Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Aim: To monitor and evaluate the differences in the evaluation of monitored indicators of quality of life of patients with proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: The research sample comprised a total of 80 patients with DR. The first group consisted of 27 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and the second group of 53 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The comparison was carried out according to the degree of DR. The data were collected using the standardized National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) at the Ophthalmic Department of J. A. Reiman Hospital in Prešov. Results: In both compared patient groups, T-tests showed significant differences in all studied quality of life parameters: general health and vision, difficulty seeing far away and up close, the impact of the disease on achieving life goals, being limited in control over and in length of their activities, being limited to their homes, relying on the information provided by other people and needing help from others. Conclusion: In a holistic concept, i.e. biological, psychological and social dimensions, partial or complete loss of the ability to see due to diabetes has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients with proliferative DR. Therefore, this chronic complication must be prevented by any available means.
Entrepreneur ambidexterity in Ecuadorian SMEs. Analysis of owner – managers’ behavior

The article explores the ambidextrous behavior of entrepreneurs and the impact that exploration and exploitation have on the performance of SMEs. Based on a sample of 774 Ecuadorian owners, evidence was found that those businesses led by people with ambidextrous behavior or who are inclined to explore tend to grow, favor better performance of their SMEs, and this behavior is related to people with high levels of education and Type B personality.
Molecular systematics, species limits, and diversification of the genus
 Dendrocolaptes
 (Aves: Furnariidae): Insights on biotic exchanges between dry and humid forest types in the Neotropics

The true diversity and interspecific limits in the Neotropical endemic avian genus Dendrocolaptes (Furnariidae) remain a highly controversial subject, with previous genus-wide assessments, based mostly on morphological characters, producing poorly resolved phylogenies. The lack of well-resolved, robust, and taxonomically densely sampled phylogenies for Dendrocolaptes prevents reliable inferences on the genus’ actual species diversity and evolutionary history. Here, we analyzed 2,741 base pairs of mitochondrial and nuclear genes from 43 specimens belonging to all species and the majority of subspecies described for Dendrocolaptes to evaluate species limits and reconstruct its diversification through time. Our phylogenies recovered a monophyletic Dendrocolaptes, with two main highly supported internal clades corresponding to the D. certhia and D. picumnus species complexes. Also, our analyses supported the monophyly of most Dendrocolaptes species recognized today, except D. picumnus, which was consistently recovered as paraphyletic with respect to D. hoffmannsi. A coalescent-based test supported a total of 15 different lineages in Dendrocolaptes and indicated that the number of currently accepted species within the genus may be greatly underestimated. Particularly relevant, when combined with previous analyses based on plumage characters, comparative high levels of genetic differentiation and coalescent analyses support the recognition of D. picumnus transfasciatus as a full species that is already under threat. Ancestral area reconstructions suggest that diversification in Dendrocolaptes was centered in lowland Amazonia, with several independent dispersal events leading to differentiation into different adjacent dry and high elevation forest types throughout the Neotropics, mainly during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH
Study of tyrosine and dopa enantiomers as tyrosinase substrates initiating l‐ and d‐melanogenesis pathways

Tyrosinase starts melanogenesis and determines its course, catalyzing the oxidation by molecular oxygen of tyrosine to dopa, and that of dopa to dopaquinone. Then, nonenzymatic coupling reactions lead to dopachrome, which evolves toward melanin. Recently, it has been reported that d‐tyrosine acts as tyrosinase inhibitor and depigmenting agent. The action of tyrosinase on the enantiomers of tyrosine (l‐tyrosine and d‐tyrosine) and dopa (l‐dopa and d‐dopa) was studied for the first time focusing on quantitative transient phase kinetics. Post‐steady‐state transient phase studies revealed that l‐dopachrome is formed more rapidly than d‐dopachrome. This is due to the lower values of Michaelis constants for l‐enantiomers than for d‐enantiomers, although the maximum rates are equal for both enantiomers. A deeper analysis of the inter‐steady‐state transient phase of monophenols demonstrated that the enantiomer d‐tyrosine causes a longer lag period and a lower steady‐state rate, than l‐tyrosine at the same concentration. Therefore, d‐melanogenesis from d‐tyrosine occurs more slowly than does l‐melanogenesis from l‐tyrosine, which suggests the apparent inhibition of melanin biosynthesis by d‐tyrosine. As conclusion, d‐tyrosine acts as a real substrate of tyrosinase, with low catalytic efficiency and, therefore, delays the formation of d‐melanin.
Prolonged Fever and Lymphadenopathy in a Series of Egyptian Patients: The Etiology Based on Histopathological Examination

