Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THORACIC TOMOGRAPHY IN PROGNOSIS IN CRITICAL COVID 19 PATIENTS

Aim: Computed tomography (CT) images of the chest were often used to support the diagnosis of COVID-19 and infectious diseases. This study aims to question the importance of specific chest CT results in predicting the prognosis of COVID-19 patients being followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: For this study, 20 critically ill patients whose RT-PCR tests were positive for COVID-19 were included. Mortality, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilator requirement, APACHE II scores and ICU staying days were compared chest CT scans with have poor prognosis results before admission to ICU. Results: Critical patients who were followed up in the ICU due to COVID-19 disease with crazy laying pattern on chest CT images, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation support during the ICU period (P = 0.04). We reported that all patients with pleural and pericardial effusion required invasive mechanical ventilation support. One of the chest CT results observed in critical COVID-19 patients in ICU is that the consolidation / ground glass opacity pattern> 1 may have a higher (about five-fold) mortality rate. Most of our critical COVID-19 patients who stayed in intensive care for a long time had a crazy laying pattern on chest CT images. Conclusion: We believe that some results obtained from chest CT scans in COVID-19 disease may predict the prognosis of the patient during the intensive care period.
Effect of Wrapping Materials and Storage Time on Shelf Life of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

Background: The use of wrapping material during storage of cut flowers creates a modified atmosphere which reduces flower metabolism during storage, thereby slowing carbohydrate consumption as respiratory substrate. The main problem related to dry storage is moisture loss or desiccation. Keeping in view the above aspects, the present study was conducted to enhance the shelf life of tuberose.Methods: The experiment was carried out at Post-Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, COA, CCS HAU, Hisar during the cropping season (March to September) of year 2019. It was laid out in CRD (factorial) with three replications and twenty-four treatment combinations, comprising of six wrapping materials (newspaper, butter paper, chart sheet, low density polyethylene of 100µ, high density polyethylene of 200µ and control as without wrapping) and four storage time (1, 4, 7 and 10 days), were tested. After harvesting, cut spikes were wrapped in wrapping materials and kept in cold-store at low temperature (less than 5°C), thereafter cut spikes were placed in vase solution (4% sucrose plus 300 ppm 8-HQC) for recording observations on floral parameters. Result: Among different wrapping materials, the butter paper wrapped cut spikes observed better in most of the parameters followed by LDPE (100µ) wrapped cut spikes. Among the storage time, storage of cut spikes for 1 day observed better in most of the parameters except time taken up to opening of first pair of florets and total post-harvest life. Overall, butter paper wrapped cut spikes stored for 1 day performed better in term of floret diameter (46.73 mm), floret length (56.10 mm), floret longevity (2.89 days), appearance (3.70/5.0 scale), florets opened at a time (32.30%), total opened florets (54.32%), marketable vase life (6.53 days), total vase life (11.17 days), weight loss (17.08%) and solution consumed (135.33 ml) by the spikes. However, the cut spikes wrapped in butter paper stored for 10 days were found better with early opening of first pair of florets (0.95 days) and maximum post-harvest life (20.10 days).
Evaluation of Arsenic and Nutrients Uptake of Tomato Plant at Various Arsenic Concentrations of Irrigation Waters

ABSTRACT Under various Arsenic (As) loads, growth of the tomato plant and changes in elemental uptake were investigated in this experimental study. Plants were transplanted into the As free soils and the loads of As were increased gradually with irrigation. The root and stem dry weights (DW) steadily increased with the increase of As concentration up to 1.5 mg L−1, while the DW dropped to lower than the control plant’s DW when the As concentration was higher than mg L−1. Although the leaves DW variations for the studied As concentrations were negligible, As application to the tomato plants positively affected the biomass amount of leaf. Considering the decrease in root/shoot ratio, the root growth was more promoted at low As concentrations, while the effect of As on the production rate of aboveground biomass could be neglected. When the As concentration was increased from 0.5 mg L−1 to 3.0 mg L−1, average 90% of the total applied As to the plants was accumulated in the root and As content in the root was enhanced about four times. Significantly higher levels of N, K, Mg, and Ca in the aerial parts of tomato than in roots were determined while the level of P was about equal in the tissues. Among the tissues, the lowest microelements; Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn concentrations were determined at the root of control plant. However, especially at high As loads, the increase in the amount of microelements in the root was considerably higher compared to the stem and leaf.
The Use of Exploratory Graph Analysis to Validate Trust in Relastionships Scale

