Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes in Adults with Acute Small Bowel Perforation and Risk Factors for Mortality: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Small bowel perforation is a life-threatening surgical emergency even after immediate surgical intervention, while the surgical outcomes are rarely discussed in the literature due to relatively low incidence. This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of small bowel perforation and risk factors for mortality.Methods Consecutive patients with small bowel perforation confirmed by emergency surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from February 2011 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical features, laboratory indicators, surgical findings and pathology were reviewed based on the medical records. Results 199 patients were included in this study, of which 50 patients underwent perforation repair, 117 underwent primary anastomosis, and the other 32 underwent small bowel ostomy. 52.3% (104/199) patients transferred to ICU just after surgery and malignant tumor was the leading cause responsible for perforation in these patients (40.4%, 42/104), although foreign bodies ingestion (27.1%, 54/199) were most common for all cases in this study. The overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rate were 54.3% (108/199) and 10.6% (21/199) respectively, which were higher in the ICU group (74.0% (77/104) and 19.2% (20/104), respectively). Malignant tumor related perforation (OR, 3.567; 95%CI, 1.175-10.823; P=0.025) and high postoperative arterial blood lactate (LAC) level (OR,1.583; 95%CI, 1.127-2.225; P=0.008) were independent risk factors for post-operative mortality for patients transferred to ICU. Conclusion Small bowel perforation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates after emergency surgery, especially for patients transferred to ICU. Malignant tumor related perforation, as well as higher postoperative blood lactate had increased risk of postoperative mortality.
Elementary Students' Attitudes towards STEM and 21st Century Skills

STEM and 21st-century learning are very important to be applied from an early age for all students, including at the elementary school level. This study aims to describe students' attitudes towards STEM and 21st-century skills according to gender and education level. The method used is descriptive quantitative by explaining and comparing the results of the questionnaires given to students. Student attitudes are described based on domain of STEM (Science, Technology/Engineering and Math) , 21st-century skills, gender, and student grade level. The test instrument used refers to one of the articles that have been published in a reputable international journal with a questionnaire scale of 1-5. There are 130 elementary students who were obtained randomly from one of the elementary schools in Yogyakarta. The results showed that based on the science the mean score of the students was 3.23 (moderate). on mathematics 3,21(moderate); on technology/engineering 3.68 ( moderate ) and on 21st century skill 3.65 ( moderate ). According to gender, there is a significant difference between the attitudes of male and female students towards STEM and 21st-century skills. But there is no significant difference based on the grade of students. Based on these findings, before implementing STEM-based learning and 21st-century skills, teachers or policymakers must know the student attitudes. These findings can be used to create STEM and 21st-century learning.
Changing Diets – Testing the Impact of Knowledge and Information Nudges on Sustainable Dietary Choices

A shift to more sustainable diets is needed to ensure food security and to reduce the pressure on the environment. Yet, many consumers have misconceptions about the environmental impacts of their diets and lack knowledge on how to prepare sustainable meals. This study uses a mixed-methods approach to develop four information nudges and to test their impact on dietary choices among a representative sample of Dutch consumers. A 2x2 between-subjects design crossing type of information (procedural versus declarative) with type of impacts (health versus environmental) is applied. The environmental impact is measured in terms of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, land use and water use. We find that pre-intervention knowledge about sustainable or healthy diets is related to the sustainability of participants' dietary choices. Procedural knowledge on how to prepare a healthier meal has the greatest potential to influence dietary behavior, in particular for participants without prior self-reported dietary restrictions.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Human Resource Management Practices and Future Marketing

