Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF ZINC OXIDE/REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE COMPOSITE ELECTRODE IN DOPAMINE

Zinc oxide/reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/rGO) composite was synthesized via the modified Hummers’ method. The presence of ZnO composite on the rGO sheets was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. FTIR result showed the formation of ZnO/rGO with the presence ZnO stretching peak and the surface of ZnO/rGO was found to have better morphology with functionalized groups attached to it. XRD analysis also confirms the formation of ZnO/rGO composite by wurtzite structured indexed peak of the diffractogram. The ZnO/rGO composite was drop on the surface of GCE by drop casting method to increase the electrocatalytic activities of bare GCE. The electrochemical behaviour of ZnO/rGO modified electrode shows the enhancement in electron transfer and the system is diffusion-controlled. The electrochemical studies also revealed that the ZnO/rGO/GCE dramatically increased the current response against the dopamine (DA), due to the synergistic effect emerged between ZnO and rGO. This attributed that ZnO/rGO/GCE could exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and effective electron transfer kinetics towards the oxidation of DA. Therefore, the ZnO/rGO/GCE could be used to determine the DA concentration and provide an ideal matrix for clinical
Personality Styles, Psychological Adjustment and Gender Differences in Parents of Children with Congenital Disabilities

The present study analyzes the psychological adaptation of parents with children having congenital disabilities. The study included 83 men and 96 women, who were parents of children with severe spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cleft lip and cleft palate. The Millon Index of Personality Styles was used to identify the most distinctive personality styles of parents caring for a child with a chronic disability and parental psychological adjustment. We also investigated if personality profiles differ by gender, and educational and socioeconomic level. The personality styles identified may serve as indicators of the way parents adapt to the child with a congenital disability. The results also suggest that a child’s disability has a differential impact on men and women. Gender issues are evaluated, as well as any repercussions these may have on women.
Differential Informativeness of Accrual Measures to Analysts’ Forecast Accuracy

This paper evaluates whether analysts incorporate formal measures of earnings quality into their earnings forecasts. It examines whether the accrual ratio and abnormal accruals, measured with the Modified Jones (1991) Model of discretionary accruals, differentially inform analysts’ earnings forecasts. It uses the accuracy of analysts’ forecast as a context in which to evaluate how well analysts incorporate effects of the information contained in accrual ratio and abnormal accruals. The results indicate that the accrual ratio is negatively related to the absolute value of analysts’ forecast errors while the Modified Jones (1991) Model of discretionary accruals have virtually no economic effect on analysts’ forecast error. The insignificant effect of discretionary accruals on analysts’ forecast may be attributed to analysts having already incorporated the information therein in their earnings forecasts, effect of the accrual anomaly having been largely arbitraged away by market participants or both. This paper contributes to the research on analysts’ earnings forecast and earnings quality and helps bridge the gap between practice and theory by demonstrating the differential impact of discretionary accruals (favored by academics) and the accrual ratio (favored by analysts) on analysts’ forecast accuracy. This study informs researchers and policy makers interested in better understanding how analysts affects the financial markets including how they may have learned from previously documented market anomalies such as the accrual anomaly. This is important as ultimately, efficient economy-wide capital allocation decisions are based partly on outputs of analysts’ forecasting processes.
Experimental Research on the Transverse Effective Bending Rigidity of Shield Tunnels

The uniform rigidity ring model is commonly used to design the segmented structures of shield tunnels. However, model tests have been primarily used to study the transverse effective rigidity ratio η with a concentrated force, which is notably different from realistic loading patterns. To obtain more reasonable η values, in this study, tests were performed with a concentrated load on an experimental bench and with a realistic loading pattern in sandy soil in a rigid steel tank. Three types of segmental ring models were designed and tested: straight-jointed, stagger-jointed, and uniform rings. The test results indicated that the η values of the stagger-jointed assembly mode were clearly larger than those of the straight-jointed assembly mode under both loading patterns. η increased as the load increased under the realistic loading conditions, whereas η decreased as the load increased under the concentrated load. More importantly, the η values derived from the realistic load tests were considerably larger than those derived from the concentrated load tests for both assembly modes (i.e., 0.423–0.672 and 0.587–0.761 for the straight-jointed and stagger-jointed assembly modes, respectively), and the former should be recommended for practical engineering applications. Furthermore, formulas relating η to the ratio of the cover depth to the tunnel diameter were proposed for sandy soil.
Onychomycosis among rural farmers in a southwestern part of Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of nails occurs worldwide with dermatophytes as the most common causal agents, although yeasts and moulds are also involved. The diagnosis usually involves direct microscopy and culture to prove actual existence of onychomycosis. This present study aims to provide knowledge of the epidemiology and mycological characteristics of onychomycosis involving toenails among rural farmers in a southwestern part of Nigeria. Methods: Direct microscopic examination using 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and mycological culture of 631 sub-ungual scrapings and toenail clippings from farmers suspected to have onychomycosis were prepared to identify the causative agents. Results: Trichophyton rubrum occurred as the predominant species of the total dermatophytes isolated (63.8%). The highest prevalence of individual etiologic agent was Trichophyton rubrum (16.9%), followed by Candida albicans (14.6%). One hundred and six non-dermatophyte moulds, of which Aspergillus niger and Fusarium moniliforme were the most frequent species (13.4% and 7.3% respectively) were also recovered from the specimens. Distal and lateral sub-ungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was the most prevalent clinical form occurring in 166 (63.6%) of the positive cultures followed by white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) in 51 (19.5%). Conclusion: The study revealed that dermatophytes and Candida species are involved in the pathogenesis of toenail infections among rural farmers in southwestern Nigeria. The occurrence of non-dermatophytic moulds should also not be ignored.
Intra-Group Business Transactions with Foreign Subsidiaries and Firm Value: Evidence from Foreign Direct Investments of Korean Firms

