Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D levels in systematic lupus erythematosus patients: association with disease activity index and interferon alpha

Background: In different studies the correlation between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and disease activity with vitamin D has been shown. The role of different interferons especially interferon alpha (IFN-α) in lupus pathogenesis have been previously shown. Considering the role of vitamin D and IFN-α, it is possible that these two could demonstrate the SLE activity. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and IFN-α with disease activity index in Ardabil city SLE patients.Methods: In this case control study, 50 SLE patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy subjects were recruited. Patients had serum 25-OH Vitamin D concentration and disease activity recorded. Vitamin D and IFN-α levels were compared between two groups and also, levels of anti-dsDNA, and SLEDAI in case group was measured. Statistical methods were used to determine the correlation between vitamin D and IFN-α with disease activity index at baseline.Results: Vitamin D deficiency (<40 nmol/L) was detected in 20% of SLE patients. Vitamin D level in case group significantly lower than control group (23.94±11.93 vs. 29.10±11.40 ng/ml, p=0.02). The IFN-α amount in case group significantly upper than control group (396.60±54.73 vs. 200.38±14.42, p=0.001). There was significantly negative correlation between vitamin D with IFN-α (r=-0.413, p=0.003), SLEDAI (r=-0.492, p<0.001) and anti-dsDNA (r=-0.417, p=0.003). There was positive correlation between IFN-α with SLEDAI (r=0.358, p=0.01) and anti-dsDNA (p=0.297, p=0.03). Conclusions: Results showed that the low vitamin D was associated with a higher disease activity in SLE patients. Also, it seems that, the improvement of vitamin D levels by decreasing IFN-α could help in controlling disease activity in future.
Approximating Common Fixed Points for a Finite Family of Non-Lipschitzian Mappings in Banach Spaces

In this paper, we introduce multi-step iterative scheme with errors for a finite family of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense. Mann-type, Ishikawa-type and Noor-type iterations are covered by the new iterative scheme. Weak and strong convergence theorems for the iterative scheme in a uniformly convex Banach space are established under some conditions which are weaker than demicompactness or completely continuous. Our results improve and generalize the recent known results in the literature. Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H10, 47H09, 46B20
New basal dinosauromorph records from the Dockum Group of Texas , USA

The basal dinosauromorphs constitute an important component of the Late Triassic Dockum dinosauromorph diversity. This study introduces nine hitherto unpublished hind limb elements of basal dinosauromorphs from Garza and Randall counties in Texas. Most of these specimens consist of femoral and tibial fragments referred to Dromomeron, whereas one complete and one partial fibula resemble the morphology of Marasuchus lilloensis, but with much larger size, and are assigned to undetermined dinosauriforms. The discovery of three Dromomeron specimens in the Tecovas Formation of the Palo Duro Canyon are particularly noteworthy because these are the lowest occurrences of Dromomeron romeri and Dromomeron gregorii, and the first reported biostratigraphic overlap of the two taxa. The extended taxonomic range of D. romeri challenges its suggested replacement for D. gregorii in the Late Triassic (AdamanianRevueltian) faunal turnover. Volkan Sarıgül. Museum of Texas Tech University, 4th Street, Box 43191, Lubbock, Texas, 79409. volkansaurus@gmail.com
A chopper-controlled SRM drive for reduced acoustic noise and improved ride-through capability using super capacitors

One of the problems with the SRM is its higher acoustic noise when compared to an induction motor of the same size. Another problem of increasing concern for all drives is the ability to ride-through dips or short power duration outages. In this paper, a chopper controlled SRM drive is presented with the aim of reducing the acoustic noise as well as improving its ride-through capability. Super capacitors are used in the power supplies of the driver and logic circuits to increase their duration of operation in the absence of mains power. Practical measurements of the reduced noise as well as the improved ride-through capability are included. <<ETX>>
Economic convergence and the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate in Poland

The paper presents an extended version of the fundamental equilibrium exchange rate model (FFER). By introducing potential output into the specification of the foreign trade equations of the partial equilibrium FEER model we show that, under some plausible assumptions, the calculated level of the equilibrium exchange rate is consistent with the estimates of the behavioral equilibrium exchange (BEER). Moreover, we indicate that including the terms of trade as an explanatory variable in a reduced-form BEER equation for the real exchange rate might lead to the indeterminacy of the parameter estimates. The proposed model is applied to analyze fluctuations of the Polish zloty. We show that the real appreciation of the zloty is to a largely an equilibrium phenomenon.
Particulate fingerprinting of water quality in the distribution system

