Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation on Endoscopy-Assisted Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures are one of the most common sports injuries. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used in tendon-related disorders to enhance tendon healing. However, studies regarding PRP treatment in Achilles tendon rupture show inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with endoscopy-assisted percutaneous repair. Methods: A total of 62 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with surgical repair from January 2014 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. Surgical repair in conjunction with PRP augmentation after surgery was classified as the PRP group. Surgical repair without PRP augmentation was classified as the non-PRP group. All patients were followed up at least 2 years post-operation. The outcomes were evaluated on the basis of rate of return to sports, time to return to play, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), calf circumference ratio, ankle range of motion (ROM) and complications following surgery. Results: At 2-year follow-up, the ATRS score was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.8), but the ATRS score in both groups improved with time. Rate of return to sports and time to return to play were not different between the two groups (p = 1.00). Moreover, calf circumference ratio and ankle ROM were evaluated at 6-month, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month follow-ups. At 6 months, the PRP group had better ankle ROM (p = 0.003) and a higher calf circumference ratio (p = 0.011); however, at the 24-month evaluation, there were no between-group differences regarding calf circumference ratio, ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We show that PRP augmentation in Achilles tendon surgery did not yield superior functional and clinical outcomes. Therefore, clinicians should inform patients of the above information when undergoing Achilles tendon surgery and offer correct expectations to family and patients regrading PRP treatment.
Equivariant Gluing Constructions of Contact Stationary Legendrian Submanifolds of the (2n+1)-Sphere

A contact stationary Legendrian submanifold of $S^{2n+1}$ is a Legendrian submanifold whose volume is stationary under contact deformations. The simplest contact stationary Legendrian submanifold (actually minimal and Legendrian) is the real, equatorial $n$-sphere $S_0$. This paper develops a method for constructing contact stationary (but not minimal) Legendrian submanifolds of $S^{2n+1}$ by gluing together configurations of sufficiently many $U(n+1)$-rotated copies of $S_0$ at isolated points of suitably transverse intersection. The resulting submanifolds are very symmetric; are geometrically akin to a `necklace' of copies of $S_0$ attached to each other by narrow necks and winding a large number of times around $S^{2n + 1}$ before closing up on itself; and are topologically equivalent to $S^1 \times S^{n-1}$. Moreover, they represent wholly new examples of contact stationary embedded submanifolds of $S^{2n + 1}$ and thus give rise to wholly new examples of embedded Hamiltonian stationary cones in $C^{n+1}$.
Factors affecting university students’ motivation in conducting research thesis: a case study of Karakorum International University, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore university students’ perceived problems and challenges in conducting a research thesis in a university in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The review of the literature helped identify four important types of problems: (1) personal problems (2) academic problems (3) supervisory problems and (4) institutional problems. Researchers specially developed questionnaires on a five-point Likert-type scale for a survey research design. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample of 120 research students from different departments of the University, merged into two strata. The sample size of the study was 120 research students. Data were collected, entered into SPSS and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Interviews with faculty members were also conducted. The research findings revealed that significant problems persist for research students studying at the sample university. Despite the measures taken to satisfy research students, it was found that students faced personal and supervisory problems more than academic and institutional problems.
The effect of continuous care model on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial study

Introduction and Objective Sleep disorder leads to several mental, physical, and behavioral complications. Through continuous care model, it is possible to achieve an efficient recognition of the problems of these patients and allow them to participate in solving their health issues. The effects of continuous care model on sleep quality in postmenopausal women were examined. Material and Methods Totally, 110 postmenopausal women visiting health center in Kermanshah, Iran took part in this clinical trial. The participants were selected between May 2017 and September 2017. The participants were allocated to control and experimental groups randomly each with 55 members. The normal cares were provided to the control group, while the experimental groups took part in group consultation sessions (once every week, four session each 60-90min). Quality of sleep was examined based on Pittsburg sleep quality index before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and a month flowing the completion of the intervention. For data analyzing, Friedman’s test, Mann-Whitney test, and chi-square test were used in SPSS. Results A significant difference was found in the mean scores of the quality of sleep in the experimental group in three measurements occasions in the study ( p =0.001). Despite lack of any significant difference before the intervention between the two groups, there was a significant decrease in the sleep quality score in the experimental group one month after the completion of the intervention compared to the control group ( p <0.05). Conclusion The continuous care model improved the sleep quality in the postmenopausal women.
THE ANTECEDENTS OF MSME PERFORMANCE: FROM CHARACTERISTICS OF ISLAMIC ENTREPRENEURS PERCEPTION

