Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health disparities and treatment approaches in portopulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: an analysis of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry

Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), patients with portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) have worse survival. Health disparities may contribute to these differences but have not been studied. We sought to compare socioeconomic factors in patients with POPH and IPAH and to determine whether socioeconomic status and/or POPH diagnosis were associated with treatment and health-care utilization. We performed a cross-sectional study of adults enrolled in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry. Patients with IPAH (n = 344) and POPH (n = 57) were compared. Compared with IPAH, patients with POPH were less likely to be college graduates (19.6% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.02) and more likely to be unemployed (54.7% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001) and have an annual household income below poverty level (45.7% vs. 19.0%, p < 0.001). Patients with POPH had similar functional class, quality of life, 6-min walk distance, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure with a higher cardiac index. Compared with IPAH, patients with POPH were less likely to receive combination therapy (46.4% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.03) and endothelin receptor antagonists (28.6% vs. 55.1%, p < 0.001) at enrollment with similar treatment at follow-up. Patients with POPH had more emergency department visits (1.7 ± 2.1 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, p = 0.009) and hospitalizations in the six months preceding enrollment (1.5 ± 2.1 vs. 0.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.02). Both POPH diagnosis and lower education level were independently associated with a higher number of emergency department visits. Compared to IPAH, patients with POPH have lower socioeconomic status, are less likely to receive initial combination therapy and endothelin receptor antagonists but have similar treatment at follow-up, and have increased health-care utilization.
Climatic characterization and evaluation of the need for supplementary irrigation for cacao in southern Bahia, Brazil

El cacao es una planta tipica del clima tropical y requiere abundante agua. Por lo tanto, en periodos de deficit hidrico, la necesidad de riego suplementario puede influir en el desarrollo de los cultivos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar el clima y evaluar la necesidad de riego suplementario para los cultivos de cacao en la region sur del estado de Bahia (Brasil). Para esta investigacion, se obtuvieron datos historicos (2001-2017) de las variables climaticas, que estan disponibles en la estacion meteorologica de la Comision Ejecutiva para la Planificacion del Cultivo del Cacao (CEPLAC), ubicada en el sur de Bahia. Con la base de datos completa, se calculo el valor mensual de cada variable y se sometio a un analisis estadistico descriptivo. Posteriormente, los valores medios de lluvia y temperatura del aire se usaron para calcular la evapotranspiracion potencial. Luego, se calculo el balance hidrico climatologico, definiendo los periodos de deficit y exceso de agua y si el riego suplementario era necesario o no, con base en el deficit hidrico mensual total. En general, la region tenia un clima favorable para el desarrollo del cacao. Sin embargo, este patron no continuo a lo largo de la serie historica de datos climatologicos, que mostro discontinuidad temporal, especialmente en febrero. Los principales meses que requirieron riego suplementario para el cultivo de cacao cultivado en el sur de Bahia fueron febrero y diciembre.
MERS-CoV transmitted from animal-to-human vs MERSCoV transmitted from human-to-human: Comparison of virulence and therapeutic outcomes in a Saudi hospital

Purpose : To examine virulence (severity of disease and/or symptoms) and response to therapy (medications, supportive measures) between confirmed cases of MERS-CoV animal-to-human transmission compared with cases resulting from human-to-human transmission. Methods : The records for laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV infections that were diagnosed at King Fahad Hofuf Hospital (Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia) from April 1, 2012 to November 30, 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Results : There were 107 laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases. Transmission of the virus from animal-to-human was less common (21.4 vs 78.6 %). The human-to-human transmission group had a higher mortality rate (53.57 vs 39.13 %). Patients in this group also had higher APACHEE II (11.2 vs 23, p = 0.043), SOFA scores (10.9 vs 12.55, p = 0.076), and higher rates of sepsis (17.39 vs 26.19 %, p = 0.582) and septic shock (13.04 vs 20.23 %, p = 0.555). The infections were more severe in the humanto- human transmission group; patients had increased rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (43.47 vs 51.19 %), decreased time from symptom onset until ICU admission, and greater need for mechanical ventilation (8 days vs 4 days, p = 0.041, and 6 days vs 4 days, respectively), longer time to respond to antiviral treatment and resolve the infection (5 days vs 11 days and 7 days vs 13 days, respectively) and a shorter time from the beginning of symptoms until death (11 days vs 5 days, p = 0.048). Conclusion : MERS-CoV transmitted from human-to-human was more virulent, resulted in higher casemortality rates and required more ICU treatment. Keywords : Animal-to-human, Human-to-human, MERS-CoV, Outcomes, Primary infection, Secondary infection, Virulence
The 30-Minute City

