Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective comparative study of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with and without a history of open stone surgery

Background & Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in individuals with prior open stone operations might be difficult. The purpose of our research was to compare the efficacy and complications of the procedure in individuals who had previous open renal stone surgeries with patients without previous open renal surgeries. Methods: This is a prospective comparative study carried out on 115 patients between May 2020 to April 2021, the patients were classified into two groups. Group 1 (n=50) had previously undergone open renal stone surgery. Group 2 (n=65) had no prior open operations. Both groups' demographic data, stone parameters, operative and fluoroscopy time, stone-free rate, hospital stays, and perioperative and postoperative complications were compared. Results: The demographic data and stone parameters were comparable between the two groups, the total operative time and fluoroscopic time were significantly higher for group 1 versus group 2 (74.18 min vs 62.89 min), (22.12 min vs 11.69 min) respectively. Postoperative hospital stays nephrostomy tube removal time, and mean hemoglobin drops were also similar, 6 patients in group 1 received a blood transfusion in comparison to 2 patients in group 2, but statistically was not significant. There were no statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in terms of perioperative and postoperative complications. Conclusion: Individuals with a history of open renal stone operations who have subsequent percutaneous nephrolithotomy may require more fluoroscopic and operating time, although the success rate and overall morbidities were the same in both groups.
Identification and mitigation of T-S waves using localized dynamic surface modification

The control of transition from a laminar to a turbulent flow over a flat plate using localized dynamic surface modifications was explored experimentally in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s subsonic wind tunnel. Dynamic surface modification, via a pair of Piezoelectrically Driven Oscillating Surface (PDOS) actuators, was used to excite and control the T-S wave over a flat plate. Creating an upstream, localized small disturbance at the most amplified frequency of fact = 250 Hz led to phase-locking the T-S wave. This enabled observation of the excited T-S wave using phase-locked stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The growth of the T-S wave as it moved downstream was also measured using this technique (25% growth over four wavelengths of the excited wave). Activation of a downstream PDOS actuator (in addition to the upstream PDOS) at the appropriate amplitude and phase shift resulted in attenuation of the peak amplitude of the coherent velocity fluctuations (by up to 68%) and a substantial reduction o.
Association between Dietary Habits, Lifestyle and Migraine Attacks During Social Isolation in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Eating habits and lifestyle were the areas of life most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in patients with migraine, whose triggers for their crises are related to these factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to systematically review the association between eating habits, lifestyle and migraine attacks during social isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, a systematic review was carried out, developed in accordance with PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO nº CRD42022350308, with observational studies, which evaluated eating habits and lifestyle as exposure variables for the increase or alteration of migraine attacks during the pandemic of COVID-19 in adult patients diagnosed with migraine. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar (gray literature) databases, and MESH and DECS database descriptors were used without language limits. 688 publications were identified, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction, totaling, in the end, 3,256 respondents. The assessment of the methodological quality of the studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The publications included were of low to moderate methodological quality, with a high risk of bias, and most found an association between lifestyle, eating habits and migraine attacks. Sleep disorders were most positively associated with migraine attacks, followed by eating habits. However, in most studies, there was no association between caffeine and migraine during the pandemic. We emphasize the need for more prospective, robust studies with better methodological quality to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the association between eating habits, lifestyle and migraine attacks.
Fatigue Resistance of Two Different Materials Used as Retentive Attachments in Implant Supported Overdenture after Immersion in Denture Cleansing Solution: An In Vitro Comparative Study

Aim: This in vitro study compared the fatigue resistance of two polymeric materials (Nylon and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) used as retentive attachments in implant-retained overdentures after immersion in denture cleansing solution. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 samples (N=24), of which 12 capsule-shaped samples of commercially available nylon material from ADIN dental implants, India, and similar sized and shaped 12 PTFE (medical grade) capsules custom fabricated from AAA Industries, Mumbai was obtained. Six samples of each material were immersed in distilled water and six samples in Clinsodent denture cleanser, simulating an 8–h daily immersion of the denture for a period of 2 years. After completion of the immersion protocol, samples were subjected to 2900 fatigue cycles using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM), simulating 4 cycles per day of removal and insertion of the overdenture for a duration of 2 years. Before and after immersion, the wear of the samples was assessed for internal and external diameter changes using the Sipcon Inspection System. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was tested by applying the paired-t test, Fisher analysis of variance, and Tukey’s honest significant difference test, with a probability value less than 0.05 used as statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed after immersion in denture cleanser for nylon and PTFE. The greatest fatigue for ID, IHL, and IVL was demonstrated in nylon immersed in Clinsodent at p = . 000. ED and EHL of PTFE in distilled water showed greater deformation than others (p = .000). Conclusion: PTFE attachments have shown better fatigue resistance after immersion in Clinsodent denture cleanser. Nylon material immersed in distilled water as well as in Clinsodent cleanser showed greater deformation after fatigue cycles.
Reconciling Competing Reporting Objectives Through Deferred Tax Accounts: Evidence on Private Italian Firms

