Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metacognitive Awareness, Procrastination and its Impact on Students’ Academic Performance

Metacognitive awareness is awareness about perception which further involves declaration, procedure as well as condition aspects, whereas, procrastination involves the action of delaying or postponing something. Both metacognition and procrastination are interrelated and can affect academic performance. Academic performance is an indicator of students' learning at any educational level but several factors can have an impact on it. This investigation was mainly conducted to determine the impact of metacognitive awareness and procrastination on the academic performance of learners in universities. The nature of this study was quantitative and a survey approach was adopted for this study. The sample of the study was comprised of twelve hundred graduates and postgraduates from universities by utilizing cluster sampled methods. To find the awareness of students’ metacognition the MAI (Schraw & Denison, 1994) was applied because of its appropriateness as well as for finding the procrastination behavior of students the Aitken Procrastination Inventory (Aitken, 1982) was applied in this investigation. Academic performance was determined through students’ previous GPA (grade point average). The findings of this investigation revealed that metacognition and procrastination significantly affect the academic performance of university students.
Correlation between microstructural changes evident on optical coherence tomography and use of perfluorocarbon liquids for repair of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Purpose: To describe optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of the macula after pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with and without using perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs). Patients and methods: This study is a prospective randomized study. Thirty eyes of 30 patients with repaired primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment by pars plana vitrectomy and gas injection, 15 eyes without adjuvant use of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) and 15 eyes with use of PFCLs, were investigated with OCT imaging using Spectralis HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and Amsler grid within a few weeks after the operation after absorption of intraocular gas. Results: Microstructural changes detected on OCT imaging of the macula were diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), epiretinal membrane (ERM), cystoid macular oedema (CME), outer ANALYSIS 24(106), November December, 2020 Medical Science ISSN 2321–7359 EISSN 2321–7367
Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important food additive with high medicinal value. To investigate the effect of plant growth regulators on chili, seedlings of chili were collected from the local market and grown in the experimental field of the University of Barishal, Bangladesh. Foliar spray of different degrees of plant growth regulators, Gibberellin (50 mg/l, 100 mg/l, 250mg/l, 350 mg/l GA3) and Cytokinin (50 mg/l, 100 mg/l, 250mg/l, 350mg/l Kn) were applied from 15 days of germination. Data on different growth and yield parameters were collected and analyzed statistically. The result reveals that there is a significant difference in growth and yield related traits in chili due to the application of plant growth regulators. An optimum level of PGRs application shows better performance compare with control. Plant height particularly influenced by GA3 whereas other attributes like the number of leaves, branches, flowers and fruits are greatly influenced by the application of kinetin.
Evaluation of Private Schools Implementation of International School Health Guidelines and the Impact on Childhood Obesity, in Dubai

Childhood obesity is a health concern globally and in the UAE. The prevalence of childhood obesity in the UAE reached 13.7% among 5-17 years old children. The research aimed to explore the implementation of international school health policies at Dubai private schools. The study followed a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional method using an online questionnaire. The target population were private schools in Dubai and they account for the majority of schools in the city. The sample size was 40 schools that represent 19% of the population. The data was collected online using Google forms, then analyzed through Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The majority of school principal's (83%) agree on the importance of implementing health policies. The implementation of health policy components recommended by the CDC: 7-9 components: 32.5%, 4-6 components: 35%, and 1-3 components: 30%. The majority of principals (84.6%) are willing to ban sweetened drinks from their school. Also, 64% of principals are willing to increase physical education (PE) classes, only 13% disagree. The study showed that 65% of schools provide 90 minutes/week PE classes (2 classes/week) lower than the recommended 180 to 225 minutes/week by the CDC and other health organizations. The common challenges schools reported to have experienced when trying to implement the health policies were time limitation, finance, human resources, and facilities. In conclusion, schools are working toward supporting health policies and school principals had an overall positive attitude in implementing new health policies. Schools also need to address the challenges they identified since they hinder the implementation of health policies.
Bioanalysis of Bilirubin: State of Our Art and Future Developments (Review Article)

