Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Endometrial Cancer: A Monocentric Retrospective Comparative Study

Endometrial cancer represents an ideal target to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 being the most frequent gynecological malignancy in Italy, generally detected at early stages and correlated with favorable oncological outcomes. The present comparative retrospective study carried out at Campus Bio-medico University Foundation in Rome aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of EC. All women with a histological diagnosis of non-endometrioid and endometrioid endometrial cancer between 1 March 2018 and 31 October 2022 were included. The number of cases was higher in period 2 (95 vs. 64 cases). Time to diagnosis did not show statistically significant differences but in period 2, 92.06% of the diagnoses were made following abnormal uterine bleeding, while in period 1, only 67.02% were. The waiting time for the intervention was significantly shorter in period 2. Definitive histology, FIGO staging, surgical technique and adjuvant therapy did not show significant differences between the two periods. The study demonstrates that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a direct effect on the diagnostic delay, tumor staging and type of therapy but rather on the presentation pattern of endometrial cancer.
Reading comprehension beliefs of Mexican pre-service language teachers: a Likert scale study

This paper aims to report the adaptation of a new version of the Scale of Implicit Theories of Reading Comprehension (ETICOLEC as per its Spanish acronym) with a sample of 77 randomly chosen English majors at a peripheral campus of a small university in the Southeast of Mexico. The ETICOLEC Likert scale was originally designed to measure the reading comprehension beliefs of middle school teachers of several subjects. Hence, it was necessary to adapt it to identify the beliefs of pre-service language teachers. A standard procedure recommended by the literature (Prat & Doval, 2005) was used to add new items to the scale and test its psychometric properties using principal component analysis and internal consistency analysis with Cronbach´s alpha. Calculations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, v. 26). As with the original ETICOLEC, this adapted version yielded five internally consistent sub-scales, albeit slightly different from the original ones. Each subscale measures an implicit theory or group of beliefs about reading comprehension. As a secondary, exploratory goal, we also describe the participants according to their implicit theories. Most participants held implicit theories that are functional for the kinds of epistemic reading tasks required by their university education. However, a large minority did not appear to hold any firm beliefs about reading, suggesting insufficient exposure to various complex reading tasks and genres. This situation must be addressed to ensure these pre-service teachers become effective reading teachers.
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones via Ugi–Zhu Reaction and In Vitro–In Silico Studies against Breast Carcinoma

An Ugi–Zhu three-component reaction (UZ-3CR) coupled in a one-pot manner to a cascade process (N-acylation/aza Diels–Alder cycloaddition/decarboxylation/dehydration) was performed to synthesize a series of pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones in 20% to 92% overall yields using ytterbium triflate as a catalyst, toluene as a solvent, and microwaves as a heat source. The synthesized molecules were evaluated in vitro against breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, finding that compound 1f, at a concentration of 6.25 μM, exhibited a potential cytotoxic effect. Then, to understand the interactions between synthesized compounds and the main proteins related to the cancer cell lines, docking studies were performed on the serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and Orexetine type 2 receptor (Ox2R), finding moderate to strong binding energies, which matched accurately with the in vitro results. Additionally, molecular dynamics were performed between proteins related to the studied cell lines and the three best ligands.
Transient Field-Plate Thermometry in Cascode FET Power Amplifiers

Transient field-plate thermometry is demonstrated on cascode FET S-band and X-band GaN power amplifiers. Mesa thermometry is also demonstrated on the same amplifiers and compared to the field-plate data. A transient thermal model is proposed for both field-plate and mesa thermometry that agrees well with measured data. This is the first published study of thermal transients in cascode (stacked-FET) power amplifiers.
Efficacy of Violet-Blue (405 nm) LED Lamps for Disinfection of High-Environmental-Contact Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities: Leading to the Inactivation of Microorganisms and Reduction of MRSA Contamination

