Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theobromine: A Safe and Effective Alternative for Fluoride in Dentifrices

During the process of studying caffeine's effects on developing teeth, a serendipitous discovery was made. Teeth comprise hydroxylapatite (HAP). Ingestion of caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) caused the formation of smaller crystallites of HAP in the developing teeth. This resulted in the increased release of calcium and phosphorus ions from the enamel surface when exposed to acidic solutions in vitro. Furthermore, animal study confirmed the hypothesis that smaller HAP crystallites caused the increased incidence of dental caries. In contrast, theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine), which is similar to caffeine, caused formation of larger HAP crystallites in vitro. The ingestion of theobromine by lactating dams showed a decreased release of calcium and phosphorus ions from the enamel surface in the developing teeth of neonates in vivo. The use of fluoride dentifrices is controversial. It is also well documented that young children who brush their teeth often ingest fluoride-containing dentifrices. Based upon .
Euthymia: a neglected aspect of trait depression and its role in predicting subjective well-being

BACKGROUND Besides its relationship with clinical depression, depressiveness may be conceptualized as a personality trait that includes dysthymia (negative emotional experiences) and euthymia (positive emotional experiences). Euthymia, when reverse scored, makes the construct of trait depression more sensitive to milder levels of depressiveness observed in non-clinical samples. We hypothesised that euthymia is a more important predictor of subjective well-being than dysthymia and this effect is retained when basic positive and negative affect are controlled. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Participants were 213 adults (56% females) aged between 19 and 61 (M = 35.85, SD = 11.30). They completed self-report measures of: (a) euthymia and dysthymia as two facets of trait depression, (b) satisfaction with life, and (c) positive and negative affect. RESULTS The results showed that positive affect and euthymia contributed independently to explaining the variance of satisfaction with life, but the predictive role of euthymia was stronger. In contrast, dysthymia turned out not to predict satisfaction with life when controlled for basic affect and euthymia. CONCLUSIONS Theoretical implications of the results are discussed with their applications for counselling and clinical practice. We point to the need of monitoring the level of euthymia in the prevention programmes against depression, which is in line with the well-established role of positive interventions in psychotherapy and counselling.
Physical Activity Trajectories During Adulthood and Incident Hypertension: A National Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background We aimed to characterize the physical activity (PA) trajectories across adulthood and estimate their association with incident hypertension risk.Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted during 2004–2011. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct groups of PA trajectories. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the association between each PA trajectory group and incident hypertension.Results A total of 11,162 participants whose PA was repeatedly measured two to four times in the CHNS during 2004–2011 were included in our study. During the 5.4 years of follow-up, 3,824 incident hypertension cases were identified. Five distinct PA trajectories were identified in men: light and slight decline, light and gradual decline then sharp rise, light to medium-heavy then decline, medium-heavy and persistent decline, and heavy and sharp decline. Two distinct PA trajectories were identified in women: light and stable, and medium and gradual decline. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy and persistent decline was significantly associated with decreased risk of hypertension in men, with the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals being 0.80 (0.63, 0.99), 0.74 (0.59, 0.93), 0.76 (0.60, 0.96), and 0.70 (0.55, 0.88) in model 1, model 2, model 3, and model 4, respectively.Conclusions Our study identified five distinct long‐term PA trajectories in men and two distinct trajectories in women. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy PA in early adulthood (at 18–37 years) followed by persistent decline (at 38–70 years) was found to be significantly associated with a decreased risk of hypertension in later life in men.
A Mechanical Transmitter for Undersea Magnetic Induction Communication

The radio waves commonly used in terrestrial wireless communication are severely absorbed by the conductive seawater. However, the low-frequency magnetic fields can penetrate a much farther distance in seawater to realize wireless communication by magnetic induction (MI). An electromagnetic coil is generally used as a magnetic field generator, but it will consume excessive power when generating a strong magnetic field to achieve long-range communication. Instead, this study investigated the use of a motor-driven rotating permanent magnet as a mechanical transmitter for undersea MI communication. The frequency-dependent power consumption and the power-efficient operating frequency range of the mechanical transmitter were analyzed. To establish the undersea MI communication channel model, we derived exact analytic expressions for the fields generated by a rotating permanent magnet in seawater and explored the path loss of the undersea MI channel. A prototype mechanical transmitter using a cylindrical rare-earth magnet (Nd–Fe–B) with a diameter of 4 cm and a length of 15 cm driven by a servo motor was created, which consumes only about 2.74% of the power of the equivalent coil at 30 Hz. The surface-to-undersea MI communication using this prototype mechanical transmitter was demonstrated at a distance of 10 m.
Investor Attention and the Response of US Stock Sectors to the COVID-19 Crisis

