Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA RAMS FED CHEMICAL-TREATED GROUNDNUT SHELLS SUPPLEMENTED WITH EXOGENOUS ENZYMES

This study evaluated the effect of chemical treated groundnut shells supplemented with xylanase and glucanase in rations of Yankasa rams on growth performance in Nigeria. It was carried out at the Small Ruminant Unit of Adamawa Sta\te University Teaching and Research Farm, Mubi. The study was designed in a 4×2 factorial arrangement with 4 rams per treatment in a completely randomised design. The experimental animals were housed in well ventilated environment and they were comfortable. Basic routine management were carried out. The experimental rations were formulated to meet the requirements of the rams. The experiment lasted for 90 days. Parameters under consideration were weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Significant (P<0.05) and non-significant (P>0.05) effects were observed from the results obtained. The results show that rams receiving glucanase and untreated groundnut shells improved both weight gain (8.71 kg) and average daily weight gain (103.64 g/d); and increased both feed intake (65.79 kg) and average daily feed intake (783.20 g/d). However, feed conversion ratio was relatively least in the group of rams receiving urea treated groundnut shells (7.18) compared to other treatments. It was concluded that untreated and urea treated groundnut shells supplemented with glucanase could improve weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency in Yankasa rams.
Electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of biaxial strained SnSe from first principles calculations

Biaxial strain effects on the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of the Pnma phase SnSe are investigated by first-principles calculations and Boltzmann transport theory. The biaxial strains ε ab, ε ac and ε bc were applied on the ab, ac and bc planes from −6% to 6%, respectively. The band gap decreases under the compressive strains, and increases under the tensile strains except for ε ab = 6%. The ε bc can tune the band gap in a large range from 0 eV to 0.88 eV. A semiconductor to metal transition is observed at ε bc < = −4%. The biaxial strains also influence the electronic band structure of SnSe with Pnma phase. The momentum alignment and energy convergence of the electronic bands induced by the biaxial strains are observed. At ε ac = −6%, the Pnma SnSe transits from an indirect bandgap to a direct bandgap material. The calculated Seebeck coefficient values for unstrained SnSe are in good agreement with the experimental results. The calculated results indicate that the biaxial strains ε ab, ε ac and ε bc can improve the Seebeck coefficient S, electrical conductivity σ/τ and power factor PF/τ of the Pnma SnSe. However the biaxial strains have different effects on the three components of these thermoelectric properties along the a, b and c axes. For unstrained SnSe, the PFa/τ of p-type SnSe is the smallest one while the PFa/τ of n-type SnSe is the largest one among the three components of PF/τ at 300 K and 750 K. The PF/τ of n- and p-type SnSe can be significantly enhanced compared with those of the unstrained one for 300 K and 750 K, respectively. These findings indicate that the thermoelectric performance of SnSe used at room temperature and high temperature can be improved by the suitable biaxial strains.
Diagnostic Value Of Serum Urea, Creatinine, Sodium And Potassium For Complicated Appendicitis - A One Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency and if complicated, manifesting as abscess, perforation, suppurative or gangrenous appendicitis, carries significant morbidity and mortality. Its early preoperative diagnosis can improve outcome in patients and reduce incidence of negative appendectomies. It, however, mandates identification of new diagnostic parameters for it. This retrospective study evaluates diagnostic accuracy of serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium for complicated appendicitis. METHODS Sixty patients with suspected appendicitis were grouped into complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis based on histological reports. Preoperative laboratory results for serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels were obtained from hospital records. Diagnostic strength of these markers was calculated as specificity, sensitivity and area under curve. ROC curve analysis was used for their diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS The levels of serum urea, creatinine and K were not significantly different in uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. However, sodium was significantly higher in complicated appendicitis. ROC curve analysis showed AUC values for all the studied variables to be greater than 0.5. However, none of the markers had good capability to differentiate complicated appendicitis from uncomplicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS Serum urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels have shown a tendency to be predictive of complicated appendicitis but a strong association could not have been established. Hence, further investigation is warranted.
Resin Cement Residue Removal Techniques: In Vitro Analysis of Marginal Defects and Discoloration Intensity Using Micro-CT and Stereomicroscopy

