Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting crude oil market volatility: can the Regime Switching GARCH model beat the single-regime GARCH models?

In order to obtain a reasonable and reliable forecast method for crude oil price volatility, this paper evaluates the forecast performance of single-regime GARCH models (including the standard linear GARCH model and the nonlinear GJR-GARCH and EGARCH models) and the two-regime Markov Regime Switching GARCH (MRS-GARCH) model for crude oil price volatility at different data frequencies and time horizons. The results indicate that, first, the two-regime MRS-GARCH model beats other three single-regime GARCH type models in in-sample data estimation under most evaluation criteria, although it appears inferior under a few of other evaluation criteria. Second, the two-regime MRS-GARCH model overall provides more accurate volatility forecast for daily data but this superiority dies way for weekly and monthly data. Third, among the three single-regime GARCH type models, the volatility forecast of the nonlinear GARCH models exhibit greater accuracy than the linear GARCH model for daily data at longer time horizons. Finally, the linear single-regime GARCH model overall performs better than other three nonlinear GARCH type models in Value-at-Risk (VaR) forecast.
Large Magnetocaloric Effect Around Room Temperature in Double-Exchange Ferromagnets Pr1–xSrxMnO3 With Short-Range Interactions

We present a detailed study on a large magnetocaloric effect at room temperature in polycrystalline ceramic samples of Pr<sub>1-x</sub>Sr<sub>x</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub> (x = 0.3, 0.4, and 0.45), exhibiting a second-order phase transition. The experimental results demonstrate the replacement of Sr<sup>2+</sup> for Pr<sup>3+</sup> in Pr<sub>1-x</sub>Sr<sub>x</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub>, which leads to the Curie temperature (TC) increasing from 258 K for x = 0.3 to 301 K for x = 0.45. In particular, the maximum values of magnetic entropy change (|ΔS<sub>max</sub>|) in the field H = 10 kOe are about 2.36-3.33 J·kg <sup>-1</sup>·K <sup>-1</sup>, corresponding to the refrigerant capacity RC = 50 - 53 J·kg <sup>-1</sup> for x = 0.3-0.45. Based on the modified Arrott-plot method and the isothermal magnetization data around TC, we obtained the values of the critical exponents (β, γ, and δ) and TC for all the samples. Here, the values β = 0.370-0.397 are quite close to those expected for the 3-D Heisenberg model. This proves that ferromagnetic short-range interactions are present in Pr<sub>1-x</sub>Sr<sub>x</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub> compounds. In addition, magnetic-field dependences of |ΔS<sub>max</sub>| obey the power law, |ΔS<sub>max</sub>| ~ Hn, where the field exponent n ≈ 0.6 is close to the value calculated from the relation n = 1 + (β - 1)/(β + γ).
Malignant Potential of the Odontogenic Keratocyst

odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is considered a benign cyst that can assume a locally aggressive and destructive behavior. Atypia of its lining is uncommon, and frank malignant degeneration is rare. Presence of these changes may remain clinically undetected and carry a significant influence on treatment and outcome. A patient with OKC of the maxilla containing both verrucous carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is presented. Literature is reviewed pertaining to the malignant potential of an OKC.
Ivermectin as a Rodent Feed-Through Insecticide for Control of Immature Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

ABSTRACT Ivermectin was evaluated as a potential rodent feed-through for the control of immature stages of Phlebotomus papatasi. The survival of sand fly larvae fed feces of Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) that had been fed a diet containing 0, 2, 6, 10, 20, 60, or 100 ppm ivermectin was measured. Sand fly larvae fed the feces of ivermectin-treated hamsters had significantly reduced survival, with 100% mortality of larvae fed feces of hamsters fed a diet containing 20, 60, and 100 ppm ivermectin. The results of this study suggest that a control strategy using rodent baits containing ivermectin to control phlebotomine sand flies may be possible. Because rodent reservoirs and sand fly vectors of Leishmania major live in close association in many parts of the Middle East, the control of transmission of the agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis also may be possible.
The impact of modeling nuclear fragmentation on delivered dose and radiobiology in ion therapy