COVID-19 has had an immense impact on global stock markets, with no sector escaping its effects. Investor attention toward COVID-19 surged as the virus spread and its consequences imposed on everyday life. Using Google search volume (GSV) as a proxy for investor attention, our results show that heightened attention towards COVID-19 negatively influences US stock returns. However, relatively speaking, some sectors appear to have gained from the increased attention. This outperformance is centred in the sectors most likely to benefit (or likely to lose least) from the crisis and associated spending by households and government (i.e. Consumer Staples, Healthcare, and I.T.). Such results may be explained by an information discovery hypothesis in the sense that investors are searching online for information to enable a greater understanding of COVID-19’s impact on stock performance. While we do not claim that investor attention is the only driver of stock returns during the crisis, we do provide evidence that it contributes to the market impact and to the heterogeneity of returns across stock market sectors.
Extraction of Lanthanides(III) by a Mixture of a Malonamide and a Dialkyl Phosphoric Acid

ABSTRACT Several hydrometallurgical processes studied in France for lanthanide/minor actinide separation use a combination of DMDOHEMA and HDEHP as extractants. Although these processes have proved to be reliable, the modeling of their extraction properties remains a difficult task due to a lack of knowledge about the behavior of the mixed DMDOHEMA-HDEHP organic phase. In the present work, it was found that the solvent extraction of Ln(III) ions by a mixture of these extractants exhibits a complex behavior involving a synergistic effect at either 1 M HNO3 or high metal concentration, and an antagonistic effect on extraction of metal traces at higher pH (> 2). To understand these effects, Ln(III) complexes formed after extraction by DMDOHEMA and/or HDEHP were characterized by several spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, UV-Vis, ESI-MS, TRLIFS). Results suggested formation of DMDOHEMA-HDEHP adducts and ternary mixed complexes involving both extractants and possibly a nitrate ion.
Adverse events during anaesthesia at an Ethiopian referral hospital: a prospective observational study

Introduction incident reporting systems are widely utilised within healthcare to analyse adverse events and have been shown to reduce patient harm. With data to suggest high anaesthetic-related mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), such systems could allow more accurate determination of rates and types of incidents and could improve patient safety. Methods this prospective observational study carried out over six-weeks in March to April 2019 in an Ethiopian tertiary referral hospital, included direct observations in the operating room and recording of any anaesthesia-related adverse events occurring during the perioperative period. Results fifty surgical cases were observed during weekday daytime hours. Sixteen anaesthesia-related adverse events were observed in 12 patients, including six elective cases and six emergencies, an adverse event rate of 32% (n=16), affecting 24% (n=12) of patients. Most incidents occurred in infants less than one-year-old and those between 11-20 years (31.3%; n=5 each) and those undergoing general anaesthesia (66.7%; n=8), particularly during the induction phase (50%; n=8), the most common event being prolonged desaturation (31.3%; n=5). Most events were considered to contribute a low level of harm (56.3%; n=9). There were no intra-operative mortalities. Conclusion this study presents evidence of a higher rate of adverse events during anaesthesia at a tertiary referral hospital in Ethiopia, than reported in current literature from LMICs. There is potential for large volume data to be produced and learnt from with a reporting system in place in this setting. The most common event was desaturation detected by pulse oximetry, particularly in paediatric surgery.
Using agile practice under the CD-ERP model: A hybrid approach

This paper examines the applicability of agile practice in the Collaboratively-Developed Enterprise Resource Planning (CD-ERP) Model. This model has been proposed as a solution to develop Information Systems (ISs) for public universities in Libyan Higher Education (LHE) following the community-source paradigm and based on ERP. The study took place between 2016 and 2020. The purpose of the article is to discuss the possible impact and success of implementing agile practice in such an environment, while a hybrid approach involving agile practice and a predictive method was introduced. The risks and challenges associated with adopting the CD-ERP model are discussed using a SWOT analysis. Finally, the lessons learnt, recommendations, and directions for future work are presented.
Effectiveness of Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump on Leg Muscle Power in Young College Athletes: A Comparative Study

