Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cannabidivarin for the treatment of HIV-associated neuropathic pain: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial

Background: HIV remains a major burden to the health care system and neuropathic pain is the most common neurological complication of HIV-infection. Since current treatment strategies often lack satisfying pain relief, cannabinoids are discussed as a new option. We investigated Cannabidivarin as treatment for HIV-associated neuropathic pain. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Patients underwent two successive treatment phases (4 weeks each) and were treated with Cannabidivarin (400mg/d) or placebo in a randomized order. A 3-week wash-out phase was designed to eliminate potential carry-overeffects and patients were followed up for 3 weeks after the end of the second treatment phase. The primary endpoint was pain intensity on an 11-point numeric rating scale and was recorded in a diary. Secondary endpoints were additional pain medication, pain characteristics and quality of life. Results: We included 32 (31 male) patients. The mean pain intensity under Cannabidivarin was by 0.62 points higher compared to placebo (p=0.16; 95% CI -0.27 to 1.51). Cannabidivarin did not influence the amount of additional pain medication, pain characteristics or quality of life. No suspected unexpected adverse reactions occurred during the trial. Discussion: Cannabidivarin was safe but failed to reduce neuropathic pain intensity in HIV-patients. This may be explained by a lack of cannabinoid receptor activation, as indicated by preclinical experiments. Further studies on larger sample sizes are needed.
Coastal Ocean Response and Its Feedback to Typhoon Hato (2017) Over the South China Sea: A Numerical Study

The coastal ocean response and feedback to Typhoon Hato (2017) were studied based on high‐resolution numerical simulations using both a coupled and an uncoupled cloud‐resolving model. As a category 3 landfalling typhoon that moved west‐northwestward across the northern South China Sea, Hato (2017) rapidly intensified prior to its landfall and induced significant impacts on the coastal water column, causing warm and cold patches in sea surface temperature (SST) over the continental shelf to the right of the track. This feature was well captured in an air‐sea coupled model experiment. The coastal SST warming was found to be related to a two‐layer oceanic circulation across the continental shelf forced by the onshore surface wind stress to the right of the storm track. The associated onshore surface currents imposed a warm temperature advection and downwelling, leading to the SST warming in the inner sea shelf, as diagnosed from an ocean temperature budget analysis. A sensitivity experiment, in which the typhoon vortex was removed from the initial conditions, further confirmed that it was the strong onshore wind stress to the right of the storm track that forced the onshore surface currents and the SST warming in the inner sea shelf. Results from an atmosphere‐only model experiment with the typhoon‐forced coastal warm SST anomalies removed demonstrate that the typhoon‐induced coastal warm SST anomalies contributed partly to the rapid intensification of Typhoon Hato prior to its landfall over South China and also slowed down the weakening of Hato at and shortly after its landfall.
High pressure atomic structure of Zr–Cu metallic glass via EXAFS spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations

ABSTRACT In this work, we use extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data collected using nano-polycrystalline diamond anvil cell to study the atomic arrangement in Zr–Cu metallic glass in high pressure (HP) conditions. To reveal the microscopic details of stress accommodation mechanism, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the HP atomic arrangement. By comparing the experimental and the calculated Zr and Cu K-edge EXAFS signal we prove the realistic character of the computer simulations. A detailed geometrical analysis of the simulated atomic configurations shows that with increasing hydrostatic pressure the local structure of Zr–Cu amorphous alloy becomes gradually dominated by Cu-centred icosahedral structural motifs involving fivefold symmetry incompatible with crystalline ordering. The variation of the short-range order is attributed to preferential straining of mechanically soft bonds between zirconium atoms.
Effect of Brefeldin A on the Development of Sargassum cymosum Zygotes (Phaeophyceae, Fucales): Structural and Ultrasctructural Analysis

To evaluate the effects of brefeldin A (BFA) on Golgi bodies and indirectly on the polarized development of S. cymosum zygotes, zygotes were cultured at concentrations of 4 μM, 8 μM, 16 μM and 32 μM of BFA, prepared in sterilized seawater. After 12 hours, the samples were fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy, light microscopy and cell counting. For recovery analysis, after treatment, the samples were again placed in sterile seawater for over 12 hours. In the control, after 12 hours, the embryos were adhered and with advanced stage of development, presenting up to 6 cell divisions. In the treated samples, the embryos did not adhere and only in the lower concentrations were they visualized with cellular divisions, is that in the highest concentration, the majority of the zygotes were dead. After recovery, embryos showed development only in the lowest concentrations. By confocal microscopy, the treated samples had an irregular distribution of chloroplasts and physodes. Also through TEM, it was possible to observe the loss of organization of Golgi bodies, in turn leading to the formation of vesicles and fusion of physodes. We can conclude that Golgi bodies are responsible for the production and secretion of molecules related to the adhesion and formation of cell wall membrane, also aiding in the polarization and orientation of physodes. The fused physodes occupied much of the cytoplasm, preventing other cytoplasmic processes, thus directly affecting the development of this alga.
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Different Seaweeds from the West Algerian Coast

