Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symptoms-modifying effects of electromotive administration of glucosamine sulphate among patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background: Most trials on symptom-modifying effects of glucosamine are limited to administration through oral route with dearth of empirical data on the use of electromotive force. Objective: The study determined the effects of glucosamine sulphate (GS) iontophoresis (IoT) on radiographic parameters of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Fifty-three patients were randomly assigned to three groups. About 1 g each of GS was administered using IoT and cross-friction massage (CFM) for participants in groups 1 (IoT) and 2 (CFM), respectively. Group 3 ((Combined therapy) CoT) received 1 g of GS using both IoT and CFM. Interventions were twice a week for 12 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data (p<0.05). Results: After 12 weeks, the medial joint space width (JSW) of the CFM group was significantly higher than that of IoT and CoT groups (p=0.005 and p=0.004). Lateral JSW of IoT group was significantly higher than both CFM (p=0.001) and CoT groups (p=0.01). There were significant decreases in pain intensities; increase in knee flexion and physical functions across the groups (F=9.33,p=0.01;F=3.23,p=0.01; H=4.97,p=0.01, respectively). Conclusion: It was concluded that there were significant decreases in the degenerative changes at the knee joint.
Mapping urban trees with deep learning and street-level imagery

Planning and managing urban trees and forests for livable cities remains an outstanding challenge worldwide owing to scarce information on their spatial distribution, structure and composition. Sources of tree inventory remain limited due to a lack of detailed and consistent inventory assessments. In practice, most municipalities still perform labor-intensive field surveys to collect and update tree inventories. This thesis examines the potential of deep learning to automatically assess urban tree location and species distribution from street-level photographs. A robust and affordable method for detecting, locating, classifying and ultimately, creating detailed tree inventories in any urban region where sufficient street-level imagery is readily available was developed. The developed method is novel in that a Mask Regional Convolutional Neural Network is used to detect and locate tree instances from street-level imagery, creating shape masks around unique fuzzy urban objects like trees. The novelty of this method is enhanced by using monocular depth estimation and triangulation to estimate precise tree location, relying only on photographs and images taken from the street. In combination with Google Street View, a technique for the rapid development of an extensive tree genera training dataset was presented based on the method of tree detection and location. This tree genera dataset was used to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for tree genera classification. Experiments across four cities show that the novel method for tree detection and location can be transferable to different image sources and urban ecosystems. Over 70% of trees recorded in a ground-truth campaign (2019) were detected and could be located with a mean error in the absolute position ranging from 4m to
Akzeptanz- und Commiment-Therapie mit therapieresistenten Störungen im stationären Setting

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Stationäre psychotherapeutische Behandlungen haben eine große Bedeutung im Versorgungsalltag. Ihre Bewährung bei schwergradigen und komorbiden Störungsbildern ist jedoch nur lückenhaft untersucht. Dies gilt besonders für die zunehmend angewendete Akzeptanz- und Commitment-Therapie (ACT). Fragestellung: In erster Linie soll die Wirksamkeit einer stationären störungsübergreifenden ACT-basierten Behandlung in erwähnten Stichproben untersucht werden. Ergänzend wird der zeitliche Verlauf der psychischen Flexibilität (PF), dem Kernkonzept der ACT, explorativ untersucht. Methode: Eine konsekutive Stichprobe von 47 Patientinnen und Patienten mit heterogenen und komorbiden Störungsbildern in stationärer Psychotherapie wurde im Rahmen einer explorativen Beobachtungsstudie mittels wöchentlicher Verlaufsmessungen sowie umfassender Prä-Post-Vergleiche untersucht. Ergebnisse: Die Effektstärken hinsichtlich allgemeiner Symptomreduktion, der Zunahme psychischer Flexibilität sowie weiterer ACT-spezifischer Fertigkeiten sind moderat bis hoch. Die Verlaufsmessungen weisen auf lineare Verbesserungen sowie hohe Übereinstimmungen zwischen Selbst- und Fremdrating hin. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse zeigen positive Effekte der ACT im stationären Setting bei einer diagnostisch heterogenen Stichprobe mit einem hohen Anteil komorbider Störungen.
Detection of New Virulence Genes in mecA-positive Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Clinical Samples: The First Report From Iran