Effective disinfection procedures in healthcare facilities are essential to prevent transmission. Chemical disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) systems and ultraviolet (UV) light are commonly used methods. An emerging method, violet-blue light at 405 nm, has shown promise for surface disinfection. Its antimicrobial properties are based on producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to the inactivation of pathogens. Studies have shown significant efficacy in reducing bacterial levels on surfaces and in the air, reducing nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of violet-blue (405 nm) LED lamps on high-contact surfaces in a hospital infection-control laboratory. High-contact surfaces were sampled before and after 7 days of exposure to violet-blue light. In addition, the effect of violet-blue light on MRSA-contaminated surfaces was investigated. Exposure to violet-blue light significantly reduced the number of bacteria, yeasts and moulds on the sampled surfaces. The incubator handle showed a low microbial load and no growth after irradiation. The worktable and sink showed an inconsistent reduction due to shaded areas. In the second experiment, violet-blue light significantly reduced the microbial load of MRSA on surfaces, with a greater reduction on steel surfaces than on plastic surfaces. Violet-blue light at 405 nm has proven to be an effective tool for pathogen inactivation in healthcare settings Violet-blue light shows promise as an additional and integrated tool to reduce microbial contamination in hospital environments but must be used in combination with standard cleaning practices and infection control protocols. Further research is needed to optimise the violet-blue, 405 nm disinfection method.
Unveiling the Role of Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) in Migraine: A Review of Electrophysiological Studies in Adults and Children

Migraine has been considered a chronic neuronal-based pain disorder characterized by the presence of cortical hyperexcitability. The Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) is the most explored electrophysiological index in migraine. However, the findings show inconsistencies regarding its functional significance. To address this, we conducted a review in both adults and children with migraine without aura to gain a deeper understanding of it and to derive clinical implications. The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, SCOPUS and PsycINFO databases until September 2022m and 34 articles were retrieved and considered relevant for further analysis. The main results in adults showed higher CNV amplitudes (with no habituation) in migraine patients. Electrophysiological abnormalities, particularly focused on the early CNV subcomponent (eCNV), were especially prominent a few days before the onset of a migraine attack, normalizing during and after the attack. We also explored various modulatory factors, including pharmacological treatments—CNV amplitude was lower after the intake of drugs targeting neural hyperexcitability—and other factors such as psychological, hormonal or genetic/familial influences on CNV. Although similar patterns were found in children, the evidence is particularly scarce and less consistent, likely due to the brain’s maturation process during childhood. As the first review exploring the relationship between CNV and migraine, this study supports the role of the CNV as a potential neural marker for migraine pathophysiology and the prediction of pain attacks. The importance of further exploring the relationship between this neurophysiological index and childhood migraine is critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets for managing migraine symptoms during its development.
Comparison of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Control at Home Healthcare and Hospital Clinic Care at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (2021-2022): A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Home healthcare represents a great necessity for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although there are numerous studies on geriatric diabetic patients, there are few studies on diabetic home care versus hospital care. Aim: This study aimed to compare the effect of home healthcare services to hospital care for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital. The home healthcare group included 128 participants who received frequent follow-up visits at home. The hospital care group included 128 participants from the primary care clinic. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used to measure glycemic control. Logistic regression analysis was done to detect factors related to achieving glycemic control. Results: Home healthcare care had a greater impact on the reduction of baseline glycosylated hemoglobin levels (p=0.0053). The target glycosylated hemoglobin was achieved by patients who received home healthcare (p=0.020). Using the multivariate regression analysis, home healthcare, married patients, those who can do full daily life activities without assistance, and those who were treated with only insulin had significant correlations to meet the target glycosylated hemoglobin level (odds ratio: 0.814, 0.541, 0.448, and 0.144; 95% confidence intervals: 0.72-0.94, 0.30-0.99, 0.31-0.65, and 0.08-0.25, respectively). Conclusions: Home care strategy for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus provides better glycemic control compared to hospital care. Home care, marriage, doing full daily activities, and insulin treatment are important factors affecting glycemic control.
Genetic variation and response to selection of photosynthetic and forage characteristics in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) ecotypes under drought conditions

Introduction Evaluation of the effects of water-limited conditions on the photosynthetic characteristics and forage yield is important for enhancing the forage productivity and drought tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Methods In the present study, 100 P. pratensis ecotypes collected from different geographical areas in Iran were assessed under well-watered and drought stress conditions. Genetic variation and response to selection for the photosynthetic characteristics [i.e., net photosynthesis rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs ), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll content (Chl), and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm)] and forage yield [fresh forage yield (FY) and dry forage yield (Dy)] traits were analyzed during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Results and discussion Drought stress had negative effects on evaluated photosynthesis parameters and significantly reduced dry and fresh forage yields. On average, FY with a 45% decrease and gs with a 326% decrease under drought stress conditions showed the highest reduction rate among forage yield and photosynthesis traits, respectively. Genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for FY were lower under drought stress. The estimates of heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as percentage of mean showed the predominance of additive gene action for the traits. Overall, the results showed that “Ciakhor”, “Damavand”, “Karvandan”, “Basmenj”, “Abr2”, “Abrumand”, “Borhan”, “Hezarkanian”, “LasemCheshmeh”, “Torshab”, and “DoSar” have higher forage yield production with little change between two irrigation regimes, which makes them promising candidates for developing high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties through breeding programs.
Teacher Preferences for Formative Assessment: Leveraging Findings for Future Professional Development Resources

