Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retrospective radiographic analysis of anterior lumbar fusion for high grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Background High-grade spondylolisthesis (>50% slippage) is infrequently encountered in adults and frequently requires surgical treatment. The optimal surgical treatment is controversial with limited literature guidance as to optimal approach to treatment. An observational study to examine the technique and radiographic outcomes of adult patients treated with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior percutaneous instrumentation for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Methods ALIF was performed in 5 consecutive patients (3/5 female, 2/5 male) aged 29-67 years old who presented with low back pain and L5 radiculopathy. All patients failed conservative treatment and were treated with L4-5 and L5-S1 ALIF followed by posterior percutaneous L4-S1 pedicle screw and rod fixation. Pre- and postoperative clinical data was collected including L5-S1 posterior disk height in millimeters, millimeters of spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, degrees of segmental lordosis (L4-S1), lumbar lordosis (L1-S1), and lumbar lordosis pelvic incidence (LL-PI) mismatch. Results Six weeks following surgery, no patient reported residual L5 radicular symptoms. At last follow up, patient satisfaction, according to Modified Macnab Criteria, was excellent in 4/5 patients and good in 1/5 patient. In the 4 patients with greater than 1 year radiographic follow up, fusion rate was 100% on computed tomography (CT). Mean increase in posterior disk height was 12.5 mm (range, 11.4-13.5 mm). Mean reduction in spondylolisthesis was 58.7% (range, 20.2-100%). Mean segmental (L4-S1) and overall (L1-S1) lumbar lordosis increased by 23.6% (range, 6.5-41.7%) and 16.6% (2.5-31.5%), respectively. Following surgery, LL-PI mismatch decreased from a mean of 16.4 to 10.2 degrees. Conclusions ALIF with posterior percutaneous instrumentation is a safe and effective treatment for high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in properly selected adults. This technique improves lumbar sagittal parameters and reduces spondylolisthesis. The indirect neural decompression from simultaneous disk height restoration and spondylolisthesis reduction may be associated with lower neurological injury rate compared to posterior-only. Future prospective study is needed to validate this hypothesis.
Measurement of the Traffic Wheel/Pavement Contact Characteristics for Goods Haulage; Case Study of Dangote Flour Mill PLC Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract In Nigeria, goods haulage is currently dominated through heavy trucks, whose effect on the pavement deterioration can be enormous, because the truck wheel/pavement interaction plays a key role in deterioration of pavement life. This study aims to measure the truck wheel/pavement contact characteristics with a view to develop its quantitative damaging influence on a pavement structure. Axle load distribution, tyre inflation pressure and tyre/pavement contact area of selected tyre types for different axle configurations were determined for four classes of trucks being used by a major haulage outfit in Nigeria, Messrs Dangote Industries Limited. The results obtained showed that the tyre pavement contact length depends on tyre load as the length increases with increase in tyre load, while tyre pavement contact width is averagely constant with tyre load increase. It is concluded that design and use of tyres should allow for large contact areas with small tyre pressures to lessen the menace of pavement deterioration, and also there is need for a strict control for standards of truck loads that travel on Nigerian road.
Lipidomic signatures of post-hepatectomy liver failure using porcine hepatectomy models

Background Clinical diagnosis of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) can only be made on or after the 5th postoperative day. Biomarker for early diagnosis is considered as a critical unmet need. Methods Twenty domestic female crossbreed (Yorkshire-landrace and duroc) pigs underwent sham operation (n=6), 70% (n=7) and 90% (n=7) partial hepatectomy (PH). A comprehensive lipidomic analysis was conducted using sera collected at pre-operation (PO), 14, 30, and 48 h after PH using nanoflow ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Of the 184 quantified lipids, 14 lipids showed significant differences between the two resection groups starting at 30 h after surgery. Four phosphatidylcholine (PC) plasmalogen species (P-16:0/16:0, P-18:0/18:2, P-18:0/20:4, and P-18:0/22:6) and PC 32:2 significantly increased in the 90% PH group while these returned to PO level after 30 h in the 70% PH group, presumably implying the failure markers. In contrast, eight triacylglycerol (TG) species (40:0, 42:1, 42:0, 44:1, 44:2, 46:1, 46:2, and 48:3) and sphingomyelin d18:1/20:0 showed an opposite trend, wherein they significantly decreased in the 90% PH group while these in the 70% PH group were abruptly increased until 30 h but returned to near PO levels at 48 h, implying the recovery markers. Same trends could also be observed in the level of whole lipid classes of PC plasmalogens and TGs, in addition to selected individual lipid species. Conclusions Characteristic lipidomic signatures of PHLF could be identified using large animal models. These candidates have a potential to serve as a tool for early diagnosis and may open new paths to the study to overcome PHLF.
The Role of Social Media in Disaster Recovery Following Hurricane Harvey

