Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Prediabetes and its Relationship With Metabolic Syndrome

Introduction: Prediabetes, defined as high plasma glucose which is neither normoglycemic nor diabetic, is noteworthy in that it causes complications. We aimed to reveal cardiovascular risk factors and related parameters via comparing prediabetics with age, sex and body mass index-matched control group in this study. Patients and Methods: The patients, aged 18-65 years, were recruited from a tertiary care hospital. A total of 74 patients with prediabetes were included into the study to be compared with the control group of 34 normoglycemic subjects. Laboratory parameters, health indicators, insulin resistance, SCORE and Framingham risk score of participants were measured for cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance, smoking status, blood pressure, SCORE, Framingham risk score, waist circumference, cardiovascular conditions (coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) were statistically similar between the two groups. Oral glucose tolerance tests (0th, 2nd), HbA1c and CRP were higher in the prediabetic group. Patients with prediabetes had more common participants with metabolic syndrome. When some outcomes affecting the presence of metabolic syndrome in participants with prediabetics were evaluated by regression analyses, obesity and HDL were found to be related factors. There was no correlation between C-reactive protein and any parameter. Conclusion: We report that cardiovascular risk factors, which are often overrated in number-driven targets and evidence-based approach of the treatment of diabetes, may present in the prediabetic stage before the onset of diabetes. In addition, the parameters related to these factors and the relationship of prediabetes with metabolic syndrome were revealed.
Comparative Study of Factors Affecting the Performances of Soccer Referees: The Case of Oromia Soccer Higher League

The primary purpose of this study was to compare factors affecting the performances of soccer referees in Oromia regional state soccer higher league. The research groups were composed of 68 referees group and 72 coaching staff carefully chosen using a comprehensive sampling technique. The data were collected using five options Likert scale analyzed and compared with statistical procedures in which the calculated mean, standard deviation, and t-test involved. In the process to obtain sample t-test output via (SPSS Vs.20), the p-value labeled as "Sig (2 tailed)" decision making, mental and physical demands, the skill of game management and psychological aspects of referees (P-value ≤ 047 > 0.000), indicated statistically significant differences, whereas, corruption and referees bias (P-value is 0.091), implying that there was no statistically significant difference at the level of 0.05. Conclusion from the investigation indicate that soccer referees have been implementing unfair decision making and pitiable quality of skill in-game management, exhibit bias in favor of home team, low level of psychological, mental and physical aspects observed while the soccer game was in progress. Therefore, the researcher recommended that an appropriate selection criterion set to recruit future referees to promote their technical,and performance related affairs of decision making and club managers, coaches, and players to be more careful with their testimonials during the game.
Development and Validation of an HPLC Method for Oxytocin in Ringer's Lactate and its Application in Stability Analysis

Abstract Oxytocin is an important therapeutic peptide; it is commonly used for the induction and augmentation of the first stage of labor. A simple, isocratic, reproducible, and selective HPLC method was developed and validated to study oxytocin stability in Ringer's Lactate. A C8 column with mobile phase of acetonitrile and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer 0.05 M, pH‐7.0 (20:80, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.25 mL/min was used. The detection wavelength was 220 nm and 100 µL of sample was injected. Ethyl p‐aminobenzoate was used as the internal standard (I.S.). The retention time for oxytocin and I.S were 8.5 and 17 min, respectively, with a total run time of 20 min. Solid phase extraction was used and a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.0075 USP units/mL could be achieved. The method showed excellent linearity in the range 0.0075–0.9 USP units/mL. Oxytocin recovery ranged from 80–99%. Precision and accuracy were within the acceptable limits. The method was used to estimate oxytocin concentrations in Ringer's Lactate over an extended period of time.
The link between debt finance and profitability in the emerging market: A case study of a furniture retail company

How to cite this paper: Nyamwanza, L. , Haufiku, H. I. , Ellen, M. , & Mhaka, C. (2020). The link between debt finance and profitability in the emerging market: A case study of a furniture retail company. Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets & Institutions, 10(4), 57-80. http://doi.org/10.22495/rgcv10i4p5 Copyright © 2020 The Authors This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
Extubation generates lung volume inhomogeneity in preterm infants

