Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Invasive Fungal Diseases on Survival under Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for ARDS

Objective: To assess the incidence and significance of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) during veno-venous (VV) ECMO support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Retrospective analysis from January 2013 to April 2021 of all ECMO cases for ARDS at a German University Hospital. In patients with IFD (IFD patients), type of IFD, time of IFD, choice of antifungal agent, duration, and success of therapy were investigated. For comparison, patients without IFD (non-IFD patients) were selected by propensity score matching using treatment-independent variables (age, gender, height, weight, and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at ICU admission). Demographics, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of ECMO therapy, days on mechanical ventilation, prognostic scores (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS), and length of survival were assessed. Results: A total of 646 patients received ECMO, 368 patients received VV ECMO. The incidence of IFD on VV ECMO was 5.98%, with 5.43% for Candida bloodstream infections (CBSI) and 0.54% for invasive aspergillosis (IA). In IFD patients, in-hospital mortality was 81.8% versus 40.9% in non-IFD patients. The hazard ratio for death was 2.5 (CI 1.1–5.4; p: 0.023) with IFD. Conclusions: In patients on VV ECMO for ARDS, about one in 17 contracts an IFD, with a detrimental impact on prognosis. Further studies are needed to address challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of IFD in this population.
Design of ternary additive for organic photovoltaics: a cautionary tale

Silicon phthalocyanines as ternary additives are a promising way to increase the performance of organic photovoltaics. The miscibility of the additive and the donor polymer plays a significant role in the enhancement of the device performance, therefore, ternary additives can be designed to better interact with the conjugated polymer. We synthesized N-9′-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole functionalized SiPc ((CBzPho)2-SiPc), a ternary additive with increased miscibility in poly[N-90-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT). The resulting additive was included into PCDTBT and [6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester as bulk (PC71BM) heterojunction OPV devices as a ternary additive. While the (CBzPho)2-SiPc demonstrated strong EQE >30% contribution in the range of 650–730 nm, the overall performance was reduced because (CBzPho)2-SiPc acted as a hole trap due to its high-lying HOMO energy level. This study demonstrates the importance of the solubility, miscibility, and energy level engineering of the ternary additive when designing organic photovoltaic devices.
Screening and Structure–Activity Relationship of D2AAK1 Derivatives for Potential Application in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative and mental diseases are serious medical, economic and social problems. Neurodegeneration is referred to as a pathological condition associated with damage to nerve cells leading to their death. Treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is at present symptomatic only, and novel drugs are urgently needed which would be able to stop disease progression. We performed screening of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, glutathione and level intracellular Ca2+. The studies were assessed using one-way ANOVA of variance with Dunnett’s post hoc test. Previously, we reported D2AAK1 as a promising compound for the treatment of neurodegenerative and mental disorders. Here, we show a screening of D2AAK1 derivatives aimed at the selection of the compound with the most favorable pharmacological profile. Selected compounds cause an increase in the proliferation of a hippocampal neuron-like cell line, changes in the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen forms, reduced glutathione and a reduced intracellular calcium pool. Upon analyzing the structure–activity relationship, we selected the compound with the most favorable profile for a neuroprotective activity for potential application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
External Loans and Poverty Challenge in Nigeria, 2010-2020: Towards Deconstruction of an Antithesis

This study investigated the correlations between external loans and poverty elimination efforts in Nigeria from 201o to 2020. Owing to several reasons which include inadequacies of her domestic savings and foreign exchange, Nigeria’s macroeconomic space has over time witnessed perennial external borrowings which, for instance, rose from US$4,534.19 billion as at 30th September, 2010 to US$33,348.08 billion as at December 31, 2020 or N12,705,618.48 trillion. The key concern, however, is how the country has leveraged on those borrowings in order to reduce her soaring poverty rates put at over 83 million citizens living below poverty line of $1.90 per day. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate how impactful the external loans had become on the poverty-alleviation efforts of the developing economy. To achieve the objective, the following hypothesis was posed: how has Nigeria’s external borrowings supported poverty alleviation efforts in the country? Anchored on the Big Push Theory propounded by Paul Rosenstein-Rodan in 1943, the study adopted ex-post facto research design and documentary method for data collection. Qualitative descriptive method was used for data analysis. Among other things, the study found out that Nigeria’s external borrowings have not offered support for poverty alleviation with its characteristic low disbursements. It equally found out that the loans were not invested in productive sectors for beneficial effects on poverty alleviation. In view of the findings, the study recommended that there is need for poverty alleviation to be made the primary focus of Nigeria’s future external borrowings. It also recommended the need for external loans to be massively invested into projects with high capital returns which will produce desired effect on poverty reduction.
Assessing Differences between Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from Cases of Proven Invasive Aspergillosis and Colonizing Isolates with Respect to Phenotype (Virulence in Tenebrio molitor Larvae) and Genotype

