Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sclerobanding in the treatment of second and third degree hemorrhoidal disease in high risk patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy without suspension: a pilot study

Introduction Around 20% of population in western countries is under anticoagulant treatment. However, there is paucity of evidence about the treatment of HD in patients under anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, although both suspension and continuation in the perioperative period may increase the risk of severe complications. The aim of this pilot study was to confirm the feasibility and safety of sclerobanding (Combined Rubber Band Ligation with 3% Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy), an office-based procedure, for the treatment of second-and third-degree HD in patients under anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy without suspension. Materials and methods Patients affected by second-third-degree haemorrhoids unresponsive to conservative treatment and under anticoagulant/antiplatelet were enrolled between November 2019 and October 2021. Postoperative complications, readmission, mortality and reintervention during the follow-up were evaluated. Results Fifty-one patients were recruited, 23 female (45.1%) and 28 male (54.9%), with an average age of 65 years ± 11.4 SD (range 42–90). Twenty-seven patients (52.9%) had II-degree haemorrhoidal disease, and 24 (47.1%) had grade III-degree. The most frequently taken medications were dual antiplatelet therapy (51%) and new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (21.6%). The mean follow-up was 23 months. No intraoperative complications were recorded. The rate of complications in the first postoperative month was 13.7%, represented by mild complications: 6 cases of moderate to severe pain and 1 case (2%) of thrombosis of a residual haemorrhoidal nodule, all regressing after conservative therapy. No severe complications were reported. Postoperative complications were not statistically significantly associated with the number of nodules treated (1, 2, or 3), the disease grade (2nd vs. 3rd) or the specific anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimen. During follow-up, 2 patients (4%) required a new procedure for recurrent bleeding: one an infrared photocoagulation as outpatient, and another a haemorrhoidectomy after 3 months. No cases of intraoperative or postoperative mortality occurred. Conclusions Sclerobanding is a safe and effective technique in treating intermediate-grade haemorrhoidal disease in patients at high risk on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy. Sclerobanding is repeatable, usually does not require anaesthesia, and is cost-effective. Observational multicentre studies with a larger number of patients and controlled clinical trials will be needed to confirm these results.
Intradermal Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Injection in a Specific Interval With Emollient in the Control of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria and Allergic Rhinitis

Background and objective: Urticaria is distinguished by the activation of mast cells and basophils via degranulation, predominantly induced by the cross-linkage of allergens with specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Several hypotheses propose that intradermal injections of IgE stimulate the production of antibodies that are specifically targeted towards the histamine/immunoglobulin complex. Subsequently, these antibodies exhibit binding affinity towards and exert inhibitory effects on the generation of histamine during the occurrence of allergic responses. The administration of many histaglobulin injections results in an increase in the concentration of these specific antibodies. Consequently, the present study was devised to assess the effectiveness of intradermal IgE injection in conjunction with an emollient for managing chronic idiopathic urticaria and allergic rhinitis at varying time intervals. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design and included a sample of 104 participants. The sample was divided into two groups: persons diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria (n=54) and individuals diagnosed with both allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (n=50). A 1 ml intradermal IgE injection was provided on a weekly basis over a duration of six months. A total of 49 patients were treated with intradermal IgE injection alone, while 93 patients were treated with intradermal IgE injection combined with emollient application. The evaluation of the treatment's efficacy involved the utilization of the urticaria activity score (UAS) for chronic urticaria, as well as the assessment of symptomatic improvement in cases of allergic rhinitis. The weekly examination was conducted over a span of three consecutive weeks, followed by subsequent evaluations after four, 12, and 24 weeks of attendance, culminating in the final assessment. Results: Within the sample of 104 participants, a substantial majority of 93 individuals exhibited good outcomes in the management of their condition with the utilization of emollients, whereas a minority of 11 patients experienced inadequate control. In contrast, a group of 49 participants had a therapy regimen that did not include the application of emollients, while another group of 55 persons displayed symptoms that were not effectively managed. Based on recent research findings, a noticeable decrease in symptoms of modest magnitude was observed by the end of the third month. Furthermore, it is important to note that all symptoms were successfully alleviated during a six-month therapeutic regimen, but there was a minor residual dissatisfaction with the impairment of the sense of smell. Conclusion: Following the administration of six intradermal IgE injections, a significant improvement in symptoms was observed in over 97% of patients, regardless of whether their IgE levels remained unaltered, decreased, or rose.
HYSTAR Sediment Model: Distributed Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Watershed Erosion and Sediment Transport Using Time‐Area Routing