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to describe the regional tidal ventilation (VT) and change in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) patterns in preterm infants during the process of extubation from invasive to non-invasive respiratory support. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Single-centre tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Patients Preterm infants born <32 weeks’ gestation who were being extubated to nasal continuous positive airway pressure as per clinician discretion. Interventions EIT measurements were taken in supine infants during elective extubation from synchronised positive pressure ventilation (SIPPV) before extubation, during and then at 2 and 20 min after commencing nasal continuous positive applied pressure (nCPAP). Extubation and pressure settings were determined by clinicians. Main outcome measures Global and regional ΔEELV and ΔVT, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were measured throughout. Results Thirty infants of median (range) 2 (1, 21) days were extubated to a median (range) CPAP 7 (6, 8) cm H2O. SpO2/FiO2 ratio was a mean (95% CI) 50 (35, 65) lower 20 min after nCPAP compared with SIPPV. EELV was lower at all points after extubation compared with SIPPV, and EELV loss was primarily in the ventral lung (p=0.04). VT was increased immediately after extubation, especially in the central and ventral regions of the lung, but the application of nCPAP returned VT to pre-extubation patterns. Conclusions EIT was able to describe the complex lung conditions occurring during extubation to nCPAP, specifically lung volume loss and greater use of the dorsal lung. EIT may have a role in guiding peri-extubation respiratory support.
Voltammetric Determination of Folic Acid with a Overoxidized Polypyrrole Film Modified Sol-Gel Carbon Ceramic Electrode

The electrochemical behavior of folic acid (FA)was studied at an overoxidized polypyrrole modified carbon ceramic electrode using cyclic voltammetry. The numerous factors affecting the oxidation peak currents of folic acid on the response of the electrode were optimized to maximize sensitivity. The modified electrode presented a linear response range for FA concentration from 7 to 55 µM, 0.1 to 25 µM, and from 0.49 to 7.8 µM with detection limits of 1.8 × 10−6, 3.1 × 10−8, and 2.7 × 10−7 for cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and amperometric techniques, respectively. The results showed that the OPPy-modified electrode has very high catalytic ability for electrooxidation of FA. The modified electrode exhibited excellent sensitivity and stability. The application of the modified electrode was demonstrated for determination of folic acid in biological and other real samples.
Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 67, Revision 3 (FGE.67Rev3): consideration of 23 furan‐substituted compounds evaluated by JECFA at the 55th, 65th, 69th and 86th meetings

Abstract The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) was requested to consider the JECFA evaluations of 25 flavouring substances assigned to the Flavouring Group Evaluation 67 (FGE.67Rev3), using the Procedure as outlined in the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. Eleven substances have already been considered in FGE.67 and its revisions (FGE.67Rev1 and FGE.67Rev2). During the current assessment, two substances were no longer supported by industry, therefore 12 candidate substances are evaluated in FGE.67Rev3. New genotoxicity and toxicity data are available for 2‐pentylfuran [FL‐no: 13.059] and 2‐acetylfuran [FL‐no: 13.054], which are representative substances of subgroup IV [FL‐no: 13.069, 13.106, 13.148] and VI‐B [FL‐no: 13.045, 13.070, 13.083, 13.101, 13.105, 13.138, 13.163], respectively. Based on these data, the Panel concluded that the concern for genotoxicity is ruled out for both [FL‐no: 13.054] and [FL‐no: 13.059] and consequently for the substances that they represent. Since the candidate substances cannot be anticipated to be metabolised to innocuous products only, they were evaluated along the B‐side of the Procedure. The Panel derived a NOAEL of 22.6 mg/kg bw per day and a BMDL of 8.51 mg/kg bw per day, for 2‐acetylfuran and 2‐pentylfuran, respectively. For all 12 substances sufficient margins of safety were calculated when based on the MSDI approach. Adequate specifications for the materials of commerce are available for all 23 flavouring substances. The Panel agrees with JECFA conclusions, for all 23 substances, ‘No safety concern at estimated levels of intake as flavouring substances’ based on the MSDI approach. For 18 substances [FL‐no: 13.021, 13.022, 13.023, 13.024, 13.031, 13.045, 13.047, 13.054, 13.059, 13.074, 13.083, 13.101, 13.105, 13.106, 13.138, 13.148, 13.163 and 13.190], the mTAMDI intake estimates are above the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for their structural classes and more reliable data on uses and use levels are required to finalise their evaluation.
Electrical Properties of Gadolinium–Europium Zirconate Ceramics

(Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 (0≤x≤1.0) ceramics are prepared via a solid-state reaction process at 1973 K for 10 h in air. (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 (0.2≤x≤1.0) ceramics exhibit an ordered pyrochlore-type structure; however, Gd2Zr2O7 has a disordered defect fluorite-type structure. Raman spectroscopy analysis indicates that the degree of structural ordering increases with the increase of Eu content. The electrical properties of (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 ceramics are investigated using complex impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 20 MHz from 623 to 923 K. Electrical conductivity obeys the Arrhenius equation. Both the activation energy and the preexponential factor for grain conductivity decrease with increasing europium content from Gd2Zr2O7 (x=0) to Eu2Zr2O7 (x=1.0). The measured electrical conductivity of (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 ceramics increases with increasing Eu content and temperature. Electrical conductivity of the pyrochlore-type materials is higher than that of the defect fluorite-type material in (Gd1−xEux)2Zr2O7 solid solution systems. The electrical conductivity of (Gd0.4Eu0.6)2Zr2O7 is almost independent of oxygen partial pressure from 1.0 × 10−4 to 1.0 atm. The high ionic transference number of (Gd0.4Eu0.6)2Zr2O7 ceramic at different temperatures proves that conduction is purely ionic with negligible electronic contribution.
Dynamic Stability of Frozen Radicals. I. Description and Application of the Model