Abstract Hurricane Harvey was social media's first real stress test as a disaster response and recovery mechanism. A confluence of conditions makes it an ideal case study of social media's role in disaster recovery: the lack of a government-issued evacuation order, a call from government leadership for willing and able volunteers with a boat or high-water vehicle to perform life-saving rescues, and wide-spread adoption of social media platforms in the Houston area. While research on online social networks and disasters continues to grow, social scientists know little about how these online networks transform during a crisis and, further, how they drive disaster outcomes. With two original datasets, this study investigates how Houston's online social network transformed during Hurricane Harvey (2017), and the relationship between social media activity and post-Harvey recovery. The findings of a social network analysis (N= 2,387,610) and subsequent statistical analyses reveal the Houston-area online social network grew denser, clustered, and more efficient during the disaster. A spatial analysis and three separate regression models of activity before, during, and after Hurricane Harvey reveal that among 333 Nextdoor Neighborhoods, hyperlocal social media activity was a statistically significant predictor of the rate of rebuilding in these geographically based online communities. These findings suggest that policy and decision-makers should invest into online and offline hyperlocal social networks well before a disaster strikes, and leverage resources and legislation to maintain and strengthen the telecommunications and energy infrastructure that supports access to social media and telecommunications infrastructure during a time of crisis.
Microbiological, Physicochemical and Heavy Metals Assessments of Soils and Selected Vegetables Grown on Rumde-Doubeli Irrigated Farmland in Yola Nigeria

Leaf parts of vegetable plants grown on irrigated farmlands and are easily accessed by contaminants; pose greater risks of being contaminated with heavy metals. Soil, irrigation water and edible vegetable plants were collected and evaluated for concentrations of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and standard laboratory methods. Physicochemical parameters of irrigation water, compared with WHO limits for chloride (326.14 + 7.03 mg/L, 250 mg/L), total hardness (196.0 + 8.72 mg/L, 150 mg/L), chemical oxygen demand (286.4 ±1.35 mg/L; 150 mg/L) and alkalinity (171.0 + 4.36 mg/L, 120 mg/L) were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher than the control sites and respective reference values. Zinc (0.92 + 0.06 mg/L, 2.00 mg/L) and biological oxygen demand (115.7 + 6.46 mg/L, 200 mg/L, except for site C, which had 211.5 + 1.11 mg/L, 200 mg/L) had lower values compare to the control sites and respective reference values. For the control site, the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits but with increase of trace metal contents in soil and consequently into the vegetables (p ˂ 0.05). Microbiological analysis revealed a high count of faecal coliforms, above the WHO recommended limit. Three significant pathogens identified included Salmonella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species. Farmers should be enlightened on the need for hygienic water for irrigation, and proper disinfection of raw vegetables before its consideration for consumption. Keyword: Wastewater; Heavy Metal; Pollution; Physicochemical; Irrigation; Toxicity
Stable complete seawater electrolysis by using interfacial chloride ion blocking layer on catalyst surface

Seawater is the most plentiful natural resource we have on earth and new research is looking at seawater as an alternative to freshwater for hydrogen production by electrolysis. However, the selective electrochemical anodic oxygen evolution reaction from seawater is challenging because of the competitive chloride oxidation reaction as well as anodic corrosion. Here we report an FeOOH deposited β-Ni–Co hydroxide as a new active material with an outer graphene oxide layer, which works effectively for selective overall alkaline natural seawater splitting, which requires very low cell voltages of 1.57 and 2.02 V to reach current densities of 20 mA cm−2 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, at 27 °C. Importantly, this electrolyzer shows exceptional stability for more than 378 h at a current density of 1 A cm−2. This discovery can be generalized with other reported unstable OER/HER seawater splitting electrocatalysts, which can significantly progress the expansion of seawater electrolysis for extensive hydrogen production.
Goal Clarity, Trust in Management and Intention to Stay: The Mediating Role of Work Engagement

