Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Work absences among hospital cleaning staff during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

Abstract Introduction: Absenteeism justified by sick leaves are valuable indicators of workers’ health conditions. Objectives: To analyze hospital cleaning staff sick leaves during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included employees who presented a medical sick leave certificate justifying at least 1 missed day of work during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from March 24 to December 31, 2020 at a teaching hospital. Results: A total of 199 workers who presented 689 medical certificates were included in the sample. The sample was 88.4% women. The mean ages for suspected COVID-19 cases and all other cases were 39.7 years and 40.9 years, respectively. Suspected COVID-19 cases involved longer leaves (mean 5.82 [SD, 3.35] days missed) and more medical sick leave certificates (mean 4.25 [SD, 3.13] certificates per worker) than other causes. Among suspected cases, 32.1% worked in critical areas of the hospital. Of the 83 RT-PCR tests performed, 24.1% were positive, with 80% of these employees working in semi-critical or administrative areas; 15% of workers who tested positive developed the severe form of the disease. Conclusions: Among workers who underwent RT-PCR testing, the rate of positive results was low. Most positive cases occurred in younger women who worked in non-critical units (ie, units involving no direct patient contact or without aerosol-generating procedures). The mean number of missed days was higher among suspected COVID-19 cases (7.85 days [SD, 4.05]). The use of individual protective equipment was common among these employees, and they were continuously trained.
The effects of forest management on biodiversity in the Czech Republic: an overview of biologists’ opinions

Europe has been dominated by cultural landscape and rather intensively managed forests. It is thus no surprise that the ongoing global biodiversity crisis as well as the consequences of climate change have been apparent. In recent years, forestry in Central Europe has been going through a crisis caused by extensive disturbances primarily in commercial monocultures; this phenomenon is particularly striking in the Czech Republic. Given the significance of the situation, it is essential to review and optimise the current forest management practices in relation to biodiversity protection. Therefore, a survey among Czech biologists was conducted in an effort to provide specific feedback to foresters and other stakeholders based on scientific and empirical knowledge of the survey respondents. The survey assessed the forest habitat (in terms of light conditions and the structure of the forest environment), forest management tools and conceptual approaches regarding specific species and groups of organisms. The respondents negatively perceived the current forestry practices, especially in terms of creating homogeneity across the forest environment and eliminating important habitats. Structurally diverse old-growth forests as well as the open forests with the presence of old and habitat trees were emphasised by the survey respondents as essential environments. Large-scale non-intervention within protected areas is necessary to support the presence of old-growth forests. On the other hand, there is an urgent need to restore open forests which requires (but not exclusively) the active efforts of man. These two basic appeals are essential in order to diversify the landscape through a combination of segregative and integrative forest management tools that aim to support biodiversity.
Revisiting Hukou Transfer Intentions Among Floating Population in Chinese Cities: Spatial Differences and Multi-Level Determinants

The hukou transfer intentions (HTI), as an essential indicator of migration behaviors, is of great significance to the urbanization development and the citizenization process of China’s floating migrants. Although extant studies have devoted extensively to the influence factors of HTI, their spatial differences and multi-level determinants are comparatively under-researched. Based on the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) data in 2016, we employed the spatial analysis method to discover a remarkable spatial disparity of HTI among cities of different sizes and found that HTI is affected by individual-level and city-level factors using a multilevel model. Besides city sizes and economic development levels, city amenity factors and housing prices also positively impact HTI. The cross-level interactions also indicate the greater preference of older, higher-educated, and wealthier floating migrants for larger cities than their counterparts, and the greater preference of older, higher-educated, and longer-term floating migrants for cities with higher housing prices than their counterparts, implying an accelerated agglomeration of talent with more social capital in leading cities. Several policy implications can be drawn from the discoveries of this study.
Promoting Sustainability in the Energy Sector in Nepal-with a Focus on Biodiesel Fuel

This thesis is focused on sustainability analysis of alternative fuels in Nepal and presents the resullts of the tests on fuel and atomization characterisation of different biodiesel feedstocks including canola, jatropha, soapnut and waste cooking oil. A new model to evaluate sustainability of renewable alternatives energy resources has been developed and tested.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Nanosized Zinc Oxide Synthesis Conditions by Electrospinning Technique