ABSTRACT Analysis of proximate composition, lipid fraction (fatty acids and lipid classes), macroelements, and trace elements was carried out on brown (Cystoseira stricta; Cystoseira compressa), red (Corallina elongata), and green (Enteromorpha compressa; Ulva lactuca) seaweeds collected from the west Algerian coast to assess their nutritional value. Protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and ash content (g kg−1 dry alga) was in the ranges 58.5–141.4, 6.4–27.1, 134.0–461.1, and 246.1–764.2, respectively. The lowest caloric value was obtained for C. elongata (827.6 kcal kg−1 dry alga); the remaining values being in the range 2,106–2,479 kcal kg−1 dry alga. C. elongata and C. stricta provided the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content, while a valuable n-6/n-3 ratio of between 0.95 and 4.20 was obtained for all species. α-Tocopherol was present in all seaweeds; the highest level was obtained in U. lactuca. Macroelements K and Na were predominant in C. compressa and C. stricta; while Mg and Ca were most abundant in E. compressa and C. elongata, respectively. In all cases, a healthy Na/K value < 0.7 was observed, and a profitable ion quotient ratio was observed in all cases, except for C. elongata. Estimated daily intake of most minerals from the algae studied is lower than the corresponding recommended daily intake.
Retrospective pledge voting: A comparative study of the electoral consequences of government parties’ pledge fulfilment

Does pledge fulfilment bear any electoral consequences for government parties? While previous research on retrospective voting has largely focused on electoral accountability with respect to the economy, the theoretical framework presented in this study links government parties’ performance to their previous electoral pledges. It is argued that government parties are more likely to be rewarded by voters when they have fulfilled more pledges during the legislative term. Good pledge performance of a party is associated with the ability to maximise policy benefits (accomplishment) and to be a responsible actor that will stick to its promises in the future as well (competence). Analysing data from 69 elections in 14 countries shows that a government party's electoral outcome is affected by its previous pledge performance. A government party that fulfils a higher share of election pledges is more likely to prevent electoral losses. This finding indicates that voters react at the polls to party pledge fulfilment, which highlights the crucial role of promissory representation in democratic regimes. Surprisingly and in contrast with economic voting, there is no evidence that retrospective pledge voting is moderated by clarity of responsibility.
PENGARUH MINAT DAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR TERHADAP PRESTASI AKADEMIK MAHASISWA SEKOLAH TINGGI BAHASA HARAPAN BERSAMA

Minat dan motivasi adalah salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi prestasi belajar. Seseorang dengan minat yang rendah ketika memulai suatu kegiatan akan memiliki rasa malas dan tanpa diimbangi dengan motivasi belajar yang tinggi dapat menyebabkan seseorang kurang tertarik untuk melanjutkan kegiatan tersebut. Oleh karena itu, peneliti ingin mengetahui apakah ada dampak dari minat dan motivasi terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa Sekolah Tinggi Harapan Bersama (STB Harapan Bersama). Metode penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui kuesioner dan studi dokumenter dengan anggota populasi adalah Mahasiswa STB Harapan Bersama. Terdapat tiga variabel yang dikaji dalam penelitian ini, yaitu: minat belajar (X1), motivasi belajar (X2) dan prestasi belajar (Y). Adapun teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis kualitatif dan kuantitatif menggunakan program SPSS 17.0 dengan regresi linear berganda untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya hubungan antara minat dan motivasi terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa STB Harapan Bersama . Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa ada pengaruh minat belajar dan motivasi belajar terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa STB Harapan Bersama. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut peneliti menyarankan kepada mahasiswa STB Harapan Bersama agar meningkatkan minat dan motivasi belajar bahasa Mandarin. Selain itu perlu adanya peran serta dari dosen serta adanya peran dari orang tua mahasiswa dalam memotivasi kegiatan belajar yang ditempuh oleh anak mereka.
Clima de segurança do paciente em unidades de clínica médica e cirúrgica

Cross-sectional, analytical and quantitative study with the objective of evaluating the patient safety climate from the perspective of nursing staff professionals in medical and surgical units. Fifty-two professionals participated. Data were collected using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. The Student’s t-test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (α = 0.05) were used for analyses. The mean overall score for the instrument was 66.94 points. The factor with the best score was Perceptions of Management (84.60), and the ones with the lowest scores were Working Conditions (60.15) and Stress Recognition (55.59). There were statistically significant differences between genders and educational levels for the safety climate factor. There were no relationships for professional performance, employment bonds or professional categories. Weaknesses in staff’s safety climate perception were observed, which point to the need to institute strategies to promote a safe climate.
Optical Fibers Profiling Using Interferometric and Digital Holographic Methods