Abstract This paper contributes to the growing literature on earnings management in private firms by focusing on deferred taxes. This accounting treatment requires sophisticated use of accruals that provides the chance to manage earnings and net assets without affecting the tax payable. We argue that in a setting with high book-tax conformity, the small room that allegedly exists to recognise deferred taxes remains a comfortable avenue to reach reporting objectives that a tax-minimisation strategy may preclude. We use a sample of private firms operating in a credit- and tax-driven environment such as Italy to test this expectation. Our results show that private firms use deferred taxes to extract multiple financial reporting benefits that may facilitate debt contracting: smoothing earnings over time, meeting/beating historical earnings, avoiding reporting accounting losses, and managing leverage. Tax loss carryforwards are the source of deferred tax assets where the exercise of discretion becomes more critical.
Challenges for Place-Based Mathematics Pedagogy in Rural Schools and Communities in the United States

Abstract:We studied the efforts of rural math teachers to make community connections, a comparatively rare field for placed-based education. Subjects included educators, parents, non-parent community members, and students in Alabama, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington. We used a multiple case-study design, based on verbatim transcripts. Three themes emerged, comprising eight subthemes. Claims about “relevance” (theme I) functioned complexly as follows: (1) real-world relevance served mostly as motivation; (2) higher-level math made fewer community connections; and (3) typically, these methods involved less capable math students, often in “vocational” or “general” tracks. Three interacting conditions sustained these initiatives (theme II): (4) the strength of the “champion” educator and allied network; (5) ease of sponsorship, moderated by enabling conditions; and (6) strength of participants' belief in the future of the local community. Inferences about social-class differentials (theme III) indicated: (7) egalitarian localism and elitist universalism were in active contest; and (8) this contest shaped the local purposes of math education in ways that tended to reinforce social reproduction and youth outmigration. The authors recommend that community members and educators interested in this approach to education give more attention to its purposes and to the place of mathematics education within such purposes.
The investigation of EFL teachers’ professional and social competence in english online teaching (In Utilizing ICT Media)

Therefore, this research aimed to describe EFL teachers’ professional competence in terms of developing learning material, developing professionalism, and utilizing ICT media, as well EFL teachers’ social competence in terms of being inclusive and objectively and communicating effectively in English online teaching. This research applied a qualitative descriptive as the research design. In collecting the data, the researcher applied observation, interview, and documentation. The data was then processed by using the technique of data analysis based on Miles and Huberman involved data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that EFL teachers’ professional competence in developing learning material indicated two categories; semi-material development, and non-material development. Then, EFL teachers’ professional competence in developing professionalism continuously indicated that the teachers did self-evaluation, and did self-improvement. In utilizing ICT media, the results indicated that the EFL teachers used mono-ICT media and multi-ICT medias in teaching online. Meanwhile, the results for EFL teachers’ social competence indicated that EFL teachers implemented inclusively and objectively as well communicating effectively with the students during teaching online.
Effect of Patient Age on Timing of Inpatient Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and Outcomes for Non-variceal Upper GI Bleeds

