Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal health intervention and sex ratios: evidence from the Village Midwife Program in Indonesia

In about last three decades, many developing countries have experienced a large decline in maternal mortality rates. Global initiatives leading to better maternal health policies may have contributed to this decline. In this paper, we investigate whether maternal health intervention also improves the fetal survival rate. For this purpose, we consider the Village Midwife Program in Indonesia, which was launched in 1989 as a part of the safe motherhood strategy. Using the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), we investigate the impact of midwives on fetal survival rate in terms of a change in the likelihood of a live birth being male. Our results show that the provision of a midwife in a community increases the probability of a live birth being male by about 3 percentage points. Greater antenatal care, skilled birth-attendance, and an improvement in nutrition among reproductive-age women—in terms of greater BMI—are the likely pathways. We do not find the results to be driven by pre-treatment trends, and they remain robust to a number of checks.
Safety evaluation of Veillonella atypica FB0054 with genotoxicity and subchronic toxicological studies

Veillonella atypica is a nonmotile, nonsporulating anaerobic bacteria commonly found in various human biofilms. V. atypica FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90‐day, repeated‐dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90‐day, repeated‐dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 at the highest doses tested.
Antidyslipidemia Pharmacotherapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Background and Aims: The benefits and safety of antidyslipidemia pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease were not well defined so the latest evidence was summarized by this work. Methods: This systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) included searches of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to 28 February 2022, for randomized controlled trials of any antilipidaemic medications administered to adults with chronic kidney disease [CKD: defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 not undergoing transplantation], using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results: 55 trials and 30 works of them were included in our systematic review and NMA, respectively. In comparisons with no antidyslipidemia therapy or placebo, proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitors plus statin (PS) was the most effective drug regimen for reducing all-cause mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.93]; GRADE: moderate), followed by moderate-high intensity statin (HS, OR 0.76, 95% CI [0.60, 0.93]; I2 = 66.9%; GRADE: moderate). PS, HS, low-moderate statin (LS), ezetimibe plus statin (ES), and fibrates (F) significantly decreased the composite cardiovascular events. The subgroup analysis revealed the null effect of statins on death (OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.81, 1.04]) and composite cardiovascular events (OR 0.94, 95% CI [0.82, 1.07]) in dialysis patients. Conclusion: In nondialysis CKD patients, statin-based therapies could significantly and safely reduce all-cause death and major composite cardiovascular events despite the presence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL-c levels. Aggressive medication regimens, PS and HS, appeared to be more effective, especially in patients with established CAD.
A home culture pedagogy? Problematising and developing the concept of intercultural education

In this article, we take as our starting point the argument that intercultural theory and, above all, intercultural education often focuses on people’s ideas, consciousness and attitudes. We argue that intercultural education has a bias towards cognitive structures as well as individualism. In parts of the intercultural research field, there is thus a lack of knowledge about how an intercultural dialogue can be understood based on interaction between people and the institutional and structural contexts in which they meet. The aim of this article is therefore to discuss how an intercultural dialogue can be understood from a social-psychological and sociological point of view. We argue that the dialogue in ‘actual’ meetings between people is not governed by ideas or attitudes, but by negotiations and interpretations that are situated. Furthermore, by introducing the concept of home culture, we discuss how this dialogue must also be put in relation to the present overall life situation, here and now, of all children/students, as well as to institutionally and socially active categorisations, routines and power relations, in order to develop fruitful, critical and relevant intercultural education.
Human Capital, Quality of Sharia Supervisory Board and Maqasid Shariah Based Performance: Cross Country Evidence

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between human capital (HC), quality of the shariah supervisory board (SSB) and performance of maqasid shariah-based Islamic banks. This study uses secondary data from the Bankscope database of 2014 to 2018. The research samples comprised 75 banks from a total population of 96 banks. Using the dynamic panel regression two-step generalised method of moments (GMM), this study revealed that HC has a significant and positive influence on sharia maqasid-based performance. SSB quality has a significant and negative effect on Islamic banks' performance. These findings support the resources-based theory that assumes more efficient human capital can facilitate the achievement of better organisation performance. The results may serve as a guideline for Islamic bank managers to enhance their bank human capital as it has a positive relationship with maqasid sharia-based performance.
Validation of a diet‐induced Macaca fascicularis model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis with dietary and pioglitazone interventions