We investigate the resource transfer through intra-group transactions of foreign direct investment (FDI) firms with their foreign subsidiaries and its effect on firm value. Employing extensive intra-group transaction data of Korean FDI firms constructed by the matching sample approach, our results uncover strong evidence of resource transfer by FDI firms to their foreign subsidiaries. We find that an FDI firm with a larger size, a higher debt ratio, a higher R&D ratio, a higher export ratio, and/or a lower import ratio is likely to engage in more intra-group transactions with its foreign subsidiaries. More importantly, we show that intra-group transactions with foreign subsidiaries reduces firm value, and this association is significantly related with the size and technology level of the investing firm and the economic nature of the host country of foreign subsidiaries, but insignificantly to the ownership structure of the foreign subsidiary. The overall results of our paper offer evidence that Korean FDI firms use the intra-group transactions primarily as a means of propping their poor-performing foreign subsidiaries. JEL Classification: G34, G31
Characterization and classification of some typical banana growing soils of Wardha district of Maharashtra

Eight typical pedons supporting banana in Wardha district of Maharashtra were characterized and assessed for their suitability. The soils are developed in basaltic alluvium and are deep, calcareous and brown to very dark greyish brown in colour (lOYR). The texture of pedons ranged from loamy sand to clay (10.7 to 65.4 per cent clay) in different horizons. The soils are alkaline and pH ranged from 7.9 to 8.4. In general surface horizons had higher organic carbon than the underlying horizons but reverse trend for CaC03 distribution was noticed. The water retentions at 33kPa and 1500 kPa and CEC are highly dependent on clay content. The occurrence of coarser texture (below 50 cm) was advantageous for banana in view of drainage. Based on soil suitability criteria, local experience and yield, pedon 8 is rated as highly suitable, pedons 1 and 6 as marginally suitable and others as moderately suitable. Additional keywords: Soil parameters, banana productivity, suitability.
Exhaled nitric oxide is better related to bronchial responsiveness and eosinophil activation in children than adults with asthma

Background: The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a marker of steroid-sensitive airways inflammation, is moderately related to bronchial responsiveness (BR) in asthma. Serum eosinophil cationic protein (sECP), a systemic eosinophil activation marker, is weakly-moderately related to exhaled NO. However, no studies have concomitantly compared these relationships in children and adults with asthma. Aim: To analyse in an ongoing asthma study the relation between exhaled NO and BR as well as sECP with respect to age of subjects. Methods: FeNO, lung function, methacholine provocation (PC20FEV1), sECP measurements and allergy testing were performed in 208 patients with asthma (94 children aged 10-17 years and 114 adults aged 18-34 years) within the frame of an industry-academy collaboration on minimally-invasive diagnostics (MIDAS). Results: No differences between children and adults were found with regard to allergic sensitisation (80% vs 84% atopic), lung function (FEV1(%pred)) (90% (81, 99%) vs 93% (86, 103%)) and asthma control (ACT score 21 (19, 23) vs 21 (19, 23) (all p-values>0.05). The correlation coefficients between FeNO and PC20FEV1 were rho=-0.46, p Conclusion: The relation between exhaled NO and bronchial responsiveness appears to be weaker in adults and this might be explained by other factors than ongoing allergic inflammation causing bronchial hyperresponsiveness, for example airway remodeling. The weaker relation between exhaled NO and sECP in adults warrants further research.
Lipid Profiles and Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in Korean Adolescents