The increased prevalence of COVID-19 has had severe implications on the well-being of most organization and professionals most especially in the field of human resource management and marketing. This study focused on establishing the impact of COVID-19 on different human resource practices and future marketing. It was established that the dynamics of work have greatly changed from the traditional way of working from the organization‟s premises to working remotely at home. Consequently, marketing has also shifted to different online platforms since physical contact with customers is currently prohibited to maintain social distancing one way of preventing coronavirus. These changes have been associated with different negative implications and some positives as some professionals find it more flexible and convenient to work remotely. To cope with the current changing times, an organization must adjust and adapt to the new emerging technologies of working remotely and consequently implement strategic policies and procedures towards maintaining a steady flow.
Effect of Cervical Cancer Early Detection Video on Increasing Women’s Knowledge

Efforts to increase the knowledge of women of childbearing age in preventing cervical cancer, one of the efforts made with health education. The lack of knowledge and awareness of women to detect cervical cancer early because it has not been exposed to information about this. Pasar Baru Village area the lowest coverage of cervical cancer early detection in Tangerang City, by 17% compared to other regions. This research aims to know the effect of cervical cancer early detection video on increasing women’s knowledge in the Pasar Baru Village District Karawaci Tangerang City. Quasi-experimental research pre-post-test with control group design. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and an independent t-test. The knowledge average scores comparison between pre-post-test scores for the treatment group (56,39 ± 7.12, p = 0,0001) was higher than the control group (36,81 ± 7.18, p=0,0001). Post-test measurement showed a meaningful difference in average knowledge score between the treatment group and the control group (p=0,0001), with a mean difference of 18.485. Video interventions are more effective at improving women's early detection of cervical cancer than lecture methods.
Study of some Reproductive Characteristics of Cyprinus Carpio (L., 1758) from Main Outfall Drain in Al-Qadisiyah City, Iraq.

Sex ratio and gonadosomatic indices of fish give important indexes about the reproductive biology for the species. This study was conducted to investigate the reproductive dynamics of the common carp (Carpio Cyprinus) species in the DMO, middle Iraq, for a period between January and December 2017. Where the sex ratio, fecundity and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were assessed and calculated throughout the year. Fish samples were captured by using the different fishing traditional methods to get all the sizes without bias. Total mean of the female to male sex ratio was 1:1.22 and ranged from 1:0.67 in December to 1:1.75 in April. The highest average of fecundity was for the female and male at the age of 3 and 2 years respectively. The monthly combined values of GSI for both sexes indicated that the peak breeding season to the species of C. carpio occurred in February in the study area and lowest in the female and male in August and July, respectively. This study provided a baseline assessment of the case of reproduction to the species of C. carpio to contribute to the evaluation of the potential long-term consequences for this species of fish.
European football televisual spectatorship and social identity in Eldoret, Kenya

ABSTRACT In the recent times, European football has become popular in the Sub Saharan world. Most studies have explored what is perceived as the European cultural influence on local societies and cultures and attributed this to the improved global media technology. Some studies have also explored what is described as new and innovative socio-cultural patterns of fandom. This article examines one particular social trend: the construction and performance of elite social identity. It examines the interplay between local processes of performing social identity and European football televisual spectatorship (EFTS). The argument has been made that in Eldoret, EFTS has been appropriated in a local process of social identification. This is part of a long-term ethnographic study but which narrows down to EFTS experience in one place, Sunjeel Restaurant, and examines the experience of a social group that developed in the context EFTS experiences here. The article uses aspects of Lefebvre’s theory of the social production of space and Bourdieu’s concept of cultural fields to describe the social contexts in which this group emerges and how it adapts EFTS to its larger project of performing the identity as members of an elite social category.
Short-Term Field Performance and Cost-Effectiveness of Crumb-Rubber Modified Asphalt Emulsion in Chip Seal Applications

