Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastric Emptying, Our Institutional Experience in Ain Shams University

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most frequently performed procedure in the world and has overtaken the “gold standard” Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) Obesity. The abstraction of the fundus is linked to physiological changes in gastric motility, as the gastric pacemaker is removed. Variable distance of antral resection from the pylorus is present in most cases. This is expected to provoke alterations in gastric emptying. Aim of the Work: to assess the changes in gastric emptying after sleeve gastrectomy and determine the time needed for accommodation. Recommendation of prokinetic therapy was or not reached after this study. Patients and methods: 30 morbidly obese patients who underwent LSG. 99mTc–sulfur colloid GE scintigraphy was performed on all patients pre and post-surgery. All operations were standardized regarding bougie size and distance of antral resection. Results: The mean preoperative body mass index BMI is 44.65±4.26 kg/m2 (range, 40 - 53) and the mean preoperative body weight is 123.90±14.79 kg (range, 105 - 155). accelerated gastric emptying presented in 24 cases, delayed emptying in 3 cases and normal emptying in 3 cases. The mean preoperative percent of retention at 30 min was 71.83±14.83 (range, 41.6 – 92) decreased to 57.88±12.66 (range, 38.1 – 80.1) after 3 months, and a mean percent of retention at 30 min was 57.45±21.41 (range, 18.7 - 85.2) after 6 months. Conclusion: Gastric emptying was significantly accelerated after sleeve gastrectomy with application of tight bougie (36 French size) and preservation of the antrum. There was strong correlation between delayed gastric emptying and appearance of postprandial symptoms which subsided after prokinetic therapy. However, further studies are required for comparison between tight and wide bougie as regards their effect on gastric emptying and weight regain.
Phytochemical and comparative transcriptome analysis reveals different regulatory mechanisms in terpenoids pathways between Matricaria recutita L. and Chamaemelum nobile L

Background Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) belong to the botanical family Asteraceae. These two herbs are not only morphologically distinguishable, but their secondary metabolites – especially the essential oils in flowers are also different, especially the terpenoids. The aim of this project was to preliminarily reveal differential regulatory mechanisms in terpenoids biosynthetic pathway between German and Roman chamomile by performing comparative transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses. We determined the content of essential oil in disk florets and ray florets in these two chamomiles, and found that the terpenoids content of German chamomile is greater than that of Roman chamomile. In addition, comparisons between German and Roman chamomile were studied by RNA-Seq, which showed that 54% of genes shared >75% sequence identity between the two species. In particular, more highly expressed DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and TFs (transcription factors), different regulation of CYPs (cytochrome P450 enzymes) and rapid evolution of the downstream enzymes in terpenoids biosynthetic pathways in German chamomile, and maybe the reasons result to differences in the types and levels of terpenoids compounds in these two chamomiles. In addition, the phylogenetic tree of single copay genes showed that German chamomile and Roman chamomile had a high identity to C. nankingense. 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase; DXR: 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase; HDR: 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl diphosphate reductase; TPS: terpene synthase; GPPS: geranyl diphosphate synthase; GGPPS: geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase; SS: squalene synthase; PSY: phytoene synthase; FPPS: farnesyl diphosphate synthase; IPT: isopentenyl transferases; HDS: 4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-en-l-yl diphosphate synthase; MCS: 2-C-methyl-D-erythtitol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase; CMK: 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol kinase PMK: phosphomevalonate kinase; MPD: diphosphomevalonate decarboxylase; HMGR: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase; GC-MS: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer; FDR: Rate; PPIN: interaction network
Participatory Variety Selection of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) at Sankura Wereda Silte Zone and Adamitulu Jido Kombolcha Wereda Eastern Shewa Zone of Ethiopia