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a well-known semiconductor material due to its excellent electrical, mechanical, and unique optical properties. ZnO nanoparticles are widely used for the industrial-scale manufacture of microelectronic and optoelectronic devices, including metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors, light-emitting diodes, transistors, capacitors, and solar cells. This study proposes optimization of synthesis parameters of nanosized ZnO by the electrospinning technique. A Box–Behnken design (BB) has been applied using response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the selected electrospinning and sintering conditions. The effects of the applied voltage, tip-to-collector distance, and annealing temperature on the size of ZnO particles were successfully investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirm the formation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-zinc acetate (PVP-ZnAc) fibers and nanostructured ZnO after annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate a pure phase of the hexagonal structure of ZnO with high crystallinity. Minimal-sized ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized at a constant applied potential of 16 kV, with a distance between collector and nozzle of 12 cm, flow rate of 1 mL/h, and calcination temperature of 600 °C. The results suggest that nanosized ZnO with precise control of size and morphology can be fabricated by varying electrospinning conditions, precursor solution concentration, and sintering temperature.
Road to nowhere or to somewhere? Migrant pathways in platform work in Canada

Canada boasts some of the most highly educated migrants in the world, but it is well recognised that these migrants face many labour market barriers to gainful employment despite their experience and qualification. Administrative data indicate that the proportion of gig workers is considerably higher among migrants, yet little is known about the various perceived and desired pathways of migrants who choose to pursue platform work. In this inductive, qualitative study, we interviewed 35 platform workers in Canada regarding why and how they turned to such forms of work and how it fits their overall plans for integrating into the Canadian labour market. Adopting a grounded theory approach, we found six pathways into platform work ranging from those who feel in control of the situation as a means to an end, to those who feel trapped in it, unable to find alternatives. We question how these pathways relate to macro factors (e.g. immigration status, professional status), meso factors (e.g. education and skills, networks) or micro factors (e.g. stage in life cycle, aspirations). In our analysis, we consider the critical insights offered by scholars on racial and platform capitalism in understanding the factors impacting migrants’ pathways into platform work in Canada. Our findings suggest that these structural inequalities are further perpetuated within platform work, even though in theory Canada's immigration system is merit-based with emphasis on high human capital. Migrants’ engagement in platform work is a piece of a larger puzzle of segmented labour markets.
Impacts of the 2010 VA PTSD Rule Change on Participation in SSA Disability Programs

U.S. veterans who could qualify for disability benefits from both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) might view them as complementary or as substitutes for each other. For example, people who earn above a certain income lose their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, whereas VA Disability Compensation (DC) benefits do not change based on income. Veterans with disabilities who wish to work may therefore prefer to receive DC over SSDI, in effect treating the two programs as substitutes. We examined how an eligibility rule change in DC affected participation in DC, SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income to understand whether veterans with disabilities increase or reduce their take-up of SSA disability benefits when access to DC increases. Using Current Population Survey data from 2009 to 2016, we studied a 2010 DC rule change that made it easier for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder to demonstrate eligibility. After the rule change, veterans with self-reported cognitive difficulties reported increased receipt of DC, reduced receipt of SSDI, and reduced rates of work-limiting disability, seeming to treat the two benefit programs as substitutes.
ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF DIARRHEAGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI (DEC) AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING SOME SELECTED HOSPITALS WITHIN KADUNA METROPOLIS

Diarrhoea has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality, ranked the second cause of death in children aged 0 to 5 years. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths have all been implicated in diarrhoea, however rotavirus and diarrhoeagenic E. coli (DEC) are the most common cause. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from children 0-5 years attending selected hospitals in Kaduna metropolis. A total of 264 stool samples were collected from children attending four selected hospitals in Kaduna metropolis. Standard culture procedures and molecular techniques such as PCR and 16s rRNA were employed in isolation and characterization of diarrhoeagenic E. coli from the stool samples. The study established a prevalence of 24.2% for diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, and all the isolates demonstrated multiple antimicrobial resistance index (MARI) of 0.5 and above, and showed significant resistance against augmentin (100%), amoxacillin (100%), ampicillin-cloxacillin (ampiclox) (100%), erythromycin (100%), gentamycin (100%), cefoxitin (100%), cefuroxime (95%), ceftriazone (95%) and ceftaxidime (85%). The least (60%) resistance was observed against imipenem. The study concluded that antibiotics have not been very effective in the treatment of E. coli-related diarrhoea. The study, therefore, recommends the implementation of programmes geared towards good hygiene, good nutrition and good health
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: The AID-IC Pilot Study