Background Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is typically performed within 24 hours of presentation for patients admitted to a hospital for patients presenting with a non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB). To date, no studies have been performed to identify the impact of patient age on the timing of inpatient EGD and patient outcomes in non-variceal UGIB. Our aim was to assess the differences in the timing of EGD, blood transfusion requirements, development of hemorrhagic shock, development of acute renal failure, mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges for patients aged 18-59 and those aged 60 and older. Methods Admissions for non-variceal UGIB were identified from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 and 2017. Patients who initially presented with hemorrhagic shock were excluded. Patients were divided into two age groups, those aged 18-59 and those aged 60 or older. We classified EGDs as early and delayed. Since the NIS database identifies days as midnight to midnight, we categorized early EGDs as those performed on day 0 and day 1. Delayed EGD were categorized as those performed on days 2 and 3. Multivariate logistic regression was performed on propensity-matched data to compare EGD timing, blood transfusion requirements, development of post-hospitalization hemorrhagic shock, development of acute renal failure, and mortality. The following patient and hospital variables were used in regression models: race, sex, insurance status, income quartile, mortality risk score, illness severity score, admission month, admission day, type of admission, region, bed size, and hospital teaching status. Finally, weighted two-sample T-tests were used to compare the length of stay and total hospitalization cost. Results A total of 12,449 weighted cases of inpatient non-variceal UGIB were included in this study. Patients aged 60 and older were more likely to die during the hospitalization (OR= 1.661, 95%CI: 1.108-2.490, p= 0.014), require blood transfusion (OR= 1.257, 95%CI: 1.131-1.396, p<0.001), and develop acute renal failure (OR= 1.672, 95%CI: 1.447-1.945, p<0.001). Patients aged 60 and older were also less likely to receive an early EGD (OR= 0.850, 95%CI: 0.752-0.961, p= 0.009). Total hospital costs (95%CI: -1397.77 - -4005.68, p<0.001) and length of stay (95%CI: -0.428 - -0.594, p<0.001) were both lower in patients aged 18-59 years. There was no difference in the development of post-hospitalization hemorrhagic shock between the two groups (OR= 0.984, 95%CI: 0.707-1.369, p= 0.923). Conclusions Patients aged 60 and older were less likely to have an early EGD and more likely to have worse outcomes. They had increased rates of inpatient mortality, blood transfusion requirements, development of acute renal failure, increased total hospital costs, and longer lengths of stay. There were no differences in the development of post-hospitalization hemorrhagic shock between the two groups.
Effect of weed control methods on weed biomass and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under rainfed condition in Basketo Special District, Southern Ethiopia

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major crop grown in Basketo Special district by smallholder farmers. However, its production and productivity is challenged by many factors of which weeds are the key factor that reduce the productivity of maize in the district. Therefore, field experiment was conducted at Basketo Special district during 2017 main cropping season under rainfed condition to evaluate weed control methods on weed biomass and grain yield of maize. The experiment consisted of six treatments namely; once hand hoeing at 20 days after crop emergence (DACE), twice hand hoeing at 20 and 40 DACE, Primagram Gold 660SC + once hand hoeing at 40 DACE, Primagram Gold 660SC + twice hand hoeing at 40 and 60 DACE, farmer practice and weedy check. It was laid-out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Weed and crop parameters were collected. The highest maize grain yield and the lowest weed biomass were obtained from Primagram Gold 660SC + twice hand hoeing without significant difference with Primagram Gold 660SC + once hand hoeing whereas the lowest grain yield and highest weed biomass were found in weedy check. Moreover, the results revealed that integration of Primagram Gold 660SC with once (at 40 DACE) and twice (at 40 and 60 DACE) hand hoeing significantly reduced weed density and biomass and gave better maize grain yield and maximize net benefit. Therefore, these two treatments could be recommended to improve maize productivity and net income of the farmers in the study area.
Fiberoptic Intubation vs. Video-Assisted Fiberoptic Intubation in a High-Fidelity Pediatric Simulator: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Life-threatening hypoxemia during tracheal intubation is more likely to occur in children than adults due to its unique physiological and anatomical nature. Fiberoptic intubation is widely performed in children with difficult airways. However, mastery of fiberoptic intubation requires substantial training, and novice trainees need to attempt fiberoptic intubation in children at high risk of respiratory-related adverse events. Therefore, a safer method than traditional fiberoptic intubation for children with difficult airways is desirable for novice anesthesia trainees. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of video-assisted fiberoptic intubation (VAFI) with that of traditional fiberoptic intubation (FOI) in a high-fidelity pediatric simulator by medical professionals with no experience in tracheal intubation. Method: This randomized, controlled, simulation-based study was conducted in a tertiary-care pediatric hospital. Registered nurses working in the operating room were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to either the FOI or VAFI groups. Participants in the FOI group performed fiberoptic intubation without the aid of any device, whereas those in the VAFI group used a video laryngoscope to obtain a better glottic view. The primary outcome was the time from the moment the tip of the flexible bronchoscope passed between the upper and lower incisors until the completion of tracheal intubation. Results: A total of 28 participants were enrolled in this study. There was no significant difference in the time until the completion of tracheal intubation between FOI and VAFI, with a median time of 55.0 seconds for FOI and 42.5 seconds for VAFI (P = 0.22). Secondary outcomes, including time until passing the vocal cord, the number of intubation attempts, and the first success rate, did not also illustrate the significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate the superiority of VAFI over conventional FOI in a high-fidelity pediatric simulator by medical providers with no experience in tracheal intubation.
Analysis of the effect of fatigue on walking gait using acceleration sensor placed on the waist

