Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the desirability and feasibility of the ‘Old People’s Home’ as a viable business in Ghana

Ghana’s population is ageing but the Ghanaian government, like many other governments in Africa, is not making sufficient efforts to cater for the needs of the elderly. This study proposed the “Old People’s Home” as a solution to the increasingly relevant problem of long-term, managed, geriatric care and investigated whether such a solution will be viable in Ghana. The context of Ghana is pertinent, given its historical traditional mode of elderly care which is common in Africa and because Ghana’s economy has improved slightly in the last two decades. This makes an ex ante prediction of acceptance of a market based care solution pre-mature, given entrenched traditional beliefs and the likely resistance to change in methods of care characteristic of a prospering population.
The role of formal and informal finance in the informal sector in Ghana

Abstract Within the developing world, especially Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), informal (small and medium) enterprises’ (SMEs) access to financing has been extremely limited mainly because of the reluctance of banks and other formal financial institutions to lend to such firms. The impact of this challenge on their growth trajectory has remained relatively indeterminate. This study examines the differential impact of sources of finance on the growth of informal firms in Ghana. We employ the Heckman Selection Technique (HST) to model the selection process of firm financing choices and reverse causality problem. By making use of the World Bank’s enterprise survey data on 720 informal firms in Ghana from 2007 – 2010, we find that formal sources of finance, compared to informal sources, are superior in their impact on firms in Ghana. Formal finance institutions, with their ability to provide more than just finance, positively affect firm growth. This result has an important policy implication for the current focus of Government of Ghana in promoting indigenous entrepreneurship through initiatives that will enhance access to financial support of local enterprises in Ghana. In view of this, this study proposes that Government policy towards formal financing institutions and their lending to informal sector need adjustments to provide incentives that will encourage increased lending to informal firms.
Multi Media Campaign Akronim F.A.S.T dalam Mengurangi Mortalitas dan Morbiditas Kegawatdaruratan Penyakit Stroke

Non-communicable disease (NCDs) merupakan permasalahan utama di bidang kesehatan yang menyebabkan 36 juta kematian akibat NCDs. Stroke merupakan penyakit yang berkontribusi besar dalam morbiditas dan mortalitas pada NCDs. Diperkirakan pada tahun 2007-2015 di Indonesia akan mengalami defisit ekonomi akibat stroke mencapai Rp. 50 Triliun. Pasien dengan stroke harus mendapatkan terapi berupa aktivator plasminogen jaringan kurang dari 4,5 jam. Stroke merupakan keadaan darurat, untuk itu pentingnya waktu untuk menghubungi ambulance sangatlah penting. Penyebab utama meningkatnya angka kematian dan kesakitan akibat stroke adalah terlambatnya pasien untuk diberikan tindakan. Kurangnya pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai gejala stroke menjadi penyebab terlambatnya pasien untuk diberikan tindakan secara cepat. Kementrian kesehatan negara Inggris menggagas sebuah kampanye berupa akronim F.A. S.T yang mengartikan gejala-gejala pasien stroke berupa Facial, Arm, Weakness dan Speech. Pada satu tahun kampanye media massa ini disebarkan secara nasional, telah menunjukkan keberhasilan, salah satu keberhasilannya yakni berkurangnya angka kematian dan kesakitan sebanyak 640 pasien. Di Australia juga telah menerapkan multi media campaign atau disebut kampanye media massa ini di negaranya, dan hasilnya meningkatnya penggunaan aktivator plasminogen jaringan secara signifikan dari 3% menjadi 20%. Kata Kunci: F.A. S.T, morbiditas, mortalitas, non-communicable disease (NCDs), stroke
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Potential of Leaf Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants Using HepG2 Cell line