The importance of nuclear interactions for ion therapy arises from the influence of the particle spectrum on, first, radiobiology and therefore also on treatment planning, second, the accuracy of measuring dose and, third, the delivered dose distribution. This study tries to determine the qualitative as well as the quantitative influence of the modeling of inelastic nuclear interactions on ion therapy. Thereby, three key disciplines are investigated, namely dose delivery, dose assessment and radiobiology. In order to perform a quantitative analysis, a relative comparison between six different descriptions of nuclear interactions is carried out for carbon ions. The particle transport is simulated with the Monte Carlo code SHIELD-HIT10A while dose planning and radiobiology are covered by the analytic treatment planning program for particles TRiP, which determines the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) with the local effect model. The obtained results show that the physical dose distribution can in principle be significantly influenced by the modeling of fragmentation (about 10% for a 20% change in all inelastic nuclear cross sections for a target volume ranging from 15 to 25 cm). While the impact of nuclear fragmentation on stopping power ratios can be neglected, the fluence correction factor may be influenced by the applied nuclear models. In contrast to the results for the physical dose, the variation of the RBE is only small (about 1% for a 20% change in all inelastic nuclear cross sections) suggesting a relatively weak dependence of radiobiology on the detailed composition of the particle energy spectrum of the mixed radiation field. Also, no significant change (about 0.2 mm) of the lateral penumbra of the RBE-weighted dose is observed.
Multicultural Vanguard? Sarajevo’s Interethnic Young Adults between Ethnic Categorisation and International Spaces

Abstract This article analyses how Sarajevo’s young adults from a middle class, interethnic background deal with the rigid ethnic categorisation enforced by state institutions and society. Their strategies (exit, reframing, and partial separation) appear to be unsatisfactory to the actors themselves, and wield generally no influence on the institutions they wish to change. Three factors have been setting into motion this dynamic: first, the difficulty of escaping ethnic group thinking when attempting to reframe ethnic categories; second, the rationality of avoiding open defiance to ethnic categorisation; and third, the young adults’ tendency to centre their life on interethnic and international spaces. As a ‘project elite’, Sarajevo’s young adults are rather separated from society, both discursively and socio-economically.
An Examination of Factors Affecting Non-Urgent Use of Emergency Department Services by Patients with "Universal" Healthcare

AN EXAMINATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING NON-URGENT UTILIZATION OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SERVICES BY PATIENTS WITH "UNIVERSAL" HEALTHCARE Gregory Smith Feltenberger Old Dominion University, 2012 Director: Dr. Andrew Balas The purpose of this research is to examine the factors affecting non-urgent utilization of emergency department (ED) services by individuals with "universal" healthcare using the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Since Air Force Medical Service beneficiaries have free and unlimited use of the full-range of healthcare services, they are ideally suited for this study. The findings of this research may also apply to other populations with free or low-cost access to healthcare (i.e., universal or singlepayer healthcare). Using secondary data extracted from the Air Force Medical Service's electronic health record system at several military hospitals, this study will present descriptive and inferential statistics on person-based ED and primary care utilization of spouses of active duty military. This study is important because a significant proportion of patients present to the ED with medical problems that are classified as non-urgent and could safely be treated by a primary care provider. In particular, the costs associated with non-urgent use of ED services are very high; patients with non-urgent ED use impose a substantial strain on the efficiency of the ED; and increasingly, patient satisfaction has become more important since it is considered a primary indicator of quality of care. While this problem exists both in the military and civilian sectors, the non-monetary predictors of presenting to the ED with non-urgent medical problems have not been well studied for patients with "universal" healthcare or in the context of the Air Force Medical Service. The results of this research are likely to provide hospital leadership with insights to aid them in making evidence-based decisions aimed at reducing non-urgent (unnecessary) use of ED services. Finally, the most significant predictor of non-urgent ED use is related to SES and age category. That is, spouses of enlisted military members with non-urgent ED use are 2.855 times more likely to be under 40 years of age. Therefore, the findings of this study provide a starting point and would be magnified in value once attitudinal factors of patients are incorporated.
Runoff Curve Numbers for 10 Small Forested Watersheds in the Mountains of the Eastern United States