To develop an obese, insulin‐resistant cynomolgus monkey model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis with a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet (with or without high fructose) and test its responsiveness to caloric restriction or pioglitazone.
Comparison of the effect of oral megestrol acetate with or without levonorgestrel-intrauterine system on fertility-preserving treatment in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer: a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled phase II trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03241914)

Objective To evaluate the effect of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) plus oral megestrol acetate (MA) as fertility-preserving treatment in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC). Methods In this single-center, phase II study with open-label, randomized and controlled design, young patients (18–45 years) diagnosed with primary EEC were screened, who strongly required fertility-preserving treatment. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into MA group (160 mg oral daily) or MA (160 mg oral daily) plus LNG-IUS group. Pathologic evaluation on endometrium retrieved by hysteroscopy was performed every 3 months. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate within 16 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints were CR rate within 32 weeks of treatment, adverse events, recurrent and pregnancy rate. Results Between July 2017 and June 2020, 63 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. Totally 56 patients (26 in MA group; 28 in MA + LNG-IUS group) were included into primary-endpoint analyses. The median follow-up was 31.6 months (range, 3.1–94.0). No significant difference in 16-week CR rate were found between MA and MA + LNG-IUS groups (19.2% vs. 25.0%, p=0.610; odds ratio=1.40; 95% confidence interval=0.38–5.12), while the 32-week CR rates were also similar (57.1% and 61.5%, p=0.743), accordingly. More women in MA + LNG-IUS group experienced vaginal hemorrhage (46.4% vs. 16.1%; p=0.012) compared with MA group. No intergroup difference was found regarding recurrence or pregnancy rate. Conclusion Compared with MA alone, the addition of LNG-IUS may not improve the early CR rate for EEC, and may produce more adverse events instead. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03241914
Engaging stakeholders in wildlife disease management: Hunters' willingness to adopt and support biosecurity actions to prevent the spread of rabbit hemorrhagic disease

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious virus that primarily infects rabbits and hares (lagomorphs) and poses a serious threat to lagomorph populations and hunting. Wildlife agencies in the United States rely on hunters to report RHDV2‐related mortalities and engage in voluntary biosecurity actions to prevent the spread of RHDV2. From April 2021 to April 2022, we conducted a nationwide survey of 22,511 hunters to ascertain their willingness to engage in voluntary biosecurity actions and support government‐mandated biosecurity measures. Respondents expressed greatest willingness to report suspicious lagomorph deaths to wildlife agencies. Respondents' willingness to engage in or support biosecurity actions was positively correlated with their risk perceptions pertaining to lagomorph deaths and the economic impacts of RHDV2, perceptions of the importance of biosecurity, and trust in state agencies to manage RHDV2. We found evidence that respondents' willingness to engage in or support biosecurity actions was also positively correlated with their knowledge of RHDV2. Wildlife agencies should clearly communicate about RHDV2 and its adverse impacts on lagomorphs, biodiversity, and hunting to engage hunters in biosecurity measures. Hunters can provide valuable information about lagomorph population trends and mortality events in the areas they hunt, a cost‐effective method to augment agency surveillance.
Expressions of miR-199a-5p and miR-125b-5p and their target genes in the endometrium of recurrent implantation failure patients following in uterus infusion of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Despite numerous advances in fertility techniques, some individuals experience implantation failure. One of the therapeutic approaches is the study of immunological aspects of the implantation process in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) therapy and platelet-rich plasma are currently available cell therapies. The aim of this study was to determine the expressions of the FGFR-2 and LIF genes that are regulated by miR-199a-5p and miR-125b-5p. These genes play a fundamental role in implantation in RIF patients treated with PBMCs. 20 patients clinically diagnosed with RIF were randomly assigned to a RIF patient with PBMCs intrauterine infusion group (n = 10) and RIF group (n = 10). Normal, healthy females (n = 10) comprised the control group. In order to examine the efficacy of the PBMCs injection in the treatment group, expressions of miR-199a-5p and miR-125-5p and FGFR-2 and LIF as their target genes, were evaluated in all three groups and were compared the results. We discovered that the RIF group had higher expressions of miR-199a-5p and miR-125-5p along with decreased expressions of their target genes. However, both FGFR-2 and LIF gene had elevated expressions in the RIF patients with PBMCs intrauterine infusion group compared to the RIF group, with significant decrease in miR-199a-5p and miR-125b-5p reciprocally. The treatment with PBMCs can be effective in changing the expression of microRNAs and genes associated with endometrial receptivity and by changes in the expression of them and their role during embryo development improve this process.
Fault detection for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems using multiple observers and ellipsoidal analysis