Background and Purpose: Plyometric [PT] refers to performance of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) movements that involve a high intensity eccentric contraction immediately after a rapid and powerful concentric contraction. PT have consistently been shown to improve the production of muscle force and power and enhancement of performance. Plyometric training includes in various type of jumps like Drop jump (DJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), squat jump, alternate-leg bounding especially for lower body. Drop jump and countermovement jump are simple, practical and effective plyometric exercises. When done with proper technique and effort, both results in an increase in lower body power. So, it is important to know which exercises produce the greatest power output or what technique have must be used to induce changes in specific sport actions. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of countermovement jump and drop jump to improve leg muscle power. Method: 30 subjects volunteered to participate. Written informed consent and institutional ethical clearance was obtained. Anthropometric measurements were obtained and subjects were assigned to one of two groups: Group A: DJ training group (n=15) and Group B: CMJ training group (n=15). They performed either DJ or CMJ training three days a week for 6 weeks. The training program included four sets of 5 repetitions DJ (from the height of a 12-inch box) or CMJ exercise. Standing Long Jump Test (SLJT) was used as outcome measure which was performed a day before and following the 6-week training period. Results: Both the groups showed improvement in standing long jump test. The mean±SD of preand post standing jump test of Group A was 68.63±16.64 and 77.80±14.19 respectively and Group B was 65.83±14.61 and 72.43±13.70 respectively. But the mean±SD difference between the group A and group B was 77.80±14.19 and 72.43±13.70 respectively. Conclusion: The results showed there is significant improvement within Group A and Group B(p<0.01) but there is no significant improvement between both groups (p=0.150). Thus,the study concludes DJ and CMJ plyometric are worthwhile training activities for improving leg muscle power in young athletes.
Kinetics of Xylose Dehydration into Furfural in Formic Acid

In this study, kinetics of formic acid-catalyzed xylose dehydration into furfural and furfural decomposition was investigated using batch experiments within a temperature range of 130–200 °C. Initial xylose and furfural concentrations up to 0.2 and 0.08 mol/L, respectively, were used. The room temperature pH of the formic acid catalyst solution was between 0.9 and 1.7. The kinetic model used was based on a specific acid catalysis model and included the prevailing hydrogen ion concentration in reaction conditions. The study showed that the modeling must account for other reactions for xylose besides dehydration into furfural. Moreover, the reactions between xylose intermediate and furfural play only a minor role. The study also showed that kinetic modeling of xylose and furfural decomposition reactions must take the uncatalyzed reaction in water solvent into account.
Characterization of Mn oxides in cemented streambed crusts from Pinal Creek, Arizona, U.S.A., and in hot-spring deposits from Yuno-Taki Falls, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract We report studies of recently precipitated terrestrial Mn oxides from Pinal Creek (Arizona, U.S.A.) and from Yuno-Taki Falls (Hokkaido, Japan). In addition to chemical analysis [by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and proton induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE)], the following methods were used: X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contraction and expansion tests, thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) was applied in a few cases, but only on synthetic samples. The most useful methods for characterizing the 10 Å Mn minerals were XRD, contraction test, and DSC. Mössbauer spectroscopy was a very useful complementary method to XRD for differentiation of the poorly crystalline Fe compounds. IR spectroscopy was found not to be very useful in distinguishing buserite and birnessite, but a distinct pattern was observed for todorokite. For heterogeneous deposits composed of many minerals, IR was not useful without separation of phases. Three types of samples were identified from Yuno-Taki. One of them, representing a relatively fresh deposit exposed to water, was found to be a nearly ideal buserite with an XRD pattern similar to synthetic samples. An older, non-ideal buserite could be dehydrated but not expanded, suggesting that it had been slightly transformed. The third sample was from a deposit that was dry at the time of sampling. It is a 7 Å mineral (birnessite or takanelite/rancieite). The sample also contains amorphous Fe hydroxide, confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. A test of the possibility of buserite transformation showed that autoclaving a sample of the synthetic 10 Å phyllomanganate, Mg-buserite, resulted in a compound with the XRD pattern and IR spectrum of todorokite. We suggest that this pure synthetic product be used as a model compound for the high-temperature hydrothermal 10 Å manganate with tunnel structure, todorokite. Experiments at other conditions demonstrated that synthetic buserite collapses to birnessite during dehydration. Pinal Creek crusts are composed of quartz, feldspar, Fe minerals (magnetite, maghemite, ilmenite, hematite), and Mn minerals. Resistance to dehydration and expansion tests, and the initial endotherm shown in DSC analysis, suggest that the 10 Å manganate is todorokite. A 7 Å mineral (birnessite or takanelite/rancieite) is also present. Based on comparison of XRD and electron microscopy data for the natural samples with tests done on the synthetic samples, we postulate that the birnessite or takanelite/rancieite and todorokite found in th Pinal Creek crusts may be a transformation products of a buserite precursor.
Does Patella Position Influence Soft Tissue Balance and Clinical Outcome in Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Purpose: We hypothesized that patellar positioning during minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (MIS-TKA) would affect soft tissue balance and postoperative outcome.Methods: From December 2018 to February 2019, 55 patients receiving primary MIS-TKA were enrolled. The gap-balance technique was used, with patients randomly assigned to undergo osteotomy and balance of soft tissue with the patella reduced (group A; n = 27) or with the patella subluxated (group B; n = 28). The soft tissue balance achieved with the patella reduced and subluxated were compared. Femoral prosthesis rotation, mechanical femoral axis–to–tibial axis angle, Knee Society Score (KSS), pain score, and range of flexion were compared between the groups. Follow-up was for 6 months.Results: The flexion gap and the varus angle were significantly greater after patella reduction than before reduction, but the extension joint gap and varus angle were comparable before and after patella reduction. The femoral prosthesis tended to be internally rotated in group B. Range of flexion was better in the group A than in group B at 1 month after surgery, but the differences were not significant at 3 and 6 months. KSS and pain score were comparable between the groups after surgery.Conclusion: During MIS-TKA, as far as possible, soft tissue balance should be achieved with the patella reduced; otherwise, the femoral prosthesis may be installed more internally and, after patella reduction, the flexion gap and varus would increase.
Effects of intraperitoneal bupivacaine injection in laparoscopic appendectomy in children on post-operative pain: A controlled randomized double-blinded study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of local anesthetics administered intraperitoneally in laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were enrolled in the study. The children were divided into two groups. Intraperitoneal bupivacaine injection to appendectomy site and subdiaphragmatic area was performed after resection of appendix and aspirastion of intraperitoneal reactive fluid in Group 1 while Group 2 did not receive this therapy. The children were questioned by a nurse at postoperative 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th h. Pain scores (PS) (abdominal), abdominal wall incisional pain (IP), shoulder pain (SP), and first need for analgesics were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty children were enrolled to the study. There was no significant difference in PS values and IP values between the two groups (p>0.05). SP values at 12th and 24th h were significantly lower in Group 1 (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant reduce in analgesic need in Group 1 (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal bupivacaine instillation to surgery site and subdiaphragmatic area seems to reduce the SP post-operative and also reduce post-operative analgesic need. More meaningful results can be obtained with an increase in the number of patients.
Dermatoglyphics and Cheiloscopy patterns in hypertensive and type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients: An observational study