This study was conducted in two selected potential areas of Ziway abine germama FTC in East Shewa Zone and Sankura wereda at Jejebicho research station Silte Zone of Ethiopia during 2019/2020 cropping season. The main objective of the study was to evaluate and select the best performing Mung bean varieties and to assess farmer’s technology preference. The experiment wa s done using four released varieties namely; Rasa (N-26), NLV-1, Shewrobit and Arkebe varieties. The main objective of the study was to evaluate, select the best performing mung bean varieties and to assess farmer’s technology preference. The experiment wa s done using four released varieties namely; Rasa (N-26), NLV-1, Shewrobit and Arkebe varieties. The analytical result showed that Rasa (N-26) variety was preferred by the farmers followed by Arkebe. The result gotten from the analysis of variance indicated that the difference among the means of the mung bean varieties for grain yield, number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, days to physiological maturity and thousand seed weight were significant at 5% probability level for Sankura district. But for Jido Kombolcha district days to physiological maturity, number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, aboveground biomass, thousand seed weight, grain yield and harvest index were also significant at 5% probability level. The highest Grain yield (18.01 Qt/ha) was recorded from Rasa (N-26) variety at Adamitulu Jido Kombolcha followed by the Arkebe variety (17.52 Qt/ha), while the lowest grain yield (13.01 Qt/ha) was obtained from the variety of Shewarobit at Adami tulu Jido Kombolcha district.The highest (24.00 Qt/ha) and lowest (12.48 Qt/ha) grain yield was obtained from variety Arkebe and NVL respectively. The grain yield of Rassa and Arkebe were significantly at par. The preference was first Rassa then second selected while in field variety evaluation. Therefore pre-scaling up of Arkebe and Rasa (N-26) variety with its improved management practice should be done.
Nonlinear finite element analysis of beam experiments for stop criteria

Proof load testing is an experimental technique being studied to assess the structural capacity of existing bridges when relevant information about the structural system is unavailable. Stop criteria, derived from measurements taken during proof load tests, pursue to determine if a test should be stopped before reaching the target proof load in order to maintain the integrity of the structural system under study.
Effect of Dehydration Methods on Physicochemical Properties of Aswan Dry Dates

Sakkoti, Bartamuda, Gondaila, Malkabii and Shamia are excellent dry date cultivars, grown at Aswan Governorate. Physical properties {Gross fruit weight, Date flesh (pulp) weight, Date seed weight, Date flesh (pulp) percent, Average length, Average diameter, Date number per 1 kg, Date fruit volume and Date fruit density} also chemical composition {moisture, protein, Crude fiber, lipids, ash, Carbohydrates, sugars (reducing, non-reducing, Total sugar, Sucrose, Glucose and Fructose), minerals contents (Macroand micro-elements), vitamins content (A, E and C), pH, Acidity and Total soluble solids } were determined in fresh date fruit (Tamar), after sun-drying for 25 days, solar drying for 14 days at ambient temperature 50 °C and mechanical drying at 60°C for 9 hrs. Moisture, lipids, protein, ash and pH decreased after sun-drying and mechanical drying, while total soluble solids (T.S.S), Carbohydrates, crude fiber and acidity increased in all cultivars. Total sugars, non-reducing sugar, Sucrose and Fructose were higher in content in Malkabii date fruit (Tamar) than the other date varieties while, reducing sugar and Glucose were higher in Gondaila than the other date varieties. After, drying process, all sugar fractions decreased. Potassium and Calcium contents were higher in all dates. Vitamins A and E were higher in Shamia and Bartamuda than the other date variety. Also, the solar drying method was the best method used for drying dates.
The Effects of CSR Appeals and Message Sources on Consumer Responses to Branded Content on Instagram

Abstract This study aims to expand the current understanding of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) appeals and sources in brand-related messages activate different dimensions of persuasion knowledge and interplay in influencing consumers’ behavioral intentions in the context of Instagram. We conducted an online experiment with a 3 (source: brand versus influencer without sponsorship disclosure versus influencer with sponsorship disclosure) × 2 (CSR appeals: presence versus absence) × 2 (product type: bottled water versus sofa covers) mixed design. The findings indicate that CSR appeals decreased consumers’ critical evaluations of advertising and increased purchase intentions. In addition, sponsorship disclosure raised consumers’ advertising recognition. The brand was less likely to trigger conceptual and attitudinal persuasion knowledge than was the influencer. The overall findings suggest that CSR appeals benefit a brand by reducing consumers’ critical attitudes toward an advertisement, especially when the brand promotes its own product rather than using an influencer.
An Energy Efficient Hybrid MAC Protocol With Dynamic Sleep-Based Scheduling for High Density IoT Networks