The objective was to compare marginal defects and evaluate discoloration for adhesively cemented veneers in vitro when using two cement removal techniques. Twenty premolars were prepared with chamfer and borders in enamel. IPS e.max CAD veneers were cemented using Panavia V5 and divided in two groups (n = 10): cement excess removed with a probe after tack-curing for 3–5 s, or cement excess removed with a brush, then completely polymerized. All teeth were stored in alginate gel until micro-CT examination. Scanning was performed twice: directly after cementation and after thermocycling (5000 cycles, between 5 and 55 °C). To analyze discoloration, teeth were colored using 0.5% basic fuchsine and examined under a stereomicroscope. Depth of dye infiltration was scored 0 (no discoloration) to 5 (discoloration along the entire margin). Statistically significant differences of cement defects before thermocycling were reported, where brushing showed more defects than probing (p = 0.0161). After thermocycling, the defects increased for both groups. Extensive discoloration was the most common (55.56%) when removing excess by probing; by brushing, 90% of the specimens exhibited slight discoloration (p = 0.008). Regression analysis showed no relationship between type of defect and degree of discoloration. Removing cement with a brush causes more marginal defects, however less discoloration after thermocycling.
Effect of Sucrose on Growth and Stress Status of Castanea sativa x C. crenata Shoots Cultured in Liquid Medium

Current breeding programs aim to increase the number of ink-tolerant chestnut trees using vegetative propagation of selected genotypes. However, the commercial vegetative propagation of chestnut species is still a bottleneck for the forest industry, mainly due to problems in the rooting and acclimation of propagules. This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of decreasing sucrose supplementation during chestnut micropropagation. Explants were cultured with high light intensity and CO2-enriched air in temporary or continuous immersion bioreactors and with different sucrose supplementation to evaluate the impact of these treatments on growth, rooting and physiological status (monosaccharide content, soluble phenolics and antioxidant activity). The proliferation and rooting performance of shoots cultured by continuous immersion decreased sharply with sucrose concentrations lower than 1%, whereas shoots cultured by temporary immersion grew and rooted successfully with 0.5% sucrose. These results suggest this system is appropriate to culture chestnut with low sucrose concentration and to explore photoautotrophic propagation of this species.
A Review of Routing Protocols for Mobile Social Networks

- A Mobile Social Network (MSN) consists of nodes that are related socially, in addition to their physical connection through wireless links. In terms of mobile devices, social connection reflects the frequency of encounter, so that the users of these devices are socially connected if they communicate with each other frequently. This layer of social connectivity, combined with the physical connectivity of being in the communication range of each other, can help improve the routing performance. However, it also inherits the challenges of mobile adhoc networks. These challenges include the limited energy resource, intermittent connectivity, and the limited storage. To overcome these challenges and improve routing efficiency, social metrics are exploited to carefully choose the candidate relays in MSNs. In this paper, the routing protocols proposed or candidate to be implemented in MSN are reviewed, focusing on the routing metrics used to select the candidate relays. In addition, the authors describe a list of performance measures that are useful in comparing current and future MSN routing protocols.
Practical Opportunities to Improve the Impact of Health Risk Assessment on Environmental and Public Health Decisions

Following alerts about the diminishing role of health risk assessment (HRA) in informing public health decisions, this study examines specific HRA topics with the aim of identifying possible solutions for addressing this compelling situation. The study administered a survey among different groups of stakeholders involved in HRA or decision-making, or both. The responses show various understandings of HRA in the decision-making context—including confusion with the health impact assessment (HIA)—and confirm recurring foundational issues within the risk analysis field that contribute to the growth of inconsistency in the HRA praxis. This inconsistency lowers the effectiveness of HRA to perform its primary purpose of informing public health decisions. Opportunities for improving this situation come at the beginning of the assessment process, where greater attention should be given to defining the assessment and decision-making contexts. Both must reflect the concerns and expectations of the stakeholders regarding the needs and purpose of an HRA on one side, and the methodological and procedural topics relevant for the decision case at hand on the other. The HRA process should end with a decision follow-up step with targeted auditing and the participation of stakeholders to measure its success.
CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PONSETI TECHNIQUE IN TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS

Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) is one of the most common congenital anomalies encountered in pediatric orthopedics. Its incidence is about 1:1000 live births. It remains a challenge not only to understand its genetic origins but also to provide effective long-term treatment and prevention of recurrences. Clubfoot can lead to serious walking problems if left untreated. Conservative treatment with the Ponseti method has revolutionized the clubfoot treatment and has been adopted globally in the last decades. Surgical treatment is indicated only after failure of conservative methods. Surgical release rate of the idiopathic clubfoot has decreased significantly since the emergence of the Ponseti method. The aim of this study was the evaluation of using ponseti technique for correction of cases of idiopathic CTEV deformity by clinical and radiological follow up aiming at determining benefits, drawbacks and obstacles to this technique . Between March 2020 and March 2021, total of 26 patients with 40 feet affected with congenital talipes equinovarus were treated using the Ponseti technique at the outpatient clinic of the orthopedics department of Sohag university hospital. Pirani scoring system was used for clinical evaluation of clubfeet. All patients had pre-treatment , post-correction and last follow-up plain radiographs that included antero-posterior (AP) and lateral dorsiflexion stress views of the feet. The antero-posterior and lateral talo-calcaneal angles (TCA) were measured and were used to calculate the talocalcaneal index (TCI). 16 patients (61.5%) were male, 10 (38.5%) patients were female. 14 patients (53.8%) had bilateral involvement, 12 patients (46.2) were unilateral. The age of patients at the time of presentation varied from one week to one and a half year with the mean age was 5 months. The mean number of the casts required was greater for the group that required tenotomy than the group that did not require tenotomy. Tenotomies were performed on 14 feet of 40 (35%) while 26 feet (65%) did not require tenotomy. The average initial Pirani score in this study was 5.0 range from (2-10) while the average final Pirani score ranged from (1 -1.5). Final results of correction according to Pirani score were excellent in 18 feet (45%), Fair in 20 feet (50%), and poor in 2 feet (5%). There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean values of the radiological parameters including TCA on AP and lateral views, and TCI after treatment when compared with the values at presentation. Ponseti technique of serial manipulation and cast is an easy, efficient, economical and reliable method of CTEV correction when it is applied early with 95 % success rate.
Phenotypic Methods of Detection of Antibiotic Resistance in Gram Positive Bacteria in Sohag University Hospital

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a pathogenic microbe to develop a resistance to the effects of an antimicrobial medication. AMR is one of the most concerning issues in medicine today, impacting morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic factors. Objective: To determine the prevalence and the phenotypic methods of detection of antibiotic sensitivity of grampositive bacteria in clinical isolates collected from inpatients at the Sohag University Hospital during one year. Patients and methods: Fresh samples (blood, urine, sputum, pus and cerebrospinal fluid) were collected of 69 patients and cultured on nutrient agar, blood and MacConkey agar, at 37°C and incubated for 24 – 48 hours. The pH was adjusted to 7.4 and all media were sterilized by autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes. VITEK2 Compact identification kits was used to confirm the identification of the isolates and for antibiotic susceptibility test Results: S. aureus were isolated in (43.48%) of isolated organisms and 31.88 % of the cases (n=22) were distributed between other staphylococcus species. S. pneumoniae in 10 cases (14.49%) and 10.15% of the cases (n=7) were distributed between other streptococcus species. All S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin but all S. aureus isolates were sensitive to quinupristin/dalfopristin, vancomycin, tigecycline, nitrofurantoin, rifampicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. S. pneumonia showed high rate of resistance to benzylpenicillin (100%) and oxacillin (100%) but the association trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole showed moderate rate of resistance (50%) to S. pneumonia Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic resistance to gram positive bacteria continues to increase and is associated with significant mortality. The most prevalent organisms within gram positive bacteria were staphylococcus aureus followed by S. pneumoniae.
On Creativity and Parametric Design: A preliminary study of designer’s behaviour when employing parametric design tools

This research explores the relationship between unexpected outcomes generated through parametric design tools and the design creative process. We conducted an empirical study to observe how designers behave while encountering unexpected outcomes using parametric design tools as well as other kinds of design tools. From our study, there are some indications that the space of possible design solutions of the participants was expanded with the existence of unexpected outcomes. The preliminary result is encouraging. Further studies may need to address experience designers and novice designers separately.
Microscopic Colitis in Patients with ‎Unexplained Chronic Watery non-‎Bloody Diarrhea: A Cross Sectional ‎Study‎ ‎

(69.2 %). Patients with microscopic colitis suffered from diarrhea for longer durations. Microscopic colitis was more significant in patients with history of proton pump inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use. Conclusion: Prevalence of microscopic colitis among studied patients was about 21.7% (15% lymphocytic colitis and 6.7% collagenous colitis). microscopic colitis was more common among females .
The Effect of Organizers on Analysts’ Forecasts: Evidence from Conference Calls in China

ABSTRACT We inspect the impact of conference call organizers on the quality of analysts’ forecasts. Organizers affect the information delivery through conference calls with the composition of audiences, the preparation of managers, and the frame of questions. Using manually collected information of conference calls in China, we discover that conference calls refine analysts’ forecast quality. Further evidence indicates that brokerage firms, as the organizer of the call, significantly improve analysts’ forecast quality. Specifically, brokerage firms show a positive relationship with forecast accuracy and a negative relationship with forecast dispersion. However, neither top brokerages nor star analysts show a distinct advantage in delivering information when they act as the organizer and the host.
16S rRNA Gene Sequencing Revealed Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition during Pregnancy and Lactation in Mice Model