Classroom-based formative assessment is invoked as an essential component of effective teaching, but there is no widely agreed-upon approach for targeted professional development. This survey of secondary school teachers examined 3 issues: (a) can McTighe and Ferrara’s assessment framework provide a psychometrically tenable way to classify formative assessment techniques, (b) does their framework offer a viable approach to professional development; and (c) could their framework be applied in strengths-based professional development. Analyses of the teachers’ self-reported skills showed (a) high levels of internal consistency across categories of formative assessment, (b) STEM and Humanities teachers could be grouped via discriminant analysis based on reported levels of skill in 3 categories of formative assessment, and (c) scenarios are presented to demonstrating a strength-based approach. The findings indicate that McTighe and Ferrara’s framework provides a psychometrically tenable way to categorize formative assessment techniques and provide professional development. Future research should include K-6 teachers. Received: 25 July 2023 / Accepted: 13 October 2023 / Published: 5 November 2023
Characteristics and Determinants of Livestock Production in Jimma Zone/Southwestern Ethiopia

2 Abstract: The study was carried out in three selected districts (Seka chokorsa, Mana and Dedo) of the Jimma administrative zone, south western Ethiopia, with the objectives of characterizing livestock production systems, identify and prioritize the major constraints and opportunities of livestock intensification in the area. A total of 540 household heads were selected for the detail study using a systematic random sampling method, 180 households from each district. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. About 87.8% of respondents in the districts housed their livestock at their home at night and part of the day while the rest (12.2%) kept at night enclosures and open yards. Animals were acquired through purchase (28%), gifts (10.50%) and reproduction (61.48%) while they were disposed through sale (46.4), gifts (4.98) and slaughter (48.59%) (p<0.05). Most of the livestock breeds (98.8% cattle, 100% of small ruminants and equines) were local type and mating was uncontrolled and livestock is characterized by low productivity. Age at first parturition for local cow, ewe, doe, mare and jennies were 4.66, 2.29, 2.10, 4.94 and 6.20 years, respectively. On the other hand, parturition intervals identified for cow, ewe, doe, mare and jennies were 25.02, 15.80, 15.48, 35.6 months and 2.56 years, respectively. The main sources of feed in the districts were natural pasture (30.39%), aftermath and road side grazing/browsing (19.34%), fodder trees and shrubs (17.12%) and crop residues (17.67%) (p<0.05). The major constraints identified were feed shortage, poor access to improved extension services, lack of improved cattle breeds and distance to marketing points and poor administrative mechanisms to restore range ecosystem (p<0.05). Pasteurolosis, anthrax, fasciolosis, trypanosomiasis and black leg were the major reported cattle diseases in the study districts. The general indication is that livestock productivity is not improved. There is, therefore, an urgent need for research in livestock prodction to design improvement strategies in the area of genetics, management systems and make available suitable technologies to produce feeds to help in the development of sustainable livelihood of resource poor farmers while preserving the natural environment.
Centrifuge study of capacity of a skirted foundation under eccentric transient and sustained uplift

Environmental and buoyancy forces impart overturning moments and potentially direct uplift to offshore foundation systems. Shallow skirted foundations are an attractive design solution, as negative excess pore pressures developed within the soil plug provide temporary uplift resistance. This paper presents the results of beam centrifuge tests on a shallow skirted foundation in a lightly overconsolidated clay under eccentric transient and sustained uplift. When compared with the response under concentric uplift, the experimental results show a reduction in capacity and an increase in the rate of degradation of capacity under sustained loading.
Impact of 2.5 mg versus 5 mg letrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol for IVF: a retrospective study