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Adina cordifolia, Careya arborea, Cassia angustifolia, Hiptage benghalensis and Lannea coromandelica against alcohol induced toxicity using HepG2 cell lines. Prior to the determination of hepatoprotective property, leaf extracts were subjected to the toxic dose study. The degree of hepatoprotection of extracts was determined by measuring cell viability percentage by MTT assay. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of leaf extracts was carried out by qualitative analysis. HepG2 cells were pretreated with the different concentrations (below toxic dose) of leaf extracts for 72 hours followed by alcohol intoxication. Results revealed that Cassia angustifolia ethanolic leaf extract pretreated HepG2 cells show 92% cell viability compared to the standard silymarin pretreated HepG2 cells which showed 80% cell viability. Out of the other plants tested, Adina cordifolia exhibited the significant hepatoprotection. The bio-efficacy study confirms the presence of promising secondary metabolites of hepatoprotective nature in leaf extracts of Cassia angustifoliaand Adina cordifolia.
MCPIP mediates preconditioning protection against ischemia

Inflammatory response represents one of the first immune processes following injury. However, evidence indicates that inflammatory response can also induce cellular protection associated with preconditioning, a phenomenon in which brief episodes of a sublethal insult induce robust protection against subsequent lethal injuries. The elucidation of mechanisms that allow inflammatory response to confer cellular protection is critical to developing new therapeutic strategies against acute ischemic insults. In the present review, we will give a short overview on a novel zinc-finger protein, MCPIP (also known as Zc3h12a or Regnase-1), which may function as a master integrator of endogenous cellular protection exerted by preconditioning.
Impulsivity and compulsivity as transdiagnostic clinical features in gambling and eating disorders

Background: Impulsivity is understood to be a multidimensional construct involving aspects such as impulsive choice and impulsive traits. Delay discounting, the tendency to place greater value in immediate rewards over larger, long-term rewards, has been associated with maladaptive choices in gambling disorder (GD). Delay discounting is known to evolve with age; though no study to date has evaluated the interactions between impulsivity, GD severity and age in treatment-seeking patients. Objectives: We aimed to examine whether associations between delay discounting and impulsivity traits differed between younger and older-aged GD patients. Secondly, we sought to untangle the mediating role of impulsivity in determining gambling behavior in these two age groups. Methods: GD patients (N = 335) were evaluated using the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale and a delay discounting task. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to explore associations between impulsivity measures and gambling severity in young (18–30 years) and old (31–70) GD patients. Results: No differences in delay discounting were found between young and old GD patients. Significant correlations between delay discounting and urgency levels (the tendency to act rashly under emotional states) were identified only in the young GD group. Path analyses also revealed both positive and negative urgency to be a mediator of GD severity levels in young GD patients. Discussion and conclusions: Significant associations between impulsive choice and positive urgency are only present in young gamblers, suggesting that positive urgency influence choice behavior to a greater degree at younger ages. Implications for targeted interventions are discussed.
Toxicity of fipronil on rat heart mitochondria

Abstract Fipronil (FPN) is an insecticide that is widely used agriculturally or in the veterinary for controlling a variety of pests. Little mechanistic information is available on the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage caused by FPN in the heart. The aim of this research is to study the cardiotoxic effect of FPN by evaluating oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in the heart tissue using the isolated mitochondria. Results showed that FPN induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction via an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, mitochondrial swelling, and cytochrome c release. According to the result, we suggest that FPN is capable to induce cardiotoxicity through mitochondrial damage and increased mitochondrial ROS generation in cardiomyocyte.
Predictors of diabetes risk perception among college students

Abstract Objective: To explore the diabetes knowledge and future disease risk perception of college students. Participants: 697 college students were purposefully recruited at a large state university and completed an online survey. Methods: Diabetes knowledge, future disease risk perception, lifestyle, and demographic factors were assessed. Results: The majority of students (56%) reported a family history of diabetes but perceived their diabetes risk as low/moderate (90%). Logistic regression indicated higher knowledge (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.13), age (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16), bodymassindex (BMI) (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 2.33-10.30) and family history of diabetes (OR, 4.30; 95% CI, 1.97-9.40) increased perception of future diabetes risk. Those who self-rated their health as good/excellent and read food labels regularly/often had lower perceived future risk of diabetes. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of educating college students on diabetes risk factors as well as primary/secondary prevention for reducing diabetes incidence in this age group.
Supporting Service Dogs in the Classroom

