Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management of infected non-union of lower limb long bone fractures using ilizarov technique: a study of outcomes

Background: Nonunion of long bone fractures is a common condition treated by an orthopaedic surgeon. Many nonunions can be treated effectively by internal fixation with or without bone grafting but, an infected nonunion can prove to be a tough challenge. The Ilizarov method is effective in managing infected nonunion of long bones. This study aims to assess the outcome of management of infected nonunions of long bones of lower limb with Ilizarov Ring fixator using bone and functional results as per Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) Scoring System. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 18 patients (16 Male: 2 Female; Mean age 43.2 years) managed with Ilizarov technique for an infected tibial or femoral nonunion between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. They were followed up for an average of 25.4 months after removal of fixator. They were assessed for functional and Bone (radiological) outcomes using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. Results: 17 limbs were salvaged and union could be achieved. One limb required amputation due to severe persistent intractable infection. None required any additional skeletal stabilisation after removal of fixator frame except casting in a few patients for a period of 6 weeks. Mean time to union was 211.83 days (range 136 - 320days/median 184) or 7.01 months. As per the ASAMI score, Bone results were excellent in 10, good in 5, fair in 2 and poor in 1. Functionally 7 were graded as excellent, 6 as good, 3 as fair and 1 as poor and 1 patient underwent amputation. Conclusions: The Ilizarov’s method remains one of the most versatile and successful means of achieving bone healing in infected nonunions of long bones of lower limbs with additional benefits of correcting bone defects, deformities and limb length inequalities.
A Virtual Impedance Based Control Scheme for Modular Electrolytic Capacitor-Less Second Harmonic Current Compensator

The second harmonic current compensator (SHCC) can be added into the single-phase converters for compensating the second harmonic current (SHC) and thus removing the undesired electrolytic capacitor. In this paper, a virtual impedance, which is in the form of a capacitor and a resistor connected in parallel, is introduced to be in parallel at the bus-side port of the SHCC for effectively compensating the SHC while guaranteeing the system stability. This virtual parallel impedance is realized by feeding forward the bus-side port voltage of the SHCC, and thus the SHCC can be modular designed. The closed-loop parameter design of the SHCC is also presented. A 3.3-kW prototype of a two-stage single-phase power factor correction converter is built and tested in the laboratory, and the experimental results verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control method.
Modelling tree stem‐water dynamics over an Amazonian rainforest

A novel tree stem‐water model was developed to capture the dynamics of stem‐water storage and its contribution to daily transpiration. The module was incorporated into the Community Land Model (CLM), where it was used to test model sensitivity to stem‐water content for an evergreen rainforest site in Amazonia, that is, the BR‐Sa3 eddy covariance site. With the inclusion of the stem‐water storage, CLM produced greater dry‐season latent heat flux that was closer to observations, facilitated by easier canopy access to a nearby stem‐water source, rather than solely dependent on soil water. The simulated stem‐water content also showed seasonal variations in magnitude, along with the seasonal variations in sap flow rate. Stored stem‐water of a single mature tree was estimated to contribute 20–80 kg/day of water to transpiration during the wet season and 90–110 kg/day during the dry season, thereby partially replacing soil water and maintaining plant transpiration during the dry season. Diurnally, stem‐water content declined as water was extracted for transpiration in the morning and then was refilled from soil water beginning in the afternoon and through the night. The dynamic discharge and recharge of stem storage was also shown to be regulated by multiple environmental drivers. Our study indicates that the inclusion of stem capacitance in CLM significantly improves model simulations of dry‐season water and heat fluxes, in terms of both magnitude and timing.
Inducing individuals to engage in a gamified platform for environmental conservation

This research draws on goal framing theory and gamification affordance to understand how gamification design encourages users' continuous usage of information systems (IS) to perform proenvironmental behaviors. ,Survey data (N = 307) were collected from users of a gamified IS designed for environmental protection. The research model was examined with structural equation modeling. ,Satisfying users' demand on green effectiveness, enjoyment, and social gain directly/indirectly predicts users' intention to continue to utilize the gamified IS for proenvironmental behaviors. Moreover, gamification affordance of autonomy support, visibility of achievement, competition, and interactivity influences the satisfaction of the users' relevant demands. ,This research contributes to the IS research for environmental sustainability at the individual level. Specifically, this research extends the understanding of users' decision-making on continuance and the role of gamification design in the context of gamified IS developed for environmental conservation.
Pre-injury variables and risk of sport concussion