Objective The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different doses of letrozole (2.5 mg and 5 mg daily) in an antagonist protocol for infertile women with normal ovarian reserve. Methods This retrospective cohort study included infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment with letrozole co-treatment at doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg from 2007 – 2021 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital (Shanghai, China). The control group comprised infertile women who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist alone. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate, while secondary outcomes included follicular phase endocrine parameters, ovarian stimulation outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, and the incidences of maternal and neonatal complications. Baseline and follow-up data were compared between the groups using ANOVA for normally distributed variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results A total of 422 participants were enrolled in the study, with 211 women in the antagonist group, 109 women in the 2.5 mg letrozole co-treatment group, and 102 women in the 5 mg letrozole co-treatment group. Letrozole co-treatment significantly suppressed oestradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations from stimulation day 5 and onwards, while increasing luteinizing hormone levels on stimulation day 5 and trigger day. The effect was more pronounced with a 5 mg dose of letrozole compared to a 2.5 mg dose (P < 0.05). Administration of 5 mg letrozole reduced the gonadotropin dose (P < 0.05) without negatively affecting the number of oocytes retrieved and subsequent embryo parameters (P > 0.05). The analysis of cumulative live birth rates showed rates of 29.4% in the letrozole 5 mg group, 27.5% in the letrozole 2.5 mg group, and 33.6% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). There were no reported pregnancy complications in the two letrozole groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of gestational age and birth weight for both singleton and twin births. Conclusion This study indicates that the administration of letrozole in an antagonist protocol, at both 2.5 mg and 5 mg dosages, results in comparable clinical outcomes.
Participatory teacher-child interaction in advancing teaching coding and robotics in pre-primary education

Teacher-child interaction (TCI) and children’s participation has been propounded as a factor in enhancing children’s learning in formal learning settings, especially in pre-primary education. Consequently, learning basic skills in coding and robotics at an early age is necessary for constructing a knowledge base applicable in later studies. In the current study, TCI and children’s participation is seen advancing young learners’ (children of six years old) technology education. The theoretical framework applied in this study is the participatory teacher-child interaction model which is based on earlier research. The model consists of three domains: emotional support, classroom organisation, and participatory instructional support. These domains are further divided into specific dimensions. The focus of the study is to recognise which domains and dimensions of TCI are recognised in teaching coding and robotics. Secondarily, the study focuses on which characteristics of participatory teacher-child interaction are implemented when teaching coding and robotics. The qualitative video data were collected from six pre-primary education groups. Participants in the data (N=84) included 10 pre-primary education teachers and 74 young learners. Data were analysed with the content analysis. The results indicate classroom management as the main domain in TCI. The results also show that within classroom organisation, the dimensions of dealing with disruption and clarity of the programme of action are emphasised the most by teachers. As a result, putting effort into classroom organisation decreases participatory TCI in teaching coding and robotics. On the contrary, the teachers who support participatory TCI place more emphasis on emotional support and participatory instructional support, and act as more competent in teaching coding and robotics. Further research is needed to increase participatory TCI when teaching coding and robotics and to further add value to technology education.
THE EFFECT OF MARKET ORIENTATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING ON MARKET PERFORMANCE AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY OF BAG CRAFT MSMES

This study aims to investigate the effect of market orientation and entrepreneurial marketing on market performance, as well as the effect of entrepreneurial marketing and market performance on business sustainability of bag craft micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This study was conducted using a descriptive-quantitative method, with eighty bag craft entrepreneurs serving as research participants. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the research participants over a period of thirty days. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and the structural equation modeling-partial least square (SEM-PLS). The results show that the market orientation and entrepreneurial marketing have a significant effect on the market performance, and so does the market performance on the business sustainability. However, the entrepreneurial marketing has no significant effect on the business sustainability. These findings imply that both market orientation and entrepreneurial marketing are essential determinants of the market orientation. Thus, the bag craft entrepreneurs must address these issues.JEL: M30, M31.
Infestation intensity by the invasive oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say) in mixed and pure oak stands

There has been accumulating evidence for effects of tree species composition on herbivory with many examples of lower damage by specialist feeders in tree species rich forests. In a joint study in five Central and Southeastern European countries, we studied the effect of tree species richness on infestation intensity of the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say) (Heteroptera, Tingidae), an invasive pest on oak trees that has spread rapidly across the Balkan Peninsula and Central Europe. Intensity of infestation by C. arcuata on oaks was assessed on three or four study plots with high (pure stands) and three or four plots with low percentage of oak (mixed stands) in each country. Ordinal regression analysis showed that intensity of infestation of trees by C. arcuata differed between countries; no significant effect of stand type (mixed or pure) on infestation levels was detected. When analysing the percentage of trees in the highest infestation class, stand type had a significant effect with more intensive infestation in pure stands. We conclude that mixed stands will not prevent severe infestation but may help mitigating the impact of established C. arcuata populations.