With the rising use of service dogs to support students with disabilities, it is important that teachers are knowledgeable about how they can be incorporated into their classroom. A recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court has highlighted the legal responsibility of schools to allow access to the service dogs of students. However, information focusing on the preparation of teachers for this possibility is lacking. This article provides both general and special education teachers with guidelines for including service dogs in their classroom. Background information regarding service dogs is included in addition to practical considerations concerning students, the classroom, the service dog, and planning process.
6.25 GHz, 1 mV input resolution auxiliary circuit assisted comparator in 65 nm CMOS process

The need for the high-speed analogue-to-digital converters demands the use of regenerative comparators. The strong positive feedback present in the regenerative comparators helps the comparator to work efficiently at the high-speed operations. This work proposes a low power auxiliary circuit to improve the high-frequency performance of the comparator. The proposed architecture along with the conventional comparators is simulated in 65-nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology with a supply voltage of 0.9 V. The maximum operating frequency of the proposed comparator is 6.25 GHz for a differential input voltage of 1 mV.
Chemotherapie des Harnblasenkarzinoms

75% der diagnostizierten Harnblasenkarzinome werden im nicht-muskelinvasiven Stadium entdeckt. Hierzu zählen die Formen pTa, pTis (Carcinoma in situ) und pT1. Hierbei ist die innere Blasenwand betroffen, ohne dass der Tumor in die Muskelschicht eingewachsen ist. Bei nicht-invasiven urothelialen Läsionen erfolgt die Unterteilung in niedriggradig (low grade) und hochgradig (high grade) entsprechend der WHO-Klassifikation von 2016 [2], bei invasiven Tumoren soll zusätzlich das 3-stufige Gradingsystem (G1 – 3 entsprechend der WHO-Klassifikation von 1973) angegeben werden [3].
Nanostructure based neuron degenerative disease biomarker detection and drug release

