Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of wound, its associated risk factors and wound management practices in carthorses of ten selected towns of Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to estimate the prevalence of wound and associated risk factors in carthorses, and to assess wound management practices in 10 selected towns of Ethiopia. The study was conducted through personal interview and observation of carthorses. Randomly selected 390 drivers and their carthorses were included in this study. The study revealed that, the overall prevalence of wound was 51.5% (n=201). The prevalence of wound significantly varied among the study towns. It was high (70%, n =28) in Shashemene and low (30%, n=9) in Sheno. More than one type of wound was the most common (21%, n=82) type to occur. Harness related wounds such as girth sore (20.8%, n=81), chest sore (11.8%, n=46), bit sore (11.8, n=46), saddle sore (7.9%, 31), tail sore (3.1%, n=12) and collar sore (0.5%, n=2) were observed. The non-harness related wounds identified were fetlock sore (12.3%, n=48), knee sore (3.3%, n=13), whip sore (3.1%, n=12) and other sores (1.5%, n=6). Generally, wound related with harnesses were more frequent. The prevalence of wound was observed significantly different between body condition scores. Horses with body condition score 2 were 2 times more likely to be wounded than horses with better body condition score (BCS=3) [OR: 2.4 95%CI (1.36-4.25)]. Wound prevalence was low in horses where owner own only one horse compared to owners keeping two and more horses [OR: 1.56, 95% CI (1.01-2.33)]. Bits with smooth surface were used in less than half (44.4%, n=173) of the observed animals. Variation in frequency of bit sore was observed based on bit types used. The majority of bit sores were caused by metal bits with rough surface (χ2 =10.52, p= 0.03). Majority (83.3%, n=325) of the owners were aware of proper wound management practices. Carthorses often transport 3 to 4 people at a time, the average working
Intergovernmental transfers as tactical instrument: empirical evidence from fourteen major Indian states

Abstract In any federation where intergovernmental transfers form a major chunk of revenues for sub-national governments; determinants of allocation shares have always been a salient issue. This paper makes an empirical attempt to investigate whether there are any political motives behind the distribution of central funds among sub-national governments in case of India. We find that in aggregate terms relatively higher per capita transfers are channelled towards states inhabited by large swing voters to gain/maintain control over such states. The significance of the coefficients of interaction terms between swing; alignment and election year dummies reveals that in case of discretionary transfers; during election years; swing states are receiving disproportionately larger shares while during non-election years core states are favoured disproportionately. It gives an empirical insight into the manner whereby central political party targets both core and swing states for political returns in terms of higher votes. Normative considerations were also found relevant as states with higher rural population were found to receive higher per capita transfers. Representation and alignment were found to be insignificant determinants of allocation shares.
Efficient and Selective Extraction of Fe3+ by Mono- and Di-Azocalix[4]arene Derivatives

Nine series of chromogenic mono- (A1-A2) and di- (B1-B7) substituted azocalix[4] arene analogues containing more than one azo group were described. Different chelating agents like ester and ketone moieties were grafted on the lower rim position of azocalix[4]arenes. The selective extraction properties of Fe3+ cation were studied by liquid-liquid extraction. This extraction process was carried out by using compounds A1-A2 and B1-B7. The results proved that coupling of phenylazo groups onto the upper rim of azocalix[4]arenes yielded greater efficiency and selectivity for carrying the Fe3+ cation in the extraction process at pH 2.2.
The impact of COVID-19 on routine patient care from a laboratory perspective.

BACKGROUND Globally, few studies have examined the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine patient care and follow-up. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 response on biochemical test requests received from outpatient departments (OPDs) and peripheral clinics serviced by the National Health Laboratory Service Chemical Pathology Laboratory at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa (SA). Request volumes were used as a measure of the routine care of patients, as clinical information was not readily available. METHODS A retrospective audit was conducted. The numbers of requests received from OPDs and peripheral clinics for creatinine, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), serum and urine protein electrophoresis, serum free light chains and neonatal total serum bilirubin were obtained from 1 March to 30 June for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. RESULTS The biggest impact was seen on lipids, creatinine, HbA1c, TSH and fT3. The percentage reduction between 1 March and 30 June 2019 and between 1 March and 30 June 2020 was 59% for lipids, 64% for creatinine and HbA1c, 80% for TSH and 81% for fT3. There was a noteworthy decrease in overall analyte testing from March to April 2020, coinciding with initiation of level 5 lockdown. Although an increase in testing was observed during June 2020, the number of requests was still lower than in June 2019. CONCLUSIONS This study, focusing on the short-term consequences of the SA response to the COVID-19 pandemic, found that routine follow-up of patients with communicable and non-communicable diseases was affected. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term consequences of the pandemic for these patient groups.
INDUCING ACTIVE SITES IN CLUSTERS: REACTIVITY OF Al13Ix- and Al14Iy- (x=0-2, y=2-4) WITH METHANOL

