Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colpocleisis in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: clinical experience

Aim: The objective of this study was to present the clinical experience with colpocleisis by evaluating patient characteristics and long-term follow-up data. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients who underwent obliterative surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) between 2010 and 2017. Patients who underwent colpocleisis without hysterectomy (C) (n=68) and colpocleisis of vaginal vault (CVV) (n=22) were included in this study. Results: The mean age of the study population was 72.7 years (range 55-89). The majority of the patients underwent colpocleisis as their primary surgical procedure for POP, as only 5.6% of the study group had a history of previous prolapse surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 49.5 months (range 1.5-109). Patient satisfaction with the surgery was high, with 98.9% of patients expressing they were “very satisfied” and 1.1% “satisfied”. There were two cases of recurrence (2.2%), and both were in the C group. One patient (1.1%) reported regret after surgery due to her husband's remorse about choosing an obliterative procedure. The recurrence rates, patient satisfaction, and regret were comparable between C and CVV groups. Conclusion: Colpocleisis is a viable option for the surgical treatment of POP, offering a high rate of success and patient satisfaction in long-term. Despite being an obliterative procedure, colpocleisis has acceptance as the primary surgical procedure by patients regardless of their marital status, and regret rate after surgery is low. Therefore, colpocleisis should be thoroughly discussed and included in the preoperative counseling and surgical planning of all patients with POP.
The continuous matching of two stable linear systems can be unstable

The seemingly straightforward stability issue in three-dimensional homogeneous continuous piecewise linear systems with two linear zones is considered. The only equilibrium at the origin, being in the separation plane of the linear zones, has two linearization matrices. For the important case where both matrices have complex eigenvalues with the whole spectrum in the left half plane, the possible counter-intuitive instability of the origin is proved. Some sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of such systems are also shown.
Land market responses to weather shocks: evidence from rural Uganda and Kenya

This study explores the responses of rural land markets to rainfall shocks in Uganda and Kenya. This study matches the panel data on farm households with rainfall shocks constructed using high-resolution precipitation and temperature data. In both countries, access to credit plays a key role in defining households’ land market responses to rainfall shocks. Households with access to credit respond to rainfall shocks by acquiring more farmland through increased participation in land rental and sales markets. Pathway analyses suggest that exposure to rainfall shock has an impact on land rental prices. There is some evidence that similar to grain reserves and livestock, land markets can provide an avenue for households to respond to rainfall shocks.
Possible renoprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors

Treatment with a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor in patients with chronic kidney disease reduces the renal risk independent of changes in blood glucose concentrations and blood pressure. However, the precise mechanism responsible for this SGLT2 inhibitor-induced renoprotective effect is unclear. We have previously shown that SGLT2 inhibitors induce antihypertensive effects with decreased sympathetic nerve activity, which is associated with transient natriuresis. Furthermore, treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor improves renal ischemia by producing vascular endothelial growth factor-a in the renal tubules. Other studies have suggested that ketone body production, changes in glomerular hemodynamics, and intrarenal metabolic changes and a reduction in oxidative stress due to decreased tubulointerstitial glucose levels may also be involved in the renoprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the mechanism responsible for the SGLT2 inhibitor-induced renoprotective effects, including our recent hypothesis regarding an “aestivation-like response,” which is a biological defense response to starvation.
The role of awareness in appraising the success of E-government systems

Abstract Worldwide governments are launching e-government (E-Gov) systems to ensure the superior delivery of services to their citizens. Ensuring the success of government-to-citizen (G2C), E-Gov systems is still challenging for various developing countries. To overcome this challenge, investigating the success of G2C E-Gov systems is important. This paper assesses the success of E-Gov systems from the perspective of a developing country. For this purpose, this research incorporates perceived-usefulness and perceived-trust variables into DeLone and McLean’s IS success model. A survey-based method was employed to collect data from Pakistani citizens. The PLS-SEM method was used for the validation of the conceptual model. Using the non-probability sampling technique, a sample of 264 usable cases was collected and used to analyze our model. It is evident from the outcomes of the study that information-quality has significant effects on the use of E-Gov and user-satisfaction, while service-quality, system-quality, and perceived-trust have significant effects on the use of E-Gov, user-satisfaction and perceived-usefulness. Further, the use of E-Gov, perceived-usefulness, and user-satisfaction have direct, significant impacts on the perceived-net-benefits. The practitioners are recommended to concentrate on the three quality dimensions i.e. information quality, system quality, and service quality while preparing E-Gov applications. The role of governments is also important to launch awareness campaigns and motivate their citizens to use E-Gov services.
Micromagnetics of Microwave-Assisted Switching in Co-Pt-Based Nanostructures: Switching Time Minimization