In my home city of Sydney, Australia, the average speed of travel by car is about 20 mph after considering traffic signals and congestion. On highways in rural areas outside the city, the average speed is three times that (60 mph). Yet despite Sydney’s congestion, rational people pay a pretty dear price to live in it, compared to what it would cost to live in rural Australia. Sydney, like many cities, is valuable for reasons other than ease of driving. What it offers is access.
Phytochemical constituents, antidiabetic and ameliorative effects of Polyalthia longifiola leaf extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is one of the commonest global diseases affecting both sexes and phytomedicine is currently among the foremost replacements for orthodox drug; Polyalthia longifiola is among the locally used herbal remedies for various ailments. The onus of this research was to investigate the phytochemical constituents and potential of P. longifiola aqueous leaf extract against alterations in liver and kidney functions in rats injected with alloxan. Phytochemical evaluation of the aqueous plant leaf extract indicated that terpenes, non-reducing sugar, flavonoid, resin, phenol, gums and mucilage were present. The contents of total flavonoids and phenol in the plant leaf are 55.56 μg catechin equivalent/g and 1.62 g/ 100g DW, respectively. The plant extract administered reduced the glucose concentration of the diabeticinduced animals in a dose dependent manner. This reducing potential of glucose by the plant is as a consequence of the availability of these phytochemicals in the extract of the plant. Alterations in liver function biomarkers (serum ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, TB and DB) caused by the hyperglycemic state of the test animals were reversed as the extract was given to the diabetic rats. Kidney function makers such as creatinine, urea and uric acid were also reduced upon administration of hypoglycemic drug and aqueous plant extract and improved as time progressed. Thus P. longifiola (mast tree) aqueous leaf extract has ameliorative effects on liver and kidney functions of rats induced with diabetes and could be used in management of type 2 diabetes even at a concentration of 100 mg/kg bwt. Keywords: Polyalthia longifiola , hypoglycermic agent, hepato-renal toxicity, amelioration
Self-regulation Strategic Framework for minimizing distraction in digital society

While advanced innovations through digital technologies are rising, they present their own difficulties, for example, digital distraction. There is a need to minimise digital distraction among digital citizens in order to create a bright digital society. Thus, the need to employ proper strategies to minimise digital distraction is vital. However, there is a dearth of research on how self-regulation strategies can help individuals improve their ability to filter digital distraction. Digital distraction cannot be ignored as it can decrease productivity and performance in learning among young adults. This paper intends to formulate a strategic framework in tackling the issue of digital distraction for brighter digital society.
Causes of kidney condemnation and associated direct financial loss at Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana between 2002 – 2014

A retrospective and active abattoir survey were conducted from 2002 to 2013 and from November 2013 to March 2014 respectively to determine the major causes of kidney condemnation at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana and also to estimate direct financial loss associated with kidney rejection. Ten kidneys out of 690 cattle and 901 out of 1,052,907 kidneys were condemned respectively between the periods 2013 – 2014 and 2002 – 2013 respectively. The major causes for kidney condemnation were nephritis (33.3 %), putrefaction (25.6 %), tuberculosis (18.2 %), abscessation (13.1 %) and hydronephrosis (10.0 %). The overall direct financial loss from kidney condemned during the study period was estimated to be GH¢ 3,189. Factors such as age, sex, breed, season and festive periods were observed to influence the occurrence of kidney condemnation. The study recommends that attention should be given to the kidney during post mortem inspection as some of the causes of its condemnation were zoonotic. Keywords: Abattoir, Kidney condemnation, Lesions, Financial implications, Ghana
Effect of Phosphorus, Boron and Magnesium Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Sugar Beet Grown in a Sandy Soil