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is one theory that has been widely applied in various fields of behavioral research, and several studies have proven that Islamic entrepreneurs must have characteristics. This study examines the antecedent of MSME performance from the point of view of the characteristics of Islamic entrepreneurs. This research was conducted in MSMEs in Purwokerto City on the grounds that there is still a lack of application of Islamic entrepreneurial characteristics in SME activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the characteristics of Islamic entrepreneurs (honesty, willpower, keeping promises, orderly administration, praying, paying zakat and alms, having leadership spirit) on the performance of MSMEs. The sample used was 87 Muslim MSMEs in Purwokerto. Primary data collection techniques are observation and discussion, direct observation in the field using a distributed questionnaire. The data analysis method used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed that the unsupported hypothesis related to the variables of willingness to work hard, keep promises, Islamic leadership and pay zakat had no effect on the performance of Muslim SMEs in Purwokerto. Meanwhile, orderly administration, honesty and prayer support the performance of Muslim SMEs in Purwokerto, thus supporting the acceptance of the hypothesis.
Measurement of Financial Literacy on Students Behavior in Managing Financial Management Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study aims to test the model whether subjective norms, academic ability, working experience in the theory of Planned Behavior have a positive financial literacy and financial behavior of Universitas Widya Dharma students during pandemi Covid-19. The research design was carried out using a quantitative method which explains the causal relationship between one dependent variable which is influenced by three independent variables and one mediating variable. Hypothesis testing is formulated in the model using the multivariate test. The population in the research were all university students in the Unwidha Klaten in 6 faculties and 16 programmes of study. The sampling technique was carried out by purposive sampling as many as 120 respondents. The final result of the quantitative model test using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) shows that there is a positive influence on academic ability, working experience and financial literacy towards financial behaviors. Meanwhile, one variable in the subjective norms does not significantly influence it. Future research can expand the model through testing the students’s intelligence financial by developing research designs through experimental research.
A palm trunk from the Lower Miocene coal basin of Salgotarjan

The tree-trunk examined originates from North Hungary, from the coal basin of Salgotarjan. Its age is Lower Miocene. The presence of scattered vascular bundles in the 10 cm. long and 8 cm. wide trunk piece shows that it is of palm origin. The minute anatomical structure also confirms that the petrifaction in question is a palm-stem. Another fossil palm has been reported from Hungary from the Lower Miocene, which resembles rather the recent Sabal. The above-mentioned petrifaction is essentially different from this and, therefore, it has been described under a new name: Palmoxylon hungaricum Greg.
On Homogeneous Descriptor Systems and Homogeneity-Based Finite-Time Control of Linear Descriptor Systems

A new definition of homogeneity for descriptor systems is introduced. The homogeneity property can be verified algebraically, and, as for systems described by ordinary differential equations only, it implies scalability of solutions. A finite-time stabilizing feedback controller is designed for linear descriptor systems. The proposed control contains a homogenizing linear feedback term and a nonlinear homogeneous stabilizing term. The parameters tuning is presented in the form of linear matrix equations and inequalities. Performance of the approach is illustrated by numerical examples.
Histological Evaluation of Cassava Starch/Chicken Gelatin Membranes