Particles in the distribution system play an important role in the perception? Not clear what is meant) of drinking water quality, particularly in association with discolouration. In The Netherlands the water quality in the distribution system is traditionally monitored by turbidity measurements. However, turbidity is hard to quantify as it is a complex function of particle suspension, dependent on many factors. In this paper the value of on-line particle counting in determining the particulate volume load fed to and developing in a distribution system is discussed and analysed. On-line particle counters have been used at several locations in Dutch distribution systems to monitor the particulate water quality. Furthermore, particulate material in a transportation system was characterised by using pre-concentration methods allowing organic and inorganic analysis of the particulate material. By using on-line particle counters and pre-concentration methods, it is possible to identify different sources of particles in a distribution network. The overall conclusion of the authors is that on-line particle counters, in combination with pre-concentration methods, are very effective and useful tools in understanding the water quality processes in distribution systems.
Statistical Modelling and Prediction of Rainfall Time Series Data

Climate and rainfall are highly non-linear and complicated phenomena, which require classical, modern and detailed models to obtain accurate prediction. In order to attain precise forecast, a modern method termed fuzzy time series that belongs to the first order and time-variant method was used to analyse rainfall since it has become an attractive alternative to traditional and non-parametric statistical methods. In this paper, we present tools for modelling and predicting the behavioural pattern in rainfall phenomena based on past observations. The paper introduces three fundamentally different approaches for designing a model, the statistical method based on autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), the emerging fuzzy time series(FST) model and the non-parametric method(Theil’s regression). In order to evaluate the prediction efficiency, we made use of 31 years of annual rainfall data from year 1982 to 2012 of Ibadan South West, Nigeria. The fuzzy time series model has it universe of discourse divided into 13 intervals and the interval with the largest number of rainfall data is divided into 4 subintervals of equal length. Three rules were used to determine if the forecast value under FST is upward 0.75–point, middle or downward 0.25-point. ARIMA (1, 2, 1) was used to derive the weights and the regression coefficients, while the theil’s regression was used to fit a linear model.
Influential factors for SME internationalization: Evidence from Malaysia

Factors influencing small-to-medium enterprises (SME) internationalization have been discussed in developed countries, yet developing counties are still struggling for empirical evidence. This article seeks to investigate the influential factors and identify the most influential aspects that drive Malaysian SMEs to internationalize. This exploratory study applied a Delphi technique through telephone interviews and e-mails. A panel of 32 experts including academicians, policymakers, government agencies, the Chamber of Commerce and research institute participated in this study. The Expert Panel was identified from the internet and through personal contacts. The experts were selected based on their positions, qualifications, affiliations, age and length of working experience. The findings found that the influential factors are firm characteristics, industry factor, external influence, and motivational aspects. Interestingly, this study revealed that the most influential factor is networking. Therefore, a Malaysian model of the factors influencing SME internationalization is derived. In particular, this study provides some insights into SMEs internationalization process and identifies suggestions for future research.
Creating the Cicerone Project: seeking closer engagement between livestock producers, research and extension

A unique project led by livestock producers, called the Cicerone Project, was undertaken on the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, Australia, following acknowledgement by those producers of a widening gap between them and research and extension information. The overall aim of the project was to co-learn, through a partnership between livestock producers, research, extension and other specialists, how to improve the profitability and sustainability of grazing enterprises in that region. It was hypothesised that closer engagement would help to guide relevant research efforts and also enhance the adoption of research findings. With the support of industry funding and the collaboration of key research, education and extension partners, the inaugural steering committee of the Cicerone Project commissioned a survey of over 300 land managers in the region to explore their research and adoption needs. The survey identified the most important issues and found a high level of commitment to the formation of this producer-led project. Negotiations between all collaborators led to the creation of a Business Plan prepared as the basis for an initial funding period of 5 years. Subsequent reviews of the project allowed for extensions with associated activities over an additional 4 years. In order to study the key farm management alternatives identified from the producer survey, the Cicerone Project Board decided to adopt an agricultural ecosystem approach which conducted studies using three whole-farmlet systems. The farmlet experiment compared three contiguous farmlets by measuring as many aspects of the farm systems as possible using an approach summarised in the motto adopted by the Cicerone Project of ‘compare–measure–learn–adopt’. A wide range of field days and seminars were held over the duration of the project to deliver the results to the producer members. This paper provides an introduction to a Special Issue containing 24 papers which report on the entirety of the project from planning, to execution, results, and reflections on the value obtained from the many research and extension activities, with particular emphasis on the farming systems trial conducted between 2000 and 2006.
Chemical Composition of Four Cultivated Tropical Bamboo in Genus Gigantochloa