Size selective reactivity has been observed in pure aluminum cluster anions as a result of Lewis acid and base pairs. Using this a starting point, the goal of this study has been to explore how reactivity is affected with the addition of one or more ligand, which may induce active sites on the surface of the metal clusters. To study this, a theoretical investigation was undertaken on Al13Ix and Al14Iy ( 2 0   x , 4 2   y ) and their reactivity with methanol. The hypothesis was that iodine can induce a Lewis base site on the opposite side of the cluster, which may enhance reactivity. In results that are consistent with preliminary experimental data, it was found that the Al13Ix series has a large energy barrier with respect to the cleavage of the O-H bond of methanol. The clusters of the series act as an extremely poor Lewis acids, and as a result, these clusters are relatively inert to methanol etching. On the other hand, the Al14Iy series has a low barrier and is expected to react rapidly with methanol. The series is found to be most reactive at an aluminum adatom that is bound to an iodine due to the iodine extracting charge from the aluminum cluster creating a strong Lewis acid site.
Subduction versus non‐subduction origin of the Nagaland‐Manipur Ophiolites along the Indo‐Myanmar Orogenic Belt, northeast India: Fact and fallacy

The Nagaland‐Manipur Ophiolites (NMO) in northeast India is known for its complex geological history. Tough terrain, thick vegetation, and dismembered exposure of ophiolitic suite of rocks in the region made uneasy for geological investigation and put it in a deadlock for a long time. Only in the last decade has seen an appreciable amount of publications but the results boil down to a hot debate between two opposite schools of thoughts of subduction origin versus non‐subduction origin of the NMO. In this article, we revisit the literature data and compare it with our new geochemical data with an attempt to provide fresh insight into the long‐standing debate on the geodynamic evolution of the NMO. Our investigation arrives at the conclusion that the NMO as a whole cannot be considered as 100% subduction or 100% non‐subduction origin. It is indeed a combination of both. The non‐subduction group of mafic rocks shows a high ratio of incompatible elements (Nb/Yb >1), high‐Ti, enriched LILE, and HFSE with primitive mantle normalized values >5. Their bulk‐rock geochemical composition is equivalent to mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) and ocean island basalt (OIB). The subduction group of rocks, on the other hand, shows a low ratio of incompatible elements (Nb/Yb <1), low‐Ti, depleted LILE, and HFSE with primitive mantle normalized values <1, affinity to the fore‐arc depleted N‐MORB type. Similarly, spinels present in subduction‐influenced mantle rocks show high chromium content (Cr# >50) but it is lower (Cr# <50) in non‐subduction abyssal peridotites of the NMO. Such geochemical variations cannot simply be explained by fractional crystallization or variable degree of partial melting of a single source, but rather signifies derivation from different tectonic settings of subduction and non‐subduction magma factories. We further conclude that the primary compressional force of India‐Myanmar Plate collision and secondary strike‐slip faults running along this ophiolite belt jeopardized the accretionary process which led to distortion and dismembering of the rocks like a scrambled bread.
Electromyography: A Simple and Accessible Tool to Assess Physical Performance and Health during Hypoxia Training. A Systematic Review

Hypoxia causes reduced partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood and induces adaptations in skeletal muscle that may affect individuals’ physical performance and muscular health. These muscular changes are detectable and quantifiable by electromyography (EMG), an instrument that assesses electrical activity during active contraction at rest. EMG is a relatively simple and accessible technique for all patients, one that can show the degree of the sensory and motor functions because it provides information about the status of the peripheral nerves and muscles. The main goal of this review is to evaluate the scientific evidence of EMG as an instrument for monitoring different responses of skeletal muscles subjected to external stimuli such as hypoxia and physical activity. A structured search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in Medline/PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library Plus. The search included articles published in the last 25 years until May 2020 and was restricted to English- and Spanish-language publications. As such, investigators identified nine articles that met the search criteria. The results determined that EMG was able to detect muscle fatigue from changes in the frequency spectrum. When a muscle was fatigued, high frequency components decreased and low frequency components increased. In other studies, EMG determined muscle activation increased during exercise by recruiting motor units and by increasing the intensity of muscle contractions. Finally, it was also possible to calculate the mean quadriceps quadratic activity used to obtain an image of muscle activation. In conclusion, EMG offers a suitable tool for monitoring the different skeletal muscle responses and has sufficient sensitivity to detect hypoxia-induced muscle changes produced by hypoxic stimuli. Moreover, EMG enhances an extension of physical examination and tests motor-system integrity.
COVID-19: What We Know So Far