Chip sealing is a commonly used pavement maintenance technique that aims to delay pavement deterioration by reducing water infiltration and restoring skid resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term field performance and cost-effectiveness of chip seals prepared with different types of asphalt emulsion and application rates. A newly introduced crumb-rubber modified asphalt emulsion was evaluated, one that allows chip seal installation at the same temperature as a standard emulsion. Types of emulsion included a crumb-rubber modified asphalt emulsion (CRS-2TR), a polymer-modified emulsion (CRS-2P), and a conventional unmodified emulsion (CRS-2). Application rates were obtained from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications, and from the chip seal design method recommended in NCHRP Report 680. Seven chip seal sections were constructed and monitored regularly over a 12-month period. In the northbound lane, the chip seal section constructed with CRS-2TR (0.37 gal per square yard [gsy]) was the best performer statistically. In the southbound lane, the chip seal sections constructed with CRS-2TR and CRS-2P (0.31 gsy) performed similarly. Furthermore, the maximum Service Life Extension (SLE) was observed for the CRS-2TR (0.31 gsy) chip seal sections, whereas the chip seal sections constructed with CRS-2 had the lowest SLE. In addition, the most cost-effective chip seal section was achieved by the application of CRS-2TR emulsion at the Louisiana DOTD recommended emulsion application rate.
Reaction Kinetics of Simultaneous Removal of SO2 and NO from Flue Gas by NaClO2 Solution

Experiments of simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO from simulated flue gas, using NaClO2 solution as the absorbent, were carried out in a self-designed bubble reactor, and removal efficiencies of 100 percent for SO2 and 95.2 percent for NO were obtained under the optimal experimental conditions. The mechanism of simultaneous removal of SO2 and NO using NaClO2 acid solutions was proposed by analyzing the removal products. The reaction kinetics for simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification were investigated, and the results indicated that the oxidation-absorption processes of SO2 and NO were divided into two zones, as the fast and slow reaction zones. In the slow reaction zones, both were zero order reactions, and in the fast reaction zones, the reaction order, rate constant and activation energy of SO2 removal reaction with absorbent were 1.4, 1.22 (mol L-1)-0.4 s-1 and 66.25 kJ mol-1, respectively, and 2, 3.15×103 (mol L-1)-1 s-1, and 42.50 kJ mol-1 for NO removal reaction, respectively.
Trends in Lassa Fever Outbreak in Plateau State Nigeria

Background: Since the first case of Lassa fever was reported in Plateau State, Nigeria in 1969, several outbreaks have occurred, and many more cases are being reported every year. This study aimed to describe the trends in Lassa fever outbreak in Plateau State, Nigeria from 2015 to the first half of 2019. Methodology: A time series study was carried out employing a retrospective analysis of records of Lassa fever cases (from January 2015 – June 2019) obtained from Plateau State Epidemiological Unit. Cases were identified using the WHO case definition. Age-adjusted cumulative incidence, case positivity and case fatality rates were calculated for each year to study the trends. Data were retrieved and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Cases were mainly of the younger age group and were more concentrated in the Northern senatorial zone. Despite the increasing trend in incident cases from 5 in 2015 to 126 in 2019, and age-adjusted cumulative incidence from 1 case per 10,000 population in 2015 to 348 per 10,000 population in 2019, case fatality rate showed a downward trend from 29.6% in 2016 to 12.9% in 2019. Case positivity rates varied from 27.3% to 34.1% to 19.4% and back to 27.3% from 2016 to 2019, and the cumulative Case Positivity Rate was 25.7%. Conclusion: The incidence of Lassa fever in Plateau State showed an increasing trend while that of mortality was on a downward trend. More efforts should be put in place by the State government and other stakeholders to reduce the burden of this disease.
Temperature and Strain Effects in Micro-Raman Thermometry for Measuring In-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Thin Films

ABSTRACT Micro-Raman thermometry is an effective method for measuring thermal conductivity of thin films. It features noncontact and nondestructive probing and convenience of sample preparation. However, there is a concern of its accuracy when using the Raman peak shift as the temperature transducer since it responds to both temperature and strain upon optical heating. In this work, a series of detailed experiments are carried out to evaluate contributions to Raman signals from temperature only vs. from thermomechanical strain. It is shown that using proper calibration, contributions to Raman signals from temperature only and from thermomechanical strain can be decoupled and thermal conductivity can be evaluated correctly. These procedures are then applied to bismuth telluride thin films to illustrate measurement of thin film thermal conductivity.
Time Course of Sleep Inertia Dissipation in Memory Tasks