Two field experiments were conducted in a sandy soil at Um Saber village, Kom Hamada, (latitude of 30.52° N and longitude of 30.79° E), El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, during 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 seasons to find out the optimal levels of phosphorus, boron and magnesium to get the highest yield and quality of sugar beet. Sugar beet variety "Hamza" was sown. RCBD in a split-plot arrangement was used to lay out 27 treatments, represented the combinations of three phosphorus (P) levels (15, 30 and 45 kg P2O5/fed), three foliar levels of boron "B" (zero, 75 and 150 ppm) and three magnesium "Mg" levels (zero, 5 and 10 g MgSO4.7H2O/l). Raising P-level to 30 kg P2O5/fed considerably increased sucrose%, extracted sugar% (ES%), quality index (QI), sugar yield/fed in the 2nd season, as well as root diameter, root fresh weight/plant (RFW) and root yield/fed, while, sugar lost to molasses (SLM%) was markedly decreased. Increasing B-level to 150ppm appreciably increased RFW, sucrose%, ES%, QI, root and sugar yields/fed. Raising Mg-fertilizer level to 10 g/l sharply increased RFW, sucrose%, ES%, QI, root and sugar yields/fed in both seasons, while SLM% substantially reduced in the 2nd one. Effects of the significant interactions among phosphorus, boron and magnesium levels on the studied traits were discussed. Under the environmental conditions of this study, adding 30 kg P2O5/fed to the soil + spraying 150 ppm boron + spraying 10 g MgSO4.7H2O/l could be recommended to attain economical root and sugar yields/fed, as well as the best quality of sugar beet.
The Influence of Exercise and High Fat Feeding on the Regulation of Mitochondrial Substrate Sensitivity in Skeletal Muscle

THE INFLUENCE OF EXERCISE AND HIGH FAT FEEDING ON THE REGULATION OF SUBSTRATE SENSITIVITY IN SKELETAL MUSCLE Paula Michelle Miotto University of Guelph, 2018 Advisor: Associate Professor Dr. Graham Holloway This thesis consists of a variety of studies using physiological, molecular, and chemical approaches to identify novel regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial lipid and ADP sensitivity in response to exercise and a high fat (HF) diet. This thesis also examined the biological importance of substrate sensitivity and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the context of exercise adaptations and insulin-resistance. In study 1, wild-type and muscle-specific AMPK wild-type and knockout mice were used to determine whether the intermediate filaments regulate CPT-I sensitivity for malonylCoA (M-CoA) inhibition. Chemical disruption or exercise resulted in less M-CoA inhibition independent of changes in the sensitivity of other substrates (pyruvate, ADP, palmitoyl-carnitine) in an AMPK-independent manner, suggesting a similar mechanism to support increased fatty acid oxidation during exercise. In study 2, mitochondrial creatine kinase (Mi-CK) wild-type and knockout mice were used to examine the importance of this enzyme in augmenting ADP transport and maintaining energy homeostasis during exercise. In contrast to wild-type mice that had reduced ADP sensitivity during exercise, ablation of Mi-CK improved ADP sensitivity independent of changes in exercise tolerance or metabolic profiles. These data suggest
Energetics of ion-protein interactions

In keeping with the goals of our laboratory, efforts in this thesis are directed towards improving our understanding, and therefore our ability to calculate, the energetics of protein-ligand interactions. Electrostatic contributions to protein-ligand binding events are poorly understood, and underrepresented in data sets used to parameterize the energetics of protein unfolding and binding. Therefore, the focus in this thesis is placed on ion-protein interactions as model systems that can give insight into the contribution of charge-charge interactions to the enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity changes associated with binding. In order to measure the energetics of charge-charge interactions, both differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry
Destination image perceived by domestic tourists: The influence of Generation Gap