Objective The study examined whether cognitive functioning, history of concussion (HOC), and sex predicted risk of sport concussion. Design Retrospective study design. Predictive models were used to determine the predictive ability of each variable. Setting Canadian University. Participants 708 data observations from 701 varsity athletes (41.2% female), representing 14 sports. Assessment of risk factors Two measures of cognitive functioning (mean reaction time and throughput [speed and accuracy]) were assessed using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics testing battery. Categorical and continuous measures of HOC, and sex, were examined. Outcome measures Occurrence of concussion after baseline testing. Main results HOC was a significant predictor for both sexes. For every previous concussion, the odds of sustaining another concussion increased by 1.5 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.1, 2.1 [females]; 1.2, 1.9 [males]). Females with a HOC had twice the odds of sustaining another concussion than those without a HOC (CI: 1.1, 4.0). For males, the odds were three times (CI: 1.7, 5.6). Cognitive functioning and sex were not meaningful predictors. Conclusions This study supports previous findings that HOC is a risk factor and suggests that pre-injury cognitive functioning is not a risk factor for sport concussion. Assessing HOC in all athletes prior to their competitive season provides information regarding their risk of future sport concussion. Thus, it is important for clinicians to record HOC, and to encourage athletes to report concussions to ensure an accurate HOC record. Pre-injury cognitive screening of athletes is not recommended for assessing risk of future concussion. Competing interests Sandhya Mylabathula, Lynda Mainwaring, and Michael Hutchison None. Doug Richards is the Medical Director at the MacIntosh Sports Medicine Clinic at the University of Toronto Paul Comper is a clinical neuropsychologist consultant with the NHLPA and a member of the Concussion Working Group, but neither were related to the current research
Gross Anatomy and Ultrasonography of Spleen and Pancreas in Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Cat (Felis catus domesticus)

The current investigation was performed on nine adult apparently healthy native breeds of rabbits and nine domestic cats of both sexes weighing about 2.800 – 3.500 kg. There were great differences in shape, length, thickness and weight of spleen and pancreas between both species. The spleen of rabbit only attached through gastrosplenic ligament while it was attached through gastrosplenic and splenopancreatic fold in cat. The splenic hilus divides the visceral surface into unequal portions in rabbits while into equal portions in cats. The pancreas was divided into three parts; left, right lobes and a body, where it was of compact type in cat but in rabbit only the body and left lobe were compact type while right lobe was of mesenteric type. The main pancreatic duct presents only in cat but the rabbit has only accessory pancreatic duct. The accessory pancreatic duct distribution in rabbit was never described in any of previous literatures, therefore the current description provides a novel guide to researchers afterwards. Sonographically, the spleen appeared small elongated mass hyperechoic to renal cortex in rabbit but long tongue-shaped isoechoic to renal cortex in cat. Meanwhile, the echogenic pancreatic parts were scanned in the left, right and middle mesogastric regions in rabbit, but in right medial epigastric and left paralumbar mesogastric regions in cat. The aim of the present study is to provide precise description of spleen and pancreas with its duct system which is critical for surgical guidance in small animal practice.
Impairment of male fertility – a consequential problem of our time. The impact of obesity and related metabolic disorders

Infertility, one of the consequential problems of our time in a great percentage affects men. Among the many factors which are taken into account as the causes of this phenomenon some are attributable to obesity and related metabolic disorders. Quite a few mechanisms by which excess body weight and related diseases (type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia) negatively affect the men ability to reproduction, both spontaneous and assisted, are considered. In this review the impact of obesity and type 2 diabetes on the hormonal control of spermatogenesis and the direct effects of these factors on the process of sperm production are discussed. Also the observed result – the progressive deterioration of the semen quality and damage to the genetic material (DNA) of germ cells are elaborated. Moreover, unfavorable role of obesity and diabetes in the development of vascular lesions, resulting in a various degree erectile dysfunctions is briefly presented. Higher body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and diabetes also affect adversely the inheritance process. In a consequence a decreased reproductive ability in the second and even third generation descendants of the obese fathers is observed. Understanding the impact of obesity – a real epidemic of the 21st century on fertility is of crucial importance for undertaking effective counteracts to this disturbing phenomena.
Etiological Agents of Pediatric Diarrhea in Ardebil, Northwestern Iran