Abstract The study comprised several co-investigations, each of which formed an original contribution to bilirubin research. Variation in the bioanalytical concentration of the unconjugated specimen and its reversion to other products was examined in each case. The contributions of the different components of the study are broadly summarized as follows: (i) photolysis by sunlight and phototherapy illumination; (ii) the effect of ionizing radiation; (iii) solvent effects and chromatographic studies; (iv) kinetic studies; (v) thermal and chemical effects. Initially, in vitro studies in dilute aqueous NaOH compared the efficiency of sunlight with illumination from a phototherapy unit. The data indicated that at comparable light intensities the phototherapy unit was as effective as sunlight in reducing the bilirubin levels to less than 10% of its original value. This work was extended by subjecting dilute non-aqueous solutions (chloroform) of bilirubin to 137Cs gamma irradiation. It was found that the ionizing radiation caused the bilirubin levels to decrease progressively with increased dose, which led to the formation of biliverdin. When the solvent was changed to deuterated chloroform, biliverdin was observed as a product of the chemical reaction between the solvent and bilirubin. Isolation of the components of the reaction mixture was done by adsorption chromatography. The separated fractions were confirmed spectrophotometrically. A more refined separation was accomplished in a preliminary study under conditions of reverse-phase HPLC, implementing isocratic elution with a solvent composition of 5:95 (v/v) CH3COOH and CH3OH. This produced capacity factors of 3.2 and 6.5 for biliverdin and bilirubin, respectively, for an optimum flow rate of 1 mL/min. The kinetics involving the CDCl3 reaction and the photochemical reaction in sunlight were subsequently examined, and respective rate constants of 0.17 s−1 and 0.15 s−1 were attained. The temperature dependence of the conversion of bilirubin (in aqueous NaOH) to biliverdin revealed that a considerable drop in the bilirubin concentrations was encountered with progressive increases in temperature in the range 25–68°C. This led to improved yields of biliverdin. It was further observed that the application of temperature in the presence of a CuSO4 spike intensified the phenomenon. The scope of our research is discussed.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Aromatic Free Radicals

A theoretical analysis is made of the rate of intramolecular transfer of the odd electron between the two phenyl groups in the mononegative ions of the α,ω‐diphenyalkanes, φ—(CH2)n—φ. The essential features of the calculations are: (a) It is shown that the polymethylene chain can be replaced by a pseudopotential corresponding to an effective direct transfer between the rings. (b) There is a strong tendency for self‐trapping of the odd electron on one phenyl ring, or the other, due to solvent polarization and bond distortions in the rings. This self‐trapping greatly reduces the rate of intramolecular charge transfer. (c) The intramolecular charge transfer occurs as an electronic resonance effect when a short‐lived thermally activated molecular state is formed in which the two rings appear to the odd electron to be equivalent to one another. The activation energy is estimated to be of the order of 1000 cm—1. (d) It is found that the rate of intramolecular charge transfer decreases exponentially with the len.
EVALUATION OF ROOT CANAL CONFIGURATION OF MAXILLARY SECOND PREMOLAR IN ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF DENTISTRY RAWALPINDI

Objective: To investigate and compare the root canal morphology of maxillary second premolar in relation to quadrant and gender distribution in Pakistani population presenting to Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi, from Jul 2018 to Dec 2018. Methodology: Patients of either gender ranging from 21 to 70 years, seeking root canal treatment of maxillary second premolars of either quadrant presenting to out-patient department were studied. Two periapical radiographs were taken through paralleling technique and same lingual opposite buccal (SLOB) rule during the canal negotiation step with endodontic files inserted in the canals. The canal configuration and classification was noted. Chi square statistics were used to compare groups and results noted. Results: Of the total 200 patients, 56.5% were males and 43.5% were females. Two canals system was found in 75% of the patients with type II classification accounting to 37.5%, followed by type IV (32%), type I (25%) and type V (5.5%). Conclusion: In conclusion, maxillary second premolar canal morphology is complex and highly variable for different populations.
Growth and Localized Energy Status in Phosphorus-Stressed Soybean

Abstract In plants experiencing phosphorus (P) stress, ATP concentrations can be reduced significantly and shoot growth is strongly restricted, raising the possibility that energy availability is responsible for the growth inhibition. Experiments were conducted to investigate the relationship between P deprivation and energy availability in tissues involved in the growth response. Young soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv. Ransom) plants were deprived of P for 32 days. Leaf initiation and individual leaf expansion were followed along with localized P and ATP concentrations. Tissue analyses revealed preferential distribution of P to the root, which accompanied a decline in the shoot to root dry weight ratio. Even though P concentrations in all shoot tissues dropped sharply, ATP concentrations and energy charge in the shoot meristem region were maintained similar to controls for an extended period when leaf initiation slowed. In the first trifoliolate leaf, ATP and energy charge remained at control levels during the expansion phase, but expansion was inhibited by 50%. Furthermore, ATP levels in root tips were decreased almost 30%, yet growth of the root system was equal to or greater than the control. The absence of a positive correlation between ATP levels and growth responses in the different tissues suggests that energy availability is not a primary factor limiting growth under P stress conditions. The results, along with others from previous experiments, support the notion that a signaling mechanism, as yet unidentified, controls down regulation of cell division in shoot growth regions.
Quantum chemical insight on vibration spectra of silica systems

