Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acculturative stress, poor mental health and condom-use intention among international students in China

Objectives: Engaging in sexual risk behaviour can be a maladaptive strategy for international students to deal with stress. This study examined the role of poor mental health in mediating the relationship between acculturative stress and condom-use intention among international students in Beijing, China. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design, and the participants were enrolled through convenience sampling. The mediation effects of poor mental health were assessed using structural equation modelling. Setting: Participants included 299 international students (143 men, mean age = 21.87 ± 3.23) who were studying in Beijing, China. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that acculturative stress was negatively associated with condom-use intentions (r = –.250, p < .01) and positively associated with poor mental health (r = .458, p < .01). Condom-use intentions were negatively related to poor mental health (r = –.258, p < .01). Structural equation model analysis showed that overall poor mental health, as well as anxiety, phobic anxiety and psychoticism, mediated the relationship between acculturative stress and condom-use intentions among men. The same mediation effects for women were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Poor mental health can mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and condom-use intention among male international students in Beijing, China. Findings suggest that programmes and interventions to target acculturative stress and psychological problems may be useful in preventing international students from engaging in sexual risk behaviour.
Are American Coasts Under-Protected?

Abstract This study tests whether potential coastal sea walls would pass a cost benefit test given current risks of flooding. The paper combines detailed GIS property data with local scientific measurements of relative SLR and storm risks to measure expected benefits and applies this methodology to measure the optimal strategy for the coastal town of East Haven, Connecticut. The paper finds that East Haven should build sea walls that are about 1 m high along its entire coastline. The benefit to cost ratio is about 2 to 1.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CROP ROTATIONS ON WEED INFESTATION AND YIELD OF SILAGE MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND MUSKMELON (Cucumis melo L.) IN ORGANIC CULTIVATION

In our study, we investigated how crop rotation of a spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica), vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) mixture and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) with maize (Zea mays L.) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) products affected the weed density and coverage area in organic crop production. The weed coverage areas and densities (weeds m–2) of summer crops produced in rotation with winter crops were compared with those of control plots in the experimental area. As a result of this comparison, the most effective winter crops for reducing weed density in silage maize were found to be broccoli (50.4%), barley + vetch (48.3%) and faba bean (45.3%). When the effect of winter crops on weeds in terms of muskmelon production was examined, barley + vetch (53.2%), broccoli (36.1%) and faba bean (33.4%) were found to reduce the density of weeds. In contrast, the application of barley + vetch (67.0%), faba bean (65.3) and broccoli (62.0%) was the most effective applications for the muskmelon product in terms of weed coverage area; spinach (24.7%) and constantly weedless (16.8%) applications were less effective. When the silage maize and muskmelon yield results were examined, it was determined that yield differences were statistically significant. It was also determined that the highest yield was obtained from the barley + vetch rotations. This application effectiveness was followed by that of the faba bean, constantly weedless, broccoli and spinach applications. Novelty statement. Recently, non-chemical applications have been considered for weed control due to growing concerns about herbicide resistance and chemical residues in the environment. Moreover, organic crop systems are gradually developing. One of the options for weed control in organic farming is crop rotation. In this study, we found that crop rotations controlled weeds effectively in organic farming.
Prevalence Of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital In Sikkim

Results:The overall prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 17.4%, out of which, 55.17% were males and 44.8% females. 91.9% had non proliferative diabetic retinopathy among which, 51.7% had mild, 35.6% moderate and 4.6% severe retinopathy, whereas 8% patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy. 14% were observed to be suffering from macular edema which on further classification showed as 42.8% mild, 31.4% moderate and 25.71% severe edema. 1.5% diabetic patients developed retinopathy after five years and 30.6% developed after more than 20 years.
Caught in-between: tensions experienced by community mobility scooter users