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a main clinical and epidemiological concern for the past decades. These isolates have spread worldwide, causing health care– and community-associated infections. The aim of the present work was the determination of antibiotic resistance profile and simultaneous detection of psm-&agr; and sasX genes in the clinical MRSA strains isolated from Tehran—the first report from Iran. Methods This descriptive study was performed on hospitalized patients during August to February 2015. Antibiotic susceptibility test for all S. aureus isolates was conducted on Mueller-Hinton agar. The presence of mecA, sasX, and psm genes was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. Results Of 153 S. aureus, 79 (51.6%) of the strains carried the mecA gene. Molecular analysis of mecA-positive S. aureus showed that the prevalence of sasX and psm genes was 13.9% (11/79) and 7.6% (6/79), respectively. Conclusions This is the first report of sasX and psm genes among S. aureus isolates from Iran. Phenol-soluble modulins have recently appeared as a novel toxin family describing the virulence potential of vastly aggressive S. aureus. Current understanding is needed on S. aureus surface protein-encoding gene sasX, which plays a vital role in colonization and pathogenesis of MRSA.
Does ‘Action Viewing’ Really Exist? Perceived Dynamism and Viewing Behaviour

Throughout the 20th century, there have been many different forms of abstract painting. While works by some artists, e.g., Piet Mondrian, are usually described as static, others are described as dynamic, such as Jackson Pollock’s ‘action paintings’. Art historians have assumed that beholders not only conceptualise such differences in depicted dynamics but also mirror these in their viewing behaviour. In an interdisciplinary eye-tracking study, we tested this concept through investigating both the localisation of fixations (polyfocal viewing) and the average duration of fixations as well as saccade velocity, duration and path curvature. We showed 30 different abstract paintings to 40 participants — 20 laypeople and 20 experts (art students) — and used self-reporting to investigate the perceived dynamism of each painting and its relationship with (a) the average number and duration of fixations, (b) the average number, duration and velocity of saccades as well as the amplitude and curvature area of saccade paths, and (c) pleasantness and familiarity ratings. We found that the average number of fixations and saccades, saccade velocity, and pleasantness ratings increase with an increase in perceived dynamism ratings. Meanwhile the saccade duration decreased with an increase in perceived dynamism. Additionally, the analysis showed that experts gave higher dynamic ratings compared to laypeople and were more familiar with the artworks. These results indicate that there is a correlation between perceived dynamism in abstract painting and viewing behaviour — something that has long been assumed by art historians but had never been empirically supported.
From Christian spirituality to eco-friendliness

Spirituality connotes praxis informed by religious or faith convictions. This can transform the individual and society at large. Christian spirituality is centered on how a person’s relationship with the God of Jesus Christ informs and directs one’s approach to existence and engagement with the world. The ecosystem concerns humanity and relationship with it is invariably influenced by faith or religious informed praxis. The reality of climate change is convincing many people that humankind’s common homeland needs to be treated with care and respect if created beings are to have a congenial habitat now and in the future. This article avers that Christian spirituality can contribute to eco-friendly behavior through re-formation of the behavior of people and emboldening their goodwill as regards the responsibility of all towards the care of the earth. Finally, this research proffers a three-fold model of eco-spirituality - scriptural, self-control, and sacramental approaches to the earth – as a contribution towards stemming the tide of ecological assaults on creation. Textual analysis is the method used in this research.
EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF OXYTOCIN MASSAGE AND HYPNOBREASTFEEDING ON UTERINE INVOLUTION AND PROLACTIN LEVELS IN POSTPARTUM MOTHERS

Background: The absence of contractions after childbirth can lead to a slow-running uterine involution process. Thus, the effort to maintain and accelerate the process is needed. Oxytocin massage and hypnobreastfeeding are considered as an alternative treatment, but the effect of the combination of the two treatments have not yet been examined. Objective: To examine the effect of combination of oxytocin massage and hypnobreastfeeding on uterine involution and prolactin levels in postpartum. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with pretest posttest control group design. a total of 40 respondents were recruited using simple random sampling, with 20 respondents assigned in a treatment group and a control group. Metline and ELISA methods were used to measure uterine involution prolactin levels. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant decrease of uterine involution in the experiment group and control group after intervention with p-value 0.000 (<0.05), and it can be seen that the uterine involution in the experiment group (6.05) was faster than uterine involution in the control group (7.00). Findings also showed that the prolactin level in the experiment group (273.53) was higher than the prolactin level in the control group (209.37). Conclusion: There was statistically significant effect of the combination of oxytocin massage and hypnobreastfeeding on the uterine involution and prolactin level in postpartum mothers. It is expected that the combination of oxytocin massage and hypnobreastfeeding can be used as a consideration and a reference in providing postpartum midwifery care.
Circadian fluctuation in curiosity is a risk factor for morphine preference