AbstractEngineers and hydrologists use the curve number method to estimate runoff from rainfall for different land use and soil conditions; however, large uncertainties occur for estimates from forested watersheds. This investigation evaluates the accuracy and consistency of the method using rainfall-runoff series from 10 small forested-mountainous watersheds in the eastern United States, eight annual maximum series from New Hampshire, West Virginia, and North Carolina, and two partial duration series from Georgia. These series are the basis to compare tabulated curve numbers with values estimated using five methods. For nine of 10 watersheds, tabulated curve numbers do not accurately estimate runoff. One source of the large uncertainty is a consistent decrease in storm-event curve numbers with increasing rainfall. A calibrated constant curve number is suitable for only two of 10 watersheds; the others require a variable watershed curve number associated with different magnitude rainfalls or probabilities.
Problem-based learning: Dental student's perception of their education environments at Qassim University

Aims: The objectives of this study were to assess perceptions of the Saudi dental students of the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum and to compare their perceptions among different sex and academic years. Subjects and Methods: Data was collected through a questionnaire-based survey at Qassim College of dentistry. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions regarding the perception of PBL curriculum and was distributed to 240 students. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Out of the 240 students recruited for this study, 146 returned a complete questionnaire (the response rate was 60.8%). The majority of the students perceived that PBL enhances the ability to speak in front of people (91.1%); improved the ability to find the information using the internet/library (81.5%); enhances the problem-solving skills (71.3%); increases the practice of cooperative and collaborative learning (69.2%); improves the decision-making skills (66.4%). Sixty-five percent (n = 96) noted that some students dominate whereas others are passive during PBL discussion session. Statistically, significant differences were found in the following variables according to the academic year students assuming before responsibility for their own learning (P < 0.037) and the role of facilitator in the process (P < 0.034). Moreover, according to gender; there were statistically significant differences in the following variables, assuming responsibility for own learning (P< 0.003); activating prior knowledge and learning to elaborate and organize their knowledge (P< 0.009); enhancing the ability to find the information using the Internet/library (P< 0.014); PBL is effective without having lecture of the same topic (P< 0.025); helping in identifying the areas of weakness for improvement (P< 0.031); student understanding the objectives of the PBL session better than the conventional way (P< 0.040); and enhancing the ability to speak in front of people (P< 0.040). Conclusions: Perceptions of Saudi dental students regarding their education environments at Qassim College of dentistry using PBL hybrid curriculum were more positive than negative. However, improvements are still required to provide students with stimulating favorable learning environment and to take the students recommendations into consideration.
Continuous response of optic nerve head blood flow to increase of arterial blood pressure in humans.

PURPOSE This study investigates the effect of increased ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) on optic nerve head (ONH) hemodynamics. METHODS In 21 healthy subjects, the increase in arterial blood pressure (BP), measured continuously using a pneumatic transcutaneous sensor, was produced by isometric exercise consisting of 2 minutes of hand-gripping. ONH blood flow parameters-namely the velocity (Vel), number (Vol), and flux (F) of red blood cells-were measured using the laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). RESULTS In those 14 healthy subjects who exhibited a similar increase in BP to handgrip superior to 30% of baseline BP, group average increases of BP and OPP amounted to 34% ± 3% (SEM) and 43% ± 3%, respectively. The increase in F of 19% ± 8%, resulting from an increase in Vel (17% ± 7%) and Vol (6% ± 7%), was significantly less than predicted for a passive autoregulatory response, as revealed also by the increase in vascular resistance (R = OPP/F). Spearman test of linear correlations between F and time during handgrip led to the identification of one group of eight subjects (with a stable F) and one group of six subjects (with an increase in F). A closed-loop gain (G) of the regulatory process, defined as G = 1 - {(F - Fbl)/Fbl}/{(OPP - OPPbl)/OPPbl}, was found to be rather independent from the OPP, with an average value 0.7 ± 0.07. G was 0.83 ± 0.06 for the group of eight subjects with stable F and 0.3 ± 0.15 for the group of six subjects with F increasing with the OPP. CONCLUSIONS The continuous recording of both BP and LDFs represents a novel and more precise approach to the characterization of ONH hemodynamics during isometric exercise, especially useful in the future for patients with ocular diseases. The efficiency of the ONH blood flow autoregulation appears to vary significantly between healthy subjects. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00874913.).
Bowel Preparation for Pediatric Colonoscopy: Report of the NASPGHAN Endoscopy and Procedures Committee