The chemical compositions of cultivated 3 year-old bamboo culms of Gigantochloa brang, G. levis, G. scortechinii and G. wrayi were studied. The culms exhibited different chemical composition in extractives, α-cellulose, lignin and ash contents between the bamboo species, location in the culms and position at the nodes and internodes. The extractive content in four species ranged from 8.30 to 9.23%. The extractive content of G.brang, G.levis, G.scortechinii and G.wrayi were 8.30%, 9:23%, 8:00% and 8.62% respectively. The holocellulose content for G. levis were 85.08%, G. wrayi 84.53%, G. brang 79.94% and G. scortechinii 74.62%. The holocellulose content for the cultivated bamboo genus Gigantochloa were 74% to 85%. The α- cellulose is the chemical constituents in the holocellulose. The highest was G.brang (51.58%) followed by G. scortechinii (46.87%), G. wrayi (37.66%) and G. levis (33.80%). The lignin content ranged between 24.84 to 32.65%. The highest were obtained in G. scortechinii (32.55%), G. wrayi (30.04%), G. levis (26.50%) and lowest in G. brang (24.83%). The ash content in four species of Gigantochloa bamboo ranged between 0.88 to 2.86%. The ash content is the highest in G. scortechinii (2.83%) follow by G. levis (1.29%), G. brang (1.25%) and the lowest in G. wrayi (0.88%).
Psychological stress and transepidermal water loss in atopic dermatitis: preliminary results

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease in which activation of specific T cells directed towards environmental allergens plays an important role. Environmental allergens' penetration through the skin is facilitated by the skin barrier impairment what causes xerosis and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) increase. As AD is a chronic disease, there are many factors responsible for exacerbations during the course of the disease, including environmental stress. Aim: Evaluation of the correlation between the level of psychological stress and epidermal barrier function in AD patients. Material and methods: Eight AD patients were included in the study during which two consultations were performed in one month's time. During each visit patients completed psychological questionnaires and had TEWL of unin - volved skin measured. The TEWL was also evaluated before and after the educational session which took place dur - ing the first visit. Results: The study did not show any statistically significant correlation between the level of psychological stress, epidermal barrier function (measured by TEWL) and AD severity both at the beginning of the study (before and after the educational session) and a month later (all p> 0.05). Conclusions: Negative observations could result from a small number of participants and a short follow-up period. However, consecutive studies excluding these limitations may play an important role in understanding the influ - ence of stress on the skin barrier in atopic dermatitis and have reliable clinical implications.
Light requirements and depth zonation of marine macroalgae

Light compensation points (I,) for growth were low (0.3 to 2.5 pmol n r 2 S' ) for the temperate marine macroalgae Chondrus crispus, Fucus serratus, Petalonia fascia, Porphyra purpurea and Ulva lactuca measured at 7 'C. These I,-values corresponded to those estimated by a physiological model including light absorption and quantum yield for growth to describe carbon gain, and weight specific dark respiration, dark loss rate and thallus specific carbon (m01 C m-* thallus) to describe carbon loss. Absorption and quantum yield were close to the theoretical maximum for all species and could not explain differences in I,. Respiration and thallus specific carbon varied more than 15-fold and were the main factors responsible for variations in I,. Experimental &-values correspond to 0.12 to 0.61 % of the yearly surface light dose in Denmark (56" N). These values agree with the K of surface light (%SI) available at the depth limits of leathery and foliose macroalgae at different latitudes. Hence, there is no surplus of energy to balance grazing and mechanical losses, and these factors must be of minor importance for macroalgae growing at great depths. A literature review of depth limits for marine macroalgae reveals an upper zone of mainly leathery algae with depth limits of about 0.5 %) SI, an intermediate zone of foliose and delicate algae with depth limits at about 0.10 % SI, and a lower zone of encrusted algae extending down to about 0.01 % SI. This zonation pattern is accompanied by a decrease in thallus specific carbon (i.e. thinner thalli) with increasing depth. The inverse relationship between growth rate at low light and thallus specific carbon suggests that a thin thallus is essential for growth and survival of marine macroalgae at great depths.
In Search of the Meaning of Entrepreneurship

The following study aims to outline, whether the perceptions of entrepreneurs about their entrepreneurial activities and the underlying meanings of their activities are universal or whether they vary systematically across cultures. In contrast to previous studies, the phenomenographical approach and the resulting findings of this study provide new insights into what constitutes entrepreneurship by drawing an inference from the perceptions of entrepreneurs in the United States and in Germany. Culture is shown to have an important impact on entrepreneurship, since the underlying meanings of entrepreneurship vary significantly among the two sample groups. Furthermore, the study sheds more light on the culturally contingent ‘why’ of entrepreneurship by looking at the internal motivations of individuals instead of exclusively focusing on character traits or external influences of the respective economic environments. Keywords—Cross-Cultural Management, Entrepreneurship, Phenomenography, Qualitative Research.
Measurement of salivary Immunoglobulin A of participants with a healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis conditions