The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA), is a serious risk to transplant patients and those with respiratory diseases. Host immune suppression is considered the most important factor for the development of IA. Less is known about the importance of fungal virulence in the development of IA including the significance of variation between isolates. In this study, isolates of A. fumigatus from cases diagnosed as having proven IA or colonisation (no evidence of IA) were compared in assays to measure isolate virulence. These assays included the measurement of radial growth and protease production on agar, sensitivity to UV light and oxidative stressors, and virulence in Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae. These assays did not reveal obvious differences in virulence between the two groups of isolates; this provided the impetus to conduct genomic analysis. Whole genome sequencing and analysis did not allow grouping into coloniser or IA isolates. However, focused analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed variation in three putative genes: AFUA_5G09420 (ccg-8), AFUA_4G00330, and AFUA_4G00350. These are known to be responsive to azole exposure, and ccg-8 deletion leads to azole hypersensitivity in other fungi. A. fumigatus virulence is challenging, but the findings of this study indicate that further research into the response to oxidative stress and azole exposure are required to understand the development of IA.
Humic substances and rhizobacteria enhance the yield, physiology and quality of strawberries

The strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is appreciated for its aroma, color, texture and nutritional value. In conventional agriculture, the use of fertilizers damages the environment since it causes loss of soil fertility, salinity and its erosion, hence production alternatives, without harming the environment, are sought. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biostimulant based on humic substances and rhizobacteria, on the production and quality of the strawberry cultivar ‘San Andreas’. Strawberry plants cultivar ‘San Andreas’ were treated with fulvic acids + mixture of microorganisms, humic acids + Pseudomonas fluorescens, fulvic acids + Azospirillum brasilense, fulvic acids + Pseudomonas fluorescens and the mixture AH and AF + Azospirillum brasilense with two doses (d1, d2) in total 10 treatments were applied plus the control. Humic substances were applied every 15 days and rhizobacteria every 30 days. The results showed that the AFyAzoz d1 increased over control plants, the number of leaves in 38.3%, root volume in 42.6%, the fresh weight in 130% and dry weight in 63.8%, the number of fruits 50.0% and the yield in 59.5%. The AFyPF d1 favored Photosynthesis in 127.3%; AFyPF d1 increased TSS in 25%, AFyPF d2 vitamin C in 17.1% and MHyF + Azoz d1 increased in 20% the content of Phenols. Humic substances plus rhizobacteria are an ecological alternative to be used as biostimulant in the production and quality of strawberry plants.
Pedagogy of Planning Studios for Multidisciplinary, Research-Oriented, Personalized, and Intensive Learning

Through this paper, we investigate the key characteristics of planning studios and how they relate to new demands in planning education. The research is conducted through an analytical framework that is applied to a highly transferable case study (iWater Summer Schools). Results confirm that the prototypical characteristics of planning studios can support the design of multidisciplinary, research-oriented, personalized, and intensive courses, and that all these demands can be simultaneously satisfied. In addition, results indicate that positive alignments and connections can be established between different pedagogical variables (e.g., learning methods, assessment methods, provided skills) and the educational demands mentioned above.
Assessing the Role of Planning and Considerations in the Sustainability of PPP-Based BRT Projects: A South African Case

The development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems is essential to African cities' economic vitality through accessibility and expansion of urban mobility. Several studies have investigated the deployment of such transportation systems. However, the role of a delineated planning stage of BRTs has been given limited attention. This study examined the role of planning in ensuring the sustainable performance of BRT systems. A qualitative approach using interviews from experts and BRT users in the Gauteng Province of South Africa was adopted. Findings indicated that planning should extensively encompass projections of the intended or future performance outcomes. These include institutional arrangements, existing characteristics and impact, service reliability and quality, technical analysis of infrastructural integration, demand, environmental performance metrics, and life cycle costs. This inductive research advances theory on critical factors that could potentially hinder the delivery of PPP-based BRT projects. The findings are envisaged to be beneficial to transport policymakers and stakeholders in the assessment of BRT systems. Failures surrounding the BRT in Gauteng result from an omission of critical factors at the planning stage. This presents a critical lesson for future BRT projects in South Africa and other developing countries, to be meticulous and consider critical factors at the planning stage.
Status of psychological health of students following the extended university closure in Bangladesh: Results from a web-based cross-sectional study

