Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of risk factors of severe COVID-19 patients

Objective: To explore relevant risk factors for severity of patients diagnosed with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Methods: The clinical data of 292 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into mild or severe group according to the Guidance for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (7th version) released by the Chinese National Health Committee. The clinical data were collected at the time of admission, including demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, imaging characteristics and outcomes of treatments. We applied univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with severity of the disease.Results: The median age of patients in the severe group ((68.19±12.51) years) was significantly older than mild group ((54.14 ± 13.62) years). The male sex was more predominant in severe group (63.45%) than that of mild group (38.1%). There were more smokers (8.97% vs 1.36%) and drinkers (4.14% vs 0%) in severe group than that of mild group. Patients in the severe group had more underlying diseases. Hypertension（48.97% vs 23.81%），coronary heart disease (22.07% vs 1.36%, P<0.0001) , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6.21% vs 1.36%), malignant tumor (7.59% vs 2.04%) and chronic kidney disease (3.45% vs 0%) were more frequent in severe group than in mild group. The dyspnea, chest tightness and dry cough were more common in severe group (43.45%, 66.9% and 66.21%) than in mild group (23.13%, 44.22% and 53.74%). Abnormality of chest radiography were more frequent in the severe group, there were more ground glass opacities, consolidation of lung and white lung in the severe cases (88.97%, 44.07% and 46.21%) than in mild cases (78.91%, 19.05% and 2.04%). Patients in the severe group were more likely to receive methylprednisolone, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. Lasso algorithm showed that age, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK) and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDB) were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19, but the count of CD4+T lymphocyte was the protective factor. Conclusion: This retrospective study of 292 COVID-19 patients revealed that age, CRP, CK, α-HBDB and the count of CD4+T lymphocyte were independent risk factors for severity of COVID-19. Identifying patients with risk factors at an early stage of the disease are helpful for outcome prediction and clinical management.
Optimization of the in-situ growth conditions based on a novel photo-microcalorimeter for the sustainable cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms

Despite the great potential of photosynthetic microbes in the production of renewable fuels, value-adding chemicals, and water treatment, etc., commercial utilization of them is significantly hindered by the lack of techniques to accurately monitor the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the in-situ growth of microbes under controlled light illumination for optimal cultivation. Herein, we demonstrated that a newly developed highly sensitive photo-microcalorimetric system successfully captured the impacts of the light wavelength and strength on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the in-situ growth of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a representative photosynthetic microorganism. To our best knowledge, this is the first time that highly precise microcalorimetry is employed to monitor exam the in-situ growth of photosynthetic microorganisms under controllable photo illumination. We envision this technique can help for the optimization of the growth conditions of photosynthetic microorganisms for scale-up applications. Abbreviation P: heat output
Dietary Patterns, Nutritional Knowledge and Status of Adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nigeria, are at increased risk of under-nutrition and overnutrition. This study assessed this risk by examining the dietary patterns, nutritional knowledge and status of adolescents in Lagos state of Nigeria.Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study in which six hundred and eighty-two (682) adolescents were selected from their communities using multistage sampling technique. Nutritional knowledge and dietary patterns were ascertained using structured, self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were taken to determine nutritional status. Data was analyzed using Epi-Info version 7.2.3.1 computer software. Chi-square was used to test for association between categorical variables and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. WHO Anthro-Plus was used to evaluate nutritional status.Results The mean age of the adolescents was 13.6±2.3 years. Only 12.0% of them had good level of nutritional knowledge with the males having significantly higher levels. Dietary pattern and diversity were poor with the majority consuming refined cereals (73.5%), salty snacks/high fat foods (69.6%) and carbonated soft drinks (46.8%) while only 9.7% took adequate amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Prevalence of undernutrition was 5.4% while that of overweight and obesity were 10.7% and 5.3% respectively. More females were obese compared with the males. Sex, age, educational status, source of information, daily consumption of snacks, infrequent intake of fruits and vegetables, nutritional knowledge, food habits and dietary diversity were statistically significantly associated with nutritional status of adolescents in the positive direction (p≤0.05). Conclusions Nutritional knowledge and dietary patterns were poor while overweight and obesity are higher than previously reported in the region; especially among the females. Adolescent nutrition intervention programmes addressing weight control especially among females is needed in Lagos.
Fabrication of ultrafine α-Al_2O_3 powders by thermal decomposition of AACH

Ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide(AACH) was synthesized as the precursor by the precipitation reaction of aluminum sulfate and ammonium carbonate.Then the precursor was calcined to get α-Al_2O_3 powder.The effect factors of reaction on preparing AACH,such as the order and methods of adding materials,pH value and surfactant,were discussed,and the thermal decomposition reaction of AACH was also analyzed.The structural properties of powders were characterized by XRD,SEM,DTA/TGA and BET measurements.The results show that the AACH particles with uniform particle size and well-distributed can be synthesized with aluminum sulfate(atomizing) into ammonium carbonate,adding suitable amounts of PEG1000 as dispersant,and controlling the pH value(over) 8.The phase transformation of AACH in calcination process is as: AACH→AlOOH→amorphous Al_2O_3→(γ-Al_2O_3)→θ-Al_2O_3→α-Al_2O_3. The ultrafine α-Al_2O_3 with uniform particle size and in spherical shape and well dispersed were obtained by AACH calcined at 1200℃ for 2h.
Normal body weight with central obesity increases newly onset cardiovascular disease in adults from rural Northeast China

Background Cumulative evidence indicates that normal weight with central obesity (NWCO) is associated with cardiovascular diseases risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia. However, the possible predictive effect of NWCO on newly onset cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke has not been studied in detail. Methods Participants underwent physical examination at 2012–2013 and followed-up at 2015–2017 who previously diagnosed CVD were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 defined obesity, waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5 defined central obesity. Four groups: Normal weight without (NW) or NWCO, obesity without (OB) or with central obesity (OBCO). Results In total, 9439 participants (5006 men and 4433 women). The prevalence of different types of obesity were 39.6% for NW, 16.1% for NWCO, 4.1% for OB and 40.2% for OBCO. NWCO [HR = 1.565, 95%CI = 1.195, 2.051] and OBCO [HR = 1.845, 95%CI = 1.480, 2.300] were significantly associated with increasing risk of newly onset CVD. Besides, NWCO [HR = 2.337, 95%CI = 1.257, 4.344], OB [HR = 3.22, 95%CI = 1.166, 8.905] and OBCO [HR = 2.449, 95%CI = 1.386, 4.326] were all correlated with newly onset CHD but none of them had relationship with newly onset stroke. Conclusions We found that NWCO and OBCO were associated with newly onset CVD in rural Northeast Chinese adults. This underscored the effect of central obesity on CVD and suggested that even in individual with normal BMI, it is still necessary to prevent, monitor and control of central obesity.
Peaking for the World Para Athletics Championships: Case study of a World Champion female Paralympic shot putter

Tapering is used to maximize performance and reduce fatigue levels before athletic competitions. However, scientific evidence regarding Paralympic athletes is scarce. Moreover, no study has assessed the effects of tapering practices on performance in a world champion female Paralympic shot putter (FPSP). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short tapering period on the performance of an elite FPSP. A world champion FPSP (sport class F54; age 42.2 y; body mass 74 kg; height 1.67 m) was monitored during both overload (2 weeks) and tapering (2 weeks; training volume and intensity decreased) blocks previous to Dubai 2019 World Para Athletics Championships. The internal training load (ITL) (through session rating of perceived exertion) and self-reported wellbeing (using a questionnaire) were assessed daily. Shot put performance was assessed at the beginning and after tapering. The ITL decreased 37.9% with tapering, shot put performance increased 7.6%, there were no differences between weekly wellness scores. No significant correlations were found between ITL and wellbeing indicators. It was concluded that two weeks of tapering induced a rather large improvement in shot put performance. Surprisingly, self-reported wellbeing did not improve with taper as expected.
Shoot Density Effects on Riesling Grapevines: Interactions with Cordon Age

An experiment in the Similkameen Valley near Cawston, B.C. examined the impact of three shoot densities (20, 30, and 40 shoots/m of row) in combination with three cordon ages (year of establishment: 1983, 1986, and 1987) on Riesling vine performance, fruit composition, and wine sensory attributes. No effect of either factor was observed on weight of cane prunings. Periderm formation was inhibited by increased shoot density. Yield, clusters per vine, and crop load increased with increasing shoot density, but cluster weight, berries per cluster, and berry weight displayed concomitant decreases. Old cordons (1983) were associated with higher yields and high cluster weights. Effects on fruit composition were minor, and tended to be associated with cordon age more than shoot density; for example, highest titratable acidity, free volatile terpenes, and potentially volatile terpenes were found in berries and juices from 1983 cordons. Canopy density, leaf layer number, and shaded clusters and leaves increased linearly with increasing shoot density, but cordon age appeared to have no effect. Tasters found most fruity aroma and flavor, as well as the least grassy aroma and flavor, in treatments from lowest shoot densities and oldest cordons. Principal components analysis showed that wines from old cordons were best explained by fruity and candy (aroma and flavor) as well as sweetness descriptors, while wines from 1986 cordons and the 1987 cordon x 40 shoots/m combination were best explained by grassy aroma and flavor. Existing shoot density recommendations were confirmed by these data.
Identification of Potential Key Genes Associated with the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Glioblastoma Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Background: Despite striking advances in multimodality management, the low survival rate of Glioblastoma (GBM) patients has not been significantly improved and identifying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is urgently demanded. The present study aimed to identify potential key genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of GBM.Methods: Differentially expressed genes between GBM and normal brain tissue samples were screened by an integrated analysis of multiple gene expression profile datasets. Key genes related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of GBM were identified by employing protein–protein interaction network and Cox proportional hazards model analyses.Results: We identified nine hub genes (TP53, FN1, EGFR, MYC, RRM2, EZH2, FOXM1, CD44 and MMP2) which might be closely associated with the pathogenesis of GBM. A prognostic gene signature consisted of RAB33B, KIAA1199, TEK, EVC, SOD2, CXCR4, hCG_40738, CHD9, GCSH, SUHW1, RPS6KA5, PDCD4, ZG16, KCNG1, DECR1, PPCS, SERPINF1, TMSB10, NAT10, HIC2, PIR and OR2W1 was constructed with a good performance in predicting overall survivals (OS). Conclusions: The findings of present study would provide certain reference for further predicting the diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to facilitate the molecular targeting therapy of GBM.
Coaching, not monitoring? Insights from a school accountability reform in Pakistan