Advances in the development of low powered sensors has meant they can now provide solutions to Internet of Things (IoT) networks that suffer from restricted power supply and a lack of resource facilities. In this paper, a hybrid time division multiple access (TDMA)-carrier sense multiple access with a collision avoidance mechanism (CSMA/CA) medium access control (MAC) protocol has been proposed that efficiently utilizes the energy of the nodes and dynamically adapts the sleep/wake-up periods according to the variance in the network loads. This hybrid protocol first schedules the TDMA time slots ( ${\mathrm {TDMA}}_{\text {slots}} $ ), and then allocates each slot to a group of devices that compete for the medium using the CSMA/CA. This case is different from the traditional CSMA/CA-TDMA hybrid protocol, in which all the devices compete to access the channel, following which, each successful device is allocated an individual time slot. At the commencement of each superframe, the base station broadcasts a scheduler table, which includes network grouping information that is used by the IoT devices to categorize themselves into wake-up and sleep groups. To reduce the number of collisions or channel access failures, this information permits only one group to compete for each ${\mathrm {TDMA}}_{\text {slot}} $ . A 3-D Markov model is used to develop a per user stochastic behavior for the proposed hybrid MAC protocol-based adaptable sleep mode. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol, which improves the network throughput and enhances energy conservation by 40%–60% more than the IEEE 802.15. 4-based MAC protocol.
Evaluation of Perception on Intra-Oral Scanning and Alginate Impression among Orthodontic Patients in Chennai

Background: Most of the treatment modalities in dentistry are based on obtaining study models. The study models are of two types, namely, conventional study models made of gypsum products and digital models Aim : To evaluate patient’s perception on intra-oral scanning and alginate impression in Chennai population. Methodology : 20 subjects were selected from the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai. Conventional impression was made using alginate and intra-oral scanning was done for the same patient after 5 days. The patients were asked to fill a questionnaire comprising of 12 questions. Results: Majority of the participants reported that alginate impression had more gag reflex and made the mouth dry. Participants preferred alginate impressions in terms of maximum mouth opening. The overall discomfort was equal for both techniques. Intra-oral scanning consumed more time than alginate impressions. Thus the overall preference rate was equal for both intra-oral scan and alginate impression. Conclusion: Orthodontic patients in Chennai reported equal preference for intra-oral scan and alginate impression.
Design of Teaching Influences the Training Transfer Amongst TVET’s Instructors: Fuzzy Delphi Technique

Transfer of training is "transferring" the knowledge and skills acquired by instructors in training sessions applied to the workplace. Hence, this study aims to look at the views and agreements of experts on the need for elements of transfer of technical and vocational trainers training. This study is a quantitative study. The approach used to collect the research data is to use a questionnaire instrument that will be given to the expert. The number of experts involved is 13 experts. There are two criteria in the expert's determination, that they are comprised of business management lecturers who have served more than 15 years and have been directly involved with the final teaching of the final project course. All data collected were analyzed using Fuzzy Delphi Method. The findings show that all training transfer elements consisting of training designs, the threshold value is less than 0.2 and the percentage of expert groups is over 75%. This shows that the design elements of the training and all the items contained therein are required by the Vocational College business management instructors based on expert agreement.
Important Aedes Spp. Infestation Levels In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo

BACKGROUND Arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika are among the most important emerging infectious diseases worldwide. Yellow fever and chikungunya outbreaks, and few dengue cases have been reported in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent years. Although the main vectors of these arboviruses, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus , were reported in DRC, the lack of detailed information on their presence and spread hampers transmission risk assessments in this region. METHODS In 2018, two cross-sectional surveys were realized in Kinshasa province (DRC), one in the rainy (January/February) and one in the dry season (July). Four hundred houses were visited in each of the four selected communes (N’Djili, Mont Ngafula, Lingwala and Kalamu). Breedings sites were recorded, larvae and pupae collected and reared to obtain adults for genus and species identification. A subset of specimen was DNA-barcoded for species validation. RESULTS The most rural commune (Mont Ngafula) had the highest infestation levels, with a Breteau Index of 82.2 and 19.5/100 houses in rainy and dry season, respectively. The Breteau Index in the other communes Kalamu, Lingwala and N’Djili elevated to 21.5 (4.7), 36.7 (9.8) and 41.7 (7.5) in the rainy (and dry) season respectively. The House index was on average 27.5% and 7.6%; and the Cotainer Index 15.0% and 10.0% in rainy and dry season, respectively. The vast majority of Aedes positive containers were found outside the houses (aOR 27.3 (95%CI 14.9-50.0)). The main breeding sites were used tires, water storage containers and trash. Anopheles larvae were also found in Aedes breeding sites in all four communes in the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS These results show that Kinshasa is highly infested with Aedes spp. which indicates a high potential for arbovirus transmission in the area. The present study evidences that Aedes breeding sites are mainly located outdoors. The most productive containers (for Aedes pupae production) during the dry season are the water storage containers, while over the rainy season these are the artificial containers, especially tires. This will have an impact on the design of control strategies for these vectors in Kinshasa.
High-dimensional proportionality test of two covariance matrices and its application to gene expression data