ABSTRACT Pediatric bowel preparation protocols used before colonoscopy vary greatly, with no identified standard practice. The present clinical report reviews the evidence for several bowel preparations in children and reports on their use among North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition members. Publications in the pediatric literature for bowel preparation regimens are described, including mechanisms of action, efficacy and ease of use, and pediatric studies. A survey distributed to pediatric gastroenterology programs across the country reviews present national practice, and cleanout recommendations are provided. Finally, further areas for research are identified.
A semi-automated measurement technique for the assessment of radiolucency

The assessment of radiolucency around an implant is qualitative, poorly defined and has low agreement between clinicians. Accurate and repeatable assessment of radiolucency is essential to prevent misdiagnosis, minimize cases of unnecessary revision, and to correctly monitor and treat patients at risk of loosening and implant failure. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a semi-automated imaging algorithm could improve repeatability and enable quantitative assessment of radiolucency. Six surgeons assessed 38 radiographs of knees after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for radiolucency, and results were compared with assessments made by the semi-automated program. Large variation was found between the surgeon results, with total agreement in only 9.4% of zones and a kappa value of 0.602; whereas the automated program had total agreement in 81.6% of zones and a kappa value of 0.802. The software had a ‘fair to excellent’ prediction of the presence or the absence of radiolucency, where the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.82 on average. The software predicted radiolucency equally well for cemented and cementless implants (p = 0.996). The identification of radiolucency using an automated method is feasible and these results indicate that it could aid the definition and quantification of radiolucency.
Effect of Budesonide Enema on Remission and Relapse Rate in Distal Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis

Background: Glucocorticosteroid enemas are equally effective as 5-ASA enemas in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis (UC). With the introduction of budesonide, the risk of systemic side effects may be reduced. We investigated whether budesonide enema, 2 mg/100 ml, administered twice daily (b.i.d.) could increase the remission rate in comparison with the once daily (o.d.) standard regimen. Furthermore, we evaluated whether 2 mg budesonide enema, given twice weekly, could have a relapse preventing effect. Methods: 149 patients with active distal UC were treated in a controlled, double-blind multicentre study with two parallel groups: placebo enema in the morning and budesonide enema in the evening (i.e. 2 mg/day) or budesonide enema b.i. d. (i.e. 4 mg/day) until remission (absence of clinical symptoms and endoscopic healing) or at most 8 weeks. Patients in remission were randomized to either budesonide enema or placebo enema twice weekly for 24 weeks or until relapse. Results: The remission rates at 4 weeks were 33% for o.d. and 41% for b.i. d. regimens (NS) and correspondingly 51% and 54% at 8 weeks (NS). The b.i. d. group had an increased frequency of impaired adrenal function, 32% versus 4.8% ( P = 0.001). The relapse rates during maintenance treatment with budesonide enema and placebo were 15% versus 24% after 8 weeks, 31% versus 27% after 16 weeks and 41% versus 51% after 24 weeks (NS). Conclusion: Budesonide enema 2 mg o.d. appears to be the optimal dosage in active distal UC. We could not show that budesonide enema twice weekly is sufficient to maintain remission.
The Other Month Effect: Some Evidence from the Central and Eastern European Markets