Abstract The use of mobility scooters is becoming more common due to their effectiveness, social acceptability, and cost. A variety of benefits have been associated with scooter use, including increased mobility, social participation, confidence, and sense of independence; however, scooter users frequently encounter barriers in their communities. This study employed interpretive description to explore the everyday experiences of scooter users as they navigate the social and physical world. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (10 men and 10 women), aged 40 to 86 years. Our analysis identified a single overarching theme, experiencing liminality, which referred to the ambiguous status of mobility scooters and their users. This ambiguity arose from the participants’ a) ambulatory status and perceived cognitive capacity; b) difficulties fitting into the built environment; and c) experiences of negotiating the social environment. We discuss our findings in light of theorizing about liminality and the social model of disability.
Exploring the Adaptability of Tai Chi to Stroke Rehabilitation.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness of Tai Chi on functional outcomes in stroke survivors. DESIGN A mixed-method study with a single-group repeated-measure design and in-depth interviews. METHODS Fourteen stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited to participate in a Tai Chi program, twice weekly for 12 months. Outcomes included physical function, self-efficacy, and activity of daily living measured at 3-month intervals for 12 months. FINDINGS Ten participants (mean age, 68.5 years) completed all assessments with significantly improved balance (χ = 14.08, p = .007), flexibility (χ = 11.70, p = .020), and self-efficacy (χ = 21.84, p < .001) over 12 months. Qualitative results highlighted the positive impact on physical improvement, psychological well-being, social support, and improved confidence in performing activities of daily living. CONCLUSION An adapted Tai Chi program was safe, feasible, and well received in community-dwelling stroke survivors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The Tai Chi-based rehabilitation program shows promise for improving function and balance outcomes related to fall prevention in stroke survivors.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Rare Malignancy

RESULTS All patients were females and the median age was 42 (29–60) years. The evaluated tumor sites were observed in the body/trunk in one patient, at the hip in two, and at the proximal lower extremity in two. Surgical excision was done in all of them as initial treatment. Re-excision was needed in three patients. One of the patients underwent punch biopsy for diagnosis and surgical removal of the tumor with a negative surgical margin. One of the patients underwent radiotherapy. The median follow-up time was 10 (6–26) months. During the median follow-up, there was no local recurrence or metastasis.
Hypertensive emergencies and urgencies in emergency departments: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES The prevalence of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies and of acute hypertension-mediated organ damage (aHMOD) in emergency departments is unknown. Moreover, the predictive value of symptoms, blood pressure (BP) levels and cardiovascular risk factors to suspect the presence of aHMOD is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertensive emergencies and hypertensive urgencies in emergency departments and of the relative frequency of subtypes of aHMOD, as well as to assess the clinical variables associated with aHMOD. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, OVID, and Web of Science from their inception to 22 August 2019. Two independent investigators extracted study-level data for a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight studies were analysed, including 1970 hypertensive emergencies and 4983 hypertensive urgencies. The prevalence of hypertensive emergencies and hypertensive urgencies was 0.3 and 0.9%, respectively [odds ratio for hypertensive urgencies vs. hypertensive emergencies 2.5 (1.4-4.3)]. Pulmonary oedema/heart failure was the most frequent subtype of aHMOD (32%), followed by ischemic stroke (29%), acute coronary syndrome (18%), haemorrhagic stroke (11%), acute aortic syndrome (2%) and hypertensive encephalopathy (2%). No clinically meaningful difference was found for BP levels at presentations. Hypertensive urgency patients were younger than hypertensive emergency patients by 5.4 years and more often complained of nonspecific symptoms and/or headache, whereas specific symptoms were more frequent among hypertensive emergency patients. CONCLUSION Hypertensive emergencies and hypertensive urgencies are a frequent cause of access to emergency departments, with hypertensive urgencies being significantly more common. BP levels alone do not reliably predict the presence of aHMOD, which should be suspected according to the presenting signs and symptoms.
Molecular recognition of isovanillin crosslinked carrageenan biocomposite for drug delivery application

Abstract This work aims to evaluate carrageenan as a potential biocomposite for hard capsule in the drug delivery application. The interaction between carrageenan and isovanillin was studied by modeling their molecule electronic surface potential and enthalpy. Simulation results showed that the physical crosslinking is established at two points: hydroxyl (isovanillin)-sulfate (carrageenan) and aldehyde (isovanillin)-hydroxyl (carrageenan) with strong hydrogen bonds (H-bond) lengths of 1.74–1.79 Å. FTIR showed that isovanillin addition increased the intermolecular H-bond up to 57% as the OH-stretching is shifted from 3376 to 3356 cm−1. At 3 wt. % isovanillin concentration, the tensile strength of the biocomposite film increased to 49% and the hard capsule developed from the formulation solution disintegrated in 9 min. Upon contact with water, the H-bonds broke and caused the carrageenan fragments to dissolve in deionized water. The disintegration and mechanical properties of the crosslinked carrageenan biocomposite film made from renewable and low price materials facilitate the application of the film as hard capsules for drug delivery.
Comparison of Standard Protocols for the Treatment of Canine Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area with and Without Zinc Oral Supplementation