An erosion and sediment transport component incorporated in the HYdrology Simulation using Time‐ARea method (HYSTAR) upland watershed model provides grid‐based prediction of erosion, transport and deposition of sediment in a dynamic, continuous, and fully distributed framework. The model represents the spatiotemporally varied flow in sediment transport simulation by coupling the time‐area routing method and sediment transport capacity approach within a grid‐based spatial data model. This avoids the common, and simplistic, approach of using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to estimate erosion rates with a delivery ratio to relate gross soil erosion to sediment yield of a watershed, while enabling us to simulate two‐dimensional sediment transport processes without the complexity of numerical solution of the partial differential governing equations. In using the time‐area method for routing sediment, the model offers a novel alternative to watershed‐scale sediment transport simulation that provides detailed spatial representation. In predicting four‐year sediment hydrographs of a watershed in Virginia, the model provided good performance with R2 of 0.82 and 0.78 and relative error of −35% and 11% using the Yalin and Yang's sediment transport capacity equations, respectively. Prediction of spatiotemporal variation in sediment transport processes was evaluated using maps of sediment transport rates, concentrations, and erosion and deposition mass, which compare well with expected behavior of flow hydraulics and sediment transport processes.
Soft power prophet(s): the unexplored dimension of Nigeria’s religious soft power potential

ABSTRACT Despite Nigeria’s reservoir of soft power resources, adequate attention has not been given to the growing transnational influence of Nigeria’s Pentecostal pastors/prophets. Drawing on the recent emphasis on soft power capabilities of individuals which moves soft power discourse away from focusing strictly on state-centric analysis, this paper examines the soft power attraction of Nigeria’s Pentecostal pastors/prophets, especially, the late Prophet TB Joshua. The article argues that with the enormity of such influence, the Nigerian state can leverage it as a potent tool of diplomacy to further enhance its soft power, although it notes that the expected separation between the state and religion might pose some challenges.
Understanding the Antecedents of Employee Green Behaviour through the Lens of Psychological Variables

Environmental pollution is one of the causes of climate change and has been causing havoc, affecting people's welfare globally, more so in Malaysia. For helping reverse the devastating pattern of environmental pollution, employees must be encouraged to practise green behaviour, where they align their values and behaviour towards environmental sustainability goals. Hence, this study sought to determine the antecedents of employee green behaviour (EGB) of academics at Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by investigating the impact of several psychological variables, namely attitude, environmental concern, and perceived behavioural control, on the behaviour. Data were collected through a cross-sectional quantitative survey among 425 academics at five research universities in Malaysia by using a convenience sampling. Further, the study used Smart PLS 3.2. 8 version for analysis. The results showed that academics’ attitude, environmental concern, and perceived behavioural control significantly impacted their EGB. The favourable disposition of academics towards environmental sustainability, their heightened concern about the current state of the environment, and their perceived behavioural control to practice environmentally friendly activities tend to result in EGB being conducted by the academics at the HEIs. This study contributes to further understanding of the theory of planned behaviour and value-belief-norms theory.
Long-lived lunar volcanism sustained by precession-driven core-mantle friction

ABSTRACT Core-mantle friction induced by the precession of the Moon’s spin axis is a strong heat source in the deep lunar mantle during the early phase of a satellite’s evolution, but its influence on the long-term thermal evolution still remains poorly explored. Using a one-dimensional thermal evolution model, we show that core-mantle friction can sustain global-scale partial melting in the upper lunar mantle until ∼3.1 Ga, thus accounting for the intense volcanic activity on the Moon before ∼3.0 Ga. Besides, core-mantle friction tends to suppress the secular cooling of the lunar core and is unlikely to be an energy source for the long-lived lunar core dynamo. Our model also favours the transition of the Cassini state before the end of the lunar magma ocean phase (∼4.2 Ga), which implies a decreasing lunar obliquity over time after the solidification of the lunar magma ocean. Such a trend of lunar obliquity evolution may allow volcanically released water to be buried in the lunar regolith of the polar regions. As a consequence, local water ice could be more abundant than previously thought when considering only its accumulation caused by solar wind and comet spreading.
"i-Internet? Intle" (beautiful): Exploring first-time internet use via mobile phones in a South African women's collective