Optical fibers are extensively used in modern technology such as sensing, short-distance and long-distance telecommunications. This motivated many researchers to present different methods in order to characterize optical fibers and determine their refractive index profiles. In addition, variation of refractive index profiles of optical fibers suffering mechanical stresses or other external effects reflects good information about the internal structure of these fibers and how they are responding to these external effects. Optical interferometry and digital holography methods are accurate and effective tools used to achieve this task. In this chapter, we illustrate the application of different types of optical interference on conventional, polarizing maintaining and thick optical fibers. Also, we illustrate some mathematical interpretations (and recently automatic analyzing of interference patterns) that have been used to reconstruct the accurate refractive index profiles of optical fibers. Some experimental interferograms and refractive index profiles are demonstrated as well.
Kinematic Analyses and Radiometric Dating of the Large‐Scale Paleogene Two‐Phase Faulting Along the Median Tectonic Line, Southwest Japan

The Median Tectonic Line (MTL) in Southwest Japan, a major east‐west trending arc‐parallel fault, has been defined as the boundary fault between the Cretaceous Sambagawa metamorphic rocks and the Ryoke granitic and metamorphic rocks, which are unconformably covered by the Upper Cretaceous Izumi Group. Based on the detailed fieldwork and microstructural studies of fault rocks, we reconstruct the kinematic history along the MTL during the Paleogene, which can be divided into the Ichinokawa and pre‐Tobe phases. While the Ichinokawa phase is defined by large‐scale, top‐to‐the‐north normal faulting, the pre‐Tobe phase is represented by large‐scale, high‐angle right‐stepping en échelon faults almost parallel to the MTL in the Upper Cretaceous Izumi Group. We found that left‐handed en échelon folds have developed along the right‐stepping faults, which contain 25–60 m wide cataclasite and fault gouge. Both map scale en échelon folds and microstructures (e.g., composite planar structures) in the fault rocks suggest that they were formed by sinistral‐reverse faulting with top‐to‐the‐SW kinematics. Furthermore, based on the new K‐Ar age dating of authigenic illite from the fault gouge along the MTL and right‐stepping faults, it can be concluded that the MTL was activated in two discrete stages at approximately 59 Ma (Ichinokawa phase) and 47–46 Ma (pre‐Tobe phase). Based on these results, we reappraise the kinematic framework of the MTL in the Paleogene, which can be interpreted as the record of the movements of the subducting oceanic plate relative to the continental plate.
Basics and Recommendations for Brain SPECT

Zusammenfassung In diesem Artikel werden von der Arbeitsgruppe »Neurologie« der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin (EANM) Richtlinien für die SPECT des Gehirns gegeben. In den einzelnen Kapiteln werden die pathophysiologischen Grundlagen verschiedener Krankheiten des Gehirns, die Pharmakokinetik und -dynamik verschiedener Radiopharmaka, die physikalischen Grundlagen, die computerisierte Datenverarbeitung, die klinischen Aufzeichnungen und die Auswertung der SPECT-Ergebnisse besprochen. Summary In this article guidelines for single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) of the brain are presented by the Task Group “Neurology” of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM). Under separate headings are discussed: the pathophysiologic principles of various brain diseases, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various radiopharmaceuticals, physical principles of SPECT imaging, computerized data processing, clinical protocols and the evaluation of SPECT results.
Impact of a Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System Tool to Improve Sustainable Development: Measuring the Mediation of Organizational Performance through PLS-Smart

The study was carried out to investigate the empirical effect of a strategic management system on sustainable development by using a balanced scorecard (BSC), as a theoretical lens, and organizational performance, as an intervening variable. The study incorporated a positivism research paradigm in order to address the objective nature of research. As the current study has an empirical and impartial nature, a quantitative method was considered the best method for achieving the research objectives of the study. The study used questionnaires as a data collection instrument. In total, three hundred questionnaires were disturbed among Chinese power companies based in Pakistan. A stratified-random sampling approach was adopted to reach relevant respondents. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used for statistical analysis. BSC indicated a positive influence on sustainable development. Additionally, organizational performance depicted partial mediation between the strategic management system and sustainable development. The study underpins the theoretical foundation of a resource-based view (RBV) and a balanced scorecard view of the strategic management system. The findings suggest that non-financial measures have better consequences for employees’ performance, making them ecologically responsive, unlike the financial performance measures used previously. The study suggests taking measures related to wastage and usage of inimitable resources that focus on in-addition rather traditional measures, which can allow sustainable development.
Between multiple identities and personal struggles: Healthcare professionals’ identity conflict perception and responses in challenging situations