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as the preva lence of dyslipidemia among Korean adolescents. Methods: We analyzed data for 3,045 adolescents aged 10-18 years (1,622 boys and 1,423 girls) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2007 to 2010. Results: The mean values of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipopro tein cholesterol (HDL-C) were 159, 89, 89, and 52 mg/dL, respectively. Plasma cholesterol levels were significantly higher in girls than those in boys (162.1 mg/dL vs. 155.6 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). The 90th percentile values of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDLC were 192, 149, 117 mg/dL for boys, and 195, 147, 119 mg/dL for girls. The 10th percentile value of HDL-C was 38 mg/dL for boys and 40 mg/dL for girls. Triglyceride, LDL-C cholesterol levels increased, whereas plasma HDL-C levels decreased with increasing the body mass index (P < 0.0001) in both genders. Total cholesterol levels significantly increased with increasing the body mass in dex, especially in boys (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 25.2% for boys and 21.7% for girls; this value significantly increased with overweight (37-40%) and obesity (53-56%). Independent predictors (odds ratio) of dyslipidemia were age (1.49), overweight (2.06), and obesity (5.11) for boys; overweight (1.95) and obesity (3.22) for girls. Conclusion: Adolescent dyslipidemia is strongly associated with obesity. Lipid screening for overweight or obese youths should be emphasized. Further, longitudinal studies examining the impact of childhood obesity and dyslipidemia on subsequent cardiovascular diseases are needed. (Endocrinol Metab 27:208-216, 2012)
The Challenges and the Targets

Thomas I Nathaniel1, Effiong Otukonyong2, Sarah Bwint3, Katelin Haley3, Diane Haleem3, Adam Brager3 and Ayotunde Adeagbo4 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville 2Department of Health Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 3Center for Natural and Health Sciences, Marywood University 4Department of Pharmacology and Physiology The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton USA
Accuracy of Longitudinal Assessment of Visceral Adipose Tissue by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Children with Obesity

Background Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Accurate quantification of VAT is available through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which incurs a significant financial and time burden. We aimed to assess the accuracy of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry- (DXA-) derived VAT (DXA-VAT) against a gold standard MRI protocol (MRI-VAT) in children with normal weight and obesity cross-sectionally, and over the course of a lifestyle intervention. Methodology MRI-VAT and DXA-VAT were quantified in 61 children (30 normal weight and 31 with obesity) at baseline. Children with obesity entered a three-month exercise and/or nutrition intervention after which VAT was reassessed. MRI- and DXA-VAT cross-sectional area, volume, and mass were quantified, and associations were calculated at baseline (n = 61) and pre-post intervention (n = 28, 3 participants dropped out). Method agreement was assessed through Bland–Altman analysis, linear regression, and Passing–Bablok regression. Results At baseline, all DXA- and MRI-VAT outcomes were strongly associated (r = 0.90, P < 0.001). However, there were no significant associations between absolute or relative change in DXA- and MRI-VAT outcomes (r = 0.25–0.36, P > 0.05). DXA significantly overestimated VAT CSA (cross-sectional area), volume, and mass when compared with MRI (P < 0.001) at baseline. Significant proportional bias was observed for all DXA-VAT outcomes at baseline and for relative longitudinal changes in DXA-VAT. Conclusions Although DXA-VAT outcomes were strongly associated with MRI-VAT outcomes at baseline, estimates were subject to proportional bias in children with obesity and normal weight. DXA lacks validity for detecting changes in VAT among children with obesity. This trial is registered with NCT01991106.
Improved Moment Shadow Maps

Like variance shadow maps, the recently proposed moment shadow maps can be filtered directly but they provide a substantially higher quality. We combine them with earlier approaches to enable three new applications. Shadows for translucent occluders are obtained by simply rendering to a moment shadow map with alpha blending. Soft shadows in the spirit of percentage-closer soft shadows are rendered using two queries to a summed-area table of a moment shadow map. Single scattering is rendered through one lookup per pixel in a prefiltered moment shadow map with six channels. As a foundation we also propose improvements to moment shadow mapping itself. All these techniques scale particularly well to high output resolutions and enable proper antialiasing of shadows through extensive filtering.
Application of Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Soil Survey

Development of more efficient (rapid) and cost-effective methodologies are needed in soil survey to meet the demand for quantitative data in digital soil mapping and updates. The objective of this study was to pilot the application of mid-infrared (MIR)-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR) in a soil survey field office where soil samples are processed, MIR spectra are acquired, and predictions are obtained using calibration models developed and validated from the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory spectral library. Mid-infrared models were built for total C, organic C, CaCO3 equivalent, total clay, cation exchange capacity, 1500 kPa water, and pH in water and CaCl2 for Mollisols of the central United States. Validation results (from the MIR library) using Lin’s concordance correlation (rc) of measured versus predicted values showed that most properties predicted very well (rc = 0.967–0.996), whereas models for total clay in B horizons and 1500 kPa water in B horizons predicted fairly well (rc = 0.844–0.955). Models for pH predicted the least well (rc = 0.750–0.921). The MIR-DRS coupled with PLSR was successful in predicting soil properties for completely independent samples that were collected, processed, and MIR scanned in a soil survey field office. Predicted results using rc ranged from 0.697 to 0.992, with pH in water having the lowest rc and CaCO3 having the highest rc. All properties except pH had an acceptable level of accuracy for use in soil survey and a marginal level of acceptable accuracy for total clay. Direct calibration transfer was feasible.
Medication Non Adherence in Schizophrenia: Prevalence and Correlates among Outpatients in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