January returns on stock markets can be used as a barometer for the subsequent 11-month holding period returns as documented by Cooper et al. (2006). We examine this apparent anomaly and analyze the effects of other holding periods of 1, 3, and 6 months in six Central and Eastern European transition economies from January 1991 through December 2013. Our results do not support the presence of the other January effect (OJE) in five of the six markets. Instead, the results reveal significant anomalies in non-January months and that such effects vary across markets. This latter evidence might reflect different characteristics in these economies, including diverse levels of market efficiency, local risk factors, and portfolio management among others. Furthermore, we construct a trading rule using the other month effect to illustrate the possibility of developing profitable investment strategies to earn abnormal returns.
MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PA) are both chronic rheumatic inflammatory diseases characterized by disruption of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) protein of the cartilage, likely induced by proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). The goal of this study was to quantify the expression of MMPs such as MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their physiological tissue inhibitors TIMP-2 and TIMP-1, respectively, in serum and synovial fluid. METHODS Serum and synovial fluid from 24 RA patients and 17 PA patients were studied to determine the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteolytic activity using a modified gelatin zymography procedure. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were measured by a commercially available ELISA kit. RESULTS Our results show that MMP-2 was detected in the latent form only, while MMP-9 was present in latent and active form. Both gelatinases were more concentrated in synovial fluid than in serum, and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentrations were also more elevated in synovial fluid than in serum. CONCLUSIONS To investigate the remodelling of cartilage ECM proteins, the evaluation of synovial fluid concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 is more reliable than that determined in serum. In view of these data, MMPs inhibitors might represent a possible target for new therapies delivered directly in the joint space.
Mohair Quality Traits of Aleppo and Hair Goats

Bu arastirmanin amaci Kil ve Halep kecilerinde elyaf kalite ozelliklerinin belirlenmesidir. Arastirmanin hayvan materyalini Kirikkale ilinde yetistirilen 12 aylik yastaki 12 bas Halep kecisi (6 erkek, 6 disi) ve 12 bas kil kecisi (6 erkek, 6 disi) olusturmustur. Kil ve Halep kecilerinde elyaf kalite ozelliklerinin belirlenmesi amaciyla 24 kecinin uc ayri vucut bolgesinden (omuz, kaburga ve sagri) toplam 72 adet ornek alinmistir. Her iki irkta, tiftikte kalite analizleri (elyaf uzunlugu, elyaf capi, mukavemet, elastikiyet ve randiman), Uluslararasi Hayvancilik Arastirma ve Egitim Merkezi Mudurlugu yapagi ve tiftik laboratuvarina yaptirilmistir. Halep ve Kil kecilerinde uzunluk (barbe), elyaf capi, mukavemet, elastikiyet ve randiman ozelliklerine ait en kucuk kareler ortalamalari sirasiyla 70.92 ve 54.98 mm, 66.37 ve 65.94 µm, % 28.62 ve 26.60, 12.58 ve 11.97 cN/ tex, % 91.09 ve % 89.76 olarak belirlenmistir. Irk farkliliginin elyaf capi, mukavemet, elastikiyet ve randiman uzerine etkisi onemsiz iken, barbe elyaf uzunluguna (p < 0.01) ve hauter elyaf uzunlugu a(p < 0.001) etkisi ise onemli olmustur. Halep kecilerinin elyaf uzunlugunun, kil kecilerinin elyaf uzunlugundan daha yuksek degere sahip oldugu tespit edilmistir. Cinsiyetin mukavemet ve elastikiyet ozelliklerine etkisi onemsiz iken, elyaf uzunlugu (p < 0.001), elyaf capi (p < 0.001) ve randiman ozelliklerine (p < 0.05) etkisi ise onemli bulunmustur. Erkeklerde elyaf uzunlugu, elyaf capi ve randiman ozellikleri disilerden yuksek olmustur. Sonuc olarak, Halep ve kil kecilerinin, dokuma endustrisinde onemli olan elyaf inceligi, elastikiyet, mukavemet ve randiman ozellikleri bakimindan birbirine benzer oldugu tespit edilmistir. Arastirma bulgulari Halep ve kil kecilerinde elyaf ozelliklerinin dosemelik kumas, battaniye, cadir, hali ve kilim dokumasina uygun oldugunu gostermektedir.
ApoA‐I mutants V156K and R173C promote anti‐inflammatory function and antioxidant activities

Background Two mutants of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I, V156K and A158E, showed markedly different structural and functional properties in lipid‐free and lipid‐bound states in the authors’ earlier report. The physiological activities of these mutants were compared with the wild‐type (WT) and R173C mutant using in vitro and in vivo experiments.