in Northern Senegal.
Persistent Stigma: Attributes, Positioning and Ties That (Do Not) Work in Business for the Historically Stigmatized

Business-owners from historically stigmatized communities (HSCs) can face stigma and become victims of discrimination in business. In this paper, we argue that discrimination is uniquely persistent for HSC business-owners, while business-owners from other disadvantaged but non-stigmatized communities can overcome them. We use a detailed pan-India dataset - that includes more than eight thousand business-owners of various castes - to observe an array of business-owner characteristics. We analyze the sources of business income disadvantage, and document that HSC business-owners (Scheduled Castes in India) face a large income gap even if they have a similar socioeconomic background as other business-owners. Business-owners from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities that are not associated with stigma do not face an income gap if they are themselves socioeconomically at par. We document a greater business income gap for business-owners from HSCs that face greater stigma, and this disadvantage is greater in more relationship-based industries. We find within-community social capital with higher-status acquaintances to be highly resourceful for non-HSC business-owners, but not for HSC business-owners. Hence, beyond-community social capital becomes critical for the success of HSC business-owners, and policymakers should create inclusive spaces where such beyond-community social capital could be built.
Maleated Natural Rubber/Halloysite Nanotubes Composites

In this study, maleic anhydride (MA) grafted natural rubber (NR), known as maleated natural rubber (MNR), was melt-prepared with the MA content varied within 1–8 phr. MNR was used as the main matrix, with Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) as a filler, in order to obtain composites with improved performance. The compounds were investigated for their filler–filler interactions by considering their Payne effect. On increasing the MA content, scorch and cure times increased along with maximum torque and torque difference. The MNR with 4 phr of MA exhibited the least filler–filler interactions, as indicated by the retention of the storage modulus after applying a large strain to the filled compound. This MNR compound also provided the highest tensile strength among the cases tested. It is interesting to highlight that MNR, with an appropriate MA content, reduces filler–filler interactions, and, thereby, enhances the HNT filler dispersion, as verified by SEM images, leading to improved mechanical and dynamical properties.
Putaminal diffusion tensor imaging measures predict disease severity across human prion diseases

Abstract Therapeutic trials of disease-modifying agents in neurodegenerative disease typically require several hundred participants and long durations for clinical endpoints. Trials of this size are not feasible for prion diseases, rare dementia disorders associated with misfolding of prion protein. In this situation, biomarkers are particularly helpful. On diagnostic imaging, prion diseases demonstrate characteristic brain signal abnormalities on diffusion-weighted MRI. The aim of this study was to determine whether cerebral water diffusivity could be a quantitative imaging biomarker of disease severity. We hypothesized that the basal ganglia were most likely to demonstrate functionally relevant changes in diffusivity. Seventy-one subjects (37 patients and 34 controls) of whom 47 underwent serial scanning (23 patients and 24 controls) were recruited as part of the UK National Prion Monitoring Cohort. All patients underwent neurological assessment with the Medical Research Council Scale, a functionally orientated measure of prion disease severity, and diffusion tensor imaging. Voxel-based morphometry, voxel-based analysis of diffusion tensor imaging and regions of interest analyses were performed. A significant voxel-wise correlation of decreased Medical Research Council Scale score and decreased mean, radial and axial diffusivities in the putamen bilaterally was observed (P < 0.01). Significant decrease in putamen mean, radial and axial diffusivities over time was observed for patients compared with controls (P = 0.01), and there was a significant correlation between monthly decrease in putamen mean, radial and axial diffusivities and monthly decrease in Medical Research Council Scale (P < 0.001). Step-wise linear regression analysis, with dependent variable decline in Medical Research Council Scale, and covariates age and disease duration, showed the rate of decrease in putamen radial diffusivity to be the strongest predictor of rate of decrease in Medical Research Council Scale (P < 0.001). Sample size calculations estimated that, for an intervention study, 83 randomized patients would be required to provide 80% power to detect a 75% amelioration of decline in putamen radial diffusivity. Putamen radial diffusivity has potential as a secondary outcome measure biomarker in future therapeutic trials in human prion diseases.
Fast Pricing of Energy Derivatives with Mean-Reverting Jump-diffusion Processes

ABSTRACT Most energy and commodity markets exhibit mean-reversion and occasional distinctive price spikes, which result in demand for derivative products which protect the holder against high prices. To this end, in this paper we present a few fast and efficient methodologies for the exact simulation of the spot price dynamics modelled as the exponential of the sum of a Gaussian Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and an independent pure jump process, where the latter one is driven by a compound Poisson process with (bilateral) exponentially distributed jumps. These methodologies are finally applied to the pricing of Asian options, gas and hydro storages and swing options under different combinations of jump-diffusion market models, and the apparent computational advantages of the proposed procedures are emphasized.
Direct and residual effects of organic sources on rice productivity and soil quality of Vertisols.