Sleep inertia (SI) refers to a complex psychophysiological phenomenon, observed after awakening, that can be described as the gradual recovery of waking-like status. The time course of cognitive performance dissipation in an everyday life condition is still unclear, especially in terms of the sleep stage at awakening (REM or NREM-stage 2) and the relative effects on performance. The present study aimed to investigate the SI dissipation in different memory performances upon spontaneous morning awakening after uninterrupted nighttime sleep. Eighteen young adults (7 females; mean age 24.9 ± 3.14 years) spent seven non-consecutive nights (one baseline, three REM awakenings and three St2 awakenings) in the laboratory under standard polysomnographic (PSG) control. Participants were tested after three REM awakenings and three St2 awakenings, and three times at 11:00 a.m. as a control condition. In each testing session, participants filled in the Global Vigor and Affect Scale and carried out one memory task (episodic, semantic, or procedural task). For each condition, participants were tested every 10 min within a time window of 80 min. In accordance with previous studies, SI affected subjective alertness throughout the entire time window assessed. Moreover, SI significantly affected performance speed but not accuracy in the semantic task. With reference to this task, the SI effect dissipated within 30 min of awakening from REM, and within 20 min of awakening from St2. No significant SI effect was observed on episodic or procedural memory tasks.
Influence of inlet pressure, EGR, combustion phasing, speed and pilot ratio on high load gasoline partially premixed combustion

The current research focuses in understanding how inlet pressure, EGR, combustion phasing, engine speed and pilot main ratio are affecting the main parameters of the combustion (e.g. efficiency, NOx, soot, maximum pressure rise rate) in the novel concept of injecting high octane number fuels in partially premixed combustion. The influence of the above mentioned parameters was studied by performing detailed sweeps at 32 bar fuel MEP (c.a. 16-18 bar gross IMEP); three different kinds of gasoline were tested (RON: 99, 89 and 69). The experiments were ran in a single cylinder heavy duty engine; Scania D12. At the end of these sweeps the optimized settings were computed in order to understand how to achieve high efficiency, low emissions and acceptable maximum pressure rise rate. The least square optimization analysis showed that for all the three fuels at this load it is possible to achieve gross indicated efficiency higher than 54 %, maximum pressure rise rate below 15 bar/CAD, NOx below 0.25 g/kWh and soot below 1.50 FSN. Depending on the fuel type, the targets were achieved by using 46-52 % of EGR, single injection, combustion phasing between 2 and 4 TDC and lambda between 1.54 and 1.58. (Less)
Do Share Repurchases Promote Efficient Stock Price?

Article History: Received: 10 November 2020; Revised: 12 January 2021; Accepted: 27 January 2021; Published online: 05 April 2021 Abstract: Purpose: This paper examines whether a greater firm’s repurchase intensity translates into more efficient stock price. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: An unbalanced panel data, that consists of a sample of 337 US repurchasing firms between 2012 and 2016, was analyzed. Based on the result of the Hausman test, fixed effects estimator was employed to estimate the coefficients. To address heterogeneity across time and firms, time effect and standard error clustered by firms were applied. Findings:Agreater firms’ share buyback intensity stimulates faster incorporation of information in price and results more efficient stock prices. The main findings were further confirmed with robustness test and supports the notion that share repurchase serves as signalling tool and price support to promote more efficient stock price. Practical implication: The finding has implication on how share repurchase can be used in three ways: to ease panic selling and deep selling pressure during the downtime; enhance informed trading in which is a result of information signalled by managerial share repurchases; and attract investors’ attention on neglected and undervalued stock. Originality/value: This research provides new insight and empirical evidenceto reject public cynicism about share repurchases used by firms to manipulate their share prices.
Developing muscle power for combat sports athletes