Background: Gastroenteritis is known as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Diarrhea is the second leading cause of infant death in the developing countries. Identification of gastroenteritis-causing pathogens helps to control fecal-oral transmission and prevents further outbreaks. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens associated with children’s diarrhea in Ardebil, Iran. Methods: A total of 400 stool specimens were collected from children within the age range of 2 months to 12 years from December 2015 to June 2016 in Bu-Ali hospital in Ardebil, Iran. The samples were tested for bacterial, viral, and parasitic agents. Results: The results showed that parasites had the largest proportion of pathogens in the collected samples, followed by bacteria and viruses. The most commonly detected pathogens were: rotavirus, Escherichia coli, and Entamoeba histolytica, respectively. Protozoan parasites showed higher prevalence compared with helminthic infections. Conclusions: Rotavirus, E. coli and E. histolytica were the most prevalent agents of diarrhea in children’s aged 2 month to 12 years in this study. Although detection of few micro organisms were considered in our study, the results indicate importance of hygiene improvement in this area. More specified molecular epidemiology studies with evaluating the most common etiologies will be helpful for a better understanding of the frequency of common infections and their transmission in this area.
Phedimus yangshanicus (Crassulaceae), a new species from limestone hills in Guangdong, China

The author describes a new species of Crassulaceae, Phedimus yangshanicus, growing on limestone rocks or hills in Guangdong, China. Morphologically unique in the genus, this plant is distinguished from the other species by its dimorphic leaves. The plant shows obviously pseudopetiolated big basal leaves, which appear nearly opposite due to shortening of the nodes and are persistent at anthesis, and has alternate small leaves on the flowering stem.
The Rights of Women in Islam and Some Misconceptions: An Analysis from Bangladesh Perspective

Allah (SWT) has created both men and women without subordination of one another. Islam has ensured gender equality and women’s rights in every sphere of their life. Islam has guaranteed rights of men and women in an equal degree and there is no discrimination between men and women. But due to the prevailing socio-cultural norms and practices in Bangladesh sometimes the guarantee of Islam do not get translated into tangible actions. Islam is the religion which liberated Muslim women by ensuring equal rights to them in comparison to their male fellow. There are some misconceptions prevailing in Bangladesh regarding women’s rights in Islam. Sometimes Muslim women themselves falsely knew that they are backward and oppressed by their religion. Some make great mistake in presuming that all conduct and practices of a Muslim are connected to Islam. The prime object of this study is to pick out how rights of women are ensured in Islam. This study concludes with an allusion that women are not subordinate of men and indicate an avenue to identify properly women in the light of Islam. This research is actually qualitative in nature where only secondary data has been used. Analytical method was also used in this research. Data has been collected from various books, journals, holy Qur’an and sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This research finds that Islam does not deprive the women rather ensuring proper rights, dignity and status but due to lack of proper Islamic knowledge and awareness and sometimes to dominate or neglect some misconceptions prevailing in Bangladesh. To eliminate prevailing misconceptions regarding women rights in Islam proper Islamic knowledge and awareness of the women is essential. The core implication of this research is that it will play a vital role to eliminate prevailing misconceptions regarding women rights in Islam and to ensure the rights, dignity and status of women as given in Islam. This study will open a new avenue for scholars who will be able to contribute their knowledge and wisdom to ensure the position of women as given in Islam. This research includes only those rights of the women as guaranteed by Islam and it does not include constitutional rights or other rights ensured by the existing laws of the country.
Once Again on Preliminary Reference Earth Model

We studied the isotropic ball using data of Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM). It is shown that such a ball should be either destructed or gone into a more stable equilibrium state with uneven distributed deformation under thermobaric condition of the inner core. Body elastic waves with real velocities cannot propagate in it. This manuscript is devoted to study the situation from the standpoint of nonlinear geomechanics. A number of necessary principles of Mechanics of Deformable Solid Body (MDSB) is given at the beginning of the analysis. A brief review of the published latest experimental work is performed. It is established that proper attention to the role of the MDSB principles in micro‐scale (nano) experiments of the physical level has not been given. Deformation properties of solid bodies are emphasized in microscale and macroscale. Application of linear acoustoelasticity and extrapolation of Birch's linear law of the inner core and use of an idea on variability of elasticity moduli with the increase of pressure and temperature have contributed to obtained pseudo data for the geological medium of the Earth's core instead of linear data on the physicomechanical properties. It is proposed that parallel to elimination of the indicated disadvantages, collection, processing and interpretation should be performed using nonclassically linearized approach. This set of necessary actions is offered as the “key” of geomechanical analysis. The proper application will allow conducting similar analysis concerning other solid‐state structures of the Earth.
Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitude towards Sickle Cell Disease among University Students

