Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF COMPLEX PHYSIOTHERAPY ON THE FUNCTIONAL CONDITION OF THE SPINE IN OLDER PEOPLE

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of 21-days comprehensive physiotherapy program on the functional condition of the spine and severity of pain in older people. To achieve this goal, physiotherapeutic procedures were performed on 100 elderly patients suffering from spinal disorders. The comprehensive therapy program consisted of: general improvement exercises, individual exercises with a physiotherapist, exercises in water and physical therapy treatments such as: TENS currents, galvanic current, iontophoresis, laser stimulation, magnetic field on the lumbar spine and hydro massage or mud compresses. Prior and post the therapy program: the Schober’s test 1 (forward flexion), Schober’s test 2 (extension), Ott’s test, fingertip-to-floor (FTF) test, pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the modified Oswestry low back pain questionnaire were evaluated. Statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in all tested parameters was shown at the end of therapy program. Age, height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) has no impact on results before and after the physiotherapy program in respective tests. In conclusion, the conducted study has shown the effectiveness of applied comprehensive physiotherapy program on the functional condition of Sarzyńska-Długosz et al., 2018. Influence of Complex Physiotherapy on the Functional Condition of the Spine in Older People 243 the spine and improvement of the quality of life of the treated patients, regardless of their somatic conditions.
Evaluation of CPITN and BMI Indices in Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

iabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine and metabolic diseases. It is determined by an abnormal increase in blood glucose levels and impaired metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipid (1). This disease is accompanied by long-term disorders such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disorders and oral symptoms. The prevalence of diabetes in Iran in 2000 was 7.5% of the population, and by 2025 it will raise to 8.6% that will be equivalent to 1.5 million patient (2-4). The most important oral symptoms associated with diabetes include dry mouth, burning D 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 2. Associate Professor, Diabetes Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 3. Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 4. Dental Student, School of Dentistry, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Impact of Farm Households’ Adaptations to Climate Change on Food Security: Evidence from Different Agro-ecologies of Pakistan

Treatment Effects Model was applied to evaluate the impact of adaptations on household food security. A household Food Security Index (FSI) was constructed applying PCA. Adaptation strategies employed by the farmers in response to climate change were categorised into four groups namely: changes in sowing time (C1); input intensification (C2); water and soil conservation (C3); and changes in varieties (C4). Out of 15 mutually exclusive combinations constructed for evaluation, only 7 combinations were considered for estimating the treatment effects models because of limited number of observations in other cases. Results of only two of the 7 are discussed here, as the other 5 had very small number of adapters and the impact measures shown either insignificant results or had opposite signs. The first (C1234) combined all the four while the second (C234) combined the last three strategies. The results suggest that the households which adapted to climate changes were statistically significantly more food secure as compared to those who did not adapt. The results further show that education of the male and female heads, livestock ownership, the structure of house—both bricked and having electricity facility, crops diversification, and non-farm income are among the factors which raise the food security of farm households and their impacts are statistically significant. The variables which are significantly negatively associated with the food security levels include age of the head of household, food expenditure management, households having less than 12.5 acres of land— defined as marginal (cultivate 6.25 to 12.5 acres). Farmers of cotton-wheat, rice-wheat, and rain-fed cropping systems are found to be more food secure as compared to the farmers working in the mixed cropping systems where farm holdings are relatively small and high use of tubewell water adding to salinity of soils. It is crucial to invest in developing agricultural technologies to address issues of climate change relevant to different ecologies and farming systems; improve research-extension-farmer linkages; enhance farmers’ access to new technologies; improve rural infrastructure; develop weather information system linking meteorological department, extension and farmers; and establish targeted food safety nets as well as farm subsidy programs for marginal farm households
Response of bacterioplankton activity in an Arctic fjord system to elevated pCO2: results from a mesocosm perturbation study