Neurodegenerative diseases have been becoming increasingly threatening to human life and living quality, especially to elderly people. Ideally, such diseases can be diagnosed using simple diagnostic methods and treated at their early stages using efficient drug delivery methods. Toward these goals, some new MEMS/microfluidic devices have been developed for diagnosing and treating these neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease and Glaucoma. One focus of this thesis is the multiplexed monitoring of two promising biomarkers, betaamyloid (Aβ42) and total tau (T-tau), in both buffer and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using label-free optical nanosensors. It has been found that 7.8 pg/ml of Aβ42 in buffer and 15.6 pg/ml of T-au in buffer can be readily detected with very good specificity. Based on our measurements, the purchased CSF itself contains Aβ42, whose concentration is estimated to be about 400 pg/ml. Aβ42 and T-tau in the mixtures of Aβ42 and T-tau spiked in CSF have been detected successfully, indicating the feasibility of the optical nanosensors to detect these biomarkers in clinical samples. For these measurements, only a small amount (~1 μl) of the samples is required. This type of sensor is suitable for point-of-care application to diagnose the AD due to its low cost and ease-of-operation. The other focus of this thesis is to develop a new power-free multifunctional soft contact lens device that can measure intraocular pressure (IOP), achieve extended drug delivery in situ, and detect glaucoma biomarkers, all within the same device. Experiments demonstrate that the contact lens sensor can detect Interleukin 12p70, one possible biomarker for glaucoma, in a concentration as low as 2 pg/ml in artificial tears. The sustained drug release of the contact lens device can last up to 30 days. In ex vivo tests using cadaver pig eyes, the sensor can detect the IOP in a range of 10 to 50 mmHg.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT CAPSULAR AND PERICAPSULAR INJECTION OF SCLEROSING AGENT AND ITS EFFECT ON THE MOUTH OPENING (AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dislocation is a relatively common problem encountered in the oral and maxillofacial clinics. Multiple interventions and injections had been described in the literature for TMJ dislocation treatment. Ethanolamine Oleate is a sclerosing agent that can be used in the treatment of TMJ dislocation by creation of inflammatory reaction which induces fibrosis, formation of adhesion and scar formation in the surrounding soft tissues. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate Ethanolamine Oleate injection in TMJ capsular and pericapsular tissue and its effect on the mouth opening in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was conducted on eight New Zealand rabbits (approximately 6 months old and weight 2-3 Kg). They were divided into two groups: Group One (Study Group): Eight of these rabbits were injected by Ethanolamine Oleate into their Temporomandibular Joints capsule and pericapsular tissues in the right side. (Group two): left side was acting as a control group. Each two rabbits were sacrificed at intervals of two, four, six and eight weeks. TMJ capsule and pericapsular tissues were dissected and prepared to evaluate the histopathologic changes. RESULTS: The pericapsular tissue area surrounding the Temporomandibular Joint area showed similar histopathologic aspects in all samples. In fact, the pericapsular area showed angiogenesis with presence of fiber, new formed bone and cartilaginous hyaline tissue confirming the diagnosis of fibroblastic activity followed by zone of endochondral ossification and trabecular bone mixed with bone structures. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanolamine Oleate injection is a safe, simple, cost effective treatment of TMJ dislocation with minimal post-operative complication and foreign body reaction.
Comparative analysis of methods for producing nanocellulose from wheat straw and bran, with co-extraction of valuable products

III OPSOMMING . V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . VII ABBREVIATIONS . VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS . IX LIST OF FIGURES . XIII LIST OF TABLES . XVII CHAPTER ONE .
The Multicultural Personality Inventory – Short Form: Development and Validation

Abstract We report the development and validation of the Multicultural Personality Inventory – Short Form (MPI-SF). Results supported the correlated seven-factor model with a sample of 333 college students. Scores from MPI-SF factors were internally consistent, temporally stable over a one- and two-month period, and predicted variance in college adjustment consistent with multicultural personality theory.
The Effects Of Mobile Computer Supported Collaborative Learning to Improve Problem Solving Achievements

This research aims to prove whether mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (mCSCL) is better at improving learning outcomes to solve problems than mobile Computer-Supported Individual Learning (mCSIL) based on the student's Self Regulated Learning level. Data analysis techniques in this study used SPSS programs with two-way variance analysis. The research subjects involved 140 Harapan Bangsa Academy students. The results of the analysis found that mCSCL has an average of 67,071 provides better learning outcomes for problem-solving than mCSIL, which is 63,414. Also, this study found that students with higher Self Regulated Learning (SRL) had better learning achievement than students with lower Self Regulated Learning that is, 66.5 compared to 63.986. Furthermore, the test results also obtained Fab = 3,326 with Sig. = 0.07 then H0AB is accepted. This matter means the mCSCL and mCSIL learning strategies provide equally good learning achievements for students who have high or low Self Regulated Learning. The novelty of this study is that the mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning strategy will be more effective in improving problem-solving learning outcomes if students have high Self Regulated Learning.
Effects of Physical Exercise on Quality of Life, Pulmonary Function and Symptom Score in Children with Asthma