In this paper, we have studied the effect of fatigue on walking gait during normal walking. Acceleration of COG in lateral, vertical and anterior/posterior directions were recorded and analyzed to study the effect of the fatigue. Increase in cadence and shortening of step length were observed after the fatigue. The results also showed an increase in the RMS value of acceleration in lateral direction affecting the lateral stability during walking. The variability analysis showed that the amplitude variability is increased in lateral, vertical and anterior/posterior directions after fatigue which can be related to the weakness of the lower extremity muscles. Frequency analysis revealed that higher frequency components in the acceleration increased due to the fatigue. An increase in the wavelet entropy after fatigue showed the increase in the disorder in the vertical and anterior/posterior accelerations.
Medical cannabis: Roles, responsibilities, and challenges for clinical pharmacists

Cannabis is a plant that has been grown for centuries for it is industrial, medicinal, and recreational uses. Over the last few decades, cannabis has been increasingly used therapeutically and recreationally as states increasingly decriminalize or legalize its cultivation and sale. Pharmacists, as medication experts, can play an important role in educating patients and other healthcare professionals about cannabis, the evidence of its potential for therapeutic use, and the risks for short and long‐term adverse effects. This paper aims to broadly review the current policy landscape, describe specific issues and challenges relevant to patients and healthcare providers, and provide a framework for the clinical pharmacist's approach to the patient using cannabis.
Jujube Versus Polyethylene Glycol for Maintenance Treatment of Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Functional constipation (FC) is a common major problem in children. This study compared Jujube paste and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as laxative drugs in children with FC. Ziziphus Jujuba Mill (Jujube) was selected according to traditional Iranian medicine because it is native to Iran and a large extent of Asia, is safe and easy to access, with acceptable taste to children. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 128 children aged 2 to 12 with FC according to Rome IV criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of Jujube paste and PEG and underwent four weeks of treatment. The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the Jujube oral product were compared with PEG. Results: Following four weeks of therapy, all clinical symptoms of constipation according to Rome IV criteria were improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). In all the seven criteria of Rome IV, Jujube paste was as effective as PEG and even stronger in reducing stool stiffness (P < 0.0001). No hazardous side effect was reported in the two groups. Moreover, the medication acceptance rate was higher in the group receiving Jujube paste than in the group receiving PEG. Conclusions: Jujube paste is as effective as PEG in pediatric FC. This product has high nutritional value and antioxidant properties, so it can be a safe substitute for PEG in pediatric FC.
Adaptive Deconvolution on the Non‐negative Real Line

In this paper, we consider the problem of adaptive density or survival function estimation in an additive model defined by Z=X+Y with X independent of Y, when both random variables are non‐negative. This model is relevant, for instance, in reliability fields where we are interested in the failure time of a certain material that cannot be isolated from the system it belongs. Our goal is to recover the distribution of X (density or survival function) through n observations of Z, assuming that the distribution of Y is known. This issue can be seen as the classical statistical problem of deconvolution that has been tackled in many cases using Fourier‐type approaches. Nonetheless, in the present case, the random variables have the particularity to be R+ supported. Knowing that, we propose a new angle of attack by building a projection estimator with an appropriate Laguerre basis. We present upper bounds on the mean squared integrated risk of our density and survival function estimators. We then describe a non‐parametric data‐driven strategy for selecting a relevant projection space. The procedures are illustrated with simulated data and compared with the performances of a more classical deconvolution setting using a Fourier approach. Our procedure achieves faster convergence rates than Fourier methods for estimating these functions.
Cross-national validation of the non-participation in non-formal education questionnaire: Findings from adults from Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, and the Czech republic

Abstract Non-formal adult education (NFE) provides adults of all ages with the opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge, and expertise. However, there is currently a lack of validated instruments that measure the factors of NFE non-participation in European countries, particularly their barriers. One exception is the Non-participation in Non-formal Education Questionnaire (NP-NFE-Q). This study evaluates and compares the psychometric properties of this instrument among adults across four purposefully selected European countries: Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. The results indicate a good model fit for a three-factor model across randomly split pooled samples and for all countries (min. CFI, TLI, and GFI =.932, .908, and .941, max. RMSEA =.079). The findings reveal that adults currently face barriers in three key forms: (1) worries and (2) needs regarding NFE at the micro level and (3) the need for more suitable provision at the macro level.