The effect of elevated seawater carbon dioxide (CO2) on the activity of a natural bacterioplankton community in an Arctic fjord system was investigated by a mesocosm perturbation study in the frame of the European Project on Ocean Acidification (EPOCA). A pCO2 range of 175–1085 μatm was set up in nine mesocosms deployed in the Kongsfjorden (Svalbard). The bacterioplankton communities responded to rising chlorophyll a concentrations after a lag phase of only a few days with increasing protein production and extracellular enzyme activity and revealed a close coupling of heterotrophic bacterial activity to phytoplankton productivity in this experiment. The natural extracellular enzyme assemblages showed increased activity in response to moderate acidification. A decrease in seawater pH of 0.5 units roughly doubled rates of β-glucosidase and leucine-aminopeptidase. Activities of extracellular enzymes in the mesocosms were directly related to both seawater pH and primary production. Also primary production and bacterial protein production in the mesocosms at different pCO2 were positively correlated. Therefore, it can be suggested that the efficient heterotrophic carbon utilization in this Arctic microbial food web had the potential to counteract increased phytoplankton production that was achieved under elevated pCO2 in this study. However, our results also show that the transfer of beneficial pCO2-related effects on the cellular bacterial metabolism to the scale of community activity and organic matter degradation can be mitigated by the top-down control of bacterial abundances in natural microbial communities.
Socio-Demographic Factors and Intergenesic Interval in Nicaraguan Immigrant Mothers in Costa Rica

Adequate birth intervals are considered a positive factor in the health of mothers and their children. One of the objectives of this study is to compare the birth interval between Nicaraguan immigrant women and local mothers in Costa Rica. Birth intervals among Nicaraguan women are significantly shorter than the local ones (p 0.05). Nicaraguan women are 30% more likely to recur in the following pregnancy as compared with local women. The study of population minorities permits the preparation of public policies on international migration issues.
Physiology and Pathology of Drug Hypersensitivity: Role of Human Leukocyte Antigens

Drug Hypersensitivity reactions can be distinguished in adverse drug events and adverse drug reactions. They represent a major problem in the medical scheme, since they are often underestimated. Pharmacogenetic analysis demonstrated significant associations between emerging hypersensitivity reactions and distinct genes of the HLA complex. HLA-mediated hypersensitivity reactions particularly affect skin and liver, however, impairment of the bone marrow and kidney function could also be observed. These life threatening medical conditions can be attributed to the activation of autologous drug- specific T-cells. Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions that resemble acute GvHD are linked to certain specific HLA alleles. The most common hypersensitivity reactions occur after the treatment of HLA-B*57:01 + HIV patients with abacavir and HLA-A*31:01 + or B*15:02 + epileptic patients with carbamazepine (CBZ).
Understanding Weak Capital Investment: The Role of Market Concentration and Intangibles

We document that the rise of factors such as software, intellectual property, brand, and innovative business processes, collectively known as “intangible capital” can explain much of the weakness in physical capital investment since 2000. Moreover, intangibles have distinct economic features compared to physical capital. For example, they are scalable (e.g., software) though some also have legal protections (e.g., patents or copyrights). These characteristics may have enabled the rise in industry concentration over the last two decades. Indeed, we show that the rise in intangibles is driven by industry leaders and coincides with increases in their market share and hence, rising industry concentration. Moreover, intangibles are associated with at least two drivers of rising concentration: market power and productivity gains. Productivity gains derived from intangibles are strongest in the Consumer sector, while market power derived from intangibles is strongest in the Healthcare sector. These shifts have important policy implications, since intangible capital is less interest-sensitive and less collateralizable than physical capital, potentially weakening traditional transmission mechanisms. However, these shifts also create opportunities for policy innovation around new market mechanisms for intangible capital.
n electrochemiluminescence biosensor for mercury ion detection ased on gamma-polyglutamic acid-graphene-luminol composite and ligonucleotides

An ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on gamma-polyglutamic acidgraphene-luminol ( -PGA-G-luminol) composite and oligonucleotides for the detection of mercury ion (Hg2+) was developed. -PGA-G-luminol composite coated on the glassy carbon electrode could produce a strong and stable ECL signal by luminol, and provide carboxyl groups to cross-link with amino-modified DNA1 enriching in thymine (T) by -PGA. Upon addition of Hg2+ and biotin-modified DNA2 enriching in T, T–Hg2+–T interaction occurred and mediated the coordination between DNA1 and DNA2. Afterwards, streptavidin was connected to the end of DNA2 through specific binding of streptavidin to biotin, which obviously reduced the ECL intensity due to the inert protein layer with poor electron transfer ability. Based on the specific T–Hg2+–T coordination chemistry and the specific binding of streptavidin-biotin system, ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+ detection were obtained. Results revealed that the 2+ -PGA-G-luminol composite ligonucleotide ECL intensity was logarithmically linear with the concentration of Hg in a wide range from 0.01 to 100 nmol/L (about 0.002–20 ppb). Moreover, the biosensor also exhibited excellent selectivity for Hg2+ ions without significant interference from commonly co-existing metal ions in the sample matrix. Excellent sensitivity and selectivity make the developed biosensor a potential and simple tool for the detection
Nordic Walking – A Versatile Physical Activity Fit for Everyone (A Literature Review)