Objective: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, the number of affected cases has not stopped rising. Similarly, the number of scientific publications and pre-prints has been increasing exponentially, with an effort to understand this disease more and find a proper solution. The purpose of this article is to review the current understanding of the novel coronavirus. Background: The latest COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally ever since it emerged in Wuhan's city in China. This rapidly spreading disease has changed our lives in unimaginable ways, spreading fear and uncertainty due to the lack of knowledge and the flooding with new information, which lacks the scientific method and cannot be critically appraised. The purpose of this article is to gather some of the best knowledge that has been published so far in a unified narrative review, making it easy for the scientific community to review the most accurate and recent understandings about COVID-19. Methods: We screened relevant articles using a specified number of keywords and specific databases, including PubMed and Embase. We selected peer-reviewed English published material related to the topic, except for a few pre-prints that we deemed necessary to include. We also screened the reference lists of these articles to find relevant publications with the same criteria. Discussion: This narrative overview comprises several subsections that discuss the epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and management of the disease. We also presented a section on the implications of the disease in pregnancy. We wrapped up the review with a special division regarding the response to COVID-19, which has been diverse in different countries. Conclusion: COVID-19 has been a serious global health threat with a high transmission and case fatality rate, particularly in vulnerable populations. Epidemiologic models have so far guided the response, but they need to be interpreted carefully, with an understanding of their limitations. The disease's response has varied among different countries; with no current vaccine or standard treatment, the world stands in fear, maximizing preventive strategies to reduce the damages caused by this virus. This manuscript presents a summary of everything that is so far known about COVID-19 to make it easier for the medical community to overview the disease that has changed the world.
Selective Wetting and Localization of Silica in Binary and Ternary Blends Based on Styrene Butadiene

In the present work, the wetting concept was further developed for explanation of the kinetics of silica localization in binary and ternary rubber blends in the first mixing period. In the second mixing period when the wetting process is finished, a re-localization process of silica within the blend phases takes place until an equilibrium state is reached. Material effects and mixing conditions on the silica localization were systematically characterized. A comparison between the kinetics of filler localization experimentally determined by the wetting concept, and the filler localization at an equilibrium theoretically predicted by our Z-model, provides a deeper insight intothefillertransferprocesstakingplace during the mixing process.
Investigating Light-Induced Processes in Covalent Dye-Catalyst Assemblies for Hydrogen Production

The light-induced processes occurring in two dye-catalyst assemblies for light-driven hydrogen production were investigated by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. These dyads consist of a push-pull organic dye based on a cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b’]dithiophene (CPDT) bridge, covalently linked to two different H2-evolving cobalt catalysts. Whatever the nature of the latter, photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer from the excited state of the dye to the catalytic center was never observed. Instead, and in sharp contrast to the reference dye, a fast intersystem crossing (ISC) populates a long-lived triplet excited state, which in turn non-radiatively decays to the ground state. This study thus shows how the interplay of different structures in a dye-catalyst assembly can lead to unexpected excited state behavior and might open up new possibilities in the area of organic triplet sensitizers. More importantly, a reductive quenching mechanism with an external electron donor must be considered to drive hydrogen production with these dye-catalyst assemblies.
Biodegradation Rate Enhancement of Hydrocarbons by an Oleophilic Fertilizer and a Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant

The oleophilic fertilizer Inipol EAP 22 and a microbial biosurfactant (rhamnotipid) were investigated for their ability to increase the rate of biodegradation of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons by pure bacterial cultures. Both Inipol EAP 22 and rhamnolipid were found to lower the surface tension of a phosphate buffered solution to 32 mN m{sup -1}. Each surfactant dramatically increased the apparent aqueous solubility of solid 2-methylnaphthalene, and were capable of emulsifying liquid hydrocarbons. Biodegradation experiments were carried out with the TOL plasmid-containing strain, Pseudomonas putida (ATCC30015); the OCT plasmid-containing strain, P. oleovorans (ATCC29347); and an unknown naphthalene-degrading strain (ATCC15075). Cells were grown under conditions where biodegradative enzymes were induced before their utilization. Model studies were conducted to investigate the ability of Inipol EAP 22 and rhamnolipid to enhance the rate of transport and uptake of hydrocarbons into bacterial cells, and to assess the impact that increasing the apparent aqueous solubility of hydrocarbons has on their rate of biodegradation. The extent of rate enhancement of compound mineralization resulting from surfactant addition was significantly greater for the sparingly soluble alkanes, hexadecane and octadecane, than for the more soluble aromatics, toluene and 2-methylnaphthalene. The results suggest that increasing the bioavailability of hydrocarbons to bacteriamore » may be a useful method to accelerate the rate of biodegradation at contaminated sites. Lastly, the data supports the hypothesis that surface-active components present in the oleophilic fertilizer formulation, Inipol EAP 22, may have significantly contributed to the positive results reported in tests of remedial agent impact on bioremediation, which was used as a supplemental cleanup technology on Exxon Valdez crude oil contaminated Alaskan beaches. 27 ref. , 12 figs., 6 tabs. « less
The Material Context of Adolescent Identity Formation: A Family Economic Stress Approach