Drawing from the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, the study explores the relationship between goal clarity, trust in management, work–family conflict and intention to stay among managers in the IT and Information Technology Enabled Service sectors. It also analyses the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between job resources (i.e., goal clarity and trust in management), job demands (i.e., work–family conflict) and intention to stay. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 200 managerial level employees in India. The model was tested using structural equation modelling techniques. Results indicate that employee engagement fully mediates the relationship between goal clarity, trust in management and intention to stay. This study makes significant theoretical contributions by exploring and establishing the relationship between goal clarity and intention to stay. It also contributes to relevant literature by demonstrating the mediating effects of employee engagement with goal clarity, trust in management and intention to stay of managerial level employees. In addition, this article describes the practical implications of work engagement and intention to stay.
Investigation of the Impact of Self-Compassion and Family Support Perception on Parenting Stress in Parents Who Have Children with Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Disability

In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether the self-compassion levels and family support perception levels of individuals who have children with learning disability, autism spectrum disorder and mental disabiliy have a significant effect on parental stress. In this context, a research was conducted with 180 individuals whose children received special education in a special education and rehabilitation center in Istanbul. Self-Compassion Scale, Family Social Support Scale, and Parental Stress Index Short Form were used to collect the data. In the study, data were analyzed using Independent Sample t-Test, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Regression Analysis. According to the findings, it was determined that the self-compassion levels and family support levels of the parents who have children with learning disability, autism spectrum disorder and mental disability had a significant effect on parental stress. Accordingly, as the level of self-compassion and family support increases, the level of parental stress of their parents decreases.
Finite Difference Method for Two-Sided Two Dimensional Space Fractional Convection-Diffusion Problem with Source Term

In this paper, we have considered a numerical difference approximation for solving two-dimensional Riesz space fractional convection-diffusion problem with source term over a finite domain. The convection and diffusion equation can depend on both spatial and temporal variables. Crank-Nicolson scheme for time combined with weighted and shifted Grünwald-Letnikov difference operator for space are implemented to get second order convergence both in space and time. Unconditional stability and convergence order analysis of the scheme are explained theoretically and experimentally. The numerical tests are indicated that the Crank-Nicolson scheme with weighted shifted Grünwald-Letnikov approximations are effective numerical methods for two dimensional two-sided space fractional convection-diffusion equation.
Evaluation of DMA Size Selection of Dry Dispersed Mineral Dust Particles

Mineral dust particles play a significant role in the Earth's radiative balance via direct interaction with solar radiation and indirectly through their ability to initiate cloud formation. Many field and laboratory studies utilize a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) for particle size selection. Here we evaluate the use of a DMA to size-segregate dry dispersed mineral dust particles. We examine the post-DMA size distribution using four different techniques: a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) for mobility sizing, an optical particle sizer (OPS) for optical sizing, the Particle Analysis by Laser Mass Spectrometry (PALMS) instrument for vacuum aerodynamic sizing, and electron microscopy (EM) for geometric sizing. While the SMPS measured a narrow mobility size distribution at the DMA-selected diameter, the OPS, PALMS, and EM in most cases showed broader distributions and a smaller mode size than that selected by the DMA. These techniques also observed super-micrometer particles, often extending beyond the upper size limit of a typical SMPS scan. Complicating analysis, particle shape factor (χ) was observed to be a function of mobility size, ranging from 1.3 at 500 nm to 3.1 at 1000 nm. We conclude that mobility size selection of mineral dust particles using a DMA most often does not yield particles of the desired physical size or surface area. We suggest that attempts to size-select from a broad distribution of non-spherical particles require an independent measurement downstream of the DMA to verify the actual selected size. Copyright 2015 American Association for Aerosol Research
Ginger Beer: An Overview of Health Benefits and Recent Developments

Since time immemorial, ginger has been widely used as a food spice, providing aromatic odor and pungent taste, and as a medicinal plant, with various therapeutic effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic, among others. It has long been an integral constituent of most herbal medicines in Africa, China and India. Its medicinal properties are largely attributed to its outstanding amount of phenolics which include gingerols, paradols, zingerones, and many others. With consumer preference gradually and remarkably shifting from high-calorie towards low-calorie and functional beverages, the demand for ginger beer is flourishing at a faster rate. Currently, the ginger beer market is dominated by the United States. The demand for ginger beer is, however, debilitated by using artificial ingredients. Nonetheless, the use of natural ginger extract enriches beer with putative bioactive phytoconstituents such as shagaol, gingerone, zingerone, ginger flavonoids and essential oils, as well as essential nutritional components including proteins, vitamins and minerals, to promote general wellbeing of consumer. This paper presents an overview of the phytoconstituents of ginger as well as the overall biological activities they confer to the consumer. In addition, the market trend as well as the production technology of ginger beer using natural ginger extract is described here.
Persuasive effects in social media: the case of envy