The topic of Nordic walking shows the main points of scientific interest concerning form of physical exercise. Existing research mainly focuses on presenting it as beneficial for the elderly. The authors of the topic are presenting the advantages of pole walking for distinctive age groups. There are a number of publications concerning elderly women specifically. Nordic walking is also an object of interest in biomechanical studies. There is an apparent shortage of publications on the utility of this kind of physical activity for children and the young. This seems to be a frequent shortcoming of the research methodology, as it is difficult to deduce whether the study is based on the correct Nordic walking technique or rather on walking with poles as a bracing device. At the same time there is no data concerning Nordic walking as a competitive sport which has been developing dynamically.
Helicobacter Pylori Reinfection Rate after More Than Two Years of Follow-up in a Cohort of Successfully Treated Colombian Patients

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects at least half the world's population although its prevalence is higher in developing countries. The reinfection rate varies from region to region and may include recrudescence of infection or true recurrence. So far there are few studies that have investigated recurrence of infections in Colombia, and none had been done in Bogota, Colombia. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the rate of recurrence of H. pylori in patients who had been treated effectively with three different triple therapies. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study nested in a cohort of 180 patients in whom H. pylori had been successfully eradicated during 2008 and 2009. Eradication was verified with the labeled urea breath test. The average follow-up time was 43.7 months (range: 31-56 months). Recurrence was investigated with monoclonal stool antigen tests (ImmunoCard STAT®, HpSA (Meridian Bioscience Inc.)). Results: A total of 86 patients were monitored during the follow-up period. Out of this group the reinfection rate was 5.8% (5/86). The annual reinfection rate was 1.59% (5/313.4 patient-years x 100). The first case of reinfection was presented at 32 months, and the other cases occurred at 37, 42, 44 and 56 month of follow- up. The reinfection rate was 1.8%/year calculated after two years of monitoring. Conclusions: The H. pylori reinfection rate in Bogota is low and is less than that previously reported for other regions of Colombia.
Changing Pattern of Consumer Buying Behaviour in the Context of Indian Society: A Review

In present scenario, the study of consumer buying behaviour has pivotal role from marketer point of view. This article reviewed the literatures with regard to the changing pattern of consumer buying behaviour at two points of times. Significant changes have been taking place in Indian market during Pre and post liberation period. The delivery of goods and services has been extensively increased during post liberalization period due to the entrance of many foreign companies in India. The concept of consumer buying behaviour have been strongly associated with their society, economic status, psychological and social set up during pre-liberalization period i.e. the period from 1970-1993. But the concept of consumer buying behaviour has drastically changed and more efforts were made to identify the desires, wants and satisfaction of the customers after liberalization period i.e. 1993 onwards. Marketers were interested to find out the answer of questions like why consumer opposed to buy the product, why the consumer shown attitude while purchasing etc. The researcher has developed more rational models of consumer behaviour and recent developed model composed of all important components by taking into account the consumer's attitudes, preferences, intentions, and decisions of consumers in the market place when purchasing a product or service, etc. Early models of consumer buying behaviour was based on the decision making aspects of the consumer in the context of their social, economic, psychological condition, while the recent model was more comprehensive and includes market aspects of the product also. The role and implications of these models have been highly recognised by different organizations, marketers, traders etc. for setting up new avenues for economic and social growth of economy in the context of Indian perspectives. The present study aims to integrate the different paradigms of thoughts with regard to consumer buying behaviour that could be helpful for future research.
Eco-efficiency of Service Co-production

This study investigates the relationship between eco-certifications (second or third party certified with an audit requirement) and resource efficiency in the U.S. hotel industry. Hotel properties become eco-certified by voluntarily conforming to environmental practice guidelines established by a certifying body, which assesses and recognizes the properties that meet their criteria. Eco-certifications therefore are key environmental sustainability initiatives that address both the internal operations and external customers. Based on regression analysis of 2,893 U.S. hotel properties for the year 2011, this analysis shows that eco-certified hotels maintain higher operational efficiency, as well as greater customer-driven resource efficiency, in comparison with properties with lesser or no eco-certifications. These results suggest that eco-certifications influence the resource consumption behavior of both the operators and the customers, although these effects are not consistent for all properties. The improvement from the operational effect is most pronounced in lower-tier properties, while the customer efficiency effect is most noticeable in upper-tier properties.
Development of Functionally Graded SiC-Based Diesel Engine Exhaust Gas Filter

