Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN INTRAVITREAL VERSUS SUBTENON INJECTION OF TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC MACULAR OEDEMA

Purpose: To study the difference in the both safety and efficacy of Intravitreal (IVTA)versus subtenon (STTA ) triamcinolone acetonide injection as a treatment approach of diabetic macular edema (DME). Patients and Methods: 50 eyes of 38 diabetic patients diagnosed DME according to the ETDRS criteria were divided into two groups; each group consists of twenty five eyes. Group A were injected IVTA with 4 mg (0.1ml). Group B were injected STTA with 40 mg (1ml). Results: In group Awe found that the mean central macular thickness (CMT) reduced from 465.6 u ± 170.8 u at the baseline level to 285.9 u ± 83.2 u,267.5 u ± 79 u and 288.4u ±169.8uat 1,3 and 6 months post injection respectively. In group B we found that the mean CMT reduced from 327.65u ± 68.4 u at the baseline level to 273.2 u ± 77.9, 257.8u ± 83.6u and 264.9u ±104.3uat 1.3 and 6 months post injection respectively. In group A we found that the mean visual acuity (VA) was improved from 0.2 at the baseline to 0.4, 0.3 and 0.4 at 1, 3 and 6 months post injection respectively. In group B we found that the mean VA was improved from 0.3 at the baseline to 0.5, 0.7 and 0.7at 1.3 and 6 months post injection respectively. In group A we found that the mean intra ocular pressure (IOP)was changed from 16.2 mmHg ±1.2 mmHg at the baseline to20.9 mmHg ±6.9 mmHg, 17.4 mmHg ±1.6 mm Hg and 17.4 mmHg ±1.6 mmHg at 1,3 and 6 months post injection respectively. In group B we found that the mean IOP was changed from15.15mmHg ±1.8 mmHg at the baseline to15.6 mmHg ±1.8 mmHg, 15.8mmHg ±1.8 mmHg and15.7 mmHg ±1.8mmHg at 1.3 and 6 months post injection respectively. Conclusion: STTA can achieve clinical results comparable to IVTA as regards the reduction of CMT and the improvement of VA although it achieves this effect somewhat slower.
PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY INTERVENTION AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION

Transcatheter implantation of the aortic valve is an increasingly used method for the treatment of aortic stenosis, with a steady trend worldwide to increase the number of TAVI procedures and reduce the age of patients. In Europe, over 180,000 TAVI procedures are currently implemented annually. This review aims to evaluate the patient’s prognosis for the different approaches, the technical diffi culties during the procedure, and to offer useful tips for overcoming them. We publish our experience in transcatheter treatment of ischemic heart disease after TAVI implantation.
Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in sediments of an estuarine complex affected by ancient mining activities in Southeast Brazil

An artificial canal, built in 1852, diverted 60% of the flow of the Ribeira de Iguape River (RIR) into the northern region of the Estuarine-Lagoon Complex of IguapeCananéia (ELCIC), Southeast Brazil. Since then the river has become the main contributor of fresh water and suspended matter into the system. Additionally, the RIR was contaminated by mining activities, especially of Pb, which disposed their wastes directly into this river from their beginning until its cease in 1996. Thus, unknown quantities of metals began to be continuously introduced into the ELCIC. This study evaluated lead, cadmium and zinc concentrations in the surficial sediment at 10 points sampled along the ELCIC, 15 years after the closure of the mining. Zinc concentrations were in accordance with legislation and similar across the ELCIC regions, ranging from 10.4 to 22.8 μg. g. Lead concentrations ranged from 19.3 to 67.9 μg. g, with higher concentrations in the northern ELCIC region, especially in areas near to the canal and the mouth of the RIR. These values were above the Level I limits established by the Brazilian Environmental Agency, suggesting the possibility of a sediment toxicity. Cadmium was only detected (up to 3.6 μg.g) in the northern region, exceeding Level I limits too. However, Pb and Cd values were not above the Level II limits. Results revealed areas of moderate lead and cadmium contamination in the northern ELCIC region, still indicating a strong contribution from the ancient mining activities and from other current anthropogenic activities such as agriculture or an incorrect disposal of sewage and residues. Therefore, a continuous assessment of metal concentrations in the sedimentary record is important to monitor the ELCIC environmental quality.
Classical music and audience development - Exploring the viability of mobile apps in live classical music concerts to attract and engage young audiences