ABSTRACT Investigations have demonstrated that circadian rhythm can affect animal curiosity, also a significant correlation has been reported between curiosity and addiction. So the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of circadian fluctuation in curiosity on addiction. For this purpose, we used the open field (OF) test and conditioned place preference (CPP) biased paradigm. In the OF we evaluated animals curiosity in the morning (ZT 1-2) and in the evening (ZT 11-12). In the CPP, during six training sessions held either in the morning or evening, morphine was injected in a specific compartment. Rats were subsequently tested for preferring the drug-paired chamber at the circadian time that either matched or was different from that of training. The evening rats, compared with the morning groups more spent their time in the center of the OF and also showed a higher preference for staying in the white box in CPP apparatus, and if received morphine at this time, they were conditioned more than morning. The finding of this study showed that the curiosity in rats is higher in the evening and zeitgeber time is more potent for conditioned to morphine than in the morning.
Semi-analytical solution for one-dimensional unsteady sediment transport model in open channel with concentration-dependent settling velocity

This paper aims to solve the one-dimensional unsteady suspended sediment transport equation in open channels through a semi-analytical approach. The presence of a large amount of particles in flow change the settling velocity of a particle, and this phenomenon, commonly known as hindered settling effect, must be taken into account to deal with high concentrated flows. Inclusion of this mechanism makes the governing equation nonlinear, and together with this nonlinear governing equation, a generalized bottom boundary condition is taken in terms of deposition velocity and equilibrium bottom concentration. An explicit series solution is presented using the method of lines based homotopy analysis method, and the convergence of the series solution is gained through a convergence control parameter. The solution is validated by comparing it with the existing solution as well as a numerical one. Apart from that, the solution has also been validated under a steady-state condition with available experimental data. Results are interpreted both graphically and physically. It is found that the hindered settling effect is dominant in the main flow region only, for sediment free inlet for all types of turbulent diffusion coefficients. On the other hand, in the case of uniform sediment concentration at the inlet, hindered settling affects the concentration in the top portion of the channel too for linear and parabolic profiles of turbulent diffusion coefficients.
Short-Term Bilateral Adrenalectomy: Biochemical and Morphological Alterations in the Rat Hippocampus

Several studies showed the effects of glucocorticoid hormones on the hippocampus. It has been reported that the chronic administration of high dose glucocorticoids (GC) results in the degeneration of pyramidal neurons. However, bilateral adrenalectomy has been shown to damage the hippocampal neurons. Although the effects of long-term adrenalectomy have been studied extensively, there are few publications on the effects of short-term bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX). We aimed to investigate the effects of ADX on levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interkeukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); levels of growth factors, response of microglia and astrocytes to neuronal death, and oxidative stress markers; reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) over the course of time (0.5, 2, 4, 12 hours, 1, 3, 7, 14 days) in hippocampus of male Wistar rats. Results showed significant elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β at 4 hours, 1, 3, 7 days, whereas, IL-6 was significantly increased at 2 and 4 hours, 1 and 3 days in ADX compared to sham rats. After 7 days, elevation of both cytokines returned to control levels. However, TNF-α levels were significantly elevated at 2, 4 and 12 hours and 14 days in adrenalectomized compared to sham rats. A significant decrease of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels was observed at 12 hours after ADX and remained consistent at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days compared to sham rats. However, β-nerve growth factor (NGF) was significantly reduced in ADX compared to sham rats only at 14 days. viii A time dependent increase in degenerated neurons in the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus (DG) was observed from 3 to 14 days after ADX. An early up-regulation of microglia was observed on day three, whereas, increase in astroglia in the hippocampus was observed at 7 days ADX. After 14 days of ADX we observed a progression of microglia and astroglia up-regulation all over the DG of adrenalectomized rats’ hippocampi compared to sham rats. The antioxidant CAT increased at 3, 7 and 14 days in an effort to protect the neurons. However, oxidative stress was manifested in the ADX compared to the sham rats due to significant decrease of GSH after 7 and 14 days, with a simultaneous increase of MDA, after 7 and 14 days of ADX. Taking these findings together, we suggest that the early inflammatory components and loss of growth factors might contribute to the initiation of the biological cascade responsible for subsequent hippocampal neuronal cell death in the current neurodegenerative animal model.
Effects of Asian immigrants’ group membership in the association between perceived racial discrimination and psychological well-being: the interplay of immigrants’ generational status, age, and ethnic subgroup