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain coupled with urinary frequency and urgency. The underlying cause of IC/BPS is unknown; there is no cure. Dietary components exacerbate symptoms. The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Interstitial Cystitis (AID-IC) employs a randomized, crossover design to evaluate the effect of a plant-based, low saturated fat diet on the quality of life of women with IC/BPS. Insights on the implementation of the protocol and reflections on the facilitators and barriers experienced during the pilot study follow. The logistics of the protocol proved time-consuming; however, the barriers were surmountable. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that the AID-IC therapeutic diet may have lessened symptoms and improved the quality of life for many of the women in the study.
DIFFERENTIATION IN HETEROGENEOUS FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

The article covers the issue of how to teach foreign languages most effectively in heterogeneous classes. Such classes have occurred in most schools and classrooms in recent years. There is an exploration of the latest pedagogical literature and research of the developments and practices in differentiation for mixed classes reviewed in the article. In addition to the theoretical analysis of the literature, practical recommendations from meta-analysis studies and pedagogical specialists are provided. The practical suggestions cover the subsequent steps (e.g., pre-assessment of the students, diversity of the content in the classroom, different learning methods, differentiating of learning outcomes, etc.), that should be implemented in heterogeneous class groups in order to maximize the effectiveness of learning of a foreign language, but the practical approach will be reviewed more widely on the further articles. The article also covers research-based information about the barriers in foreign language teaching to find the solution to the addressed issues. As the respective barriers, the following are named – lack of specific teacher education regarding the mentioned matters and lack of implementing the particular methods in mixed ability groups.
The Combination Therapy of Nanoparticle and Monoclonal Antibody

: Coating the surface of nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG), or “PEGylation,” is a commonly used approach for improving the efficiency of drugs and gene delivery to target cells and tissues. Due to the properties of drugs, some of them are limited in clinical application. Attaching monoclonal antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles could be a potential strategy to achieve high treatment efficiency with a low side effect profile. However, the monoclonal antibody-conjugated nanoparticles showed higher efficacy compared to the normal drug-loaded nanoparticular in vitro . This review will highlight some bio-target that can be used on monoclonal antibody-conjugated nanoparticles, the result of in vivo tumor inhibition, and survival tests of those monoclonal antibody-conjugated nanoparticles.
Transient stability analysis of induction generator using torque-time characteristic

Transient stability assessment of wind power generator is one of main issues in power system security and operation. The transient stability for the wind power generator is determined by its corresponding critical clearing time (CCT). Conventionally, determination of the induction generator CCT involves a large number of trial and error methods that requires repetitive runs of related time domain simulation. In this paper, we present transient stability analysis technique for induction generator used in wind power generating system at three-phase fault conditions. The proposed method saves time in consuming the repetitive runs of related time domain simulation. The validity of the developed technique is confirmed by the results obtained from trial and error method using Matlab/Simulink.
Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection in Children Admitted to Benghazi Children’s Hospital

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are predictable bacterial infections which occur frequently especially during infancy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns among infants and children who approached our hospital for the treatment of UTIs. In this observational study which was carried out from January 2009 to December 2010. Two hundred and six (206) urine samples, which were collected from children admitted to Benghazi Children’s Hospital (Nephrology department) with suspected UTIs, were studied. Demographic characteristics, etiological agents, and antimicrobial resistance were evaluated. 58 patients (28.2%) had a positive urine culture, and the majority of UTIs were occurring in females. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, dysuria, and abdominal pain. The most common isolated pathogen was Escherichia coli (67.2%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (20.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.4%), Proteus mirabilis (3.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (1.7%), Enterobacter casseliflavus (1.7%) and Enterobacter cloacae (1.7%). In the current study, most of the infected cases were females, and fever was the most common presenting symptom. All isolated bacteria were highly sensitive to Meropenem (98.1%), Imipenem (96.3%), Amikacin (96.2%), Cefoxitin (81.1%), and Ciproflaxacin (80%) , and had a high resistance rate to Ampecillin (89.1%) and Cephalothin (60.4%). This phenomena may be contributed to the frequent useage and miss-use of antibiotics without medical prescription.
Tax Rate Chargeable on Landed Properties in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