Objective: To evaluate the effects of regular exercise on asthma symptom score, quality of life and pulmonary function in asthmatic children. Materials and Methods: Thirty children with newly diagnosed mild-moderate asthma (mean age 9.8 ± 1.78 years) were randomly allocated into exercise group (group 1) and control group (group 2). Both groups received inhaled fluticasone and montelukast treatment. Children in the exercise group were also included in an exercise training program. The program consisted of condition bicycle for one hour two times a week for 8 weeks. Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), a disease spesific quality of life questionnaire, and KINDL, a generic quality of life questionnaire, were used to assess health related quality of life in both groups. Spirometric tests were also performed and asthma symptom scores were recorded. Results: The degree of improvement in all scores of PAQLQ (total, activity, symptom, emotion) and symptom score in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 in final evaluation, (p= 0.005, 0.000, 0.003, 0.009, respectively). Moreover, the scores of self-esteem and family subscales of KINDL in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p= 0.047, 0.030, respectively). Although insignificant, the degree of improvement in pulmonary function values (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) in group 1 were higher than those group 2. Conclusion: Regular exercise added to conventional treatment in children with asthma significantly improves quality of life besides symptoms score.
Microalbuminuria, marcador predictor del daño renal en pacientes atendidos en el primer nivel de asistencia médica

Hace cinco años participé en un curso que se impartió en el Hospital MédicoQuirúrgico "Arnaldo Milian Castro" de Santa Clara por parte de profesionales a cargo del servicio de nefrología sobre el tema de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). El objetivo era capacitar a los médicos de la atención primaria de salud en la conducción de dicha enfermedad, además de instruir en temas novedosos como la microalbuminuria (MA), se pretendía enseñar nuevas técnicas para pesquisar la enfermedad antes de su progresión a estadios más avanzados con el mínimo gasto necesario. El trabajo final consistía en hacer una investigación a nivel de la atención primaria de salud.
Stroke Risk Profile Predicts Brain Volume and Cognitive Function in Stroke-free Subjects: The Framingham Study

30 Background: The contribution of stroke risk factors to the pervasive brain atrophy and cognitive impairment seen with aging is controversial. This is partly due to a paucity of longitudinal data in stroke-free subjects. We hypothesize, that even in subjects who remain free of clinical stroke, exposure to stroke risk factors may adversely impact brain volume. Objective: To prospectively examine the association of Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) scores at baseline with MRI brain volume on follow-up, and to further evaluate the association of brain volume with cognitive function, in a population-based cohort of stroke- and dementia-free subjects. Methods: Framingham Offspring Study subjects were evaluated for stroke risk factors at exam 5 (1991–1995). A sex-specific, composite FSRP score was calculated for each subject, as validated in prior studies. 909 subjects (age range 42–82, mean age: 61 years, 427 men), who remained free of clinical dementia and stroke, underwent quantitative MRI imaging and neuropsychological evaluation, 4 to 9 years later (1999–2000). Using linear regression models adjusted for age and sex, we examined the association between the FSRP score and Total Cerebral Brain Volume- TCBV (expressed as a ratio of total cranial volume). We also evaluated the association of TCBV with age- and education- adjusted scores on a battery of neuropsychological tests administered at the time of imaging. Results: There was a strong inverse association between TCBV and the FSRP score (p=0.002). TCBV also showed a significant positive association with performance on tests of manual dexterity (e.g. finger tapping; p<0.05) and visual memory (e.g. delayed visual reproduction (p<0.01) but not with performance on tests of naming or logical memory (p>0.05). Conclusion: An adverse stroke risk profile predicted lower MRI brain volume, which in turn was associated with poorer performance on specific neuropsychological tests suggestive of vascular cognitive impairment. Pathogenetic mechanisms for these associations in stroke-free subjects could include various vascular causes for accelerated brain aging and merit further study.
Research on Image Retrieval with Multi-features

This paper focuses on the key technology of image feature extraction in the image retrieval of the base ten-content, and systematically discusses the extraction technology of the low-level visual features of the image. The covered content mainly includes the color features, shape features, texture features and color space of the image. The characteristics of distribution are important. In-depth analysis and research on some key technologies in the field of image retrieval in the base ten content, including the description methods of the main low-level features (color, shape, texture, spatial position) of the image, the similarity measure between image features and the image retrieval algorithm Performance evaluation methods, etc.