This paper proposes a novel fault detection method for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems via multiple observer design and ellipsoidal analysis. By considering only one fault distribution matrix at a time, the original system is divided into a limited number of fault modes. For each fault mode, an observer with finite‐frequency fault sensitivity performance and full‐frequency unknown inputs robustness performance is designed to generate the residual signal. Based on the designed observer, the ellipsoidal analysis is used to evaluate a residual and to give a fault detection index for each mode. In addition, the fault detection result is provided by combining “or” logical operation of the multiple indices. Numerical simulations and an AC servo motor experimental platform are used to verify the viability and validity of the proposed method.
JWST primary mirror material selection

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) conducted a phased down select for its primary mirror. Using the results of the Advanced Mirror System Demonstrator (AMSD) as a basis, the Mirror Recommendation Board (MRB) assessed the suitability for JWST of candidate mirrors in the areas of performance, schedule, cost and risk. Beryllium was selected for the JWST primary mirror. This paper summarizes the evaluation and selection process.
Is There A Relation Between Peripheral Nerves Conduction Study and Cardiovascular Assessment in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? (A Cross-Sectional Study)

Background: Heart disease is thought to be dangerously increased by type two diabetes mellitus. Type two diabetic individuals have 2-3 times higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases. There are a few research using nerve conduction investigations to demonstrate the relationship between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular problems. The existence of diabetic neuropathy may be associated to atherosclerosis. Objective: The target of this study is to analyze the mechanism between nerve conduction study (NCS) and cardiovascular evaluation in type two diabetes mellitus affected males. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 105 males type-2 diabetes mellitus cohort with body mass index between 18.5-25, normal blood pressure and normal lipid profile. Nerve conduction studies of (median, tibial and sural nerves) were performed and cardiovascular detection of left ventricular function using 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography and peripheral vascular resistance using ankle-brachial index were assessed. Results: In this study poor glycemic control was correlated with the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (p < 0.05). Nerve conduction studies showed highly significant negative correlation between sensory, motor latency, F latency and global strain (p < 0.001), while highly significant positive correlation with motor and sensory conduction velocity and amplitude was found (p < 0.001). Regarding ankle-brachial index, there was highly significant positive correlation with global strain on both sides (p < 0.001). There was an association between diabetic peripheral neuropathy and altered ankle-brachial index scores as there was significant correlation with the neuropathic parameters of the studied nerves (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to nerve conduction studies, arterial stiffness and cardiac parameters deteriorate along with diabetic neuropathy. Males with type-2 diabetes mellitus who undergo nerve conduction studies may benefit from early neuropathy identification as well as preclinical left ventricular dysfunction prediction.
Investigation of the Influence of Temperature on Stress Waves at the Turn-Off Moment in IGBT

Condition monitoring (CM) technology plays an important role in ensuring the reliable operation of power semiconductor devices. Power semiconductor devices can generate stress waves when turned on and off, and the stress waves released by the device can be detected by the acoustic emission (AE) sensor. AE detection technology has the characteristics of both nondestructive and real-time, and is expected to be applied to the CM of power semiconductor devices in the future. However, temperature and electromagnetic fields can both affect the output characteristics of the AE sensor, which is not conducive to the application of AE detection technology. In addition, it is not clear how temperature affects the stress waves generated by power semiconductor devices. In this article, a novel stress wave extraction method for power semiconductor devices is proposed, and the influence of temperature on the stress wave generated by insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) at the turn-off moment is explored. Besides, a signal characteristic of the stress waves associated with the junction temperature of the device is extracted as the temperature-sensitive acoustic parameter, which will lay the foundation for the future research of new methods for online monitoring of junction temperature.
Meiobenthic Community Structure in Some Seagrass Beds in the Southern Egyptian Red Sea Coast with Special Reference to Free Living Nematodes

