Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment for dietary exposure of pesticides among vegetables consumers in Arusha, Tanzania

Information on the extent of pesticide residues in vegetables from Tanzania and risk of dietary exposure to these residues among vegetable consumers is limited. This research assessed the risk of dietary exposure of pesticide residues in vegetable farmers and individuals with non-communicable disorders in Arusha. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to assess pesticide application practices. Observations were made to assess effectiveness of vegetable processing practices at household level, in reducing pesticide residues. Two-point 24 hour recalls and food frequency questionnaire techniques were used to determine vegetable consumption. Raw and ready-to-eat vegetables were sampled and analyzed for pesticide residues using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. Dietary exposure to pesticide residues was estimated. The results showed that vegetables were contaminated with organophosphates, pyrethroids organochlorines, carbamates and benzoic acid pesticides. Endosulfan and dieldrin which are banned for use in agriculture in Tanzania were quantified in the vegetables at levels above their respective Maximum Residue Levels. Exposure estimations showed that 18.6% of vegetable farmers are at risk of exposure to organophosphates [Hazard index (HI); 1.19], mainly contributed by dimethoate. Individuals with NCDs are at risk of exposure to organophosphates (HI; 1.12) and organochlorines (HI; 1.08) mainly attributed to exposure to chlorpyrifos and endosulfan, respectively. Dietary exposures of pesticides are significantly associated with lack of advice from agricultural extension officers (adjusted odds ratio (AOD) = 6.56; P = 0.031), over-dosage of pesticides in vegetables (AOD = 3.751; P = 0.038) and lack of professional training on pesticide application practices (AOD = 3.37; P = 0.043). Washing vegetables in a bowl two or more times with changing the washing water after one use, (χ 2(1) = 6.56; P = 0.01) or peeling (χ 2(1) = 6.949; P = 0.008 is significantly associated with low levels of pesticides in ready to eat vegetables. Poor practices in washing of minor ingredients (tomato, carrot, sweet pepper and onions) such as washing by water that was previously used to wash the major ingredients has significant association with the occurrence of pesticide residues in vegetables (χ 2 (1) = 25.55; P = 0.001. Based on the findings of this study it is necessary to ensure continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in vegetables and training growers on good agricultural practices and best practices on vegetable handling at household level.
Time-resolved aerodynamic loads on high-speed trains during running on a tunnel–bridge–tunnel infrastructure under crosswind

A high-speed train will likely experience hazardous driving environments because of the transient effect of complex airflow condition when the train runs on the infrastructure scenario consisting of the tunnel–bridge–tunnel under crosswind. The evolution of aerodynamic loads and flow structure is investigated by numerical simulations. In these simulations, the arrangement of an infrastructural scenario refers to a real prototype under construction. Results indicate the flow structure and pressure distribution around a train change from a symmetrical state in the tunnel to a remarkable asymmetry state in the bridge within 0.1 s. This phenomenon causes a sharp aerodynamic shock on the train body. The coupling effect of the crosswind environment and the transformation of the train running scenario will likely affect the transient aerodynamic response. The maximum values of different aerodynamic loads exhibit time-resolved discrepancy when a train runs in ISTBT. The transient characteristics of the aerodynamic loads strengthen with the increase in wind speed but weaken with the increase in train speed. Such characteristics will likely deteriorate further if the wind direction is in the opposite direction relative to that of a moving train.
Staff Satisfaction to the Introduction of New Ways of Working in General Hospitals in Nigeria

Purpose: The study examines the level of satisfaction that staff of General Hospitals in Nigeria hope to derive from the introduction and implementation of ‘New Ways of Working’ in General Hospitals in Nigeria. Methodology: The study was conducted in a typical General Hospital in Nigeria. Satisfaction level to the introduction and implementation of New Ways of Working was assessed by self-administered and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics to explain the demography of the respondents were done; mean score and standard deviation values were used to examine the variables. Findings: The average mean score of the satisfaction level to the components of new ways of information if introduced was (3.52 ± 1.54). Respondents showed highest level of satisfaction to the component afford them a free hand to make impactful decisions on their work schedule (2.20 ± 1.18), and least level of satisfaction when they are provided with means of deriving more information about their work when they are provided with information technology within the hospital premises (4.95 ± 1.85). Research Limitations: More General Hospitals should be involved in new studies for more generalizability. Practical implications: Staff believe they will derive some satisfaction with the introduction of ‘New Ways of Working’. Social implications: Staff satisfaction to the implementation of ‘New Ways of Working’ will allow patients to access care with flexibility. Value of the Paper: The study is promoting the introduction of ‘New Ways of Working’, to afford staff and patients more flexibility.
Identification of Institutional Characteristics that May Drive (Avoidable) Hospitalization of Nursing Home Residents