Abstract In the age of social media, consumers are constantly exposed to idealistic images of others arousing social-related emotions such as envy. Yet, very little is known about the effects of envy on purchase intention. Our pilot study and experiment investigated the effects of Facebook envy on purchase intent involving female Facebook users, aged 18–25 years. The pilot study and experiment manipulated the envy subtypes (benign and malicious). A serial mediation model via two mediators to purchase intent was then tested. It tested the persuasion pathway via attitude towards the brand user (human-related social effect) and via the brand (brand-related effect). Results indicated that the human-related social effect was stronger than the brand-related effect. Further analysis into product types (body-related vs non-body-related) found that not all products induce invidious reactions. The effects were only present for the body-related products.
Preference Heterogeneity and Optimal Monetary Policy

We study optimal policy design in a monetary model with heterogeneous preferences. In the model, financial markets are incomplete and households are heterogeneous with respect to their current consumption preferences and discount factors. The government controls the supply of money (liquid) and nominal bonds (illiquid), and households make optimal portfolio choices. We uncover that the two types of preference heterogeneity have distinct distributional consequences and different implications for the optimal monetary policy. While the heterogeneity in current consumption preferences pushes the economy towards a zero lower bound (ZLB) associated with nominal interest rates, the heterogeneity in discount factors moves the economy away from the ZLB. We characterize the optimal policy design and quantify the welfare losses associated with a binding ZLB - and thus also the potential welfare benefits of being able to implement negative interest rates.
Water quality and disinfection kinetics

The contact-time tables of the US Environmental Protection Agency are based on survival data obtained in buffered demand-free water. However, disinfection data from experiments conducted at Drexel University showed that the choice of source water influences the degree of inactivation. Sophisticated disinfection kinetic models and statistical tests are used to analyze the sources of these discrepancies. This article demonstrates that the quality of a particular source water is a significant factor in predicting disinfection effectiveness.
The Cost of Participating while Poor and Black: Toward a Theory of Collective Participatory Debt

How do resource-poor Black populations participate in the policy process? And what are the interpretive impacts of their participation? Using multiyear qualitative data on mass school closures in two large U.S. cities—in which nearly 90% of the population targeted were Black and low-income—I investigate how 1) the school district and local organizations provide resources for those affected to participate in the policy process; 2) affected participants interpret their engagement as contributing positively to the development of civic skills and perceptions of internal efficacy but negatively to their perceptions of politics, policy, and future participation; and that 3) these negative attitudes persist even among those who secure success in fighting the policy. I conceptualize this last phenomenon as indicative of “collective participatory debt” and raise serious questions about the utility of participating while poor and Black in American democracy.
GAS HOLDUP IN BUBBLE COLUMNS

Intro duction Usually gas holdup in a bubble column increases with gas feed rate, but sometimes it passes through a maximum. Though gas holdup is influenced by many factors, such as superficial gas velocity, physical properties of liquid, and the type of gas distributor1"5), the condition necessary for the appearance of maximumgas holdup remains obscure. It seems to be defined mainly by the properties of the gas distributor, but their effects on gas holdup have never been discussed in detail except by Freedman et al.2). Here the authors measured and analyzed gas holdup in threeand two-dimensional bubble columns, and obtained some information about the factors determining the maximumgas holdup.
KNOWLEDGE LEVEL REGARDING ANEMIA AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN DHARWAD, KARNATAKA

Anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency caused due to deficiency of iron, commonly found in adolescent girls and women. A study on knowledge level regarding anemia among adolescent girls in Dharwad, Karnataka through assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the reproductive age group' was undertaken. A questionnaire was prepared, consisting general information, knowledge level, practices followed and frequency of consumption of foods rich in iron. The government school in the village of Narendra, near Dharwad District of Karnataka State was selected for the study. The adolescent girls (N=60) studying in high school were selected for the survey. Nutritional knowledge regarding anemia was imparted to the participants. Pre and post knowledge test were compared to study impact of nutrition education. Adolescent girls belonged to age group of 14 to 16 years. Family occupation was agriculture 33 (55%) and non-agriculture 27 (45%). Significant increase was observed in knowledge level of adolescent girls from 26.50 (44.80%) in pre-test to 53.00 (87.86%) post-test with t – value of 8.68. No significant difference was observed in practices followed. Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, milk and milk products were consumed on daily basis. Fruits, germinated grains and fermented foods were consumed on weekly basis. Majority of them that is nearly 70 % of adolescent girls were vegetarians and did not consume meat. Egg was consumed on a weekly or monthly basis. Among nuts, groundnut was commonly consumed. There was no much difference observed in frequency of food consumption between pre-test and post-test.