Trust in relationships, Exploratory graph analysis, Network psychometrics. Abstract: Today, various methods have been developed with a purpose to determine the number of factors underlying a construct. However, there is no definitive agreement on which techniques to be preferred to extract the underlying dimensions. To this end, Exploratory Graphical Analysis (EGA), a recently proposed method, has been compared with traditional methods and the results have revealed that the EGA is less affected from conditions like sample size and interdimensional correlation. Besides, it provides more stable results across different conditions. Considering the attractive opportunities it offers, this method has taken its place in the literature as a remarkable alternative to traditional methods. The EGA provides unique outputs compared to other factor extraction techniques. Considering this, interpreting the results obtained within this new and promising framework is assumed to contribute to validation studies. Based on this reality, this study aims to apply the EGA method to Trust in Relations Scale (TRS) and therefore to contribute to its validity. The investigation of TRS’s reliability and validity has already been documented, presenting research opportunities to researchers in the field of positive psychology. The results revealed that, the EGA produces dimensionality structures identical to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In addition, further psychometrical indicators within the framework of network analysis are provided. The findings of the study are believed to contribute to the validity of the already existing Trust in Relationships Scale.
Physico-Chemical Properties, Fractionation and Antioxidant Activity of Some Essential Oils Utilized in Mayonnaise Preparation and Storage

Two types of essential oils (thyme and Stachys) were used in this Estimation. The chemical composition, antioxidant activity (by DPPH assay) and the rancimat method were used to assess the stability effect of these essential oils. The tested oils were added to mayonnaise to evaluate its capability for inhibition of secondary oxidation products. By DPPH assay, antioxidant activity showed that thyme essential oil was the best antioxidant agent as radical scavenging agents at 450 and 500 ppm concentrations, even better than BHT at the 200 ppm concentration. As a typical antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene was used for comparison. The mayonnaise samples prepared by adding thyme, stachys essential oils and TBHQ (control +) at concentrations of 200,400, 600 and 200 ppm into the sunflower oil free from antioxidant. At the amounts used in this study, thyme and stachys oils were sig-nificantly successful in reducing the oxidation of sunflower oil, especially, at 500 ppm which showed more efficient than BHT. Specifically, in the presence of thyme oil, the induction period of sunflower oil was considerably elon-gated. However, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was more efficient than thyme and Stachys oils at the 200-ppm concentration against oxidation of oils. all concentrations of thyme and stachys essential oils had an antioxidant activity similar to synthetic antioxidant of TBHQ at a concentration of 200 ppm for inhibition of secondary oxidation products in mayonnaise in comparison with the control sample. As a conveniently available source of natural antioxidants, thyme and stachys essential oils can be used for use in fats, oils and food containing fats.
Breastfeeding Duration and Related Factors among Mothers in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers, infants and society at large. The nutritional and non-nutritional benefits are gained when practiced in line with recommended durations. Objective: The duration of breastfeeding and related factors among mothers of southeastern Nigeria were explored. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data analysis employed SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 1,833 women were surveyed. Most (93.3%) were aged 20-40 years and had at least secondary education (94,6%). More than half (64.3%) were working class. Many had 1-4 children (91.5%) and a family size of ≤6 (74.2%). Up to 83.3% of the mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Common reasons advanced for cessation of breastfeeding were pregnancy (29.8%), baby refusing to suckle (10.2%) or old enough to stop breastfeeding (18.0%). No reason for cessation was given for 22.4%. Mothers <20 years practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding or early introduction of complementary feeds, bottle-fed and were significantly least likely to breastfeed for up to one year. Conclusion: A suboptimal number of Nigerian mothers breastfed for ≥12 months. Unscientific reasons were proffered for cessation of breastfeeding. Younger mothers practiced non-exclusive breastfeeding, bottle-fed and gave early complementary feeds, negatively affecting duration of breastfeeding. Sustained individualized health education is advocated to improve duration of breastfeeding and avail young children of its wholesome nutritional benefits. Key words: Breastfeeding Cessation, Breastfeeding Duration, Lactation Cessation Determinants, Weaning Timing, Nutrition.
Investigations on the impact of handwash and laundry softener on microfiber shedding from polyester textiles