This study reports results of an ethnographic action research study, exploring mobile-centric internet use. Over the course of 13 weeks, eight women, each a member of a livelihoods collective in urban Cape Town, South Africa, received training to make use of the data (internet) features on the phones they already owned. None of the women had previous exposure to PCs or the internet. Activities focused on social networking, entertainment, information search, and, in particular, job searches. Results of the exercise reveal both the promise of, and barriers to, mobile internet use by a potentially large community of first-time, mobile-centric users. Discussion focuses on the importance of selfexpression and identity management in the refinement of online and offline presences, and considers these forces relative to issues of gender and socioeconomic status.
The application of APEX images in the assessment of the state of non-forest vegetation in the Karkonosze Mountains

Abstract Information about vegetation condition is needed for the effective management of natural resources and the estimation of the effectiveness of nature conservation. The aim of the study was to analyse the condition of non-forest mountain communities: synanthropic communities and natural grasslands. UNESCO’s M&B Karkonosze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve was selected as the research area. The analysis was based on 40 field test polygons and APEX hyperspectral images. The field measurements allowed the collection of biophysical parameters - Leaf Area Index (LAI), fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) and chlorophyll content - which were correlated with vegetation indices calculated using the APEX images. Correlations were observed between the vegetation indices (general condition, plant structure) and total area of leaves (LAI), as well as fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR). The outcomes show that the non-forest communities in the Karkonosze are in good condition, with the synanthropic communities characterised by better condition compared to the natural communities.
The construct validity of an abridged version of the general self-efficacy scale for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objectives The General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale is a validated self-rated questionnaire increasingly used in mental health research. However, despite several psychometric advantages of the GSE scale, its validity in those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not yet been examined. Moreover, a shorter version of the GSE scale would contribute to a more rational use of resources in extensive multivariate studies. Therefore, as self-rated scales to measure self-efficacy in this population are lacking, the current study aims to develop a condensed version of the GSE for adults with ADHD. Methods A group of patient collaborators (user representatives) from an ADHD organization and health professionals shortened the original 10-item GSE scale to six items and evaluated the content validity of the revised scale. Second, 525 potential participants were invited to participate in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 (between January 19th and February 7th). Of them, 403 filled out the GSE-6 for ADHD and two scales measuring psychological well-being and mental health (the five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, WHO-5, and the four-item Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-4). The psychometric properties of the new scale were examined, testing a priori formulated hypotheses. Results The brief GSE-6 for ADHD displayed good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s α of 0.907. No floor or ceiling effect was detected. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-factor structure. The GSE-6 also showed a moderate positive correlation with the WHO-5 (rs = 0.578) and a moderate negative correlation with the depression and anxiety rating scale PHQ-4 (rs = −0.595). Conclusion The 6-item GSE for ADHD was evaluated to have good content validity. The scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. The results indicate that the GSE-6 may help assess self-efficacy in adults with ADHD.
Effectiveness of internet information for park, recreation and tourism practitioners

Effectiveness of Internet Information for Park, Recreation and Tourism Practitioners. (May 2003) Joni D. Patterson, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. James Petrick This research is a four-step process. 1) Development of the Park, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) Planning Web site to meet the needs of rural communities, indicated through the Texas Community Futures Forum needs assessment process. 2) Evaluation of the PRT Planning Web site by experts in the field of PRT Sciences. 3) Inspect differences in the information needs and use between rural and urban PRT practitioners. 4) Examine factors contributing to the flow experience while utilizing the PRT Planning Web site. Evaluation information provided insight about strengths, weakness and modifications to be made to the PRT Planning site. Programming was reported as the service provided most by survey participants. Internet information is considered the most effective information resource, with suppliers/manufacturers and libraries being the least effective. When acquiring information on developing and providing PRT services, not knowing where to find information was the problem experienced most, while not understanding the information was the problem encountered the least. Marketing information was deemed the most useful type of information, and increasing community well being is the most important service benefit provided by respondents.
Stream Processing Architectures for Continuous ECG Monitoring Using Subsampling- Based Classifiers

Monitoring of biomedical data, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, requires accelerators, which can process data streams in a continuous manner. Especially, wearable monitoring systems require both ultralow power consumption and sufficiently complex deep neural network (DNN) classifiers to identify asymptomatic and critical health conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). Such continuous data streams pose unique constraints on the processing pipeline for classification systems, which can be addressed in the design methodology of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In this work, we identify specific constraints to define common operating conditions, which guide the design of ECG accelerators in an algorithm–hardware codesign methodology. In specific, we show that the input frame size and the number of classifications per time frame play a significant role for the computational complexity (CC) of the classifier, as well as the ECG accelerator executing the classifier in a continuous manner. As an example, the constraints are applied in a top-down algorithm–hardware codesign flow. Here, an ECG accelerator is designed starting from an AF classifier, while proposed constraints are considered in an early design stage to estimate costs for the hardware design. In the end, it is essential for future ECG accelerators to adhere to common constraints in the design process to handle increasingly complex DNN classifiers for continuous data streams with ultralow power targets.
Sequence stratigraphically controlled diagenesis governs reservoir quality in the carbonate Dehluran Field, southwest Iran