The dynamic stability of a mixture containing free radicals is considered. On the basis of a simplified model we estimate a critical free radical concentration, such that any greater concentrations will be able to ignite spontaneously. For nitrogen atoms in a nitrogen molecule lattice this number is of the order of 0.3% under typical conditions.
Cost-Effective Trap qPCR Approach to Evaluate Telomerase Activity: an Important Tool for Aging, Cancer, and Chronic Disease Research

OBJECTIVES: Telomeres are a terminal “DNA cap” that prevent chromosomal fusion and degradation. However, aging is inherent to life, and so is the loss of terminal sequences. Telomerase is a specialized reverse transcriptase encoded by self-splicing introns that counteract chromosome erosion. Telomerase activity is observed during early embryonic development, but after the blastocyst stage, the expression of telomerase reduces. The consequences of either insufficient or unrestrained telomerase activity underscore the importance of ongoing studies aimed at elucidating the regulation of telomerase activity in humans. In the present study, we aimed to standardize a simplified telomerase repeat-amplification protocol (TRAP) assay to detect telomerase activity in unstimulated and PHA-stimulated mononuclear cells. METHODS and RESULTS: Our optimized qPCR-based can efficiently evaluate telomerase activity. Quantification of protein and DNA between unstimulated and PHA-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed cellular activation and cell-cycle entry. The assay also showed that relative telomerase activity is significantly different between these two conditions, supporting the applicability of the assay. Furthermore, our findings corroborated that telomerase activity decreases with age. CONCLUSIONS: Telomeres and telomerase are implicated in aging and development of chronic diseases and cancer; however, difficulty in accessing commercial kits to investigate these aspects is a critical constraint in health surveillance studies. Our optimized assay was successfully used to differentiate telomerase activity between unstimulated and stimulated cells, clearly showing the reactivation of telomerase upon cell activation. This assay is affordable, reproducible, and can be executed in resource-limited settings.
Fe nanoparticle-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: one-pot synthesis and their applications in magnetic removal of heavy metal ions

Magnetic-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with encapsulated Fe nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated via a one-step decomposition approach using ferrocene as a single precursor at a high temperature of 950 °C. The constituents, phase, and morphology have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Magnetic measurements reveal the ferromagnetic nature of the material with a magnetization saturation of 82.6 emu g−1 at room temperature. Full nitrogen sorption isotherms show that the magnetic-functionalized MWCNTs have a porous structure (2.0 nm, 6.42 nm and 11.4 nm) and large surface area (295.4 m2 g−1). Owing to their wonderful intrinsic properties, these magnetic-functionalized MWCNTs exhibit excellent ability to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. For example, the removal efficiency can be up to 97% at a Cu2+ concentration of 100 mg L−1 using these magnetic-functionalized MWCNTs as adsorbents. In addition, because the Fe nanoparticles were wrapped by MWCNTs, the material can be used in acidic solution and the removal efficiency of Cu2+ can reach 90% even in a strong acid solution (pH = 1).
The impact on English learning software Moodle

Despite the vast expansion of Web-based tools is still as good, useful and convenient tool to enhance the learning and teaching English language learners in areas not provided. This study aimed to impact on English learning software Moodle is done. The research method was quasi-experimental with pretest - posttest control group was using. Research in one of the schools in the city of Karaj, with 32 students who were selected by random sampling method to the test and control groups were replaced. Measure the dependent variable (learning) for both groups were at one time and under one condition. The experimental group for 6 weeks was exposed to the independent variable. The results showed no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group and the software Moodle has had an impact on language learning. Moodle as one of the new tools, the ability to change the teaching and learning is significant and can be fair use quality teaching and learning in education systems improved .
Action strategies implemented by Fab Labs of Porto Alegre / RS