Abstract This research aims to analyse the impact of hand wash, laundry softener, water volume in the laundry process, and mechanical action on the microfiber release from the polyester knitted fabric. The results of the experiments revealed that the delicate hand wash and machine wash processes shed a similar amount of microfibers from the polyester textiles. Whereas, the harsh hand wash sheds significantly higher microfibers compared to the machine washing (p < 0.05). The findings of the analysis revealed that both hand wash and machine wash have a similar influence on microfiber shedding. The second section of the results showed that an increment in the number of steel balls and water volume significantly increased the microfiber shedding (p < 0.05). Higher mechanical action due to the increased number of steel balls and increased drag force exerted at higher water volume are noted as the main reasons for increased microfiber shedding. In the case of laundry softener, the use of softener during the laundry process along with the detergent reduces microfiber shedding drastically, irrespective of the softener brands used. When the influence of different concentrations of softener was analysed, there is a poor correlation found between the microfiber shedding and softener concentration. However, at two different concentrations namely at 0.5 grams per litter (gpl) and 2.5 gpl, a maximum reduction of 77.62% and 72.48% of shedding is evident respectively compared to the control sample.
Study of Beer Spoilage Lactobacillus nagelii Harboring Hop Resistance Gene horA

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cause the majority of beer spoilage incidents in the brewing industry. Previous studies revealed that the hop resistance genes, horA and horC, are applicable to the species-independent determination of beer spoilage ability of LAB. However, novel beer spoilage LAB species are occasionally emerging, and their insights should be shared in the industry to prevent spoilage incidents by these unknown species. In this study, Lactobacillus nagelii ABBC668 strain, isolated from spoiled pilsner-type beer, was investigated, as L. nagelii has been poorly characterized as a beer spoiler. The beer spoilage ability and hop resistance genes of L. nagelii ABBC668 were examined. Results showed that L. nagelii ABBC668 harbored hop resistance gene horA and exhibited beer spoilage ability. Also, it was considered that horA harbored by ABBC668 was acquired via horizontal gene transfer and had an unstable nature compared to that of Lactobacillus brevis. The unstable nature may account for the less frequent encounter of beer spoilage L. nagelii strains in the brewing industry. Furthermore, ABBC668 showed similar motility to other L. nagelii strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. nagelii as a beer spoilage species.
Chemical Synthesis and Electrical Characterization of N=3 Aurivillius Phases