Due to the increasing diversity and complexity of today’s workplaces, individuals may experience identity conflict between the multiple identities they hold. Working under pressure and high uncertainty, healthcare professionals may face identity conflict between their professional and personal identities and values, especially in challenging situations. Although such conflict can significantly affect doctors and nurses’ psychological and behavioural responses and, ultimately, the quality of the healthcare system, how identity conflict emerges and unfolds remains unclear. By integrating works in organisational- management and medical literature, we thus explore healthcare professionals’ identity conflict dynamics in challenging situations, such as End-of-Life circumstances. We conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews (N= 47), among healthcare professionals working for the English National Healthcare Service. We implemented both theoretical and random samplings and followed grounded theory approaches to analyse the data. Our findings show that identity conflict was perceived between different identities but also within the same identity and, surprisingly, the conflict was stimulated by perspective taking processes. Lastly, behavioural responses to identity conflict included seeking peer support and doing reflective practices, whereas its psychological consequences unexpectedly embrace identity growth and positive learning dynamics. Hence, this paper contributes to and extends newer approaches in the identity literature by, firstly, focusing on identity conflict in depth, as one of the intrapsychic relationships of multiple identities simultaneously activated; and, secondly, unravelling some of the conditions whereby identity conflict can emerge and affect healthcare professionals’ psychological and behavioural responses.
Thalassaemia as a Hypercoagulable State

Although the life expectancy of thalassaemia patients has markedly improved over the last few decades, patients still suffer from many complications of this congenital disease. The presence of a high incidence of thromboembolic events, mainly in thalassaemia intermedia, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in these patients. In this article, the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to hypercoagulability in thalassaemia are highlighted, with a special focus on thalassaemia intermedia, being the type with the highest incidence of thrombotic events as compared with other types of thalassaemia. Clinical experience and available clues regarding optimal management are also discussed.
Periodontal therapy reduces the severity of active rheumatoid arthritis in patients treated with or without tumor necrosis factor inhibitors

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis are common chronic inflammatory conditions. Recent studies showed a beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on the severity of active RA. This study was undertaken to further examine the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the signs and symptoms of RA in patients treated with or without anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) medications. The effect of anti-TNF-alpha therapy on periodontitis also was assessed. METHODS: Forty participants diagnosed with moderate/severe RA (under treatment for RA) and severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive initial non-surgical periodontal therapy with scaling/root planing and oral hygiene instructions (n = 20) or no periodontal therapy (n = 20). To control RA, all participants had been using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and 20 had also been using anti-TNF-alpha before randomization. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), RA disease activity score 28 (DAS28), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured at baseline and 6 weeks later. Linear mixed models were used to identify significant differences between subjects who received periodontal treatment and those who did not. RESULTS: Patients receiving periodontal treatment showed a significant decrease in the mean DAS28, ESR (P <0.001), and serum TNF-alpha (P <0.05). There was no statistically significant decrease in these parameters in patients not receiving periodontal treatment. Anti-TNF-alpha therapy resulted in a significant improvement in CAL, PD, BOP, and GI. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical periodontal therapy had a beneficial effect on the signs and symptoms of RA, regardless of the medications used to treat this condition. Anti-TNF-alpha therapy without periodontal treatment had no significant effect on the periodontal condition.
Physical and combustible properties of briquettes produced from a combination of groundnut shell, rice husk, sawdust and wastepaper using starch as a binder

This study investigated the use of agro-wastes for the production of briquettes. Briquettes were produced from a combination of groundnut shell, rice husk, sawdust and wastepaper using the 20:70:10, 30:60:10, 40:50:10, 50:40:10, 60:30:10 and 70:20:10 ratio. The feedstock of each blend was fed into a square mould [60mm] and screw-pressed at 20 MPa in a dwelling time of 60 seconds. Moisture content, density and combustion characteristics (ignition time and calorific value) of the briquettes were determined. Data obtained were analysed using appropriate statistical tools. The moisture content of all the briquettes ranged between 8 to 15%. The briquettes density was in the range of 800 to 900 kg.m −3 , while the calorific value ranged from 0.03 to 0.19 and 0.02 to 0.27 MJkg −1 for Saw dust-rice husk- paper (SRP) and groundnut shell-saw dust-paper (GSP) briquettes. The quality of the briquettes in terms of density and burning time showed that 20% sawdust: 70% rice husk: 10% paper combination had a higher relaxed density of 387.4kg/m 3 , while on the basis of moisture content and ignition time, 70% sawdust: 20% rice husk: 10% paper combination had the least moisture content and ignition time of 16.7% and 18seconds, respectively. RSP had higher calorific value, lower ignition time, but less durability than GSP. However, the compressed and relaxed densities of SRP and GSP briquettes were significantly difference (p<0.05). The durability of the briquettes improved with increased starch proportion. It can be concluded that production of SRP and GSP briquettes is an effective and efficient agricultural waste disposal technique. Keywords: Agro-residues, briquettes, physical, mechanical, biomass, waste