The development of a SiC-carbide based filter that combines a low pressure drop due to a graded pore structure with high filtration performance ascribed to different filtration mechanism is presented. The processing route is based on carbon paper/carbon black composites with graded porosity. By microwave assisted chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) the composite is coated with silicon and partially carbidized in a way, that the oxidation resistivity of the obtained SiC is combined with the good mechanical strength of the remaining carbon fiber core. To reduce the soot removal temperature during operation, the material is coated with a Platinum/TiO2catalyst.
Effects of process parameters on mechanical properties of friction stir welds using design of experiments

Friction stir welding is a relatively new joining process that is presently attracting considerable interest. This paper aims at establishing a relationship between welding parameters and mechanical properties in welding of 2014 type aluminum alloy using friction stir welding. A plan of experiment based on full factorial design has been perfonned. Samples have been prepared and welded by varying input parameters such as tool rotational speed and weld speed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to investigate the effect of input parameters on mechanical properties of weld. A correlation is established between tool rotational speed, and weld speed with mechanical properties of weld by multiple linear regression. This study indicates that weld speed is the main input parameter that has the highest statistical influence on mechanical properties.
Conflicting Purposes of Education: Will Improving Access to Higher Education Undermine Quality?.

This paper ties technologies used in education to purposes of education by correlating technologies with structures and structures with purposes. The paper begins with an exploration of the history of higher education structures, showing how technological innovation is a key component of major improvements in access to education. Next, the debate between advocates and critics of online education is considered against the backdrop of the three purposes of education: creating of an educated citizenry; resolving social inequities; and making educational systems more efficient. Finally, a vision of using online technology as a unifying influence is presented, bringing the three purposes of education into accord to support individual learners. Highlights include individualization of instruction and guidance, interactions among students and teachers, improvements in pedagogy, issues of equity, and a new model, called "Education for One," that includes five components: expanding access to education; the realization that one-size-fits-all curricula limit the effectiveness of education; the individualized nature of instruction; time and place independence of students and teachers; and cultivation of an academic community that is parallel to and integrated with the parent institution. Contains 17 references. (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Conflicting Purposes of Education: Will Improving Access to Higher Education Undermine Quality ? PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
The diversity of postharvest losses in cassava value chains in selected developing countries

The extent of physical and economic postharvest losses at different stages of cassava value chains has been estimated in four countries that differ considerably in the way cassava is cultivated, processed and consumed and in the relationships and linkages among the value chain actors. Ghana incurs by far the highest losses because a high proportion of roots reach the consumers in the fresh form. Most losses occur at the last stage of the value chain. In Nigeria and Vietnam processors incur most of the losses while in Thailand most losses occur during harvesting. Poorer countries incur higher losses despite their capacity to absorb sub-standard products (therefore transforming part of the physical losses into economic losses) and less strict buyer standards. In monetary terms the impact of losses is particularly severe in Ghana and estimated at about half a billion US dollar per annum while in the other countries it is at the most about USD 50 million. This comparison shows that there are no “one-size-fits-all" solutions for addressing postharvest losses but rather these must be tailor-made to the specific characteristics of the different value chains.
Impact of chronic stress on periodontal health

Introduction: Periodontal diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that induce increases in of local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in periodontal damage. The onset and evolution of periodontal diseases are influenced by many local and systemic risk factors. Educational objective: In this article, we aim to review the results of the research on the impact of chronic stress on the occurrence, development, and response to periodontal disease treatments and on the pathophysiological mechanisms of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Chronic stress has a negative impact on the occurrence, development, and response to the treatment of periodontal disease via indirect actions on the periodontium. This can result from behavioral changes caused by stress (poor dental hygiene, smoking, etc.) and a direct neuroimmunoendocrinological action related to the consequences (particularly immunological) of the secretion of certain chemicals (e.g. , cortisol) induced by the activation of the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system in response to stress. These factors necessitate multidisciplinary management (e.g. , physician, oral surgeon, and psychologist) of patients to identify subjects with chronic stress and to employ countermeasures to decrease the impact of stress on the periodontium.