The first type of tourism was essentially domestic. However, tourist activities have become a major trend lately, particularly in some locations. According to UNWTO (2016), domestic tourism involves an estimated volume of 5 to 6 billion tourists across the whole world. As a result, some destinations consider it imperative to promote and develop domestic tourism, since it represents an important input to local and national economy. Notwithstanding these facts, most actions taken and research conducted focus on international tourists.An empirical study involving 622 domestic tourists reveals that the main cognitive destination image dimensions are Simplicity and Authenticity, Good Environment, Relaxation and Socialization, Good Infrastructures, Nostalgia and History and Culture. Regarding the affective attributes, most tourists in the sample have strong positive feelings regarding the visited destination. In addition, results prove that those tourists’ generational differences influence the way they build the cognitive and affective images of a certain destination. The discussion focuses on the kind of implications tourism destinations may have for Management and Marketing.
Responding to Covid-19

Beginning December 2019 in Wuhan in China’s Hubei province, Coronavirus (Covid -19) has overwhelmed the healthcare systems and affecting education, travels, events and the economies worldwide. Governments all over have taken or bracing themselves to take extraordinary measures to contain the threat. In some countries, the measures taken to contain the epidemic appear as putting the nation under a state of siege. Some governments are adapting rather extreme measures – complete lock-down of the cities, the provinces and even the country itself, school closures, travel ban, cancellation of flights. Questions are being asked about how much freedom we are prepared to give up, for how long and onto whose hands? The paper argues that with threats and vulnerabilities transcending national boundaries and challenging most advanced knowledge and information systems in this era of intense globalization, the need for harsh and often draconian measures can hardly be over emphasized. At the same time there could be problems and unwelcome consequences in putting too much power in the hands of the governments dealing with the threat for an indefinite period of time. In view of this, the securitization framework as put forth by the Copenhagen School could be a better tool to deal with situations of unexpected crises such as what SARS epidemic proved it to be or what Covid-19 would inevitably entail
Emission of formic and acetic acids from tropical Savanna soils

Fluxes of formic (HCOOH) and acetic (CH3COOH) acids between soils and the atmosphere were measured in a scrub-grass savanna and a semideciduous forest of Venezuela. High emissions of both acids were observed from savanna soils during daytime, with a daily contribution to the atmospheric boundary layer of about 0.15 ppb HCOOH and 0.07 ppb CH3COOH. Soil watering, simulating rainfall, produces a significant increase in CH3COOH emissions. Forest soils consumed these acids, with deposition velocities of 0.21 and 0.16 cm s−1. Savanna soils appear to be a significant source of HCOOH and CH3COOH to the tropical savanna atmosphere.
Stable sources of resistance to yellow rust and powdery mildew in Indian and exotic wheat germplasm

Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) and powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis tritici) of wheat can be effectively managed by the cultivation of resistant varieties. However, such resistant varieties become susceptible due to evolution and spread of new and matching virulences of these pathogens after a short period of their commercial cultivation. Hence, breeding for disease resistance tends to be a continuous process with pre-requisite of identification of diverse resistant donors. In this context, more than 500 genotypes comprising advanced breeding material form CIMMYT and those developed in India were subjected to multilocational screening at hot spot locations of yellow rust and powdery mildew (Dhaulakuan, Malan and Ludhiana) under artificial epiphytotic conditions during the Rabi cropping season 2014-15 to 2016-17. Five genotypes from advanced Indian wheat breeding material were free from both the diseases whereas, 8 genotypes of CIMMYT origin showed mean terminal yellow rust (TYR) severity ≤5S and terminal powdery mildew (PM) reaction ≤3 and were highly resistant whereas 30 genotypes among Indian wheat breeding material showed mean terminal YR severity ≤5S and terminal PM reaction ≤5 were found resistant. Agronomically superior genotypes may be directly utilized as varieties and sources with multiple resistance may be used as donors in breeding program.
IMPACT OF SELF HELP GROUPS IN WOMEN’S OVERALL DECISION MAKING