The use of biopolymers for tissue engineering has recently gained attention due to the need for safer and highly compatible materials. Starch is one of the most used biopolymers for membrane preparation. However, incorporating other polymers into starch membranes introduces improvements, such as better thermal and mechanical resistance and increased water affinity, as we reported in our previous work. There are few reports in the literature on the biocompatibility of starch/chicken gelatin composites. We assessed the in vivo biocompatibility of the five composites (T1–T5) cassava starch/gelatin membranes with subdermal implantations in biomodels at 30, 60, and 90 days. The FT-IR spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the main functional groups for starch and chicken gelatin. At the same time, the thermal study exhibited an increase in thermal resistance for T3 and T4, with a remaining mass (~15 wt.%) at 800 °C. The microstructure analysis for the T2–T4 demonstrated evident roughness changes with porosity presence due to starch and gelatin mixture. The decrease in the starch content in the composites also decreased the gelatinization heats for T3 and T4 (195.67, 196.40 J/g, respectively). Finally, the implantation results demonstrated that the formulations exhibited differences in the degradation and resorption capacities according to the starch content, which is easily degraded by amylases. However, the histological results showed that the samples demonstrated almost complete reabsorption without a severe immune response, indicating a high in vivo biocompatibility. These results show that the cassava starch/chicken gelatin composites are promising membrane materials for tissue engineering applications.
Circulating Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical diagnosis of HCC mainly depends on imaging technology, such as ultrasound and computed tomography, and serum biomarkers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). However, HCC is still hard to diagnose at an early stage due to the low sensitivity of the above mentioned traditional methods. Typically, HCC is diagnosed at an advanced stage when limited treatment options are available. It is urgent to identify effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC. Increasing evidence uncovered ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), could be used in HCC diagnosis. The aim of this review is to summarize our understanding of circulating miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs as fluid-based non-invasive biomarkers, and aiming at providing new insights into the diagnosis of HCC.
THE EFFECT OF BUYING DECISIONS ON MUTIARA CITY HOUSING IN BANJARBENDO VILLAGE, SIDOARJO REGENCY

The purpose of present research was to investigate the Effect of Location, Promotion, and Sociality on the Buying Decision of Mutiara City Housing in Banjarbendo Village, Sidoarjo Regency, either partially or simultaneously. This study uses a quantitative method with a population of 327 housing buyers, the sample using the Slovin formula for a sample of 77 respondents. Data analysis is classical assumption test, multiple linear regression, validity test, reliability test, and hypothesis test. Findings of present research can be seen that the statistical t value resulting from the influence of Location (X1) on Purchase Decisions (Y) is 4.419 with a significance value of 0.000. The significance value is lower than the significant alpha 5% or 0.05. It indicates that there is a significant effect of Location (X1) on Purchase Decisions (Y), the t-statistical value resulting from the effect of Promotion (X2) on Purchase Decisions (Y) is 0.361 with a significance value of 0.719. The significance value is higher than the significant alpha 5% or 0.05. It indicates that there is no significant effect of Promotion (X2) on Buying Decision (Y). The lower value of the t statistic resulting from the influence of Sociality (X3) on Buying Decision (Y) is 9.532 with a significance value of 0.000. The significance value is lower than the significant alpha 5% or 0.05. It indicates that there is a significant effect of Sociality (X3) on Purchase Decisions (Y). The results of the analysis of the simultaneous influence test resulted in a calculated F value of 114.001 with a probability of 0.000. Test results present the probability
Combination Treatment with Hydroxytyrosol and Vitamin E Improves NAFLD-Related Fibrosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related liver fibrosis results in the encapsulation of injured liver parenchyma by a collagenous scar mainly imputable to hepatic stellate cells’ activation. Approved pharmacological treatments against NAFLD-related fibrosis are still lacking, but natural compounds such as hydroxytyrosol (HXT) and vitamin E (VitE), are emerging as promising therapeutic opportunities. In this study, the potential anti-fibrotic effect of HXT + VitE combination therapy was investigated in vitro and in vivo. In particular, tumor growth factor (TGF)-β-activated LX-2 cells as an in vitro model, and carbon tetrachloride plus a Western diet as a mice model were employed. The effect of HXT + VitE on fibrosis was also investigated in children with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Our results demonstrated that HXT + VitE caused a reduction of proliferation, migration, contractility, and expression of pro-fibrogenic genes in TGF-β-activated LX-2 cells. HXT + VitE treatment also antagonized TGF-β-dependent upregulation of pro-oxidant NOX2 by interfering with nuclear translocation/activation of SMAD2/3 transcription factors. The mouse model of NAFLD-related fibrosis treated with HXT + VitE showed a marked reduction of fibrosis pattern by histology and gene expression. Accordingly, in children with NAFLD, HXT + VitE treatment caused a decrease of circulating levels of PIIINP and NOX2 that was supported over time. Our study suggests that HXT + VitE supplementation may improve NAFLD-related fibrosis.
Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of APA Pandeiros: A Perspective from a Decade of Research in an Environmental Protection Area in the Cerrado-Caatinga Transition