Students’ severe affective mental distress has emerged as significant public health attention globally because of the disastrous effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current study aimed at exploring the prevalence of two alarming psychological distresses, depression and anxiety, among university students following a prolonged shutdown of educational institutions in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional online-based study was conducted by deploying two standard scales to assess the depression and anxiety among Bangladeshi students from various universities amid the 2nd stream of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 568 Bangladeshi university students participated in this questionnaire-based survey through various social media platforms. Frequency and percentage distribution as univariate, chi-square (χ2) test as bivariate, and logistic regression as multivariate analyses were applied to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety and their associated various sociodemographic factors. After cleaning and eliminating the partial data, we analyzed 465 responses, where 42% were female and 64.3% were from public universities. Both mental disorders were prevalent in more than 50% of Bangladeshi university students. The students from the private universities were two times and 2.7 times more depressed and anxious, respectively than the students from the public universities. In addition, the students who became incomeless had significantly more anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.711; p = 0.018) than those who did not lose income source during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present study revealed that more than 50% of Bangladeshi university students were suffering from depression and anxiety. Several effective measures must be assured by the concerted efforts of university authorities, educationalists, and the Government to alleviate these distressing mental health burdens.
Exploring self-care experiences of school counsellors: A qualitative study

School counsellors are responsible for maintaining their well-being to provide quality service for the students. Self-care activities are the best way to preserve and enhance the well-being of counsellors. In this vein, this study aimed to discover the self-care experiences of school counsellors employing a qualitative approach. Fifteen licensed school counsellors (eight of whom were female) from various schools in Turkey participated in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis was carried out with an inductive thematic analysis approach using NVivo 11 software. The results of the study are presented under four interrelated themes which are self-care practices, improved wellness, increased productivity in schools, and barriers to self-care. Findings of the study are discussed based on literature and a number of suggestions are presented for future studies of researchers and practitioners.
Is Prenatal Exercise with Prayer Movement Affecting Anxiety Level and Blood Pressure in Third Trimester?

Pregnancy is an important experience in a woman’s life. However, these can cause anxiety. Midwives as a companion must be able to reduce it. In addition, the normality of blood pressure is also influential on the welfare of pregnant and fetuses. One way applied to decrease anxiety and normalize blood pressure is through prenatal exercises. This study aims to determine the prenatal exercise effectiveness with Muslim prayer movement on anxiety and blood pressure in the third trimester in the Independent Practice of Midwives in Karangroto Semarang. This type of research is Quasi-Experiment research with a non-equivalent control group design. Respondents numbered 40 people divided into intervention and control groups. This research took time at the Independent Midwife Practices in October-November 2019. The results showed an effect of the pregnancy exercise movement of prayer on the anxiety and blood pressure of third-trimester pregnant women (p 0.05). This research concludes the effectiveness of prenatal exercise with Muslim prayer movement on anxiety level and blood pressure in the third trimester.
Influence of maturity stages on postharvest physico-chemical properties of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi var. ‘Shamber Tarnab’) under different storage durations

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maturity stages on the physicochemical characteristics of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi cv. ‘Shamber Tarnab’) under storage conditions for 60 days at ambient temperature (16±1 °C with 55-60% relative humidity). Grapefruits were harvested at different maturity stages, namely mature green (MG) and full ripe (FR). The fruits of both stages were assessed for different physical quality parameters at 15 days interval. The experimental results showed that ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, percent disease incidence was higher at FR stage. In contrast, weight loss, percent juice content, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/acid ratio at MG (mature green) were lower than that of FR fruits. Regarding storage durations, the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, percent juice content, ascorbic acid content decreased significantly, whilst total soluble solid, TSS/Acid ratio, weight loss, and percent disease incidence increased significantly with the extension of storage duration from 0 to 60 days. As concerned to its interactive effects, the highest ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, percent juice content, and maximum fruit firmness were observed in fresh grapefruit, harvested at (MG) mature green stages, whereas the maximum total soluble solid, percent disease incidence, and TSS/Acid ratio were recorded in fruit harvested at (FR) full ripe stage, stored for 60 days at room temperature. Similarly, the Pearson’s Correlation Analysis (p> 0.05) of grapefruit was positive effect for most of the quality traits of grapefruit at different storage durations and maturity stages. It was concluded that grapefruit could be harvested at the mature green stage (MG) for sustaining quality attributes up to 60 days of storage at room temperature.
Prediction of Vocational Education Coursework Assessment Results Based on the Simulated Annealing Neural Network