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders among the African descent. SCD is associated with intermittent excruciating pain, increased morbidity and mortality yet has received less recognition in the public domain. There is growing evidence on the need to increase awareness to reduce the disease incidence. This study aimed to elicit student’s knowledge, beliefs and attitude of SCD. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 380 university students at all levels were invited to participate in the study. Of these, 350 successfully completed the study (response rate, 92.10%). A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participant’s demographic characteristics, general knowledge of SCD, beliefs and attitudes of students towards SCD. Results: Almost all the students were aware of SCD (98.6%) with the main source of information being school (84.6%) and the media (12.6%). Knowledge level of respondents on SCD based on scores revealed a mean score of 9.8 ± 4.2 with 45.1%, 47.8%, and 7.1% for poor, moderate and excellent respectively. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that they feel worried (52.9%) and sympathetic (51.4%) for people affected with SCD. Participants had the belief that it is an inherited disease acquired from parents (48.3%) but not a punishment from God (76.3%). Higher level of education and knowing a relative with sickle cell trait (SCT) or SCD was significantly associated with high knowledge of SCD (p<0.05). Conclusion: In general, there was a limited understanding and inadequate knowledge of SCD among the students particularly on the pattern of inheritance. Results from the study highlight the need for effective public health education on SCT/SCD in trusted sources such as schools, media (radio/Television), health centers and churches. This is necessary to address misconceptions and increase knowledge level as well as understanding of the risks of having a child with SCD to influence personal reproductive options.
Changes in extreme temperature indices over the Peripannonian region of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The paper analyzes changes in extreme temperature indices over the Peripannonian region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data on daily minimum and maximum temperatures during the period 1961–2016 from four meteorological stations were used for the calculation in the RClimDex (1.0) sopware trends in 16 indices recommended by the Expert team on climate change detection and indices. The estimated significant upward tendency in indices of warm extremes and downward in cold-related indices confirm that warming is present. The highest trend values were obtained for indices TXx, TNn, TN90p, TX90p, SU25, SU30 and WSDI. The results indicate significant distributional changes in the period 1987−2016 compared to the period 1961−1990. A significant positive (negative) correlation between the East-Atlantic pattern and indices of warm (cold) extremes was determined throughout the year. In winter and spring, significant links to the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation, respectively, were also found.
Alignment-Integrated Reconstruction of Ancestral Sequences Improves Accuracy

Ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) uses an alignment of extant protein sequences, a phylogeny describing the history of the protein family and a model of the molecular-evolutionary process to infer the sequences of ancient proteins, allowing researchers to directly investigate the impact of sequence evolution on protein structure and function. Like all statistical inferences, ASR can be sensitive to violations of its underlying assumptions. Previous studies have shown that, while phylogenetic uncertainty has only a very weak impact on ASR accuracy, uncertainty in the protein sequence alignment can more strongly affect inferred ancestral sequences. Here we show that errors in sequence alignment can produce errors in ASR across a range of realistic and simplified evolutionary scenarios. Importantly, sequence reconstruction errors can lead to errors in estimates of structural and functional properties of ancestral proteins, potentially undermining the reliability of analyses relying on ASR. We introduce an alignment-integrated ASR approach that combines information from many different sequence alignments. We show that integrating alignment uncertainty improves ASR accuracy and the accuracy of downstream structural and functional inferences, often performing as well as highly-accurate structure-guided alignment. Given the growing evidence that sequence alignment errors can impact the reliability of ASR studies, we recommend that future studies incorporate approaches to mitigate the impact of alignment uncertainty. Probabilistic modeling of insertion and deletion events has the potential to radically improve ASR accuracy when the model reflects the true underlying evolutionary history, but further studies are required to thoroughly evaluate the reliability of these approaches under realistic conditions.
Vortex dynamics and vibration modes of a tethered sphere

The flow-induced vibration of a tethered sphere was investigated through numerical simulations. A determination of the different modes of sphere vibration was made with simulations conducted at fixed Reynolds numbers (500, 1200 and 2000) with a sphere of mass ratio 0.8 over the reduced velocity range $U^{\ast }\in [3,32]$. The flow was governed by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, while the dynamic motion of the sphere was governed by coupled Newtonian mechanics. A new fluid–structure interaction (FSI) solver was implemented to efficiently solve the coupled FSI system. The effect of Reynolds number was found to be significant in the mode I and II regimes. A progressive increase in the response amplitude was observed as the Reynolds number was increased, especially in the mode II regime. The overall sphere response at the highest Reynolds number was relatively close to the observed behaviour of previous higher-$Re$ experimental studies. An aperiodic mode IV response was observed at higher reduced velocities beyond the mode II range in each case, without the intervening mode III regime. However, as the mass ratio increased from 0.8 to 80, the random response of the sphere (mode IV) gradually became more regular, showing a mode III response (characterized by a near-periodic sphere oscillation) at $U^{\ast }=30$. Thus, if the inertia of the system is low, mode IV appears at lower $U^{\ast }$ values, while for high-inertia systems, mode IV appears at high $U^{\ast }$ values beyond a mode III response.