Successful treatment of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) depends on an effective cellular immune response. Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system and in dogs with clinical leishmaniasis low serum zinc levels have been reported. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of zinc oral administration during treatment of CanL. Eighteen dogs from an endemic area were enrolled showing clinical signs of leishmaniasis and diagnosed by positive parasitological and serological tests. Dogs were subdivided in three treatment groups: MA, meglumine antimoniate 50 mg/kg SC for 30 days with allopurinol 10 mg/kg PO BID for 7 months; MZ, meglumine antimoniate 50 mg/kg SC BID for 30 days with zinc 2.2 mg/kg/die PO for 12 months; MAZ, same as MA group plus supplemented with zinc 2.2 mg/kg/die PO for 12 months. Each dog was monitored for 12 months using clinical and skin scores and some blood biochemical markers. Dogs in MZ and MAZ group showed a better and earlier improvement of clinical and skin scores in comparison to control dogs (MA group). Among few blood markers studied (hemoglobin, albumin, γ globulins and A/G ratio) dogs in MAZ group did improve and earlier than other groups suggesting that zinc improves the condition where allopurinol is also present. The supplementation of zinc in the treatment protocol for CanL increased the serum zinc concentrations. In addition, preliminary data showed in group MZ and MAZ dogs a faster response to therapy and the elongation of the disease-free interval time.
Uni and multivariate approaches for diallel analysis in early generation trials for soybean tolerance to rust

: Due to the high impact of Asian soybean rust (SBR) in Brazilian croplands, several studies have been conducted in order to maintain or increase the grain yield gain over years in the presence of the pathogen. The aim of this study was to define a breeding strategy applying uni and multivariate approaches for diallel analyzes in early generation trials and contrasting disease conditions. Thus, assessing genetic parameters to identify traits related to greater tolerance to soybean rust. Deploying a North Carolina design II scheme (4 elite commercial cultivars × 10 rust-tolerant experimental lines), we obtained 40 F 2 crosses that were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. The crosses were conducted in two environments, contrasting only for the fungicide management (with and without rust control), enabling the estimation of the rust impact on 11 traits, divided into two groups: adaptive and reproductive. A multi-environment diallel model was applied assuming all effects as fixed in order to estimate the general (GCA) and the specific (SCA) combining abilities. The multivariate diallel analysis was performed in each rust management using MANOVA to test the genetic effects. The rust conditions were the most important source of variation for almost all evaluated traits. Using the contrasting disease conditions, we were able to identify crosses with desirable SCA and parents with GCA, which implies that tolerance can be used as a strategy to deal with SBR. The implementation and the use of multivariate diallel analysis aiming to increase the efficiency of genotype selection for rust tolerance is discussed.
The effect of morphine delta receptor activity on ischemic postconditioning in lung ischemia reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE: In the context of the physiopathology of lung damage due to ischemia and reperfusion injury, we aimed to reveal the effects of the addition of morphine sulfate to ischemic postconditioning (PC) protocol. METHODS: In the present study, 48 Wistar albino female rats were employed. Group 1 was accepted as the Sham group that underwent thoracotomy through the fifth left intercostal space. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group: Thoracotomy and IR period. IRPC group: thoracotomy, IR period and ischemic PC. In IRPC3 and IRPC30 groups, in addition to ischemic PC different doses of morphine sulfate (3 μmol and 30 μmol) was administered. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-10 levels were measured in the biochemical assessment of the lung tissue samples obtained. RESULTS: TNF-α and IL-1 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) have lower values, and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) have higher values both in the groups which have been subject to PC and morphine. TNF-α and IL-1 levels in lung tissue were statistically significant between the IRPC3 group and the IR and IRPC groups. In addition, IL-10 level in lung tissue was statistically significant between the IRPC3 group and the IRPC group. CONCLUSION: In the present study conducted with experimental animals where morphine was also injected beside ischemic PC protocols, statistically significant differences were determined in the lung tissue analyses when we compared pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine values. We firmly believe that adding morphine to the lung transplantation protocols and PC will decrease IR damage.
Atomistic behavior of nanoporous carbon nanotube-aluminum composite under compressive loading

Metal matrix nanocomposites have been actively studied to discover the characteristics of a new class of materials. In the present study, metal matrix nanocomposites are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations of the compressive behavior of nanoporous carbon nanotube (CNT)-aluminum (Al) composites that have a density of approximately 77% to that of pure Al. The weight-reduced nanocomposites exhibited an enhanced Young’s modulus of 138%, and a compressive strength degraded by 13% compared with pure Al. Through stress decomposition into CNT and Al constituents, it was observed that the Young’s modulus was enhanced due to the high stiffness of the CNTs; further, the reduced strength was primarily due to the early failure strain. The effects of CNT volume fractions and sizes are further analyzed using the rule of mixture, which is modified by the interphase area definition. In addition, the atomistic details of the structure and stress revealed a buckling behavior in the CNT as well as a massive slip behavior in the Al matrix during plastic deformation. The results presented in this study will have implications in the design and development of metal matrix nanocomposites for applications in high-performance lightweight materials.
Deep echo state network: a novel machine learning approach to model dew point temperature using meteorological variables