In order to improve the predictive effect of vocational education assessment results and provide a reliable boundary assessment platform for vocational education, this paper uses the simulated annealing neural network algorithm to process vocational education assessment data. Moreover, this article uses the SA algorithm based on the simulated annealing fish school algorithm (SAFSA) in the local search in the later stage of the AFSA algorithm to help the AFSA algorithm jump out of the local optimal solution. Finally, this article combines the improved algorithm to construct a simulated annealing neural network algorithm and builds a vocational education coursework assessment result prediction system, which verifies the prediction effect and assessment effect of this system through experimental research.
Short-Term Outcomes After Treatment of Isolated Hidden Meniscal Ramp Lesions

Background: Ramp lesions are encountered in 16% to 24% of all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, isolated ramp lesions without a ruptured ACL have also been reported. Purpose: To evaluate outcomes after type 3 hidden ramp lesions without ACL rupture were treated with all-inside sutures passed through the standard anterior portal. Study Design: Case series, Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 41 patients (26 female; 63.4%) with isolated type 3 ramp lesions who underwent surgery between January 2017 and January 2019. Patients with concomitant lateral meniscal injuries and revision meniscal surgeries were excluded. We retrospectively recorded patient age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), as well as follow-up periods, comorbidities, and postoperative and early midterm complications. The Lysholm, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were compared preoperatively to final follow-up. In addition, patients were classified as having either a sedentary or active lifestyle according to Sedentary Behavior Research Network (SBRN) criteria. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data, and the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative outcome scores. The Spearman test was employed to evaluate the correlation between patient variables. Results: The mean follow-up period was at 37.6 (range, 25-49) months. A total of 17 patients (41.46%) had a sedentary lifestyle based on SBRN criteria. All scores improved significantly from preoperatively to final follow-up (VAS, from 8.43 ± 1.53 to 2.34 ± 2.9; Lysholm, from 47.73 ± 17.02 to 85.37 ± 14.01; and IKDC, from 27.12 ± 14.81 to 85.32 ± 8.78; P < .001 for all). Although no significant relationship was established between patient activity level and postoperative Lysholm and IKDC scores, an inverse correlation was observed between BMI and Lysholm (r =–0.9906) and BMI and IKDC (r =–0.9402). Conclusion: Satisfactory postoperative clinical results were obtained in patients with type 3 ramp lesions not accompanied by ACL rupture who were treated with all-inside suturing through standard anterior portals.
Mononuclear pyrazine-2-carbohydrazone metal complexes: Synthesis, structural assessment, thermal, biological, and electrical conductivity studies

Mononuclear complexes of VO(IV), Cr(III), Fe(III), MoO2(VI), WO2(VI), and UO2(VI) with pyrazinecarbohydrazone ligand (N'-(1-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide) were synthesized and the prepared complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, powder X-ray analysis, various spectroscopic techniques (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass spectra), SEM, and thermal analysis. VO(IV) complex was additionally characterized by ESR study. The ligand behaves as a dibasic tridentate, coordinating through the phenolate oxygen, azomethine nitrogen, and enolate oxygen atoms towards the central metal ion. The analytical data suggest 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry for all complexes. The physicochemical data suggested octahedral geometry to Cr(III), Fe(III), MoO2(VI), WO2(VI), and UO2(VI) complexes while square pyramidal to VO(IV) complex. The SEM analysis indicated the presence of well-defined crystals free from any shadow of the metal ion on their external surface with particle sizes of greater than 10 μm. Various kinetics and thermodynamic parameters are calculated using Coats-Redfern method and on the basis of half decomposition temperature the thermal stability order of complexes was found to be Cr(III) < WO2(VI) < Fe(III) < MoO2(VI) < VO(IV) < UO2(VI). The solid-state electrical conductivity of compounds was measured in their pellet form in the temperature range form 313-373 K. The conductivity data vary exponentially with the absolute temperature and obey Arrhenius equation indicating their semiconducting behavior. The antibacterial as well as antifungal activities of ligand and its metal complexes were evaluated in vitro against Gram positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. typhi.) and fungal strains (C. albicans and A. niger). The activity data revealed metal complexes are found to be more active than the ligand.