The article reports a survey conducted with Brazilian Makerspaces registered in Fab Foundation. The study intends to identify the strategies adopted by these laboratories to fulfill the premises for action established by the foundation. The research is characterized as applied, guided by documentary, bibliographical and field research. First, it presents the research methodology, defines specialized terms and abbreviations, identifies the premises according to Fab Foundation for a Makerspace to be considered a Fab Lab. The premises are contextualized from the authors AGUIAR, et al (2017); Aldrich (2014); BARRET, et al (2015); among others. Following, a survey of Fab Labs located in Brazil is performed and, for convenience, six laboratories located in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul are chosen. The Fab Labs investigated are: 1) FabLab POALAB, 2) FabLab Unisinos POA, 3) TECNOPUC FabLab – Free Zone, 4) LIFE – Lab de Inovação e Fabricação Digital da Escola de Engenharia, 5) Usina Fab Lab, 6) Fabrique Lab. Based on interviews with laboratory managers, direct observation of the use of space by the general public, information and official documents made available on the respective Fab Labs web pages and social network, a brief description of these spaces, their main characteristics, activities and mission was made. Subsequently, the data collected in the investigation are treated, classified and analyzed according to the identified premises. We highlight the great relevance of the services provided by these laboratories to the community in general.
Annual incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the major complications of assisted reproductive technology treatment. We assumed that it had declined in recent years owing to the options of new preventive strategies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the annual incidence of OHSS in Denmark in the course of a 17-year period. METHODS This was a national register-based historical cohort study including all women with an OHSS diagnosis admitted to Danish hospitals between 2001 and 2017. Data included information on all OHSS diagnoses, duration of hospital stay, early pregnancy complications and other complications like thromboembolism and ovarian torsion. The annual number of initiated stimulated in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles was based on the annual reporting by the Danish Fertility Society. RESULTS From 2001 to 2017, a total of 2,261 (1.2%) women with an OHSS admission were identified among 186,168 stimulated IVF/ICSI cycles. The annual incidence of OHSS varied from 0.9% to 1.2-1.4% with no overall change over time (p = 0.24. Early OHSS (defined as OHSS without a pregnancy in the cycle) was seen in 48.5% of the events, late OHSS (defined as OHSS with a pregnancy in the cycle) in 51.2% of cycles. Among all women with OHSS, 75% were hospitalised for more than 24 hours, with mean 4.3 and 6.2 days in hospital for early and late OHSS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The annual incidence of severe OHSS leading to a hospital admission remained stable for 17 years, which suggests that OHSS preventive actions like use of antagonist cycles, agonist triggering and freeze all should be better implemented in Denmark. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Screening tools for hereditary hemolytic anemia: new concepts and strategies

Abstract Introduction Hereditary hemolytic anemias are a group of rare and heterogeneous disorders due to abnormalities in structure, metabolism, and transport functions of erythrocytes; they may overlap in clinical and hematological features making differential diagnosis difficult, particularly in mild and atypical forms. Areas covered In the present review, the main tools currently adopted in routine hematologic investigation for the diagnosis of hereditary hemolytic anemias are described, together with the new diagnostic approaches that are being to be developed in the next future. Available recommendations in this field together with a systematic review through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMED for publications in English from 2000 to 2020 in regards to diagnostic aspects of hereditary hemolytic anemias have been considered. Expert opinion The recent development of specific molecules and treatments for hereditary hemolytic anemias and the increased interest in translational research raised the attention on differential diagnosis and the demand for novel diagnostic assays and devices. Automatic blood cell analyzers, omic-approaches including NGS technologies, and development of new automated tools based on artificial neural networks definitely represent the future strategies in this field.
Multi-resolution analysis for determining control rod drop time

This study describes a multi-resolution analysis (MRA) to determine the onset and end drop times of control rods. The measurement test of the drop times of control rods is normally performed during the start-up test of each reactor cycle since it is a crucial safety function to guarantee the reactor safe shutdown. The MRA with wavelet transform is particularly useful in analyzing the onset transients of rod drop as a means of capturing the unique attributes of such signals in an efficient way. This approach also allows the automated determination of rod drop time which reduces the uncertainty induced by ad hoc heuristic approaches. The test signal is generated by adding the random noise measured from real rod drop tests subtracting the wavelet-filtered noise free signal from the noisy signal leaving the noise. The signal is similar to both high sharp spikes noise and sine wave noise from the real voltage trace generated during the rod drop test. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by the MRA process.
Phytochemical Studies on Steroidal Alkaloids of Sarcococca saligna

Abstract Three new pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids salignenamide-A 1 [(20S, 2′Z) - 20 - (N,N - dimethylamino) - 3β - (3′, 4′ - dimethyl-2-pentenamido)-pregnane], salignenamide-B 2 [(20S,2′Z)-20- (N,N-dimethylamino)-3β-(3′-methyl-2′-butenamido)-pregna-4, 14-diene] and 2,4-diacetoxyepipachysamine-D 3 [(20S)-20-(N,N-dimethylamino)-3β-benzamido-2β, 4β-diacetoxypregnane] have been isolated from the ethanolic extracts of the whole plant of Sarcococca saligna. The structures of these steroidal alkaloids were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic studies.