A field experiment was conducted on a Vertisol (Typic Pellustert) of the Directorate of Rice Research farm, Hyderabad for three years (2001–02 to 2003–04) to study the influence of organic sources (paddy straw, dhaincha) in combination with chemical fertilizers on productivity and soil quality in irrigated rice-rice system. In the first year, incorporation of green gram only resulted in a significant yield increase of 13% over inorganic fertilizers. From second year onwards, all the organics caused a significant increase of 23–39% in grain yield of rice over fertilizers alone; the treatment where green gram was added, recorded the maximum increase in the grain yield. Residual effect of organics was observed after two years of application. Organic sources improved the soil physical (bulk density and penetration resistance), fertility (soil organic carbon and available Nand K) and biological (soil respiration) parameters over inorganic fertilizers alone. Green gram with moderate C/N ratio and high lignin content (green gram) performed better than wide (straw) and narrow (dhaincha) C/N ratio sources with low lignin content.
POTENTIEL NUTRITIONNEL ET THERAPEUTIQUE DE QUELQUES ESPECES FRUITIERES « SAUVAGES » DU BURKINA FASO

Les fruitiers sauvages se definissent comme etant l’ensemble des especes fruitieres ligneuses, poussant a l’etat sauvage. Ces fruitiers ont une contribution non negligeable surtout dans l’equilibre alimentaire, en milieu rural. Les enquetes menees dans trois regions du Burkina Faso (les Cascades, le Mouhoun et le Nord) ont permis de repertorier une quarantaine d’especes dont les organes (feuilles, fleurs, fruits) entrent dans les habitudes alimentaires. Parmi ces especes fruitieres recensees, douze (12) especes emergeantes (Annona senegalensis Detarium microcarpum, Sclerocarya birrea, , Saba senegalensis, Landolphia heudeolotii, Gardenia erubescens, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, Diospyros mespiliformis, Lanea microcarpa, Parinari curatellifolia et Ziziphus mauritiana) ont retenues notre attention. Les principaux phytonutriments (flavonoides, anthocyanosides, anthraquinones, sterols et triterpenes…) ont ete mis en evidence dans la plupart des fruits. L’evaluation par Chromatographie Liquide Haute Performance (CLHP) de la teneur en vitamines liposolubles : A, E et K (la vitamine D n’etant pas d’origine vegetale) dans les differents fruits, a permis d’identifier les fruits de Saba senegalensis (Apocynaceae) comme etant une importante source de vitamine A (b- carotene = 1559 Dg/100 g). Par contre les fruits de Landolphia heudolotii (Apocynaceae), est une importante source de vitamine E (vitamine E = 4 603 Dg/100g). La presence de ces principes actifs dans les fruits pourrait jouer un role important dans prevention et le traitement de certaines avitaminoses et maladies metaboliques. Mots cles : fruitiers sauvages, principes actifs et vitamines, maladies metaboliques.
Positivist, constructivist and critical approaches to international human resource management and some future directions

International human resource management has become a mature discipline in the last 30 years. As a sub-discipline of social sciences, international human resource management is characterised by paradigmatic divisions. The aim of this review article is to map the presence of three dominant social science paradigms in the field. Four major journals which publish relevant studies of international human resource management have been analysed in order to give an overview of the paradigmatic state of play. After investigating 1649 articles, it is evident that positivist studies prevail, whereas constructivist works are in a minority. Critical approaches to international human resource management are largely absent in these journals. This paper presents examples of each type of research and explains the decisive characteristics of each paradigm. Finally, future directions are outlined: (1) more paradigm reflexivity is required, (2) non-mainstream (namely, constructivist and even critical) research is needed, and (3) new paradigmatic directions are recommended. Newly introduced paradigms or multiparadigm studies should be undertaken.