Avoidable hospital transfers increase the risk of negative outcomes for patients and cause waste in medical resources. While reducing emergency department (ED) transfer and hospitalization rate has been widely discussed, few IS scholars pay close attention to the concept of avoidable transfers. The paper, rooted in the context of nursing homes, provides a comprehensive review of the concept, identification, and contributing factors. In addition, empirical evidence is presented to complement the study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical work using nationwide aggregate data to study the effect of institutional characteristics on avoidable hospitalization from nursing homes. We found that while caregiver/resident ratio remains a heated topic in public policy debate, only a high intensity of service provided by well-trained medical practitioners (registered nurses and physicians) is associated with low levels of avoidable ED visits and hospitalization.
Advancing interdisciplinary research on illegal wildlife trade using a conservation criminology framework

Green criminologists have recently entered a period of self-assessment, critiquing the discursive nature of theory, over-reliance on case studies, and lack of interdisciplinarity in this area of study, and offering a variety of ideas on how to move forward. We propose using conservation criminology, a multi/interdisciplinary and problem-specific research framework, to expand upon exploratory work through empirical research with clearly defined parameters. We use the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) as an example of the potential benefits of this approach, as this body of literature reflects the critiques raised by green criminologists. We further encourage the replication of important studies and the use of common terminology to describe study parameters to build towards greater generalizability that can be tested through meta-analyses and systematic reviews. This approach will help to build a body of interdisciplinary literature that can inform the development of empirically driven policy to address IWT and other environmental crimes and risks.
Deficits in Behavioral and Neuronal Pattern Separation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

In temporal lobe epilepsy, the ability of the dentate gyrus to limit excitatory cortical input to the hippocampus breaks down, leading to seizures. The dentate gyrus is also thought to help discriminate between similar memories by performing pattern separation, but whether epilepsy leads to a breakdown in this neural computation, and thus to mnemonic discrimination impairments, remains unknown. Here we show that temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by behavioral deficits in mnemonic discrimination tasks, in both humans (females and males) and mice (C57Bl6 males, systemic low-dose kainate model). Using a recently developed assay in brain slices of the same epileptic mice, we reveal a decreased ability of the dentate gyrus to perform certain forms of pattern separation. This is because of a subset of granule cells with abnormal bursting that can develop independently of early EEG abnormalities. Overall, our results linking physiology, computation, and cognition in the same mice advance our understanding of episodic memory mechanisms and their dysfunction in epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT People with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often have learning and memory impairments, sometimes occurring earlier than the first seizure, but those symptoms and their biological underpinnings are poorly understood. We focused on the dentate gyrus, a brain region that is critical to avoid confusion between similar memories and is anatomically disorganized in TLE. We show that both humans and mice with TLE experience confusion between similar situations. This impairment coincides with a failure of the dentate gyrus to disambiguate similar input signals because of pathologic bursting in a subset of neurons. Our work bridges seizure-oriented and memory-oriented views of the dentate gyrus function, suggests a mechanism for cognitive symptoms in TLE, and supports a long-standing hypothesis of episodic memory theories.
Do motivations contribute to local residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors? Resident-destination relationship and pro-environmental climate perspective

Abstract Local residents play an indispensable role in environmental conservation at tourist destinations. To facilitate the sustainable development of tourism, it is of great significance to identify how and when residents engage in pro-environmental behaviors. Based on the theory of motives, the analysis results from a survey of 566 local residents in Xidi and Hongcun of Southern Anhui suggests that the motivations (i.e., egoistic and altruistic motivation) have not only direct effects but also indirect effects via the resident-destination relationship variables (i.e., pro-environmental identification and pro-environmental commitment) on residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. These findings predict the underlying mechanisms of the motivations to influence residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. The results also present that the direct effects of the motivations regarding residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors are positively moderated by the pro-environmental climate, which shows the boundary condition of the motivations to affect residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. Generally, this paper reveals how and when the motivations play roles in residents’ engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, which provides important practical implications for tourism destination management. Additionally, this study focuses on local residents of tourist destinations, which broadens the research perspective of pro-environmental behaviors in the tourism field.
Implementation of Multicultural and Moderate Islamic Education at the Elementary Schools in Shaping the Nationalism

Islamic multicultural education in formal education can be implemented since elementary school. The purpose of this article is to describe the application of multicultural education with moderate Islamic values through the learning process in elementary schools to shape the character of nationalism in Indonesia. The qualitative method was used in this study to see the phenomena that occur in the field. The data analysis used was the source and technique triangulation method. There were 8 respondents from three elementary schools, namely Sekolah Dasar Negeri 7 Kota Metro, Sekolah Dasar Negeri 4 Kota Metro, and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 1 Kota Metro. The research instruments used were interviews, observations, and documentation, which were then analyzed through inductive thinking. The development of multicultural education and moderate Islamic values in shaping the character of nationalism was done through the integration of moderate Islam by instilling tawassuth, tassamuh, tawazun, and amar ma'ruf nahimunkar attitudes by introducing the surrounding environment as a cultural plurality (contextual approach) and instilling an attitude of tolerance and able to coexist with other people. These three steps were developed by the teachers in structured lesson planning by formulating goals, setting essential material, carrying out the learning process, and carrying out attitude assessments.
Congenital Hydrocephalus in a Calf and its Surgical Treatment: A Case Report