Background: Essential hypertension is a type of hypertension which bears no etiological reasons. It is found to affect approximately 90 to 95 percent of hypertensive individuals. Similarly, type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a genetically determined systemic condition with a close relation to familial medical history. Both of these conditions or diseases are closely linked with the process of ageing among various other inherited and genetically determined factors. Importantly, a positive family history increases disease risk manifolds. As there is increased risk of hypertension and development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with family history because of genetic factors, the study of co-relation between dermatoglyphics and hypertension can aid in early identification of individuals with a genetic predisposition towards developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Aim: The aim and objectives were as follows: (1) Analyze dermatoglyphic finger patterns; (2) Analyze cheiloscopic patterns; (3) Comparison of cheiloscopic and dermatoglyphic patterns with hypertension and type 2 diabetes; and (4) to determine if dermatoglyphics and/or cheiloscopic patterns can be used as tool(s) for pre-identification of inherited diseases. Materials and Methods: Total 300 study participants age range above 40 years were selected after obtaining informed consent. Lip patterns were recorded using a dark-colored lipstick and a transparent cellophane tape while finger print patterns were recorded using stamp ink-pad and by applying uniform finger pressure on blank paper sheet. Results and Observations: Cheiloscopic patterns analysis showed that the branched, straight, intersected, reticular followed by undifferentiated patterns were present in decreasing frequency among male patients while among female patients, branched, intersected, straight and reticular patterns were observed. However, no undifferentiated pattern was observed in female subjects. These findings were consistent with both diabetic as well as hypertensive patients. On the other hand, finger pattern analysis showed that ulnar loop was most frequently observed in both male and female patients with either hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Also, this was followed in decreasing order by arch type pattern, radial loop pattern and whorl pattern in both genders. Conclusion: It can be surmised from the study that both the finger prints and lip patterns can be used to ascertain predisposition to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.