Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in a Sample of Egyptian Full TermNeonates

Background: AKI is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality for critically ill neonates at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Cystatin-C and beta 2 microglobulin are two promising early biomarkers for AKI. Aim of work: It was to compare between serum creatinine, Cystatin-C and beta 2-microglobulin as early markers for AKI in neonates. Subjects and methods: This study was carried out on 120 neonatal patients incubated at NICUs of Tanta university hospitals. 60 neonates meeting AKI diagnostic criteria of neonatal Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) served as group (1), 60 healthy age and sex matched neonates served as controls (group 2). Results: At 1st day of incubation, there were significant increase in mean values of Cystatin C and beta 2 microglobulin in patients when compared to controls (2.2 ± 0.5) vs. (0.5 ± 0.2) and (7.2 ± 2.4) vs. (1.9 ± 0.4) respectively while there was no significant difference in that of serum creatinine in both studied groups. At a cut off value ≥ 1.5 (mg/L), beta 2 microglobulin had the highest sensitivity for early prediction of neonates with AKI (98%) with specificity 80%. Cystatin-C at a cut off value ≥ 0.6 (mg/L), had a good sensitivity (85%) with specificity 80%. While serum creatinine had at cut off value ≥ 0.5 (mg/L) the lowest sensitivity (41.5%) with specificity 52.7%. Conclusions: Serum levels of beta 2 microglobulin and cystatin C were more sensitive and more specific than serum creatinine for early prediction of neonatal AKI in NICU.
Assessment of Water Quality of Ganga River in Kanpur by Using Principal Components Analysis

Water samples were collected from Jalsansthan Benajhawar Kanpur sampling station on the Ganga River with in Kanpur city in the year 2008(April) -2009(March) and analyzed for 14 water quality variables (physicochemical) parameters, The data obtained were standardized and subjected to principal components analysis (PCA) to define the parameters responsible for the main variability in water quality variance for Ganga River with in Kanpur city. The PCA produced two significant main components and explain more than 99.316% of the variance Namely, anthropogenic effect and industrial effect; that represent 64.470% and 34.846% respectively of the total variance of water quality in Ganga River. Results reveal that Total dissolved Solids,Total Alkalinity,Total Hardness were the parameters that are most important in assessing variations of water quality in October, November, December, January, February, March, April(post monsoon season) in the river. Results also reveal Turbidity, Suspended Solid were the parameters that are most important in assessing variations of water quality in June, July , August and September in the river(monsoon season). This study suggests that PCA technique is useful tool for identification of important river water quality monitoring months and parameters. Ca, Cl,SO4 ,Temperature, Flouride, pH, Fe, Oxygen Consumption(O.C), Cl , Mg are found to be non principal water quality parameters.
Necessary and sufficient condition for the global stability of a delayed discrete-time single neuron model

We consider the global asymptotic stability of the trivial fixed point of the difference equation $x_{n+1}=m x_n-\alpha \varphi(x_{n-1})$, where $(\alpha,m) \in \mathbb{R}^2$ and $\varphi$ is a real function satisfying the discrete Yorke condition: $\min\{0,x\} \leq \varphi(x) \leq \max\{0,x\}$ for all $x\in \mathbb{R}$. If $\varphi$ is bounded then $(\alpha,m) \in [|m|-1,1] \times [-1,1]$, $(\alpha,m) \neq (0,-1), (0,1)$ is necessary for the global stability of $0$. We prove that if $\varphi(x) \equiv \tanh(x)$, then this condition is sufficient as well.
The Activity based Costing in Morocco : Adoption and Diffusion

The Activity Based Costing (ABC) represents a new model in the management accounting. In recent decades, it has been the subject of several research papers, especially in developed countries (USA, UK.). However, this type of work is still absent in Morocco. In this context, this article highlights the results of an empirical study on the ABC adoption in 62 enterprises based in Morocco. The study finds that the adoption rate of this method of the management accounting in Morocco is relatively high (12, 9%). It is 21.87% in large enterprises and 3.33% in SMEs. This rate is 14.58% in industrial firms and 7.14% in other enterprises.
counselors' collective self‐esteem mediates job dissatisfaction and client relationships

Given the central role of professional identity (i.e., collective self-esteem in this study), the authors examined whether collective self-esteem mediated or moderated relations between job dissatisfaction and client relationships in a sample of 132 professional counselors in the United States. Results indicated that collective self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between job dissatisfaction and client relationships. Furthermore, job dissatisfaction was negatively related to greater levels of private collective self-esteem, and greater private collective self-esteem was positively related to better client relationships.
THE IMPACT OF E-LEARNING ON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND CREATIVITY