Microwave-assisted switching (MAS) is simulated for different CoPt and CoPt/Co3Pt nanosrtuctures as a function of applied DC field and microwave frequency. In all the cases, the existence of microwave excitation can lower the switching field by more than 50%. However, this coercivity reduction comes at a cost in the required switching time. The optimal frequencies follow the trends of the ferromagnetic resonances predicted by the Kittel relations. This implies that: (a) when the DC field is applied along the easy axis, the coercivity reduction is proportional to the microwave frequency, whereas (b) when the coercivity is lowered by applying the DC field at an angle of 45° to the easy axis, extra MAS reduction requires the use of high frequencies.
Polarimetry of Pluto.

Pluto has been observed at a solar phase of 0.8 deg and found to have a degree of polarization of 0.27 percent (probable error 0.02 percent) and a position angle of polarization of 156 deg (probable error 2 deg). The observations indicate that Pluto has a polarization curve with a deep negative branch and, therefore, that its surface is likely to be microscopically rough. The observed polarization is compatible with the small geometric albedo of Pluto. No convincing evidence of variable polarization associated with Pluto's rotation has been found.
A cross-validatory method for dependent data

SUMMARY In this paper we extend the technique of cross-validation to the case where observations form a general stationary sequence. We call it h-block cross-validation, because the idea is to reduce the training set by removing the h observations preceding and following the observation in the test set. We propose taking h to be a fixed fraction of the sample size, and we add a term to our h-block cross-validated estimate to compensate for the underuse of the sample. The advantages of the proposed modification over the cross-validation technique are demonstrated via simulation.
A peripheral nerve stimulator guided popliteal sciatic nerve block combined with adductor canal block in lower leg surgery- A sole anesthetic technique

In lower leg surgeries involving fractures of distal tibia, ankle surgeries, debridement and PVD surgeries choice of anesthesia is usually regional anesthesia. When these patients are associated with co-morbid cardio-respiratory problems then it will become challenge for anesthesiologist to maintain homeostasis with good surgical anesthesia. Ayukut urfalioglu suggested another alternative technique in the form of Adductor canal block plus Lateral approach popliteal sciatic block as good alternative for these surgeries with better Intra-operative Haemodynamic Stability, additional post-operative pain relief and less requirement of systemic analgesia post-operatively.In this prospective randomised controlled trial, we aim to explore the efficacy of Adductor canal block plus Popliteal Sciatic Block for Lower leg surgeries. Sixty patients (ASA I, II, III) undergoing lower limb surgeries were randomly allocated in 2 groups (30 patients in each group). In Group P patients received PNS guided Adductor canal block combined with popliteal sciatic block and in group S patients received unilateral spinal anesthesia. : The primary objectives were to evaluate duration of sensory and motor block and post-operative pain relief. Secondary objectives included intra operative requirements of additional anesthesia and intraoperative haemodynamic stability.There was significant intraoperative haemodynamic stability and post-operative pain relief attributable to Group P. Time for first requirement of rescue analgesia post-operatively was significantly higher in Group P compared to Group S (Group P Mean SD15.9±5.26 vs 6.05±1.23 in Group S with p= < 0.0001). Combined adductor canal block and popliteal sciatic block can be an alternative technique with advantage of prolonged post-operative analgesia and haemodynamic stability.
The implementation of telegram as a pedagogical tool to enhance student motivation and interaction in academic writing

Despite efforts to understand how social media platforms encourage student interaction, researchers have noted that there needs to be more research that focuses on using Telegram messenger as a means to encourage student motivation and interaction in academic writing. This study aimed to understand how Telegram groups, created for first-year students at ODeL universities, increase student motivation and interaction in the Academic Writing module. This type of research is qualitative. This study uses a qualitative interpretative approach. Data collection techniques using interviews and observation. The subjects of this study were 4 lecturers and 9 students. The data analysis technique used is descriptive qualitative analysis. The study results found that lecturers considered Telegram a useful pedagogical tool to increase student motivation and interaction. Further findings reveal that Telegram motivates students to interact in groups and with modules. It is suggested that stakeholders reconsider their pedagogy and encourage using Telegram to assist students' learning of academic writing.
Effect of Salicylic Acid and Amino Acid
on Pea Plant (Pisum sativum) Late Season,
Growth and Production