This study evaluates tax rate chargeable on landed properties in Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, with a view to providing relevant information on the potentials of the tax as a source of local revenue generation which can be used for the provision of services and amenities. Data for this study was sourced from the records of landed properties assessed for taxation, tax rate chargeable and record of property tax collections available in the local government official records. Tables were used in analyzing and presenting the result for the study. The result of the study shows that tax rate chargeable on landed properties range from as low as N2, 000 to N120, 000. The result also indicates that there were different types of landed property tax collected in Tafa Local Government Area, such as title registration fee, tenement rate, survey fee, approval of building plan, ground rent, and change of land use. The study also shows that there are different types of landed properties on which tax is collected in Tafa Local Government Area. They include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational and educational properties. There has been increased tax collection on landed properties in the study area from 2013–2016 due to more compliance and development of landed properties within the period. It is recommended that the local government administration should embark on a land ownership registration programme and automation of databases on landed property, establishment of an awareness forum by the local government where taxpayers would be sensitized and enlightened on the importance of land tax, and ensure proper valuation of landed properties for taxation.
Postharvest Treatments on Sensorial and Biochemical Characteristics of Begonia cucullata Willd Edible Flowers

Edible flowers (EFs) are currently consumed as fresh products, but their shelf life can be extended by a suitable drying technique, avoiding the loss of visual quality and valuable nutraceutical properties. Begonia cucullata Willd is a common ornamental bedding plant, and its leaves and flowers are edible. In this work, B. cucullata red flowers were freeze-dried (FD) and hot-air dried (HAD) at different temperatures. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first one comparing different drying methodologies and different temperatures involving sensory characterization of EFs; therefore, a codified method for the description of the sensory profile of both fresh and dried B. cucullata was developed and validated. Phytochemical analyses highlighted the better preservation of antioxidant compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins) for flowers dried at 60–70 °C. Visual quality was strongly affected by the drying treatments; in particular the color of the HAD samples significantly turned darker, whereas the FD samples exhibited a marked loss of pigmentation. Although all drying conditions led to a reduction in the hedonic indices if compared with fresh flowers, the best results in terms of organoleptic properties were obtained when the drying temperature was set to 60 or 70 °C.
Predicting the Risk Factors Associated With Severe Outcomes Among COVID-19 Patients–Decision Tree Modeling Approach

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a large surge in case numbers over several waves, and has critically strained the health care system, with a significant number of cases requiring hospitalization and ICU admission. This study used a decision tree modeling approach to identify the most important predictors of severe outcomes among COVID-19 patients. Methods We identified a retrospective population-based cohort (n = 140,182) of adults who tested positive for COVID-19 between 5th March 2020 and 31st May 2021. Demographic information, symptoms and co-morbidities were extracted from a communicable disease and outbreak management information system and electronic medical records. Decision tree modeling involving conditional inference tree and random forest models were used to analyze and identify the key factors(s) associated with severe outcomes (hospitalization, ICU admission and death) following COVID-19 infection. Results In the study cohort, nearly 6.37% were hospitalized, 1.39% were admitted to ICU and 1.57% died due to COVID-19. Older age (>71Y) and breathing difficulties were the top two factors associated with a poor prognosis, predicting about 50% of severe outcomes in both models. Neurological conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and renal disease were the top five pre-existing conditions that altogether predicted 29% of outcomes. 79% of the cases with poor prognosis were predicted based on the combination of variables. Age stratified models revealed that among younger adults (18–40 Y), obesity was among the top risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusion Decision tree modeling has identified key factors associated with a significant proportion of severe outcomes in COVID-19. Knowledge about these variables will aid in identifying high-risk groups and allocating health care resources.
Neoadjuvant Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Consolidation Chemotherapy before Surgery for Treating Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Neoadjuvant short course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by consolidation chemotherapy (CCT) is an alternative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the tumor response and oncological outcomes of this new approach compared to conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT). An online search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. This review included 7507 patients from 14 different cohorts. The pCR rate was higher with SCRT + CCT than that with CRT (RR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.35–1.91; p < 0.01). SCRT + CCT provided a higher ypN0 response (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.12; p = 0.02). There were no differences in R0 resection and positive CRM rates; however, more sphincter-preservation surgeries were performed in the SCRT + CCT arm (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01–1.11; p = 0.02). There was no difference in the OS and DFS between the SCRT + CCT and the CRT arms (OS: HR: 0.85, p = 0.07; DFS: HR: 0.88, p = 0.08). The compliance and toxicity were comparable between the SCRT and CRT groups. In the subgroup analysis, patients who underwent four or more cycles of CCT had better pCR and DFS events. Therefore, SCRT followed by consolidation chemotherapy might be an effective alternative treatment for LARC.