Introduction and study aim: prolonged fever and lymphadenopathy (LAP) are two interrelating features that constitute a diagnostic challenge in medical practice. With the great variety in differential diagnoses, a wise clinical impression is needed to reach a provisional diagnosis. This is achieved through knowledge and awareness of the prevalent etiologies among our population. Patients and methods: We included 269 patients with prolonged fever and lymphadenopathy to have an excisional biopsy to reach a definitive diagnosis via histopathological examination. In addition, laboratory tests were performed to assess the role of serology to predict probable diagnoses. Results: Three main etiologies of prolonged fever and lymphadenopathy were detected; malignancy (41.7%), followed by non-specific changes (reactive hyperplasia) (30.5%), then infections (27.8%). The most commonly involved lymph nodes were cervical and axillary, then inguinal. More than half of the patients had only fever and lymphadenopathy, while cachexia and anorexia were the most common associated presentations among others. Most of the patients had high ESR level, whereas high LDH and CRP levels presented in nearly 34% and 22% of them respectively. High CRP, eosinophilia and elevated LDH, characterized malignancy whilst infection was commonly associated with lymphocytosis, monocytosis and high ESR. Old age and high ESR were significant independent predictors of malignancy, and lymphocytosis was a significant predictor of infection. Conclusion: In our region, malignancy is the commonest etiology for fever and lymphadenopathy, in addition to reactive hyperplasia and infections, respectively.
Managing the transition from Vaisala RS92 to RS41 radiosondes within the Global Climate Observing System Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN): a progress report

Abstract. This paper describes the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) approach to managing the transition from the Vaisala RS92 to the Vaisala RS41 as the operational radiosonde. The goal of GRUAN is to provide long-term high-quality reference observations of upper-air essential climate variables (ECVs) such as temperature and water vapor. With GRUAN data being used for climate monitoring, it is vital that the change of measurement system does not introduce inhomogeneities to the data record. The majority of the 27 GRUAN sites were launching the RS92 as their operational radiosonde, and following the end of production of the RS92 in the last quarter of 2017, most of these sites have now switched to the RS41. Such a large-scale change in instrumentation is unprecedented in the history of GRUAN and poses a challenge for the network. Several measurement programs have been initiated to characterize differences in biases, uncertainties, and noise between the two radiosonde types. These include laboratory characterization of measurement errors, extensive twin sounding studies with RS92 and RS41 on the same balloon, and comparison with ancillary data. This integrated approach is commensurate with the GRUAN principles of traceability and deliberate redundancy. A 2-year period of regular twin soundings is recommended, and for sites that are not able to implement this, burden-sharing is employed such that measurements at a certain site are considered representative of other sites with similar climatological characteristics. All data relevant to the RS92–RS41 transition are archived in a database that will be accessible to the scientific community for external scrutiny. Furthermore, the knowledge and experience gained regarding GRUAN's RS92–RS41 transition will be extensively documented to ensure traceability of the process. This documentation will benefit other networks in managing changes in their operational radiosonde systems. Preliminary analysis of the laboratory experiments indicates that the manufacturer's calibration of the RS41 temperature and humidity sensors is more accurate than for the RS92, with uncertainties of K for the temperature and % RH (RH: relative humidity) for the humidity sensor. A first analysis of 224 RS92–RS41 twin soundings at Lindenberg Observatory shows nighttime temperature differences K between the Vaisala-processed temperature data for the RS41 ( TRS41 ) and the GRUAN data product for the RS92 ( TRS92-GDP.2 ). However, daytime temperature differences in the stratosphere increase steadily with altitude, with TRS92-GDP.2 up to 0.6 K higher than TRS41 at 35 km. RH RS41 values are up to 8 % higher, which is consistent with the analysis of satellite–radiosonde collocations.
Comparative Study between Bonfils Intubation Fiberscopy, Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy and Direct Laryngoscopy in Difficult Airway Patients

Background: Airway management has progressed since the first orotracheal intubation using a blind digital technique. The Macintosh laryngoscope has allowed tracheal intubation under direct vision. Objective: The present study was designed to compare the effect of fiberoptic intubation, bonfils intubation and direct laryngoscope on the hemodynamics, time taken for intubation, stress response hormones (glucose, cortisol and C-peptide) in difficult airway patients. Subjects and Methods: This Prospective, randomized, controlled study included a total of 90 adult patients aged 21-50 years with physical status (ASA) I or II of both sexes undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgical procedures. Patients were subjected to clinical examination and full investigations and assessment of the patients’ airway by El-Ganzori score. Patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups, 30 patients each: Group A: direct laryngoscope, Group B: fiberoptic bronchoscope and Group C: bonfils fiberoscope. Results: Fiberoptic has significant hemodynamic stability after one min of intubation than bonfils and direct laryngoscope. While bonfils has significant hemodynamic stability after five minute and ten minutes after intubation and had highly significant short time of intubation than fiberoptic and direct laryngoscope. As regard to number of attempts, most patients were successfully intubated on the first attempt in group B, while on the second attempt in groups A, and group C which was statistically non-significant between three groups. Conclusions: It could be concluded that bonfils has hemodynamic stability after five minute and ten minutes after intubation and also had the shortest time of intubation than fiberoptic and direct laryngoscope.
Effect of neem leaf meal and citric acid supplementation on hemato-biochemical parameters in broilers