Salicylic acid and amino acid are plant growth promoters. Therefore, the study entitled “Effect of salicylic acid and amino acid on late season peas growth and production” was conducted. The study has two factors: amino acid (Glycine) and salicylic acid each having four levels that were sprayed on peas. Analysis of data showed that maximum germination percentage (92.50 %), plant height (63.16 cm), primary branches plant -1 (2.80), leaves plant -1 (264.27), leaf chlorophyll content (57.25 SPAD), pods plant -1 (49.25), seeds pod -1 (10.41), pod length (11.74 cm) and yield ha -1 (1922.5 kg) having least days to flowering and pod formation (50.13 and 5.12 days) were noted in 225 mg L -1 amino acid. Salicylic acid levels showed that maximum germination percentage (95.83 %) height of plants (71.85 cm), leaves plant -1 (257.13), primary branches plant -1 (3.25), leaf chlorophyll content (55.81 SPAD),
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Risk Factors for Rapid eGFR Decline in Chinese Patients with Biopsy-Proven Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy

Aim To investigate the clinicopathologic features and the related risk factors for rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in Chinese obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) patients. Methods A total of 63 ORG patients, who underwent a renal biopsy and received follow-up for at least 12 months, were recruited in our study. These patients were classified as rapid decliners and slow decliners based on the eGFR slope value (−5.0 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for rapid eGFR decline. Results Of the 63 ORG patients, 48 (76.2%) were male, the mean age was 38.7 ± 9.0 years, the median of urinary protein excretion was 1.62 g/24 h, 27.0% of them had nephrotic-range proteinuria, while hypoalbuminemia was observed in 7.9% of them. The incidence of obvious hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, glucose dysmetabolism and hyperuricemia were 71.4%, 60.3%, 36.5% and 27.0%, respectively. 13 (20.6%) patients became rapid decliners during the median 45 months of follow-up. Their mean BMI was 31.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2, the median of baseline eGFR and urinary protein excretion were 71.8 (range of 30.5–118.2) mL/min/1.73 m2/year and 3.57 g/24 h, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that smoking (OR 9.205, 95% CI 1.704–49.740, P = 0.01), hyperuricemia (OR 5.541, 95% CI 1.079–28.460, P = 0.04) and nephrotic-range proteinuria (OR 6.128, 95% CI 1.311–28.637, P = 0.021) were the independent risk factors for rapid eGFR decline. Conclusion Chinese ORG patients were more likely to have clinical characteristics with hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and hyperuricemia, and mild to severe degrees of urinary protein excretion at diagnosis, while patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria lacked hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia. Smoking, hyperuricemia and nephrotic-range proteinuria were independent risk factors for rapid eGFR decline in ORG patients.
AVATAR: An Aging- and Variation-Aware Dynamic Timing Analyzer for Error-Efficient Computing

As the timing guardband consumes more and more design margin with the technology scaling, better-than-worst-case (BTWC) techniques have gained more attention as a promising solution. BTWC techniques can relax the design margin by transcending the pessimistic static timing constraints and utilizing the dynamic timing information. However, to guarantee the design reliability throughout the lifetime, the conventional dynamic timing analysis (DTA) engines need an extra reliability guardband, which is commonly evaluated under the worst-case corners of aging and variation. This type of guardbanding consumes the precious design margin, thus hindering the efficiency improvement from BTWC techniques. Therefore, in this article, we propose AVATAR, an aging- and variation-aware dynamic timing analyzer that can perform DTA with the impact of transistor aging and random process variation, including the gate-level aging analysis and random variation model that can accurately calculate cell delay under the impact of transistor aging and random variation, and an event-based DTA algorithm that avoids the pessimistic property of graph-based analysis. We also propose a machine learning (ML)-assisted DTA acceleration flow for the multicycle DTA of homogeneous multicore designs. We present two case studies using AVATAR to show its effectiveness. First, we present an application-based dynamic-voltage-frequency-scaling (DVFS) design methodology based on AVATAR, which can exploit application-level dynamic timing slack (DTS) to improve energy efficiency and performance. The results demonstrate that, compared to the design based on the conventional corner-based DTA, the additional performance improvement of the design based on AVATAR can be up to 14% or the additional power-saving can be up to 20%. Second, we demonstrate using the proposed ML-assisted acceleration flow for reliability-aware deep neural network (DNN) accelerator simulation. We use the proposed flow to estimate the impact of timing errors due to aging and random variation on the inference accuracy of two benchmark DNNs. The results demonstrate that the proposed acceleration flow achieves up to $10\times $ speedup with an average error of less than 2%.
A Critical Review on Reusable Face Coverings: Mechanism, Development, Factors, and Challenges