One of the discourses about the world of classical music explains how it is immersed in an audience crisis. During the last decade, the audiences have aged, classical music performances appear to encounter lower participation, and traditional values of classical music seem to be detached from the way of living in society nowadays. However, trends are emerging to break down the barriers between high-arts and low-arts and attract new audiences to live classical music concerts, aiming to make classical music accessible to everybody. This research delves into new practices and audience development practices focused on attracting and engaging with young audiences. Therefore, it reflects on how symphony orchestras and ensembles are including innovative practices, and how mobile apps is one of the tools starting to be included during the classical music concert despite the unacceptance of mobile phones in the concert hall. Thus, we consider the research question to what extent could the use of apps during the classical music concert could be a tool for audience development for young people between 18 and 34 years old? Firstly, the research aims to gather perspectives about the use of mobile apps in the classical music concert among young people with different frequencies of attendance to live classical music concerts. Motivations and barriers for attendance to live classical music concerts are also explored. The quantitative results show some problems and possibilities that mobile apps might present in live classical music concerts, being them a good introductory experience for new audiences yet regarded inappropriate to use. Secondly, interviews with management staff members and musicians from some symphony orchestras and ensembles aim to explore further the possibilities of mobile apps. Other successful alternatives to attract young people to classical music concerts are presented. It can be concluded that mobile apps that give information about the music are a tool that can be used in more informal settings of live classical music concerts, but there are better alternatives to attract and engage young audiences with classical music.
A Retrospective Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting with Low-Thermal Plasma Dissection Device Compared to Conventional Monopolar Electrosurgery

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the effects of conventional monopolar electrosurgery (CMES) and low-thermal plasma kinetic cautery (PKC) on complications such as bleeding, abnormal wound healing, pain, and drainage in patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This retrospective clinical study included 258 patients undergoing CABG; the patients were randomized to PKC (PEAK PlasmaBlade, n=153) and CMES (n=105) groups. The patients’ clinical data were examined retrospectively for biochemical variables, postoperative drainage, post-surgery erythrocyte suspension transfusion count, surgical site pain examined with visual analogue scale (VAS), and wound healing. Two-sided P-value > 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The median post-surgery erythrocyte suspension transfusion number was significantly lower with PKC compared to CMES (0 [0-1] vs. 1 [1-4], respectively, P<0.001). Mean postoperative drain output and time until removal of drain tubes were significantly lower with PKC compared to CMES (300±113 vs. 547±192 and 1.95±1.5 vs. 2.44±1.8; P<0.001 and P=0.025, respectively). Mean VAS score for spontaneous and cough-induced pain were significantly lower with PKC compared to CMES (1.98±1.51 vs. 3.94± 2.09 and 3.76±1.46 vs. 5.6±1.92; P<0.001 for both comparisons). Reoperation due to bleeding was significantly higher with CMES compared to PKC (0 vs. 11 [7.2%], P=0.001). Conclusion: Use of PKC during CABG considerably reduces postoperative drainage, need for blood transfusion, reoperation due to bleeding, and postoperative pain. PCK appears to be a good alternative to CMES for CABG.
Exploring the Underlying Causes and Psychological Consequences of Teen Pregnancy in the Philippines

Teenage pregnancy has become a global and a public health concern as mortality rates associated with it are on the increase. In the last 2 decades, worldwide, the pregnancy rates are slowly decreasing. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, yet not much is known about its background as majority of the studies have focused on teen motherhood and its effects. This current study explores the underlying causes of teen sexual activity that leads to pregnancy and the psychological consequences in the light of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. Utilizing qualitative case study method, 9 participants (3 teen mothers, 3 friends, and three parents) were interviewed. Data were transcribed and analyzed using Miles, Huberman, and Saldana’s thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, namely: sociocultural factors (peer influence, lack of parental guidance, culture, and transactional sex), individual factors (curiosity and poor sex knowledge, uncontrolled emotions, and revenge), and psychological consequences (emotional reactions, fear, and low self-esteem). Implications are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.
Bilateral midbrain transection induced hyperphagia accelerates the development of diabetes in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats

Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is a model of severe type 2 diabetes and its complications. These characteristics of SDT rat are very useful to research diseases; however, the slow onset of diabetes may limit the usefulness of this animal model. To solve this problem, we performed bilateral midbrain transection on SDT rats and evaluated whether hyperphagia accelerates the onset of diabetes. By severing ascending fibers from the nucleus tractus solitarius to limbic regions through ventral and dorsal tegmental regions, food consumption was significantly increased in SDT rats and the onset of diabetes was accelerated. Cumulative incidence of diabetes in midbrain transected SDT rats was 88.9% at 7 weeks after surgery (14 weeks of age), while sham operated rats was 20.0%. Increased food consumption was correlated to body weight, plasma glucose level, plasma triglyceride level, and plasma insulin level. In conclusion, the overeating caused by blocking anorexigenic signal in brain significantly accelerates the onset of diabetes in SDT rats. The early development of type 2 diabetes may accelerate microvascular complications and is considered useful in the study of the disease in SDT rats.
THE USE OF AUTOGENOUS PARTICULATED DENTIN MIXED WITH PLATELET RICH FIBRIN IN SURGICALLY REMOVED LOWER THIRD MOLAR SOCKET

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the use of autogenous particulated dentin mixed with platelet rich fibrin in surgically removed lower third molar socket. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients (7 male and 9 female) were enrolled in the study. Their age ranged from 20 to 37 years. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I, PD/PRF mix was grafted into the extraction socket. Group II, extraction socket was left without grafting. The CD, CAL and WAG of lower second molar were measured at 2, 4, 8 and 12weekes after surgery. MBL at the distal surface of lower second molar was evaluated at 1 and 6months after surgery. BD was measured at 6 month after surgery. Results: The PD/PRF mix group showed significant reduction of CD at the distal of lower second molar than the no grafted group. The PD/PRF mix group showed significant reduction of CAL at the distal of lower second molar than the no grafted group. The PD/PRF mix group showed significant less reduction of WAG at the distal of lower second molar than the no grafted group. The PD/PRF mix group showed significant less amount of MBL loss at the distal of lower second molar than the no grafted group. There was a significant increase of BD at the distal of lower second molar at 6 month in PD/PRF mix group than the no grafted group. Conclusion: Autogenous particulate dentin and platelet rich fibrin mix provided promising clinical outcomes and considered an ideal bioactive graft material for hard tissue regeneration. Autogenous particulate dentin and platelet rich fibrin mix assist healing and counteract pronounced resorption of alveolar process at the distal surface of second molar with preservation of the periodontium.
THE EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Purpose: To reveal the effect of cigarette smoking on corneal endothelial cells. Patients and methods: this is a case control cross sectional study including 99 persons, 61 chronic cigarette smokers and another age matched 38 control nonsmokers. Parameters used in our study were cell density (CD), polymegethism, pleomorphism, the average of cell size, and central corneal thickness (CCT). Results: The mean values of the CD were 2829.9±334.9 compared to 3243.6±237.9, CV were 44.13±9.73 compared to 32.84±2.97, HEX were 40.44±6.95% compared to 60.11±5.83% for smokers and non-smoker groups respectively, with a highly statistically significant value (p <0.001) and on the other hand values were statistically non-significant regarding CCT. There were non-significant relation between the type of smoking (cigarette, shisha or combined). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking has deteriorating effects on some, but not all, of the corneal endothelial measures, with no relation found between this deteriorating effect and both of the dose or type of smoking.
SAFE HAVEN, HEDGE AND DIVERSIFICATION FOR STOCK MARKETS: GOLD VERSUS SILVER