Meiofauna from three seagrass beds in the southern Egyptian Red Sea coast were quantitatively studied. Sediment samples were collected in May 2021 at a depth of 1.5-2 m meters from the sand underneath the seagrass and their adjacent unvegetated sediments at two
"Effect of Growth Regulators on Direct Clonal Propagation and Analysis of Total Phenolic Content of Wild and Propagated Mucuna pruriens"

Mucuna pruriens is an important vegetable cover crop. Almost every part of the plant is thoughtto contain L-3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa). The present study describes a quick anddependable technique for high-constancy miniature spread. Helper nodal explants were refinedon Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) media boosted with different groupings of cytokinins from15-day-old refined explants. Throughout the primary culture on 35 to 45 mg/l 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) greatest no of shoots was delivered. The number of shoots expanded when theflawless shoots were exposed to re-refine on a similar hormonal medium. The stretched shootscreated a limit of roots on half-strength MS medium enhanced with 20-40 mg/l naphthaleneacidic corrosive (NAA). The Plantlets were adjusted by moving them first to peat greenery:manure (1:1) combination further with sand: soil (1:1) blend, recording 90% endurance. Thisframework gives high constancy miniature engendering framework for proficient and fastminiature proliferation and evaluation of phenolic content of this significant green compostcover crop with restorative properties.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics in band edge and broad deep defect emission ZnSe nanowires

Ultrafast carrier dynamics of ZnSe nanowires grown under different growth conditions have been studied. Transient absorption measurements reveal the dependence of the competing effects of state filling and photoinduced absorption on the probed energy states. The relaxation of the photogenerated carriers occupying defect states in the stoichiometric and Se-rich samples are single exponentials with time constants of 3–4ps. State filling is the main contribution for probe energies below 1.85eV in the Zn-rich grown sample. This ultrafast carrier dynamics study provides an important insight into the role that intrinsic point defects play in the observed photoluminescence from ZnSe nanowires.
Piezo-Resistive Flexible Pressure Sensor by Blade-Coating Graphene–Silver Nanosheet–Polymer Nanocomposite

The demand for flexible pressure sensors in wearable devices is dramatically increasing. However, challenges still exist in making flexible pressure sensors, including complex or costly fabrication processes and difficulty in mass production. In this paper, a new method is proposed for preparing the flexible pressure sensors that combines an imprinting technique with blade-coating of a graphene–silver nanosheet–polymer nanocomposite. The piezo-resistive type flexible pressure sensor consists of interdigital electrodes and nanocomposite as a sensing layer, as well as a micropillar array structure. The morphology of the sensitive layer of the sensor is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The response performance, sensitivity, and stability of the sensor are investigated. The test results show that the initial resistance of the pressure sensor is only 1.6 Ω, the sensitivity is 0.04 kPa−1, and the response time is about 286 ms. In addition, a highly hydrophobic wetting property can be observed on the functional structure surface of the sensor. The contact angle is 137.2 degrees, revealing the self-cleaning property of the sensor. Finally, the prepared sensor is demonstrated as a wearable device, indicating promising potential in practical applications.
Modeling marked point processes using bivariate mixture transition distribution models

We propose new statistical models for the analysis of marked point processes. These models deal with data that arrives in unequal intervals, such as financial transactions or heart attacks. The models treat both the time between event arrivals and the observed marks as stochastic processes. We propose and investigate a class of bivariate distributions to form the bivariate mixture transition distribution (BMTD). In these models the bivariate conditional distribution of the next observation given the past is a mixture of conditional distributions given each one of the last k observations. The identifiability of the model is investigated, and the EM algorithm is developed to obtain estimates of the model parameters.