The present studied effect of supplementation of neem leaf meal (NLM) and citric acid (CA) on hemato-biochemical parameters in broilers.A total of 288Vencobb-400 day old chicks were randomly assigned into 6 homogenous groups (4 replicates in each) based on their live body weight using RBD. All the birds were fed on standard diet (BIS, 2007) without any supplementation control (T0); and with supplementation of Neem leaf meal 2.5 g/kg of feed (T1); Citric acid 15g/kg of feed (T2); Citric acid 25g/kg of feed (T3); Neem leaf meal 2.5g/kg of feed + Citric acid 15g/kg of feed (T4); Neem leaf meal 2.5g/kg of feed + Citric acid 25g/kg of feed (T5). To study hemato-biochemical parameters, blood sample were collected randomly from 8 birds of each group (2 birds/replicate) at the end of experiment and serum was separated. The finding of the study indicated that the haematological (Hb, PCV and TLC) and biochemical (glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ration, cholesterol and serum enzymes) parameters did not influence significantly by feeding of NLM and CA in broiler birds.
Identifying the value of liquidity: Cash flow volatility, real asset liquidity and the implied cost of equity capital

In the past three decades, a postmodern view of financial policy has emerged. This paradigm accepts the key insights of Modigliani and Miller, that value is created when companies make good investments and goes further by treating financial policy as critical in enabling companies to make valuable investments. Acknowledging the importance of understanding the accessibility to financing and the mechanisms underlying the components of capital structure, this study examines the relationships between cash flow volatility, real asset liquidity and the cost of equity capital. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which the liquidity of a firm’s assets reduces the impact of cash flow volatility on the cost of equity capital. On the basis of quintile mean comparisons and ordinary least squares regressions with heteroscedasticity consistent standard errors, the data of 5519 firms have been analyzed. While controlling for several potential confounding variables, the analyses showed that cash flow volatility is positively related to the cost of equity capital, that real asset liquidity is negatively related to the cost of equity capital, and, most important, that real asset liquidity reduces the impact of cash flow volatility on the cost of equity capital. The beneficial effect of real asset liquidity is stronger for firms that have greater incentives to restructure. Based on the results, the conclusion is that real asset liquidity on its own and in the interaction with cash flow volatility is an important and economically relevant determinant of the cost of equity capital. Further research is needed to examine the relationship of the findings with time-varying effects such as the economic state. This study mainly contributes to the literature by adding a piece of knowledge to the unsolved identification of the value of liquidity.
A taxonomic survey of Lecanora sensu stricto in Thailand (Lecanoraceae; Ascomycota)

Abstract The species of Lecanora sensu stricto occurring in Thailand are revised. Twenty-eight species are accepted with one new species, L. kansriae described for a taxon with small crystals in the amphithecium and containing the stictic acid chemosyndrome. Eight species are recorded from Thailand for the first time: L. coronulans, L. farinacea, L. interjecta, L. leproplaca, L. melaleuca, L. plumosa, L. pseudargentata, and L. toroyensis. Previous records of L. casuarinophila, L. insignis, L. pulicaris, and L. subgranulata are shown to be based on misidentifications. The new combination Vainionora flavidorufa is proposed for Lecanora flavidorufa Hue (syn. L. lividocarnea Vain. and L. lividoglauca Vain.). A key for the identification of the treated species is provided.
New product diffusion in the presence of strategic consumers and social contagion: A mean-field game approach

In this paper, we introduce a framework for new product dfiffusion that integrates consumer heterogeneity and strategic interactions at individual level. Forward-looking consumers belong to two mutually exclusive segments: individualists, whose adoption decision is influenced by the price and reputation of the innovation, and conformists, whose adoption decision depends on social influences exerted by other consumers and on the price. We use a mean-field game approach to translate consumer strategic interactions into aggregate social influences that affect conformists’ adoption decision. The game is played à la Stackelberg, with the firm acting as leader and consumers as followers. The firm determines its pricing and advertising strategies to maximize its profit over a finite planning horizon. We provide the conditions for existence and uniqueness of equilibrium and a numerical scheme to compute it. We conduct a series of numerical simulations to analyze firm’s strategy and diffusion processes for different parameter constellations. Our results suggest that the firm adopts a penetration pricing strategy, even when the word-of-mouth effect is weak, in the presence of strategic consumers, whereas it implements a cyclic penetration-skimming policy in face of myopic consumers. Also, depending on the distribution of consumers, the diffusion curve can be S-shaped, concave or convex, which shows clearly that heterogeneity matters.
Water Quality Assessment of Lakes in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