ABSTRACT The potential of different models – deep echo state network (DeepESN), extreme learning machine (ELM), extra tree (ET), and regression tree (RT) – in estimating dew point temperature by using meteorological variables is investigated. The variables consist of daily records of average air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and dew point temperature (Tdew) from Seoul and Incheon stations, Republic of Korea. Evaluation of the model performance shows that the models with five and three-input variables yielded better accuracy than the other models in these two stations, respectively. In terms of root-mean-square error, there was significant increase in accuracy when using the DeepESN model compared to the ELM (18%), ET (58%), and RT (64%) models at Seoul station and the ELM (12%), ET (23%), and RT (49%) models at Incheon. The results show that the proposed DeepESN model performed better than the other models in forecasting Tdew values.
INCREASED URINARY 8-OXO-7,8-DIHYDRO-2â€²-DEOXYGUANOSINE EXCRETION IN A SAMPLE OF EGYPTIAN CHILDREN WITH BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR: MARKER FOR LIPID PEROXIDATION-INDUCED DNA DAMAGE

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate oxidative stress status in children with I²-thalassemia major.Methods: Our study was conducted in children with I²-thalassemia aged from 5 to 15 years. Investigate the urinary excretion of human 8-oxo-7,8- dihydro-2â€²-deoxyguanosine, which will be analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To investigate serum levels of antioxidant enzymes include glutathione s-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT). Results: We found a significant elevation of the urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2â€²-deoxyguanosine level with p=0.001 compared to control group, a significant reduction of both GST and CAT p=0.05 and 0.03, respectively, compared to control group. There was a significant negative correlation between urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2â€²-deoxyguanisine and CAT level, r=âˆ’0.378, p=0.016, hemoglobin - r=âˆ’0.610, p=0.001, hematocrit (%) - r=âˆ’0.478, p=0.002, while a significant positive correlation between urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2â€²-deoxyguanisine and alanine aminotransferase - r=0.547, p=0.001, and serum ferritin - r=0.391, p=0.013. There was a significant negative correlation between CAT and serum ferritin - r=âˆ’0.320, p=0.44. Conclusion: We conclude that the strongly increased urinary excretion 8-oxo-7,8=dihydro-2â€²-deoxyguanisine indicates elevated lipid peroxidation induced DNA damage in internal organs such as the liver. These highly pro mutagenic lesions may contribute to the increased risk of thalassemia patients to develop hepatocellular carcinoma.
The role of populist attitudes in explaining climate change skepticism and support for environmental protection

ABSTRACT Conventional wisdom holds that partisanship and political ideology, writ large, are some of the most powerful explanations of attitudes towards climate change and environmental politics. While compelling, most studies focus on a narrow definition of political ideology in the US. This study adds to the literature by assessing the relationship between populism, climate skepticism, and support for environmental protection. Populism offers an orthogonal dimension to partisanship and left-right self-placement, which broadens the scope of the concept. Assessing the UK facilitates understanding the role of political ideology beyond the strong party sorting apparent in the US. Data from the 2015 British Election Study offer strong support for the proposition that populism holds a consequential role in climate and environmental politics.
Thyroid activity of Emballonurid male bat, Taphozous longimanus (Hardwicke) during reproductive period

Thyroid gland in bat, Taphozous longimanus consists of two lateral lobes on the either side of trachea and are connected by isthmus. During the pre-breeding period large and medium sized follicles are predominant and small sized follicles are few while during the breeding period small and medium sized follicles are much more and large sized follicles are a few. Thyroid gland is composed of two different kinds of parenchymal cells, follicular epithelial cells and parafollicular cells (‘C’ cells or Calcitonin secreting cells or basal granular cell). ‘A’ type of follicular cells is lined by tall columnar epithelial cells which are highly secretory in nature, ‘B’ type of follicular cells is lined by low columnar epithelial cells and are secretory in nature while ‘C’ type of follicular cells is lined by low cuboidal epithelial cells. Parafollicular cells during the breeding period are more in number and larger in size than the pre-breeding period. During the breeding period, weight of thyroid gland, the mean diameter of follicles, colloid and height of epithelial cells of small, medium and large sized follicles are more, but not significantly different from that of the pre-breeding period.