The Sarvak Formation (late Albian–early Turonian) is one of the major oil and gas reservoir units in southwestern Iran and was deposited in a wide carbonate ramp marine setting. Three major transgressive–regressive sequences are interpreted in the upper part of the Sarvak Formation in the Dehluran Field. Sequence boundaries are recognized from facies shifts and diagenetic effects related to sea-level fall, whereas maximum flooding episodes are indicated by deep-water facies characterized by abundant bioturbation and high gamma-ray log responses. Diagenesis is the main controlling factor on reservoir quality and plays both a constructive and a destructive role. Permeability is decreased by cementation, which fills primary porosity and disconnects pore throats, while compaction decreases porosity by establishing tighter intergrain contacts. Conversely, the dissolution of unstable minerals (mainly aragonite) is the major process that improves porosity and then permeability by enlarging pores and pore throats. Dolomitization, when associated with dissolution, creates the best reservoir intervals in the Sarvak Formation, although this is not a widespread phenomenon. These diagenetic processes are controlled by sea-level fluctuations, and thus the sequence stratigraphic development. Dissolution, early cementation and exposure-related dolomitization took place during falling sea-levels, mainly in the uppermost, regressive parts of the major sequences. Dolomitization is recognized in the transgressive and in the regressive systems tracts. Stylolitization and fracturing are independent of sea-level fluctuations and are most likely to have formed through a combination of compaction and tectonic events.
Neogene benthic foraminifera of the Hatton-Rockall Basin

A quantitative analysis is presented of benthic foraminifera from 25 samples of the Miocene and Pliocene section of DSDP Site 116 (eastern margin of the Hatton-Rockall Basin in the northeast Atlantic). Taxonomic turnover was gradual; however, abundance changes (dominance) were dramatic. During the early Middle Miocene, a major abundance change occurred to an assemblage dominated by modem taxa. This change can be associated with major stable isotopic changes documented at this time, and suggests a benthic foraminiferal response to a major reorganization of oceanic circulation. The causes of subsequent assemblage dominance fluctuations are more ambiguous; an increase in the Uvigerina fauna in the Early Pliocene may be associated with more negative 63'C values and a decreased contrast in 1'3C between the Atlantic and Pacific, the latter possibly indicative of reduced circulation in this part of the Atlantic.
Centesimal, Physico-Chemical, Bioactive and Microbiological Characterization of Pilsen-Type Malt Bagasse

Objective: This study aimed to characterize malt bagasse obtained as the main residue from beer processing. Theoretical benchmark: Malt bagasse is an agro-industrial waste with attractive nutritional characteristics, such as dietary fibers and proteins, intended for low or no added value purposes. In this sense, malt bagasse can nutritionally enrich various food products. Method: The malt bagasse was dehydrated and then analyzed for its central characteristics (moisture, ash, proteins, dietary fiber, lipids, carbohydrates, energy value and mineral composition), physicochemical (pH, acidity and aw), bioactive (phenolic and antioxidant content) and microbiological. Results and conclusion: As main results, malt bagasse showed high dietary fiber content (37,70 g/100 g) and high protein content (18,24 g/100 g), antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method with results expressed in EC50 as being 4,68 mg/mL and total phenolic content 360,99 mg EAG/100 g dry sample. Implications of the research: The results of this study show a promising potential in the reuse of malt bagasse, to quote, in the incorporation into food for human consumption.
Theoretical Considerations of Pressure Drop and Mass Transfer of Gas Flow in Spiral Wound Membrane Modules

In this work we give the preliminary results of the development of two reliable correlations for the calculation of the friction and mass transfer coefficients for the gas transfer through spiral wound membrane modules. The mass transfer coefficient which allows determining the polarization phenomenon was taken in consideration through the calculation of the Sherwood number near the surface of the membranes. Both correlations take in consideration the inclination angle of transversal and longitudinal filaments of grids in spacers. They allow a good prediction of the pressure drop, friction coefficient and the mass transfer in spiral modules for gas flow when compared with experimental results obtained in a previous work reported in the literature.