With the development of modern science and technology, more and more high-dimensional data appear in the application fields. Since the high dimension can potentially increase the complexity of the covariance structure, comparing the covariance matrices among populations is strongly motivated in high-dimensional data analysis. In this article, we consider the proportionality test of two high-dimensional covariance matrices, where the data dimension is potentially much larger than the sample sizes, or even larger than the squares of the sample sizes. We devise a novel high-dimensional spatial rank test that has much-improved power than many existing popular tests, especially for the data generated from some heavy-tailed distributions. The asymptotic normality of the proposed test statistics is established under the family of elliptically symmetric distributions, which is a more general distribution family than the normal distribution family, including numerous commonly used heavy-tailed distributions. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed test in terms of both empirical size and power. Then, a real data analysis demonstrates the practicability of the proposed test for high-dimensional gene expression data.
Quantifying fixed individual heterogeneity in demographic parameters: Performance of correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables

An increasing number of empirical studies aim to quantify individual variation in demographic parameters because these patterns are key for evolutionary and ecological processes. Advanced approaches to estimate individual heterogeneity are now using a multivariate normal distribution with correlated individual random effects to account for the latent correlations among different demographic parameters occurring within individuals. Despite the frequent use of multivariate mixed models, we lack an assessment of their reliability when applied to Bernoulli variables. Using simulations, we estimated the reliability of multivariate mixed effect models for estimating correlated fixed individual heterogeneity in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. We evaluated both bias and precision of the estimates across a range of scenarios that investigate the effects of life‐history strategy, levels of individual heterogeneity and presence of temporal variation and state dependence. We also compared estimates across different sampling designs to assess the importance of study duration, number of individuals monitored and detection probability. In many simulated scenarios, the estimates for the correlated random effects were biased and imprecise, which highlight the challenge in estimating correlated random effects for Bernoulli variables. The amount of fixed among‐individual heterogeneity was frequently overestimated, and the absolute value of the correlation between random effects was almost always underestimated. Simulations also showed contrasting performances of mixed models depending on the scenario considered. Generally, estimation bias decreases and precision increases with slower pace of life, large fixed individual heterogeneity and large sample size. We provide guidelines for the empirical investigation of individual heterogeneity using correlated random effects according to the life‐history strategy of the species, as well as, the volume and structure of the data available to the researcher. Caution is warranted when interpreting results regarding correlated individual random effects in demographic parameters modelled with a Bernoulli distribution. Because bias varies with sampling design and life history, comparisons of individual heterogeneity among species is challenging. The issue addressed here is not specific to demography, making this warning relevant for all research areas, including behavioural and evolutionary studies.
Anatomic Subsites and Prognosis of Gastric Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A SEER Population-Based 1 : 1 Propensity-Matched Study

Background The dismal prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a global problem. The current study is conducted to comprehensively evaluate clinicopathological features and survival outcomes in GSRC patients stratified by anatomic subsites. Then, predictive nomograms are constructed and validated to improve the effectiveness of personalized management. Method The patients diagnosed with GSRC were recruited from the online SEER database. The influence of anatomic subsites on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Then, we employed propensity score matching (PSM) technique to decrease selection bias and balance patients' epidemiological factors. Predictive nomograms were constructed and validated. Sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the conclusion. Results Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that the patients with overlapping gastric cancer (OGC) suffered the highest mortality risk for OS (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.23-1.36; P < 0.001) and CSS (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.28-1.37; P < 0.001). Age, TNM stage, tumor localization, tumor size, surgery, and chemotherapy presented a highly significant relationship with OS and CSS. Following subgroup and PSM analysis, OGC patients were confirmed to have the worst OS and CSS. Then, nomograms predicting 6-month, 12-month, and 36-month survival were constructed. The area under the curve (AUC) value in ROC was 0.775 (95% CI, 0.761-0.793) for 6-month survival, 0.789 (95% CI, 0.776-0.801) for 12-month survival, and 0.780 (95% CI, 0.765-0.793) for 36-month survival in the OS group, while in the CSS group, it was 0.771 (95% CI, 0.758-0.790) for 6-month survival, 0.781 (95% CI, 0.770-0.799) for 12-month survival, and 0.773 (95% CI, 0.762-0.790) for 36-month survival. Conclusion We identified anatomic subsites as a predictor of survival in those with GSRC. Patients with OGC suffered the highest mortality risk. The proposed nomograms allowed a relatively accurate survival prediction for GSRC patients.