Textile supply chain challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war give unique insights into how health crises and geopolitical instability could dry up supplies of vital materials for the smooth functioning of human societies in calamitous times. Coinciding adverse global events or future pandemics could create shortages of traditional face coverings among other vital materials. Reusable face coverings could be a viable relief option in such situations. This review identifies the lack of studies in the existing literature on reusable fabric face coverings available in the market. It focuses on the development, filtration mechanisms, and factors associated with the filtration efficiency of reusable knitted and woven fabric face coverings. The authors identified relevant papers through the Summon database. Keeping the focus on readily available fabrics, this paper encompasses the key aspects of reusable face coverings made of knitted and woven fabrics outlining filtration mechanisms and requirements, development, factors affecting filtration performance, challenges, and outcomes of clinical trials. Filtration mechanisms for reusable face coverings include interception and impaction, diffusion, and electrostatic attraction. Face covering development includes the identification of appropriate constituent fibers, yarn characteristics, and base fabric construction. Factors significantly affecting the filtration performance were electrostatic charge, particle size, porosity, layers, and finishes. Reusable face coverings offer several challenges including moisture management, breathing resistance factors, and balancing filtration with breathability. Efficacy of reusable face coverings in comparison to specialized non reusable masks in clinical trials has also been reviewed and discussed. Finally, the authors identified the use of certain finishes on fabrics as a major challenge to making reusable face coverings more effective and accessible to the public. This paper is expected to provide communities and research stakeholders with access to critical knowledge on the reusability of face coverings and their management during periods of global crisis.
HDL-Associated Proteins in Subjects with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Proteomic Study

Introduction. Serum lipoproteins, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their levels may reflect the associated obesity and insulin resistance, but the nature of this association is not fully explained. Therefore, proteomic analysis of key proteins in lipoprotein metabolism was performed. Methods. In this cohort study, plasma was collected from 234 women (137 with PCOS and 97 controls without PCOS). Somalogic proteomic analysis was undertaken for the following 19 proteins involved in lipoprotein, and particularly HDL, metabolism: alpha-1-antichymotrypsin; alpha-1-antitrypsin; apolipoproteins A-1, B, D, E, E2, E3, E4, L1, and M; clusterin; complement C3; hemopexin; heparin cofactor II; kininogen-1; serum amyloid A-1; amyloid beta A-4; and paraoxonase-1. Results. The levels of apolipoprotein E were higher in PCOS (p = 0.012). However, the other isoforms of ApoE, ApoE2, E3, and E4, did not differ when compared with controls. ApoM was lower in PCOS (p = 0.000002). Complement C3 was higher in PCOS (p = 0.037), as was heparin cofactor II (HCFII) (p = 0.0004). The levels of the other proteins associated with lipoprotein metabolism did not differ between PCOS and controls. Conclusions. These data contribute to the concern of the deleterious dyslipidemia found in PCOS, with the novel combination reported here of higher levels of ApoE, C3 and HCFII together with lower ApoM. The dysregulation of these proteins could circumvent the protective effect of HDL-C and contribute to a more atherogenic profile that may increase cardiovascular risk.
Spectral Preconditioners for Nonhydrostatic Atmospheric Models

Abstract The elliptic problems in semi-implicit nonhydrostatic atmospheric models are difficult. Typically, they are poorly conditioned, nonseparable, contain cross-derivative terms, and are often nonsymmetric. Here, the resulting linear system is solved using a preconditioned Krylov subspace method—the generalized conjugate residual (GCR) algorithm. A horizontal spectral preconditioner is developed as an alternative to a more standard and much simpler line Jacobi relaxation scheme. However, the efficacy of the spectral preconditioner requires neglecting the cross-derivative terms and homogenization (e.g., averaging) metric coefficients over the computational domain. Because such a compromise causes a substantial departure of the preconditioner from the original elliptic operator, it is not obvious a priori whether it leads to a competitive solver. The robustness of the proposed approach over a broad range of representative meteorological applications is evaluated, in the context of a three-time-level sem.
Bacterial Fractal Growth in the Concentration Field of Nutrient

A Bacillus subtilis strain is found to grow through the diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) process on agar plates. The organism is spotted on the agar plate containing a low concentration of peptone as a single nutrient and incubated at 35°C. The colony pattern grown on the plate surface is self-similar with the fractal dimension of 1.73±0.02. Bacterial DLA branches are shown to grow in a concentration field of nutrient from the fact that they grow predominantly in the direction of higher nutrient concentration. The colonial morphology varies with the nutrient and agar concentrations of an agar plate, including DLA, a round type, dense branching morphology (DBM), and a spreading without openings. Two neighboring colonies repulse each other in DLA and DBM types only. On an agar plate containing glycerol the colony becomes remarkably round, quite different from the DLA morphology.