The paper reveals the water quality of two major lakes in Vashi region. These lakes are excessively used for various anthropogenic activities like bathing and washing. The physiochemical quality analysis of lake water gives an idea about the health of the lake. This kind of monitoring cautions us of any degradation in the lake ecosystem that can result from the impacts of anthropogenic activities. The quality assessment of the lake makes us conscious of the lake degradation so that the corrective measures can be taken well before the impacts become irremediable. The paper concentrates on sampling and analysis of Lakes in Vashi. Seasonal analysis physical and chemical parameters of Vashi Gaon Lake and Juhu Gaon Lake were done for two consecutive years (2011-12 & 2012-13) and the results were concluded. The results revealed that there were significant seasonal variations in some physiochemical parameters and that most of the parameters exceeded the CPCB limits for surface waters. It also shows a year wise increase in the values of parameters thus indicating that the lakes require treatment. Further, remedial measures are also suggested for the restoration and conservation of the lakes.
Risk Factors Associated with Unplanned Pregnancy among Adolescents in Rural Communities: Implications for Nurses

Context: The high incidence of unplanned pregnancy among adolescents is a significant public health issue contributing to maternal and child mortality. This review aimed at identifying risk factors influencing unplanned pregnancy and measures applied by nurses to provide quality healthcare services to rural adolescents. Evidence Acquisition: We conducted a narrative review on risk factors influencing unplanned pregnancy and measures taken by nurses to provide quality healthcare services to adolescents. An ecological model was adopted in guiding the analysis. The data source were the research and review articles published in peer-reviewed journals using PubMed, Science direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. We hired two independent reviewers for data extraction. Initially, the records of 843 articles were assessed, out of which 60 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, hence included in the review. Results: The model recognizes multiple levels of influence on health behaviours, including intrapersonal factors (individual’s educational status, sexual activity and contraceptives use), interpersonal factors (poor parent-adolescent communication, influence of peers and media), organizational factors (sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and services), contextual factors (socio-cultural norms), and public policy (which provides no accessibility to quality SRH services for adolescents). Youthfriendly SRH education and services were some of the identified Nurses’ roles in preventing unplanned pregnancy among rural adolescents. Conclusions: The review identified five major risk factors influencing unplanned pregnancy among rural adolescents, namely educational level, use of contraceptives, peer influence, quality of sexuality education, and availability of youth-friendly SRH services. Roles of nurses in providing quality healthcare services to rural adolescents for the prevention and management of unplanned pregnancy were discussed.
Experimental Study of the Performance of a Venturi-Meter with Suspended Gas-Solid Flow

ABSTRACT Due to the urgent need for electricity sources in Egypt, this investigation is an attempt to prepare a metering tool for measuring the flow rate of the suspended gas-solid mixture flows in coal thermal power stations. One of the simplest methods for accurately measuring the flow rate of pulverized coal in the thermal power stations is the venturi meter. In the present work, different geometrical models have been designed and applied for measuring air-coal mixture flow rate, considering the effect of different operational parameters on the pressure sensitivity, pressure recovery and performance of the venturi models. The measurements showed the effects of these parameters on the pressure drop and the pressure distribution. New charts have been deduced from the experimental data for seven non-standard venturi models that shows different effects of particle size, loading ratio and throat length of venturi. From the experimental results a new correlation for two-phase flow discharge coefficient is deduced in the present study and comparison between the experimental and calculated is done with error percentage from +25% to -20%.
Genome-wide analysis revisits incipient sympatric and allopatric speciation in a beetle

The grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, is a widespread species distributed in the wild and in granaries. Our earlier extensive biological studies indicated that the beetle shows incipient sympatric speciation (SS) in the wild at Evolution Canyon I (EC-I), Israel, and allopatric speciation, in a granary. Here we provide genome-wide evidence supporting our adaptive evolution scenario involving two models of speciation, SS in the wild, and allopatric in the granary. The EC-I microsite is a hot spot of SS across life from bacteria to mammals caused by the sharp opposite microclimates. The tropical hot, dry and savannoid biome dubbed the “African” slope (AS), sharply contrasts with the opposite temperate, cool, humid, and forested biome on the European” slope (ES), separated by only ~250 meters. The third allopatric granary population is 26 km north of EC-I. The granary population showed larger genomic, morphological, and behavioral distances, smaller genome size, more unique transposable elements, and reproductive isolation, displaying faster genomic divergence than between the wild populations at EC-I. The incipient SS of the wild populations, and the speciation of the granary population are reinforced by the substantial genomic divergence among the three beetle populations, supporting again the evolutionary scenario of incipient SS with gene flow at EC-I, and allopatric speciation in the granary population. We propose additional studies in Israel, the Mediterranean basin, and worldwide, to negate alternative explanations, based on a broader sampling and analysis.