We evaluate a pilot reform of the promotion system for teachers and head teachers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, that was implemented as a randomized controlled trial during the 2017-2018 school year. District officials were asked to visit treatment schools to monitor educator behavior and student performance passively. Educators in treatment schools were told that their relative performance on these measures would determine their promotion speed. District officials were asked to continue with 'business as usual' visits in control schools, during which they often coached educators. We find null treatment effects for all pre-registered student and educator outcomes. In-class teaching practices improved from baseline to endline, but these sizeable changes were similar in magnitude in all schools. Videos of inspection visits and follow-up interviews reveal that district officials coached teachers on these practices in all schools, indicating that they struggled to adapt their 'mental model' to the new accountability regime. JEL Codes: H1, H83, I25, I28 * We thank Barbara Bruns, David K. Evans, Derek Neal, Pieter Serneels, Andrew Zeitlin and audiences at IFPRI, the University of Sherbrooke, and the Center for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) for helpful comments and feedback. We acknowledge excellent research assistance from Charles Gale, Amir Jilani, and Umair Kaiani, as well as excellent survey management from RCONS. We also thank Jeffrey Patton for invaluable advice regarding psychometrics. Funding for this study was provided by the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets led by IFPRI; the International Growth Centre, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, the University of Oxford, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) [cooperative agreement # AID391-IO-11-00002]. The Center for Development Policy Research (CDPR) provided logistical support in Pakistan. 1 Karachiwalla (corresponding author) and Kosec: International Food Policy Research Institute. Asad: Lahore University of Management Sciences. Habib and Rehman: Consortium for Development Policy Research. Leaver: Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
In-Game Factors and Technology Acceptance Factors in Increasing Intention to Play Online Game

Online games are in great demand and even become leisure activities for many gamers. This study aims to analyse the factors of attitude towards playing online games that are influenced by factors that exist in online games (game features and trust in developers) and technology acceptance factors (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) on the intention to play online games, also analyse subjective norms in influencing intention to play online games. Respondents in this study are online game players in Indonesia with 250 respondents. The analysis technique used is PLS-SEM. The results showed that attitude toward playing online games and subjective norms had a significant effect on intention to play online games. Attitude toward playing online games is influenced by perceive usefulness, game features, and trust in game developers. But perceive ease of use does not have a significant effect on attitude toward playing online games.
Intercropping efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) based intercropping system under rainfed condition of Bihar

An experiment on Intercropping efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) based intercropping system under rainfed condition was carried out during rabi-seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 at Dholi farm of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, (Samastipur), Bihar. Among the row ratio in intercropping systems, chickpea + linseed (6:1) expressed equal yield attributes and grain yield, and harvest index of chickpea than the chickpea + mustard in 6:1 and 6:2 ratio during both the years. The yield attributes, grain and straw yields, and harvest index of chickpea did not vary significantly due to fertilizer levels. The yield attributing characters of mustard and linseed were higher at 6:1 row ratio of intercropping than sole crops. The 6:2 row ratio of chickpea + mustard and chickpea + linseed recorded maximum grain and straw yields of mustard and linseed which were significantly higher over their 6:1 row ratio in both the years. Application of 100% and 75% RDF recorded similar grain yields of mustard and linseed and both turned significantly superior over 50% RDF in both the years. Chickpea + mustard irrespective of their row ratios recorded significant reduction in number of Helicoverpa larvae/10 plants, number of damaged pods/plant and pod damage percentage over chickpea + linseed and sole chickpea. Higher value of number of Helicoverpa larvae/10 plants, number of damaged pods/plant and pod damage percentage were recorded at 100% RDF than the lower levels of fertilizer but fails to exert significant effect on these indices except to pod damage percentage which were significantly more at 100% RDF than 50% RDF. Land equivalent ratio (LER) did not vary significantly among the row ratio in intercropping systems, only 6:1 row ratio of chickpea + mustard recorded significantly higher LER (1.15 and 1.16) over sole chickpea in both years. LER did not vary significantly among different fertilizer levels. Chickpea + mustard in 6:1 row ratio altogether recorded maximum chickpea equivalent yield (CEY) (2233 and 2501 kg ha-1) and net return (Rs. 44828 ha-1) however, B: C ratio (BCR) was higher under 6:2 row ratio of chickpea + mustard (2.10) which was at par with 6:1 row ratio of chickpea + mustard (2.08). Chickpea + mustard in both the row ratio recorded significantly higher CEY, net return and B:C ratio over chickpea + linseed in both the row ratio and sole chickpea. CEY, gross and net returns, BCR and LER did not varied significantly among the fertilizer levels.
Free energy of formation of clusters of sulphuric acid and water molecules determined by guided disassembly