The polymerized complex method was utilized to synthesize n=3 Aurivillius compounds based on the parent phase Bi2Sr2Nb2TiO12. Results show that this is a viable option to replace solid-state synthesis of these materials because of the good homogeneity of powders and the substantially shorter processing times. The Aurivillius materials studied cannot be prepared to high density without the assistance of hot pressing. Compounds substituting transition metals (Fe, Cr, Co) for titanium remained phase pure up to 50 atom% (dependent on the valance and cation size as expected). Samples prepared substituting lead for bismuth were clearly phase pure up to 15 atom%, and in the 15-50 atom% substitution range XRD patterns indicate that a lead oxide or bismuth oxide impurity phase may be present; however, these impurity phases were not visible in the SEM. Transition metal substitutions did not increase the electrical conductivity of the material, and lead substitutions in high concentration decreased the conductivity. The substitutions did not affect the shape of Cole-Cole impedance plots. An anomalous diffraction behavior was observed in the lead substituted series. Peaks mixed indices peaks having c-axis character broadened as the lead concentration increased. This could correspond to a crystallite size or stain effect; however, attempts to separate the two using XRD analysis were unsuccessful. The charge carrier was studied under four different atmospheres, ranging from pure oxygen to 500ppm of oxygen. The data indicated that the parent phase Bi2Sr2Nb2TiO12 is an electronic conductor. Results for the transition metal substituted sample Bi2Sr2Nb2Ti0.8Fe0. 2O12 indicate the sample is an ionic conductor. The stability of the Aurivillius phase under reducing conditions at 1050°C was determined: at a PO2 of 10 atm a bismuth oxide impurity phase (if present) decomposes and the Aurivillius phase is stable for 30 hours. At a PO2 of 10atm the Aurivillius phase starts to break down after just 10hrs. At a PO2 of 10atm the Aurivillius phase completely breaks down after 10 hours.
Stopping the Violence but Blocking the Peace: Dilemmas of Foreign-Imposed Nation Building After Ethnic War

Abstract Can third parties build nations after ethno-sectarian war? We provide a positive theory of peace building that highlights trade-offs that are inherent in any foreign intervention, narrowing the conditions for success even when interventions are well resourced and even-handed. A “sectarian” dilemma arises because peace must rely on local leaders, but leaders who earned their reputations through ethno-sectarian conflict have no incentive to stop playing the ethnic card and will not provide public goods. Intervention can shift those incentives if it stops ethnic violence and rebuilds state institutions. But an “institutional” dilemma arises if intervention crowds out local leaders, limiting state legitimacy and constraining the pace with which state building unfolds. The window for a lengthier, slower pace of foreign-led state building will close due to its own success as the population switches from ethnic to national identification, creating a “sovereignty” dilemma that pushes third parties out. If intervention ends before institutions can deepen leader incentives for a unifying nationalism, violence will likely recur. We provide an “intervention diagnostic” that reflects these three dilemmas, which are a function of the type of intervention, local political development, and the identity of the intervener. In deciding whether to intervene, the limits of building self-enforcing peace should be weighed against the likelihood and costs of ongoing violence.
Low-Power Two-Phase Clocking Adiabatic PUF Circuit

Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled battery-powered devices to transmit sensitive data, while presenting high power consumption and security issues. To address these challenges, adiabatic-based physical unclonable functions (PUFs) offer a promising solution for low-power and secure IoT device applications. In this study, we propose a novel low-power two-phase clocking adiabatic PUF. The proposed adiabatic PUF utilizes a trapezoidal power clock signal with a time-ramped voltage to achieve an improved energy efficiency and reliable start-up PUF behavior. Static CMOS logic is employed to produce stable challenge-response pairs (CRPs) in the adiabatic mode. The pull-down network is designed to control the PUF cell to charge and discharge its output nodes with a constant supply current during secure key generation. The body effect of PMOS transistors, ambient temperatures, and CMOS process variations are investigated to examine the uniqueness and reliability of the proposed work. The proposed adiabatic PUF is simulated using 0.18 µm CMOS process technology with a supply voltage of 1.8 V. The uniqueness and reliability of the proposed adiabatic PUF are 49.82% and 99.47%, respectively. In addition, it requires a start-up power of 0.47 µW and consumes an energy of 15.98 fJ/bit/cycle at the reference temperature of 27 °C.
Geospatial Tool and Geocloud Platform Innovations: A Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration Assessment