Hydrocephalus is an accumulation of excessive fluid in durameter or ventricles of the brain (Purohit et al., 2012) thereby leading to the swelling of the cranium. It is mainly due to abnormal development of the fetus duringpregnancy; however, hereditary, infectious, and nutritional factors can also predispose this condition. This condition has been reported occasionally in the ewe, doe, mare, and sow, whilst it is rarely seen in cattle and buffalo 2001). Hydrocephalus occurs mainly due to three reasons, as excessive production of CSF, defective absorption of CSF,and interference in the passage of CSF. Hydrocephalus may cause increased intracranial cerebral pressure, progressive enlargement of the head, convulsions, mental disability, and even death. This communication describes a case of congenital hydrocephalous in a day-old female cattle calf.
Does Bitcoin Behave As a Currency?: A Standard Monetary Model Approach

We derive the Bitcoin exchange rate dynamics by solving the exchange rate equation of the standard flexible-price monetary model to investigate any characteristics of Bitcoin like a currency. The dynamics is driven by an asymmetric mean-reverting fundamental shock which can be attributed to a money demand shock. A crash occurs when the exchange rate with a weakened mean-reverting force breaches a lower boundary where a smooth-pasting condition is imposed. The empirical results show the exchange rate dynamics can be calibrated according to the model, in which the mean reversion of the dynamics is positively co-integrated with the Bitcoin transaction volume indicating demand for Bitcoin; and with the risk reversals of the commodity currencies (Australian dollar and Canadian dollar) in currency option markets. The analysis shows that the Bitcoin exchange rate shares some characteristics of commodity currencies with crash risk. This suggests that Bitcoin behaves as a currency between fiat money and a crypto-commodity used for trading and investment purposes.
Should midwives consider associated psychological factors when caring for women who are obese

Background: In the UK, 15.6% of the maternal population are obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), posing serious health consequences to the woman and fetus. Current maternal weight management interventions, focusing on healthy diet and exercise, fail to adequately address this problem, which may be attributable to a bidirectional association between maternal obesity and psychological factors not being addressed. Aims: The aim of this reflective literature review is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to suggest that midwives should consider psychological factors when caring for women who are obese. Methods: A literature review was undertaken of papers from academic journals, dissertations, theses and professional magazines, published between 2005 and 2015. A total of 529 articles were returned, of which 10 were selected for review. Findings: Critical analysis of 10 relevant studies confirms an association between maternal obesity and women's psychological wellbeing. Many midwives are aware of .
UJI EFEKTIVITAS EKSTRAK SERAI (Andropogon nardus) DAN DAUN MENGKUDU (Morinda citrifolia) SEBAGAI MOLUSKISIDA ALAMI TERHADAP MORTALITAS HAMA KEONG MAS (Pomaceae canaliculata L)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya perbedaan efektivitas ekstrak serai (Andropogon nardus) dan daun mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) dengan konsentrasi yang sama sebagai moluskisida alami dalam pengendalian populasi hama keong mas (Pomaceae canaliculata L), dan untuk mengetahui konsentrasi ekstrak serai dan daun mengkudu yang paling efektif untuk membunuh hama keong mas. Penelitian ini termasuk jenis penelitian eksperimen dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Populasi penelitian adalah keong mas (Pomaceae canaliculata L) sebanyak 300 ekor sedangkan sampel sebanyak 160 ekor diambil secara acak (random) dengan 4 kelompok perlakuan dan 1 kelompok kontrol, masing-masing kelompok diulang sebanyak 5 kali. Setiap perlakuan berisi 8 ekor keong mas (Pomaceae canaliculata L). Data yang diperoleh dalam penelitian ini dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis varian (ANAVA) 2 jalur dengan uji F taraf signifikansi 5 % yang dilanjutkan dengan uji BNT 5 %. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan efektivitas ekstrak serai (Andropogon nardus) dan daun mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) dengan konsentrasi yang sama sebagai moluskisida alami dalam pengendalian populasi hama keong mas (Pomaceae canaliculata L). Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan setelah 24 jam ekstrak yang lebih baik digunakan sebagai moluskisida alami terhadap mortalitas hama keong mas adalah (P4) ekstrak daun mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) dengan konsentrasi 50 %.
Comparison of Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Ketamine-Propofol (Ketofol) and Fentanyl-Midazolam (Fentazolam) Combinations in Outpatient Orthopedic Procedures