This paper aims to analyse if whether Gold (Gold Bullion: Zurich) and Silver (Silver Paris Spot E/KG) will be a safe haven for portfolio diversification in the financial markets of Germany (DAX 30), USA (DOW JONES), France (CAC 4 0), Italy (FTSE MID), United Kingdom (FTSE 100), Hong Kong (Hang Seng), China (SHANGHAI SE ASHARE), Japan (NIKKEI 225), in the period between 1 January 2019 to 2 September 2020. In order to perform this analysis where undertaken different approaches to analyse if: (i) the gold and silver market will be a safe haven when financial markets break down? (ii) If so, can market shocks question portfolio diversification? The results suggest 53 pairs of integrated markets (out of 90 possible). Gold and Silver have integrations with each other and with the USA, but the other financial markets integrate with Gold and Silver, namely the US, France, UK, Italy and Hong Kong markets (the latter only with Silver). The China market has a single integration but is integrated by the USA, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, which partially rejects the first investigation question. In corroboration, causality tests show 67 causal relationships (out of 90 possible). The Markets of Italy (FTSE MID), the USA (DOW JONES) cause, in the Grangerian sense, all its peers (9 out of 9 possible), while France (CAC 40), the United Kingdom (FTSE 100), Japan (NIKKEI 225), and Germany (DAX 30) cause 8 out of 9. Silver and Gold cause the financial markets 7, and 6 times (out of 9 possible), respectively, while the Hong Kong (Hang Seng) and China (SHANGHAI) markets cause 3 and once, respectively, which validates the second investigation question. Given the high level of integration and shocks between markets, portfolio diversification may be brought into question. These findings also make room for market regulators to take steps to ensure better information among international financial markets.
Transformer-GAN: Symbolic music generation using a learned loss

The conventional approach to symbolic music generation uses the Transformer, an autoregressive model that is commonly trained by minimizing the negative log-likelihood (NLL) of the observed sequence. The quality of samples from these models tends to degrade signiﬁcantly for long sequences, a phenomenon attributed to exposure bias. However, we are able to detect these failures with classiﬁers trained to distinguish between real and sampled sequences, an observation that motivates our exploration of adversarial losses to complement the NLL objective. We use a pre-trained SpanBERT model for the discriminator of the GAN, which in our experiments helped with training stability. We demonstrate via human evaluations and a new discriminative metric that music generated by our approach outperforms a baseline trained with likelihood maximization, the state-of-the-art Music Transformer, and other GANs used for sequence generation. 57% of people prefer music generated via our approach while 43% prefer Music Transformer.
New findings of Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis in Siberia

New findings of Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis (Jäger, 1839) remains, obtained from the Asian part of Russia, are described. The material includes 39 specimens from 13 localities in West Siberia and East Siberia. It considerably expands the geographic distribution of this species of rhinoceros. A series of 11 mandibles from Siberia, including one juvenile individual with deciduous teeth, is described for the first time. We also present a large set of data on well-preserved postcranial remains. The morphology and sizes of mandibles, teeth, and postcranial remains of adult individuals of S. kirchbergensis from Siberia are similar to individuals of this species described from European localities. A series of upper teeth was subjected to mesowear analysis to assess the diet of S. kirchbergensis from West Siberia. The chemical composition (including stable isotopes) of the Siberian Stephanorhinus teeth is analyzed for the first time. Comparisons of Siberian S. kirchbergensis with European S. kirchbergensis and West Siberian Coelodonta antiquitatis broaden our understanding of the ecology, variability, and evolution of S. kirchbergensis under climatic changes in continental settings from the Middle to the Late Pleistocene. Despite small samples, we can suppose that S. kirchbergensis was widely distributed in Siberia. Y.V. Lobachev. PAO Novosibirsk Institute of Software Systems, Novosibirsk, Russia. yvlobachev@gmail.com А. V. Shpansky. Tomsk State University, Russia. shpansky@ggf.tsu. ru A.A. Bondarev. Omsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, Omsk 644007, Russia. gilgamesh-lugal@mail.ru A.Y. Lobachev. PAO Sberbank, Novosibirsk, Russia. inobges@gmail.com S.K. Vasiliev. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of SB RAS, Russia. Svasiliev@archaeology.nsc. ru A.M. Klementev. Institute of the Earth’s Crust SB RAS, Russia. klem-al@bk.ru I.E. Grebnev. Paleopark Altai Republic, Russia. mnh66@mail.ru V.I. Silaev. Institute of Geology of Komi SC UB RAS, Syktyvkar, Russia, silaev@geo.komisc. ru
Configuration challenges for the “Made in Italy” Agrifood industry