The well-recognized and extensive task of mapping unrecorded land rights across sub-Saharan Africa demands innovative solutions. In response, the consortia of “its4land”, a European Commission Horizon 2020 project, developed, adapted, and tested innovative geospatial tools including (1) software underpinned by the smart Sketch maps concept, called SmartSkeMa; (2) a workflow for applying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV); and (3) a boundary delineator tool based on the UAV images. Additionally, the consortium developed (4) a platform called Publish and Share (PaS), enabling integration of all the outputs of tool sharing and publishing of land information through geocloud web services. The individual tools were developed, tested, and demonstrated based on requirements from Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zanzibar. The platform was further tested by key informants and experts in a workshop in Rwanda after the AfricaGIS conference in 2019. With the project concluding in 2020, this paper seeks to undertake an assessment of the tools and the PaS platform against the elements of fit-for-purpose land administration. The results show that while the tools can function and deliver outputs independently and reliably, PaS enables interoperability by allowing them to be combined and integrated into land administration workflows. This feature is useful for tailoring approaches for specific country contexts. In this regard, developers of technical approaches tackling land administration issues are further encouraged to include interoperability and the use of recognized standards in designs.
The Drying Characteristics of Amaranth Leaves under Greenhouse Type Solar Dryer and Open Sun

The dehydrated leafy vegetables have the potential to become an important product because of relatively inexpensive, easily and quickly cookable and rich in several nutrients which are essential for human health. The proper drying techniques are the most important aspect of leafy vegetable preservation. The use of solar dryer helps to reduce the losses and improves the quality of product. A Greenhouse type solar dryer was used and the experiments were conducted to develop dehydrated amaranth leaves so as to enhance the availability of amaranth leaves during off season. In the present study, fresh amaranth leaves were pretreated in two ways viz; (i) dipping in a solution (leaves to water 1:5 (w/w)) containing 0.1% Mgcl 2 + 0.1% NaHCO 3 + 2% KMS in distilled water for 15 minute and (ii) blanching in boiling water containing 3% sodium bisulphate for 2 min. The leaves were dried at 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg/m 2 loading density, under greenhouse type solar dryer and in open sun. Untreated amaranth leaves were also
Is the Winograd Technique an Effective Method in the Treatment of Ingrown Toenails among the Pediatric Population?

Aim: This study aimed to examine the results of the Winograd technique applied in the treatment of ingrown toenail cases, which are frequently encountered in childhood, especially in adolescence. The recurrence, satisfaction, and complication rates in pediatric age groups were evaluated with the surgical matrixectomy application of the Winograd technique, a frequently used one in adult age groups. Materials and Methods: Ingrown toenail cases that had undergone surgical matrixectomy with the Winograd technique between September 2016 and December 2018 were evaluated. Those detected to be stage 2-3 according to the Heifetz classification were operated on. Demographic information was recorded. The cases were divided into three groups as 3-7, 7-12, and ≥12 years as age groups. Such data as recurrence, post-operative infection, osteomyelitis, long term complication and return to regular activity were evaluated. The visual analog scale was used for the satisfaction scale. Results: A total of 162 operated ingrown toenails from 142 children were followed for an average of 21 months (12-38). The mean age of patients was 13.8 years. When the ingrown toenail location was evaluated, the lateral sides (98, 61.2%) of the patients were seen to have been affected more. According to age groups, 65% (105) of the cases were in the group aged 12 years and over. While the frequency of all complications was 8.1% (13), no chronic complications or osteomyelitis were encountered. Recurrence was observed in 3.1% of cases and also early infection (<15 days) was observed in 10 cases, while late infection (<15 day) was observed in 3 cases. According to the visual analog scale scores, 135 (95.0%) cases were found to be satisfactory or very satisfactory. Conclusion: The Winograd technique (surgical matrixectomy) has low recurrence, low complication and high satisfaction rates in all pediatric age groups even with advanced ingrown toenail complaints. Complete excision of the affected matrix with magnification increases the success of the Winograd technique.