We evaluate the grand potential of a cluster of two molecular species, equivalent to its free energy of formation from a binary vapour phase, using a non-equilibrium molecular dynamics technique where guide particles, each tethered to a molecule by a harmonic force, move apart to disassemble a cluster into its components. The mechanical work performed in an ensemble of trajectories is analysed using the Jarzynski equality to obtain a free energy of disassembly, a contribution to the cluster grand potential. We study clusters of sulphuric acid and water at 300 K, using a classical interaction scheme, and contrast two modes of guided disassembly. In one, the cluster is broken apart through simple pulling by the guide particles, but we find the trajectories tend to be mechanically irreversible. In the second approach, the guide motion and strength of tethering are modified in a way that prises the cluster apart, a procedure that seems more reversible. We construct a surface representing the cluster grand potential, and identify a critical cluster for droplet nucleation under given vapour conditions. We compare the equilibrium populations of clusters with calculations reported by Henschel et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 2014;118:2599] based on optimised quantum chemical structures.
ETHANOL INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY THROUGH DYSREGULATION OF AMPK IN A FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME MODEL

OF THESIS ETHANOL INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY THROUGH DYSREGULATION OF AMPK IN A FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME Ethanol consumption during pregnancy is rising in the U.S., including the rate of binge drinking. It is reported around 1 in 27 women engage in binge drinking activities while pregnant. The third trimester is a sensitive period of neuronal growth in which ethanol induced neurotoxicity can cause many harmful effects including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It has been shown that ethanol decreases the activity of AMPK through increasing lipid peroxidation, both of which are correlated to neurotoxicity. AICAR is a synthetic analog of AMP which significantly increases AMPK activity and may have beneficial effects in an organotypic hippocampal model of third trimester binge drinking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if pharmacologically increasing the activity of AMPK could reduce the degree of ethanol induced neurotoxicity to provide a potential therapeutic target for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Microwave drying at various conditions modeled using the reaction engineering approach

ABSTRACT One of the most significant process intensification schemes in drying is microwave drying. Modeling the process of microwave drying is very useful. The lumped reaction engineering approach (REA) is now coupled with appropriate equations for modeling microwave heating. Here, a slight modification of the equilibrium activation energy is needed since the product temperature is higher than the ambient temperature. Unlike the diffusion-based approach, the REA drying parameters were generated from minimum number of drying runs. It has been found that the modifications lead to excellent agreements between the predicted and experimental data. The results of modeling match well with the experimental data. The overall model is accurate to describe the moisture content and temperature profiles. Comparisons with the diffusion-based approach indicate that the REA can achieve comparable or even better agreement toward the experimental data. This exercise has demonstrated that a simple combination of the lumped reaction engineering approach and the microwave energy absorption is versatile in predicting the microwave drying process accurately; thus, this worked example will be illustrative for future needed studies.
Evaluation of Physical Properties of Volcanic Scoria Powder Particles as Concrete Mineral Additives

: This study presents some physical properties relevant to volcanic scoria powder characterization. Specific information on particle shape has been obtained using by 2-D images. The image analysis was used to identify key controls on particle morphology, six shape parameters: elongation, circularity, solidity, roughness, bluntness and luminance have effectively accounted for the morphological variance of powder particles. The particle shape is evaluated according to these six factors. These parameters are scaled to values between 0 and 1.0. Morphological changes associated with variations in the relative size and shape of particles have been quantified. According to results reporting by many authors, it is well known that particle shape analysis, which includes the full range of available grain sizes can contribute not only to the measurements of particle size and shape. But also in providing information on size-dependent densities, specific surface area by Blaine air permeability and specific surface area by laser diffraction.