A set of silicate ions and corresponding lithium salts have been quantum chemically (QC) simulated in a “free molecule” approach. The infrared (IR), inelastic neutron scattering (INS), and Raman spectra have been simulated and fitted to the experimentally registered ones. The complete assignment of the vibrational bands along with the intensities and potential energy distribution has been performed. The applicability of the traditionally used quasimolecule Si–O–Si model to the interpretation of bands near 440–480 cm− 1 and so-called “Boson” peak near 50 cm− 1 has been critically discussed.
Essential oil composition of Zanthoxylum alatum seeds from Northern India

The seeds of Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. , on hydrodistillation, gave 1.5% of oil (v/w). GC and GC-MS analysis of the oil resulted in the identification of 56 constituents, representing 99.5% of the oil. Linalool (71%), limonene (8.2%), β-phellandrene (5.7%) and (Z)-methylcinnamate (4.9%) were the major components. It is suggested that the seeds of Z. alatum can be used as a commercial source for the isolation of linalool.
Effects of proportional high-protein/low-carbohydrate formulated diet consumption in diabetic rats: Beneficial impact on glycemic and weight control

The metabolic response to nutrient ingestion and the rate of digestion and absorption of nutrient molecules in bowel physiology plays an important role in the metabolic control of some human chronic non-infectious diseases. This experimentally-controlled designed nutritional study which lasted eight weeks aimed to determine the effects of proportional high-protein/low-carbohydrate (HP/LC) formulated diet on glycemic tolerance, glycemic control, body weight, organ weight and organ morphometry in healthy and diabetic adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats purchased from a disease-free stock were randomly categorized into four groups (n = 6, each) after two weeks acclimatization period in raised stainless steel cages with 6 mm2mesh floor and replaceable numbered blotters papers placed under each cage in a well-ventilated animal house. Animal groups include: Healthy control group (HC), Healthy treated group (HT), Diabetic control group (DC) and Diabetic treated group (DT. The animals were fed according to the experimental design with water ad libitumfor eight weeks. Diabetes was inducted with freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate solution (150 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally). Body weights and fasting blood sugar concentrations were measured twice weekly, while oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the last day of the eighth-week study and subsequently followed by organs extraction after anesthesia for weight and gross assessment. Proportional high-protein/low-carbohydrate formulated diet caused significant reduction in mean body weight of treated diabetic (DT: 22.6%; P= .001) and healthy (HT: 5.8%; P= .007) rats while the control animals on control diet recorded significant (P< .05) increase in body weight gain (DC: 12.4%; HC: 11.2%). Glycemic tolerance and control improved significantly in diabetic treated rats over that of the healthy treated rats. Gross morphometry of the extracted organs (kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, spleen and testes) revealed sustained normal morphological features without any visible lesion. In conclusion, consumption of proportional high-protein/low-carbohydrate formulated diet enhanced body weight reduction and sustained normal organ morphological features with good glycemic tolerance and control in experimental rats, suggesting its dietary potentiality, safety and suitability to ameliorate obesity-related diabetes.
Association between Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Findings with Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Report from Northeast Iran

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first discovered in December 2019 in China and has rapidly spread worldwide. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and their association with the outcome of patients with COVID-19 can be decisive in management and early diagnosis. Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records of 397 hospitalized COVID-19 patients between February and May 2020 in Imam Reza hospital, northeast of Iran. Clinical and laboratory features were evaluated among survivors and non-survivors. The correlation between variables and duration of hospitalization and admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was determined. Male sex, age, hospitalization duration, and admission to ICU were significantly related to mortality rate. Headache was a more common feature in patients who survived (p = 0.017). It was also related to a shorter stay in the hospital (p = 0.032) as opposed to patients who experienced chest pain (p = 0.033). Decreased levels of consciousness and dyspnea were statistically more frequent in non-survivors (p = 0.003 and p = 0.011, respectively). Baseline white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.001). Patients with higher WBC and CRP levels were more likely to be admitted to ICU (p = 0.009 and p = 0.001, respectively). Evaluating clinical and laboratory features can help clinicians find ways for risk stratifying patients and even make predictive tools. Chest pain, decreased level of consciousness, dyspnea, and increased CRP and WBC levels seem to be the most potent predictors of severe prognosis.
Impact of gastric resection and enteric anastomotic configuration on delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a network meta-analysis of randomized trials