Research on the efficacy of ICT-based teaching methods in improving generic skills in addition to content skills among future workforce is increasing. Accordingly, this study investigates the impact of e-learning on creativity and content knowledge of chemistry students at the Payame Noor University of Hamedan, Iran. The study used the pre-test/post-test experimental design with a control group. The statistical population of the study included was 100 pure chemistry students who were following two separate classes. Forty students were selected from this group who placed in the experimental group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). Two instruments were used for data collection; a specifically developed test on the Introduction to Chemistry course and the Abedi Inventory for assessing creativity. Results of data analysis using the independent t-test (aided by SPSS) demonstrated statistically significantly higher scores for the experimental group on measured variables, knowledge and creativity. Therefore, it is concluded that e-learning is effective for knowledge and creativity acquisitions among chemistry students and the greater e-learning opportunities should be provided for wider audiences.
Country branding emerging from citizens’ emotions and the perceptions of competitive advantage

This article aims to examine the elements of country branding from the perspectives of a country’s citizens. In this exploration, the study constructs their views toward the country using both emotion (affect) and perceptions of competitive advantage and subsequently conceptualizes and tests a framework of internal country-branding elements. Using a survey approach, the study generated a total sample of 445 respondents across Malaysia. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data and to test the hypotheses. Findings indicate that Malaysia can be portrayed favorably through export, human capital, culture and heritage, and political efforts. While some elements (human capital, culture and heritage, and politics) are important to foster positive emotions among its citizens, others (export, human capital, and politics) are considered as key tools to build competitive advantage. Implications exist for tourism marketers and policy makers, as the study highlights the importance of branding toward a country’s citizens and revealing the specific preferences affecting the citizens’ emotions and perceptions toward competitive advantage.
Plant regeneration of sugarcane cv. RB931003 and RB98710 from somatic embryos and acclimatization

O objetivo deste estudo foi o estabelecimento de um protocolo de regeneracao e aclimatizacao de plantas de cana-de-acucar de duas cultivares (RB931003 e RB98710) a partir de embrioes somaticos. Para o cultivar RB931003, a concentracao de 0,25 mg L -1 de BAP, foi eficiente e proporcionou a inducao de brotacoes em 80% das massas embriogenicas. Ja para o cultivar RB98710, as maiores porcentagens de inducao de brotacoes foram observadas na ausencia de BAP e na concentracao de 0,25 mg L -1 de BAP, os quais promoveram 70% e 75% de brotacoes nas massas embriogenicas, respectivamente. O meio de cultura MS isento de regulador vegetal apresentou-se adequado para o alongamento e enraizamento das brotacoes e a utilizacao do substrato composto por vermiculita mais os sais do meio de cultura MS foi eficiente na aclimatizacao das plantas de ambos os cultivares analisados. Palavras-chave: Saccharum spp. , 6-benzilaminopurina, cultura de tecidos, embriogenese
A polarization‐based FFT iterative scheme for computing the effective properties of elastic composites with arbitrary contrast

It is recognized that the convergence of FFT‐based iterative schemes used for computing the effective properties of elastic composite materials drastically depends on the contrast between the phases. Particularly, the rate of convergence of the strain‐based iterative scheme strongly decreases when the composites contain very stiff inclusions and the method diverges in the case of rigid inclusions. Reversely, the stress‐based iterative scheme converges rapidly in the case of composites with very stiff or rigid inclusions but leads to low convergence rates when soft inclusions are considered and to divergence for composites containing voids. It follows that the computation of effective properties is costly when the heterogeneous medium contains simultaneously soft and stiff phases. Particularly, the problem of composites containing voids and rigid inclusions cannot be solved by the strain or the stress‐based approaches. In this paper, we propose a new polarization‐based iterative scheme for computing the macroscopic properties of elastic composites with an arbitrary contrast which is nearly as simple as the basic schemes (strain and stress‐based) but which has the ability to compute the overall properties of multiphase composites with arbitrary elastic moduli, as illustrated through several examples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of curcuma xanthorrhiza suplementation in vitamin D3 administration towards proteinuria, serum anti-dsDNA and IL-17 levels on systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) patients with hypovitamin D

Background: Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that plays a role in immunoregulation. Curcumin is also a potential immunomodulator in several autoimmune diseases. Curcumin-vitamin D bonds in VDR have different positions, thus leading to a homologous function with vitamin D and is thought to have a synergic effect if given simultaneously. Aims: To determine the effect of curcumin supplementation in vitamin D3 adminstration towards proteinuria, serum anti-dsDNA and IL-17 levels in SLE patients with hypovitamin D. Method: This study is a double blind randomized controlled trial on active SLE patients with hypovitamin D in the Oupatient Clinic of Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang. This study was held from January 2016-March 2017. Measurement of vitamin D, antidsDNA and IL-17 were carried out using ELISA, while proteinuria was assessed with protein-creatinine ratio (enzymatic-turbidimetric method). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation test and several comparative tests with a significance of p <0.05; which were Wilcoxon, t-test, Saphiro-Wilk normality test, and Levene homogenity variance test. Results: Total of 39 female subjects was divided into 2 groups; 19 in the treatment group (vitamin D+curcumin) and 20 in the control group (vitamin D + placebo). We observed a significant increase in vitamin D, decreased anti-dsDNA, protein-creatinine ratio and IL-17 levels in each group (p 0.05). Vitamin D increase have a significant correlation with anti-dsDNA and IL-17 decrease (R= 0,514; P=0,001 and R= -0,510; P=0,001) Conclusion: Curcumin addition in vitamin D administration have no effect compared with singular vitamin D administration. The increase of vitamin D levels is correlated with anti-dsDNA and IL-17 decrease, which lead to a better improvement of proteinuria.
An integrated model for extending brand based on fuzzy ARAS and ANP methods