Background: Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is a subclass of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), It is an antibody that plays an important role in mucosal immunity. It is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions from mammary glands, tear glands and salivary glands, every pathologic process in the body involves the immune system, and periodontal inflammation is one of them and is not an exception. Material and methods: this study was consisted of 60 healthy male participants of an age ranged between (35-50) years old ; 25 of them with generalized moderate chronic periodontists(Clinical Attachment Loss equal to 3-4mm at ≥ 30% of the sites; 20 participants with plaque induced gingivitis and 15 participants had clinically healthy periodontium as control group. oral examination include Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Probing Pocket Depth and Clinical Attachment Level were conducted for all participants four sites were examined for each tooth (labial ,lingual, mesial and distal), 2ml of unstimulated whole saliva was collected from all participants to measure Secretory Immunoglobulin A in µg /ml by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: salivary IgA(sIgA) mean was (356.3) µg /ml for the chronic periodontitis patients; while it was 202 µg /ml for plaque induced gingivitis patients and it was 129.2 µg /ml for the control group. Highly significant differences among the three group were recorded (P-value <0.001). For chronic periodontitis patients, the Plaque Index Gingival Index scores were positively highly significant correlated with Secretory Immunoglobulin A level in saliva. The Probing Pocket Depth scores were positively and significantly associated with Secretory Immunoglobulin A level. The Clinical Attachment Level scores were positively but non significant associated with Secretory Immunoglobulin A level. For the gingivitis and the control group they were positive non significant association between the periodontal parameters and the Secretory Immunoglobulin A level in saliva. Conclusion: there is a correlation between Secretory Immunoglobulin A level in saliva and the periodontal health status.
Evaluation of the Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in Gjirokastra Region

Nowadays, the increasing use of electric equipments (mobile phones, PC-s, home appliances, radio-TV, etc.), apart of their benefit, has raised the concern of possible health danger when it comes to non ionizing electromagnetic fields they emit. This paper is presenting the research done for the identification of the sources of such fields in the city of Gjirokastra, as well as for mapping the intensity of the field emitted. This study is mainly motivated by the absence of laws limiting field intensity in Albania and by the uncontrolled proliferation of emission sources. The position, the number and the different typologies of emitting sources are determined and afterwards, measurements of the intensity of these fields are done in the adjacency of the sources. Finally, the measured values were compared with the European limits of protection and the results of the measurements indicate that the level of exposure in this variety of sources is low.
Assessing the Numerical Accuracy of Complex Spherical Shallow-Water Flows

Abstract The representation of nonlinear shallow-water flows poses severe challenges for numerical modeling. The use of contour advection with contour surgery for potential vorticity (PV) within the contour-advective semi-Lagrangian (CASL) algorithm makes it possible to handle near-discontinuous distributions of PV with an accuracy beyond what is accessible to conventional algorithms used in numerical weather and climate prediction. The emergence of complex distributions of the materially conserved quantity PV, in the absence of forcing and dissipation, results from large-scale shearing and deformation and is a common feature of high Reynolds number flows in the atmosphere and oceans away from boundary layers. The near-discontinuous PV in CASL sets a limit on the actual numerical accuracy of the Eulerian, grid-based part of CASL. For the spherical shallow-water equations, the limit is studied by comparing the accuracy of CASL algorithms with second-order-centered, fourth-order-compact, and sixth-order-sup.
Productivity Consequences of Product Market Liberalization: Micro-evidence from Indian Manufacturing Sector Reforms ⁄

We use a new plant-level dataset to study the efiect of two reforms aimed at increasing product market competition in India { liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduction in tarifi rates. First, we examine the efiect of the liberalization policies on mean plant-level productivity in the liberalized industries. We flnd a 23% increase in productivity level following the FDI liberalization and a 33% increase following tarifi liberalization (comparing mean value added log productivity levels in 1994-95 to the pre-reform 1987-90 period). We check the robustness of these results to: (a) using alternative measures of productivity; (b) using alternative deflnitions of the liberalization variable; and (c) inclusion of controls to address possible bias from the selection of industries into liberalization regimes. The tarifi liberalization efiect is generally robust; the FDI liberalization efiect is 14%-16% when controlling for non-random selection. Next, we examine aggregate productivity growth in liberalized industries; we flnd a 16% (15.6%) increase following FDI (tarifi) liberalization. This increase appears to be driven by improvement in intra-plant productivity growth, with a small role for re-allocation. Finally, we examine who benefltted from the productivity gains; we flnd that the major beneflciaries were wholesale consumers (in the form of relatively lower wholesale output prices in the liberalized sectors).