Background: Treatment non adherence in patients with schizophrenia is the main reason for frequent relapses, poor treatment outcome, reduced quality of life and significant increases in healthcare cost. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of treatment non adherence in patients with schizophrenia and identify factors associated with it. Method: One hundred and twenty patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment in the mental health unit were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8), Drug attitude inventory (DAI-10), Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Logistic regression was used to determine significant variables associated with suboptimal adherence to medication. Results: The prevalence of treatment non-adherence was 51.7%. The factors significantly associated with treatment non adherence were a poor attitude to medication (OR 0.067,95%CI0.012-0.387, P-value 0.03) lack of supervised treatment (OR 0.117, 95%CI 0.038-0.352, P-value <0.001) experience of side effects (OR 4.40, 95%CI= 1.358-14.313 p-value 0.01). Cost of medication (OR 3.867, 95%CI 1.232-12.136) and a high negative PANSS score (t=-1.91, P value 0.04) Conclusion: Adherence to antipsychotic medications among patients with schizophrenia is suboptimal. The findings strongly recommend the need to develop a standard protocol for carrying out adherence counselling to all patients and their relatives.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiology and impact on the clinical evolution of ICU patients.

OBJECTIVE Although ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of nosocomial infection, its role in the prognosis of patients remains undefined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of VAP on the clinical evolution of patients. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study involving 233 patients on mechanical ventilation (VAP group, n = 64; control group, n = 169). Primary outcomes were time on mechanical ventilation (TMV), time in ICU (TICU), overall length of hospital stay (LHS) and in-ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, microbiological profile, prior use of antibiotics and risk factors for VAP acquisition. RESULTS Control and VAP group outcomes were, respectively, as follows: median TMV (days), 9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-15) and 23 (IQR: 15-37; p < 0.0001); median TICU (days), 12 (IQR: 8-21) and 27 (IQR: 17-42; p < 0.0001); median LHS (days), 33 (IQR: 18-64) and 46 (IQR: 25-90; p = 0.05); and in-ICU mortality, 38% (95% CI: 31-45) and 55% (95% CI: 42-67; p = 0.02). VAP was a predictor of in-ICU mortality (OR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.54-7.48). TMV (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.05-4.87) and prior use of antibiotics (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10) were risk factors for VAP. VAP did not affect in-hospital mortality. Acinetobacter spp. was the most common isolate (28%). Inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy was administered in 48% of cases. CONCLUSIONS In this study, there was a high incidence of infection with resistant bacteria and inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy. Long TMV and prior use of antibiotics are risk factors for VAP.
ASSISTÊNCIA PRÉ-NATAL NA REDE BÁSICA DE FORTALEZA-CE: UMA AVALIAÇÃO DA ESTRUTURA, DO PROCESSO E DO RESULTADO

To evaluate the prenatal care assistance in the primary health care network in Fortaleza-CE, considering the structure, process and results. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study, of quantitative approach, performed between October 2009 and February 2011, in 30 Health Units randomly selected, keeping the ratio for each Regional Executive Secretary. For analysis of the structure, the information obtained was scored and classified as: excellent, satisfactory, precarious or insufficient. The form used was submitted to four experts for validation. In evaluating the process and results, data was available by the Municipal Health Secretary of Fortaleza for obtainance of the indicators recommended by the Ministry of Health. Results: There was, in general, a satisfactory structure. As for the process and result, we obtained: pregnant women who had, at least, six prenatal visits (7.6%); pregnant women who received tetanus immunization (22.8%); newborns with congenital syphilis (1.4%); newborns with neonatal tetanus (0%); maternal mortality rate (78.5% in 2008 and 51% in 2009) and total neonatal mortality rate (10.1% in 2008 and 11.2% in 2009). Conclusions: Despite good results with regard to the structure, the reflections on the process and outcome indicators were not positive, with low rates compared to those expected by the World Health Organization or the Ministry of Health, or in comparison with other regions
Decision-making in the management of adult classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma: determining the optimal treatment

This review discusses promising new approaches in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma that have been recently evaluated. There is a focus on the fluorodeoxyglucose PET scanning that is now considered crucial for staging and treatment evaluation, including interim evaluation after two cycles. An up-front treatment strategy is discussed, with the place of radiation therapy and the difficult choice of chemotherapy intensity emphasized. Indications for frail patients are also reviewed, particularly elderly or HIV-positive patients. Emerging data on the antibody drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin and its future potential in the transplantation framework for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also discussed.