Volume 12 / No 3 / September 2021 / 151 162 Original research article journal homepage: http://ijiemjournal.uns. ac.rs/ C. Grosso a*, F. Checchinato b, V. Finotto b, C. Mauracher b a Crisp, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; b Department of Management, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
Measurement of reactive species generated by dielectric barrier discharge in direct contact with water in different atmospheres

The formation of hydroxyl radical and long-living chemical species (H2O2, O3, NO3− and NO2−) generated in the liquid phase of a water falling film dielectric barrier discharge in dependence on the gas atmosphere (air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon and helium) was studied. The chemical molecular probe dimethyl sulfoxide was employed for quantification of ˙OH, and the influence of hydroxyl radical scavenging on formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species was investigated. In addition to liquid analysis, plasma diagnostics was applied to indicate possible reaction pathways of plasma–liquid interaction. The highest ˙OH production rate of 1.19 × 10−5 mol l−1 s−1 was found when water was treated in oxygen, with a yield of 2.75 × 10−2 molecules of ˙OH per 100 eV. Formation of hydrogen peroxide in air, nitrogen and argon discharges is determined by recombination reaction of hydroxyl radicals, reaching the highest yield of about 0.7 g kWh−1 when distilled water was treated in argon discharge. Ozone formation was dominant in oxygen and air discharges. Strong acidification along with formation of reactive nitrogen species was detected in water treated in air and nitrogen discharges.
Dynamic Programming for Multi-Crew Scheduling of the Emergency Repair of Network

One of the most necessary operations in humanitarian logistics is the distribution of relief goods to the population in disaster areas. When a disaster occurs, some parts of the distribution infrastructure may be damaged and consequently make it impossible to reach all the demand nodes and delivering the relief goods. In this study, we focus on the planning of infrastructure recovery efforts in post-disaster response. The problem is the scheduling of the emergency repair of a network that has been damaged by a disaster. The objective is to maximize network accessibility for all demand nodes in order to deliver relief goods to them. We adopt a dynamic programming algorithm to solve the problem when more than one crew group is available. Our numerical analysis of the solution shows the performance of the algorithm. We, also, compare our results with some similar studies to indicate the differences between one and multi-crew scheduling.
Correlation between root surface strain and apical micro-cracks produced during canal preparation with thermally treated single or multi-file NiTi systems

Aim: To determine the apical root surface strain (RSS) generated during shaping with thermally treated file NiTi systems, and its association with the development of apical microcracks. Methodology: Increased baseline RSS from strain accumulation during canal shaping was observed in both groups. The mean ± SD maximum RSS recorded with XPS and HCM were 165.71 ± 86.57, and 132.14 ± 97.26 respectively with no statistical difference between them (p>0.05). Post-instrumentation microcracks were observed in only two canals prepared by XPS (10%) versus one canal prepared by HCM (5%), and this difference was also statistically non-significant (P>0.05). The inter-evaluator reliability for microcrack detection using ESEM had a Kappa value of 0.98 (p<0.001), while the intra-evaluator reliability had a Kappa value of 0.99 (p<0.001). The maximum RSS obtained during canal shaping was poorly correlated with the number of microcracks found (R2=0.090). Results: Increased baseline RSS from strain accumulation during canal shaping was observed in both groups. The inter-evaluator reliability for microcrack detection using ESEM had a Kappa value of 0.98 (p<0.001), while the intra-evaluator reliability had a Kappa value of 0.99 (p<0.001). The maximum RSS obtained during canal shaping was poorly correlated with the number of microcracks found (R2=0.090). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, canal shaping by the two systems was confirmed to strain the tooth structure. However, the measured RSS was poorly correlated with the development of apical microcracks. Hence, from the clinical context, both systems can be safely used to prepare severely curved root canals.