Background: Pain control is essential for ideal care of surgery patients. Noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures outside the operation room have had an increasing trend in the recent years. Sedation, analgesia or both may be necessary for the majority of these diagnostic or interventional procedures. Objectives: We sought to compare sedative and analgesic effects of Ketamine-Propofol (Ketofol) and Fentanyl-Midazolam (Fentazolam) Combinations in emergent outpatient orthopedic operations. Methods: Sixty male candidates for closed reduction of Colle’s fracture were divided into two groups of ketamine-propofol (Ketofol, KF) and fentanyl-midazolam (Fentazolam, FZ). Pain, sedation score, hemodynamic variables, recovery times, patients’ and the operator’s satisfaction and complications were evaluated. Results: Pain score decreased 4.57 units in the KF group and 3 units in the FZ group (P < 0.001); this decrease was more significant in the KF group in comparison with the FZ group (P < 0.001). The patients’ sedation score during the procedure was 3.43±0.73 and 2.4 ± 0.49 in KF and FZ groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The 5th minute systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the KF group in comparison with the FZ group (P < 0.001). The 5th minute diastolic blood pressure was significantly more in the KF group in comparison with the FZ group (P < 0.001). The 5th minute pulse rate was significantly greater in the KF group in comparison with the FZ group (P < 0.001). The mean recovery time was significantly more in the FZ group (25.6 versus 18.67 minutes, P < 0.001). The mean patient’s satisfaction was 4.37 ± 0.85 in the KF group and 3.73 ± 0.87 in the FZ group (P = 0.006), and the mean doctor’s satisfaction was 4.35 ± 0.89 in the KF group and 3.27 ± 1.08 in the FZ group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Ketamine-Propofol, with lower dose of each drug, had a better sedation and analgesic effect as well as lower complications and shorter recovery time when compared to fentanyl-midazolam.
Measurement of the Intra-ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images

Measurement of the mechanical dyssynchrony of the ventricle is important for the cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and the evaluation of patients with heart failures. So far, feature-tracking cardiovascular magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) has become the most popular method for measuring the mechanical dyssynchrony. FT-CMR calculates the strain values based on the pre-defined segments of the ventricle and thus it might miss some important regional information. In this paper, we propose a new approach to measure the intra-ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony based on the uniformly sampled points from all the regions of the ventricle. Accordingly, the proposed approach will not miss any regional information of the ventricle. In addition, the proposed approach is fully automatic and not depedent on the training sets. It calculates the mechnical dyssynchrony rapidly and determines whether the tested case is normal or patient immdiately. The proposed approach was validated with 40 tested cases (20 normal cases and 20 patient cases). Experimental results showed that the fully automatic intra-ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony measurement approach achieved 100% diagnosis accuracy for the left ventricle (LV) and achieved 95% diagnoisis accuracy for the right ventricle (RV).
Front-Line Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) in Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma: The GEL-TAMO Experience.

From 1985 to 2006, 71 patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma receiving induction doxorubicine-based chemotherapy followed by ASCT as front-line therapy were registered in the GEL-TAMO (Spanish Group for Lymphoma and Autologous Transplantation). Median age was 28 years, 56% of patients were female, 40% presented with an ECOG ≥ 2; B-symptoms at diagnosis were present in 25% of the patients. Most patients presented with high-risk clinical features: bulky tumours defined as ≥10 cms of diameter were observed in most patients (87%), high LDH in 72% and, as previously reported (Rodriguez et al, Ann Oncol, 1994), β2m was elevated only in 7% of the cases. Forty-seven percent of patients presented 2–3 risk factors of the a-IPI. At transplant, thirty-five patients (49%) in first complete remission (CR), 23 (33%) in partial response and 13 patients (18%) failing the first induction therapy were transplanted, respectively. Conditioning regimens were BEAM or BEAC in 90% of the patients. 39 patients received Radiotherapy: 19 prior and 20 after the transplant. Most patients (91%) received peripheral stem cells. Only a patient failed to engraft after the transplant. After the transplant 73% of the patients achieved a CR and 17 patients were refractory. With a median follow-up from transplantation of 46,5 months the OS, PFS and DFS are 68%, 59% and 81% respectively. Progression of the disease was the main cause of death (78%). A patient died of a second neoplasia and 3 patients died of sepsis. There were no deaths related to transplant toxicity. By multivariate survival analysis both status of the disease at transplant (CR vs PR vs failure) and the Tumor score (Rodriguez et al, Ann Oncol,1992 ) were the only independent variables associated with the OS and PFS, respectively. In conclusion our experience, with a prolonged follow-up, shows that patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma presenting at diagnosis with high-risk features have an encouraging survival and PFS with front-line ASCT. However, patients who received the transplant having failed the induction regimen have a very poor prognosis and should be tested with another innovative approach.