In combat sports, the specificity of the training requires that the athlete improve all performance indicators associated with the match. For this reason, muscle power seems to be determinant during the application of the techniques that result in scores, specifically punches, kicks, elbows, knees, throwing techniques, transitions to the groundwork and some groundwork techniques and sometimes, the win match by knockout. Based in these information’s, the present chapter will approach items referring to the muscle power manifestation and monitoring, and to the training prescription of exercises for the grappling, striking and mixed combat sports.
Tower‐Based Remote Sensing Reveals Mechanisms Behind a Two‐phased Spring Transition in a Mixed‐Species Boreal Forest

The boreal forest is a major contributor to the global climate system, therefore, reducing uncertainties in how the forest will respond to a changing climate is critical. One source of uncertainty is the timing and drivers of the spring transition. Remote sensing can provide important information on this transition, but persistent foliage greenness, seasonal snow cover, and a high prevalence of mixed forest stands (both deciduous and evergreen species) complicate interpretation of these signals. We collected tower‐based remotely sensed data (reflectance‐based vegetation indices and Solar‐Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence [SIF]), stem radius measurements, gross primary productivity, and environmental conditions in a boreal mixed forest stand. Evaluation of this data set shows a two‐phased spring transition. The first phase is the reactivation of photosynthesis and transpiration in evergreens, marked by an increase in relative SIF, and is triggered by thawed stems, warm air temperatures, and increased available soil moisture. The second phase is a reduction in bulk photoprotective pigments in evergreens, marked by an increase in the Chlorophyll‐Carotenoid Index. Deciduous leaf‐out occurs during this phase, marked by an increase in all remotely sensed metrics. The second phase is controlled by soil thaw. Our results demonstrate that remote sensing metrics can be used to detect specific physiological changes in boreal tree species during the spring transition. The two‐phased transition explains inconsistencies in remote sensing estimates of the timing and drivers of spring recovery. Our results imply that satellite‐based observations will improve by using a combination of vegetation indices and SIF, along with species distribution information.
Polyphenol-Rich Muscadine Grape Extract Reduces Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis in Mice with Changes in the Gut Microbiome

Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a high propensity to metastasize and no treatments are available to slow or prevent metastatic progression. The goal of this study is to determine whether a proprietary high-polyphenol content muscadine grape extract (MGE) inhibits TNBC metastasis. Methods 4T1 TNBC cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of 6-week-old female Balb/c mice. After 2 weeks, tumors were surgically removed and mice were placed into a control (n=8) or treatment group that received 0.1 mg/mL total phenolics MGE in the drinking water (n=8) for 4 weeks. Immunohistochemistry (Ki67, α-SMA) and hemotoxylin and eosin staining were used to quantify metastases. Gut microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were detected by gas chromatography. MDA-MB-231, BT-549 and 4T1 TNBC cell motility and cytoskeletal organization was assessed in vitr o by scratch wound migration and confocal microscopy, respectively. Data were evaluated by student’s t -test. Results MGE reduced metastatic proliferation in mouse lungs (33.3%) and livers (58.3%) and decreased the number (51.1%) and size (17.4%) of liver metastases, resulting in a 55.7% reduction in metastatic tumor burden ( P < 0.01). Serum IL-6 was reduced 99.6% in MGE-treated mice ( P = 0.06). MGE attenuated migration, altered cytoskeletal organization, and reduced RHAMM expression in TNBC cells ( P < 0.05). The gut microbiota, a mediator of polyphenolic bioactivities, was altered significantly in MGE-treated mice; MGE increased the alpha diversity (7.14%), Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2-fold), relative abundance of butyrate-producing genera, and butyrate (3-fold) ( P < 0.05). Butyrate inhibited 4T1 cell proliferation and migration, suggesting butyrate contributes to MGE’s anti-metastatic activities ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results indicate that MGE may be an effective adjuvant therapy to reduce TNBC metastatic progression.