Self Help Group (SHG) is a voluntary small group of Individuals in an area specifically from the same socio-economic background. SHG improve the efforts of women in respect of Investment, Production & Marketing which create a major tool in empowering women and promoting micro-finance in society. A Community based cross sectional study was conducted in Balipatna Block. Out of 129 functioning SHG’s, 10 groups was selected by simple random method and those who agreed to participate in the interview by using a pre-validated questionnaire. Data was entered in Epiinfo (version 3.5.1) statistical software package then exported to SPSS software package version 16.0 for further analysis. A total of 186 SHG members were included in this study. The majority of participants were between age group 20-40 years. Most of them were having secondary level of education or primary level. A large chunk of participant were married (87%) and living in a joint family (78%). Majority were doing animal husbandry (27%) and housewives (26%). In our study 69% of SHGs availed loan of amount more than 10000, and the prime motive of functioning of SHGs were to develop savings (61%) and Period of Functioning of SHG was one to three year (53%). Frequency of Group Meeting for 71% SHGs was monthly and half of the SHGs save 100-500 per meeting. The decision makers in utilizing loan amount is manly spouse (53%), very few decides by all (21%), themselves (18%) and by family (8%). The analyzed findings proved that there is a huge positive impact of SHGs on women empowerment in study area of Odisha in terms of increase in savings habits, profits level, self service, asset creation, social consciousness and participation, reimbursement of other debts, improvement in choice making skills.
The Influential Factors of Health Care Customer Loyalty: Evidence from Serbia

Research question: This study aims to investigate the determinants of customer loyalty in a European emerging economy’s health care setting. Motivation: In spite of a rising research interest in the determinants of patients’ loyalty over previous years, scarce attention has been paid to date to simultaneous examination of the influential factors of patients’ loyalty. Although a number of studies have pointed to patients’ perceptions of service quality as an important determinant of loyalty, there is a paucity of research of the impact of service quality, at a disaggregate level, on patients’ loyalty. Idea: To address this knowledge gap, this study builds upon the South Korean health care service quality measurement instrument and, upon supporting its validity in the Serbian health care setting, examines a relative contribution of service quality dimensions and satisfaction to patients’ loyalty. Data: Quantitative research has been performed, by means of a structured questionnaire, on a convenience sample of 300 health care customers in Serbia. Tools: Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been applied to simultaneously examine the impact of service quality dimensions and satisfaction on patients’ loyalty. Findings: Results of the study point to patient satisfaction as the most significant determinant of loyalty, followed by tangibles and concern of other medical staff, which in terms of total effect resulted as statistically significant determinants of loyalty. Findings of this study indicate that managerial attention to these predictors may results in higher levels of patients’ loyalty to the institution. Contribution: This study adds to the body of knowledge on patients’ loyalty and points to the relevance of a more holistic approach in future examinations of customer loyalty in a health care setting.
Synthesis of Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Annealed at 700°C for UV Photodetector

Anodic titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube arrays on Ti foil were synthesized using electrochemical anodization technique and annealed at 700 °C without annihilating the nanotubular assemblies. The nanotubular structure was used to fabricate UV photodetection device based on Metal-Semiconductor-Metal. The photodetection device exhibited UV-sensitive photoresponse characteristics due to the mixed anatase and rutile phases of the TiO2 nanotube arrays. The photoresponse analysis showed good sensitivity to UV light irradiation with excellent stability and reproducibility. Moreover, the UV photodetector revealed the current gain is 7, response time is 0.77 s and decay time is 0.79 s, respectively at biased voltage 4 V. As mentioned above, the UV photodetector based on mixture of anatase and rutile phase nanotube arrays is a recommended nano-optoelectronic apparatus that is remarkably applicable over Ultraviolet band.