Introduction Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is frequent after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have explored operative strategies to minimise DGE, however, the optimal combination of gastric resection approach, anastomotic route, and configuration, role of Braun enteroenterostomy remains unclear. Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for RCTs comparing gastric resection (Classic Whipple, pylorus-resecting, and pylorus-preserving), anastomotic route (antecolic vs retrocolic) and configuration (Billroth II vs Roux-en-Y), and enteroenterostomy (Braun vs no Braun). A random-effects, Bayesian network meta-analysis with non-informative priors was conducted to determine the optimal combination of approaches to PD for minimising DGE. Results Twenty-four RCTs, including 2526 patients and 14 approaches were included. There was some heterogeneity, although inconsistency was low. The overall incidence of DGE was 25.6% (n = 647). Pylorus-resecting, antecolic, Billroth II with Braun enteroenterostomy was associated with the lowest rates of DGE and ranked the best in 35% of comparisons. Classic Whipple, retrocolic, Billroth II with Braun ranked the worst for DGE in 32% of comparisons. Pairwise meta-analysis of retrocolic vs antecolic route of gastro-jejunostomy found increased risk of DGE with the retrocolic route (OR 2.1, 95% CrI; 0.92 - 4.7). Pairwise meta-analysis of Braun enteroenterostomy found a trend towards lower DGE rates with Braun compared to no Braun (OR 1.9, 95% CrI; 0.92 - 3.9). Having a Braun enteroenterostomy ranked the best in 96% of comparisons. Conclusion Based on existing RCT evidence, a pylorus-resecting, antecolic, Billroth II with Braun enteroenterostomy may be associated with the lowest rates of DGE.
High-altitude is associated with better short-term survival in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU

Abstract Background: The novel human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has affected at least 218 countries worldwide. Some geographical and environmental factors are positively associated with a better or worse prognosis concerning COVID-19 disease and with lower or higher SARS-CoV-2 transmission. High altitude exposure has been associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 attack rates; nevertheless, the role of chronic high-altitude exposure on the clinical outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients has not been studied. Objective: To compare the clinical course and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in two intensive care units (ICU) located at low and high altitude. Exposure and Outcome: To explore the effect of two different elevations (10 m vs 2,850 m above sea level) on COVID-19 clinical outcome and survival. Methods: A prospective cohort, two-center study in confirmed COVID-19 adult patients admitted to a low altitude (Sea level) and high altitude (2,850 m) ICU units in Ecuador was conducted. Two hundred and thirty confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled from March 15th to July 15th, 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters including supportive therapies, pharmacological treatments and medical complications were reported and compared between the low and high-altitude groups. Results: The median age of all the patients was 60 years, 64.8% were men and 35.2% were women. A total of 105 (45.7%) patients had at least one underlying comorbidity, the most frequent being chronic diseases, such as hypertension (33.5%), diabetes (16.5%), and chronic kidney failure (5.7%). The APACHE II scale at 72 hours was especially higher in the low-altitude group with a median of 18 points (IQR: 9.5-24.0), compared to 9 points (IQR: 5.0-22.0) obtained in the group of high altitude. There is evidence of a difference in survival in favor of the high-altitude group (p = 0.006), the median survival being 39 days, compared to 21 days in the low altitude group. Conclusion: There has been a substantial improvement in survival amongst people admitted to the high-altitude critical care unit. Low altitude living was associated with improved survival, especially among patients with no comorbidities. COVID-19 patients admitted to the high-altitude ICU unit have improved severity-of-disease classification system scores at 72 hours and reported better respiratory and ventilatory profiles than the low altitude group.
Survey of contaminated percutaneous injuries in anesthesiologists

Objectives: To assess the occurrence, reporting, characteristics, and outcome of contaminated percutaneous injuries (CPI) in anesthesia residents, fellows, and attendings. Settings: Anesthesia practitioners are at inherent risk for percutaneous injuries by blood-contaminated needles and sharp objects that may result in transmission of HIV and hepatitis viruses. Percutaneous injuries are underreported, and data is limited and decades old. Participants: After institutional research board approval, an email to participate in an online survey was sent to 217 members of the anesthesia department at the University of Miami. Responses were collected in March 2020. Results: The overall response rate was 51% (110/217). 59% (95% CI, 50 68) of participants reported having one or more CPI (42% residents, 50% fellows, 77% attendings). 29% (95% CI, 17 41) of attendings reported sustaining a CPI within the last 5 years. Occurrence of CPI within the last 5 years based on attending anesthesiologist years of practice was 57% for less than 5 years, 37.5% for 10-15 years, and 20% for 15-20 years of practice. 75% (95% CI, 65 85) reported the incident at the time of injury. 59% (95% CI, 48 70) of injuries were due to hollow bore needles. 50% (95% CI, 39 61) of total injuries were high risk. 26% of injured anesthesia practitioners received post-exposure prophylaxis and there were zero seroconversions. Conclusion: Most anesthesiologists will sustain a contaminated percutaneous injury during their careers. Half of these injuries are high risk with a quarter requiring postexposure prophylaxis. More education and interventions are needed to reduce percutaneous injuries and improve reporting.