ABSTRACT Grounded in the family stress model and recent studies on cognitive effects of poverty, the current study examines how family material conditions relate to identity-relevant information processing among adolescents via family economic strain, family financial conflicts, and parenting behaviors. Data for the study come from the first wave of a longitudinal study on the development of adolescent goals in the context of socio-economic inequalities. The sample includes 1,268 adolescents (51.7% females; M = 14.87; SD = 0.39) attending 36 gymnasiums. Findings reveal that the family economic situation contributes to how adolescents process identity-relevant information, but these effects are primarily indirect. Specifically, better family material conditions are associated with more supportive parental engagement in their children’s identity-relevant decisions, which in turn is associated with higher levels of the information-oriented identity processing style. Poorer family material conditions, economic pressures, and conflicts are associated with parental interference and a lack of engagement, which in turn is associated with higher levels of diffuse-avoidant identity style. The identity styles themselves are known predictors for a wide array of outcomes. Therefore, our findings suggest that countering the adverse effects of socio-economic inequality may be crucial to break a self-perpetuation cycle of socio-economic adversity.
Setting Up of an Experimental Site for the Continuous Monitoring of Water Discharge, Suspended Sediment Transport and Groundwater Levels in a Mediterranean Basin. Results of One Year of Activity

The study of suspended sediment transport requires continuous measurement of water discharge to better understand the sediment dynamics. Furthermore, a groundwater monitoring network can support the stream discharge measures, as it reveals how the interactions between surface water and groundwater may affect runoff and consequently sediment transport during flood events. An experimental site for the continuous monitoring of water discharge, suspended sediment transport and groundwater levels was set up in the Carapellotto basin (27.17 km2), which is located in Apulia, Southern Italy. Seven flood events that occurred in the operation timespan were covered with a full record of both water discharge and sediment concentration. Some monitoring problems, largely due to the clogging of the float by mud, suggested to improve the experimental set up. The results show high values of suspended sediments concentration which indicate the sub-basin’s key role in the sediment delivery to the whole river system, while counter-clockwise hysteresis loops are the most frequent due to the basin characteristics. The effects of the interaction between surface water and groundwater are related not only to the flood magnitude but also to the hydrogeological features in the hyporheic zone.
BROILER LITTER RATE EFFECTS ON NUTRIENT LEACHING FROM SOIL UNDER PASTURE VEGETATION IN THE OZARK HIGHLANDS

Litter from broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) production is a beneficial soil amendment containing organic material and many nutrients essential for proper plant growth. However, repeated land application of litter in regions of concentrated broiler production has raised concerns regarding nutrient and trace element loading in soil and potential groundwater and surface water contamination via runoff and leaching. The objective of this study was to evaluate seasonal and annual effects of broiler litter application rate on soil leachate concentrations and leaching losses of several essential plant nutrients [nitrate-N (NO3-N), ammonium-N (NH4-N), P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na] from a silt-loam soil (fine-silty, siliceous, active, mesic Typic Fragiudult) under tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) vegetation in the Ozark Highlands of northwest Arkansas. Equilibrium-tension lysimeters were used to continuously monitor and collect soil leachate solution from below the undisturbed root zone of small plots for a two-year period after two annual broiler litter applications at rates of 0 (control), 5.6 (low), and 11.2 (high) Mg litter ha−1. In Year 1 (May 2003-April 2004), flow-weighted mean leachate concentrations of Ca, Na, P, and Mg differed among litter rates during one or more periods; however, there were no consistent treatment effects. In Year 2 (May 2004-April 2005), leachate concentrations of Mg and NH4-N differed among litter rates during one or more periods, in which all had the greatest concentration under the low-litter treatment. There were no differences in plant nutrient leaching losses among litter rates during either full year or cumulatively over the two-year period. The land use combination of a long history of litter application, followed by several years of no litter, followed by two consecutive years of additional litter application seems to cause few water quality concerns caused by nutrient leaching, with the exception of P if leachate and/or groundwater discharge to the soil surface.