The gut microbiota play a vital role in regulating endocrine-mediated metabolism, immunity, and energy metabolism. However, little is known about the gut microbiota and metabolite composition and development throughout pregnancy and lactation. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to analyze the gut microbiota composition of 35 female mice in five stages of pregnancy and lactation, namely, non-receptive (NR) stages, sexually-receptive (SR) stages, at day 15 of pregnancy (Pre_D15), at the day of birth (Del), and at day 10 of lactation (Lac_D10). The results revealed that the α diversity of gut microbiota was significantly increased during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) conducted on the amplicon sequence variants’ (ASVs’) distribution of the 16S rRNA amplicons indicated that the microbiota composition was significantly different among the five groups. Based on a random forest analysis, Oscillospira, Dehalobacterium, and Alistipes were the most important microbiota. The abundance of Allobaculum, Oscillospira, and Ruminococcus were negatively correlated with the serum progesterone concentration, while the abundance of Oscillospira was positively correlated with the propionate and valerate concentration in the caecal contents. Moreover, the concentration of acetate and propionate in the Del and Lac_D10 stages was significantly lower than in the SR and Pre_D15 stages. Our findings indicate that some gut microbes and metabolites vary considerably at the different stages of pregnancy and during lactation stages, which can potentially be used as microbial biomarkers. These results provide information on the potential use of the identified microbes as probiotics to maintain a healthy pregnancy and lactation.
How Consumers' Need for Variety and Social Consumption Influences Festival Patronage and Spending

This paper investigates the influence of motivational goals such as variety seeking and social consumption on consumers’ patronage and spending at craft beer festivals. In doing so, we develop and test a number of hypotheses by examining information collected via means of a survey questionnaire proposed in 2017 to visitors of a large beer festival in the UK. Findings of our analysis unveil how cognitive engagement affects individuals’ behavior with regard to responding to and financially engage with beer festivals. Results also identify cognitive engagement as an important mediator of the effects related to variety-seeking and social consumption. From a managerial perspective, findings reveal important attributes affecting consumers’ drivers towards craft beers, contributing to understand which dimension of consumer engagement influence their behaviors. Overall, the study provides fresh empirical evidence in terms of identifying and recognizing consumers’ behaviors with regard to defining future trends in the craft beer sector.
Students’ experiences of the development of generic competences in the Finnish higher education context – the role of the teaching-learning environment and approaches to learning

ABSTRACT To face the challenges demanded by a changing and uncertain world, it is essential for students to develop generic competences during their studies. However, recent research shows worrying results concerning the development of generic competences among higher education students. This quantitative study explores students’ experiences of the development of generic competences and the connections to the experiences of the teaching-learning environment at a university of applied sciences. Further, the significance of the students’ approaches to learning is examined. Generic competences were examined on two dimensions: (1) constructing and applying knowledge and (2) collaboration and communication. Through a path analysis (N = 191), the study showed that students’ experiences of the interest and relevance of the studies and working-life orientation were directly connected to the development of competence in constructing and applying knowledge. The students’ experiences of peer support were directly connected to the development of competences in collaboration and communication. Some differences were detected in how students who adopted different approaches to learning reported the relations between their experience of the teaching-learning environment and generic competences. The study has implications for the development of teaching-learning environments where pedagogical practices should be in accordance with the expected development of generic competences.
Paediatric Thrombosis: A Five-Year Experience From A Tertiary Care Center Of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND Advances in imaging techniques and longer survival of chronic medical conditions contribute to the increase in paediatric thrombosis. We aim to determine the incidence, underlying risk factors, management and clinical outcome of paediatric thrombosis at a multidisciplinary facility of Pakistan. METHODS A retrospectively analysis of the medical records of patients in the paediatric age group admitted at the Aga Khan University hospital from January 2013-September 2018 was performed. Site of thrombosis, associated risks factors, management options and outcome of thrombotic event were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 22,320 paediatric hospitalization, 35 paediatric patients were diagnosed with thrombosis (15 cases per 10,000 admissions). The median age of the study group was 15 years and twenty patients (57%) were male. The commonest site of thrombosis was in lower limb venous 11 (31%), followed by upper limb venous thrombosis 6 (17%), abdominal vein thrombosis 7 (20%), cerebral venous thrombosis 5 (14%), pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis 3(9% each). Eighty three percent had underlying clinical condition including central venous catheter [CVC] (26%), malignancy and infection (14% each), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (9%), inherited thrombophilia (9%), congenital heart disease (6%), while thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune disorder (3% each). Twelve (34%) patients were treated with heparin only, 8 (23%) received heparin followed by warfarin while warfarin as a single agent was given in 2 (5.7%) patients. One patient died of pulmonary embolism while 9 (25%) had persistence or recurrence of thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of paediatric thrombosis was 0.15%. CVC placement was the most common associated risk factor. Warfarin and heparin both were found to be safe anticoagulation option. Recurrence rate was found to be high.