ABSTRACT Using data from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) (2002–2003) of 2,059 Asian immigrants, the given study explores the effects of perceived racial discrimination on participants’ psychological well-being. Asian immigrants’ group membership factors – immigrants’ generational status, age, and ethnic subgroup – were tested for possible moderating effects through two sets of regression analyses. Results indicated that immigrants’ generational status was not a significant moderating factor. However, young adults (ages 18–24) and Vietnamese ethnicity showed the most vulnerability when they experienced racial discrimination. Findings from the current study provide a number of important implications for policy and social work practice.
Spirituality, Wellness Tourism and Quality of Life

This article investigates the role of Spirituality, Tourism and Quality of Life in tourist decisions to visit specific places. It is apparent from current global trends that religious based spiritual tourism which enhances the quality of life of many travelers, has become prevalent and is now very popular especially as travelling is becoming far more accessible for many people. World Tourism Organization (2009) asserts that global tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and a core driver when it comes to global economic development. Tourism is regularly analyzed as an expression of human behaviour and thus where people go and why they travel there is worth investigating. Tourism marketing and promotion is reflected upon as an essential aspect for successful tourism development. Consequently, all tourism traffic, both local and international, for a wide range of purposes including religious and spiritual purposes, has increased significantly. Accordingly, the profiles of tourists and their perception about spirituality, wellness tourism and quality of life are important considerations when it comes to the effective marketing of tourism products and services.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and antimicrobial studies of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(III) and Fe(III) melatonin drug complexes

Synthesis and characterizations of new Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cr(III) and Fe(III) melatonin drug complexes have been studied. The melatonin ligand act as a monodentate ligand through nitrogen of the deprotonated –NH pyrrole ring. This was confirmed by infrared spectra and microanalytical analysis. The magnetic moments data approved the complexity of Mn(II), Co(III), Ni(III) as a square planar and Cr(III), Fe(III) as an octahedral geometry, respectively. The biological activity of the melatonin free ligand is lower than that of the respected metal complexes. Thus, this indicates that the complexity is more effective than the antimicrobial activities of melatonin ligand.
Perception of Environmental Effects of Weedicide Use in Oil Palm Production by Farmers in Denkyembour District, Ghana

Oil palm farmers ‘weed management practices, awareness and their perception about the effects of weedicides’ use on the environment were studied. Data were collected from the oil palm farmers in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. One hundred and Thirty (130) private and independent small scale oil palm farmers were purposively selected from the communities and were interviewed. The purposive sampling technique was preferred for this study to select the farmers who are using herbicides on their farms. Interview schedule was used to obtain data from the farmers. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that a wide variety of weedicides were used by the farmers. A high level of awareness on the risks associated with the use of weedicide was found among the respondents. Most of the respondents (92%) used Glyphosate based weedicides for their weed management activities. However, (60%) of the farmers were not aware that re-entry into a sprayed farm within a short time can expose them to weedicide injuries. Farmers showed favourable attitudes about the risk of weedicide usage. Original Research Article Swanzy et al.; AJAEES, 37(4): 1-7, 2019; Article no.AJAEES. 54239 2 The intensification of extension services to educate farmers on safe use of weedicide in oil palm production is recommended. This study serves as a platform to carry out more survey on weedicide usage across the country.
Transitional Growth and Trade with Frictions: A Structural Estimation Framework

We build and estimate a structural model of transitional growth and trade in a many-country world. The gravity model of trade is combined with a capital accumulation mechanism driving transition between steady states. Trade affects growth through changes in consumer and producer prices. Simultaneously, capital accumulation affects trade directly through changes in country size and indirectly through changes in the incidence of trade costs. Theory maps to an econometric system that identifies the parameters of the model and establishes causal links between trade, capital accumulation and income. Counterfactual trade liberalisation magnifies static gains by a dynamic path multiplier of 1.8.
Improving management of childhood malaria in Nigeria and Uganda by improving practices of patent medicine vendors.

A number of studies from Sub-Saharan African (SSA) have shown that between 15% and 82% of the population choose to first consult private drug shops and informal providers for advice about and assistance with treatment of childhood illnesses. It has also been found for private shops that a large percentage of the drugs provided or dosages given or both are inappropriate indicating the need for innovative and effective approaches to achieve rational prescribing practices. The Ministries of Health in Nigeria and Uganda in collaboration with partners designed approaches to utilize private providers for delivery of basic child survival strategies and products to those populations less served by the public sector. These two distinct exploratory models built on lessons from similar efforts in SSA and elsewhere to develop approaches suited to the present situations in Nigeria and Uganda. This report describes the design implementation and results of those interventions. (authors)