Habitat transformation and species loss bring enormous environmental damage, whereas establishing protected areas promotes more sustainable use of environmental resources through biodiversity conservation. In this study, we aimed to point out gaps in ant knowledge and provide a species checklist that contributes to biodiversity conservation in the transition areas between Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, constantly threatened by land use changes. This checklist integrates data from previous studies developed at “Área de Proteção Ambiental do Rio Pandeiros” (APA Pandeiros), Minas Gerais, Brazil, involving ant diversity and their contribution to ecological processes accessed and described in the studies. We showed and discussed how authors managed and provided information regarding methodologies and habitats sampled. We listed 143 ant species formally named. Pheidole, Camponotus and Cephalotes were the most speciose genera, with more than ten species each. Among ants involved in ecological processes, 40 are linked to diaspore removal (part of seed dispersal) and 30 to carcass interaction (part of the decomposition process). Unbaited pitfall traps, epigeic stratum and Cerrado sensu stricto, were the top sampling method, stratum, and habitats among ant studies. We presented proposals for the best management and integration of data from surveys in APA Pandeiros (e.g., sharing the results of the studies with the APA managers, creating a database, and the local community). These surveys are fundamental for understanding biodiversity and ecological processes and provide valuable information to conservation biology. Therefore, neglecting the importance of the Cerrado-Caatinga transition can lead to irreparable setbacks for scientific knowledge and biodiversity.
On the passage of radiation through moving astrophysical plasmas

We discuss the effect of the motion of a refracting medium on the direction of refracted rays, and its implication in astrophysics. It is assumed that, in its own rest frame, the medium is homogeneous, isotropic, lossless, and transparent. A pencil beam of quasi-monochromatic radiation is incident normally upon the surface of a medium moving at uniform velocity in the direction parallel to the surface. For a medium which has only frequency dispersion and satisfies the Landau and Lifshitz transparency condition, it is shown that the refracted beam cannot be bent toward the upstream direction whether the refractive index is greater or smaller than unity. For a cold isotropic plasma, the motion has no effect on the direction of the refracted beam which is normal to the surface. For a nonrelativistic, warm isotropic plasma which has spatial dispersion in addition to the frequency dispersion, the refracted beam is bent toward the upstream direction. However, the amount of bending is too small to play significant roles in astrophysical phenomena. These results disagree with the conclusions reached by earlier investigators. The causes for the discrepancy are discussed.Based on the wave kinematical and electrodynamical considerations, we have shown that for a plane, quasi-monochromaticmore » wave propagating in moving homogeneous dispersive media of infinite extent, the direction of energy flow coincides with that of the group velocity, but not with that of the Poynting vector. « less
Experimental Precipitation Reduction Slows Down Litter Decomposition but Exhibits Weak to No Effect on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in Three Mediterranean Forests of Southern France

Forest ecosystems are some of the largest carbon (C) reservoirs on earth. Pinus halepensis Mill. , Quercus ilex L. and Quercus pubescens Willd. represent the dominant tree cover in the Mediterranean forests of southern France. However, their contributions to the French and global forest C and nitrogen (N) stocks are frequently overlooked and inaccurately quantified and little is known about to what extent the ongoing climate change can alter these stocks. We quantified the soil organic C (SOC) and N (SN) stocks in Mediterranean forests dominated by these tree species and evaluated to what extent an experimental precipitation reduction (about −30% yearly) affects these stocks and the litter decomposition efficiency. Litter mass losses were 55.7, 49.8 and 45.7% after 24 months of decomposition in Q. ilex, Q. pubescens and P. halepensis forests, respectively, and were 19% lower under drier climatic conditions. The SOC stocks were 14.0, 16.7 and 18.5 Mg ha−1 and the SN stocks were 0.70, 0.93 and 0.88 Mg ha−1 in Q. ilex, Q. pubescens and P. halepensis forests, respectively. The shallowness and stoniness of these Mediterranean forests could explain these limited stocks. By distinguishing the organic from the organo–mineral layer, we showed 74% less SOC in the organic layer of the P. halepensis forest under drier conditions, while no difference was detected in the organo–mineral layer or in the two oak forests. This last finding deserves further investigation and points out the necessity to distinguish the organic from the organo–mineral layer to detect the first impacts of climate change on SOC stocks.