Brand extension is one of the most popular strategies in marketing. This is due to the fact that consumers usually take into account the brand first because it indirectly reflects the design, quality, and functions. According to the significant role of brand in creating benefit and diminishing risk for a new product, this study intended to develop a novel model for selecting the most appropriate strategy in brand extension. However, there are a number of criteria influencing the possible strategies, and they often are interdependent. Therefore, a multi-criteria decision making model based on Analytic Network Process and Additive Ratio Assessment methods has been developed to systematically clarify the interdependent relationships among the evaluation criteria of brand extension and then, scientifically evaluate the feasible strategies and rank the priorities of brand extension strategies. The results of the proposed model show that "Production cost" is the most important factor, followed by "Quality of parent brand" and "Perceived risk" while "Ice cream" is the highest satisfaction of brand extension.
Quantifying ionospheric effects on time-domain astrophysics with the Murchison Widefield Array

Refraction and diffraction of incoming radio waves by the ionosphere induce time variability in the angular positions, peak amplitudes and shapes of radio sources, potentially complicating the automated cross-matching and identification of transient and variable radio sources. In this work, we empirically assess the effects of the ionosphere on data taken by the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope. We directly examine 51 h of data observed over 10 nights under quiet geomagnetic conditions (global storm index Kp < 2), analysing the behaviour of short-time-scale angular position and peak flux density variations of around ten thousand unresolved sources. We find that while much of the variation in angular position can be attributed to ionospheric refraction, the characteristic displacements (10–20 arcsec) at 154 MHz are small enough that search radii of 1–2 arcmin should be sufficient for crossmatchingundertypicalconditions.Byexaminingbulktrendsinamplitudevariability,weplace upper limits on the modulation index associated with ionospheric scintillation of 1–3percent for the various nights. For sources fainter than ∼1 Jy, this variation is below the image noise at typical MWA sensitivities. Our results demonstrate that the ionosphere is not a significant impediment to the goals of time-domain science with the MWA at 154 MHz.
Knowledge Spillovers and Output Per Worker: An Industry‐Level Analysis for OECD Countries

This study analyzes the impact of knowledge spillovers on output per worker at the industry level using a primal production function approach. The article makes three different contributions to the international spillovers literature: (1) it identifies trade‐related spillovers under alternative assumptions regarding the information transferred through imports; (2) it explores the importance of horizontal and vertical foreign direct investment (FDI) in knowledge spillovers; and (3) it looks at how institutional factors determine the impact of FDI‐related spillovers on productivity. The main findings of the study are: (1) international knowledge spillover is an important driver of industry output per worker, and the magnitude of this spillover effect varies with alternative assumptions about the information content embodied in imports, while high technology industries benefit significantly more from import‐related knowledge spillovers; and (2) the gains from FDI spillovers are primarily horizontal, but when institutional factors are considered, countries with stronger protection of intellectual property rights and a high “ease of doing business” tend to experience a substantial increase in the effectiveness of both horizontal and vertical FDI‐related spillovers. (JEL E24, F1, F6, O3, O4)
Quiet-Sun inter-network magnetic fields observed in the infrared

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the quiet Sun's magnetic field based on high-resolution infrared spectropolarimetric observations obtained with the Tenerife Infrared Polarimeter (TIP) at the German VTT of the Observatorio del Teide. We observed two very quiet regions at disc centre. The seeing was exceptionally good during both observing runs, being excellent during one of them. In both cases the network was intentionally avoided to the extent possible, to focus the analysis on the characteristics of the weak polarization signals of the inter-network regions. We find that the Stokes V profile of Fe  15648 A line in almost 50% of the pixels and Stokes Q and/or U in 20% of the pixels have a signal above 10 −3 (in units of continuum intensity Ic), which is significantly above the noise level of 2−3 × 10 −4 . This implies that we detect fluxes as low as 2 × 10 15 Mx/px. We find evidence that we have detected most of the net flux that is in principle detectable at 1 �� resolution with the Zeeman effect. The observed linear polarization resulting from the transverse Zeeman effect indicates that the magnetic fields have a broad range of inclinations, although most of the pixels show polarization signatures which imply an inclination of about 20 ◦ . Nearly 30% of the selected V-profiles have irregular shapes with 3 or more lobes, suggesting mixed polarities with different LOS velocity within the resolution element. The profiles are classified using a single value decomposition approach. The spatial distribution of the magnetic signal shows that profiles of different classes (having different velocities, splitting, asymmetries) are clustered together and form patches, close to the spatial resolution in size. Most of the field is found to be located in intergranular lanes. The statistical properties of the mainly inter-network field sampled by these observations are presented, showing that most of the observed fields are weak with relatively few kG features. The field strength distribution peaks at 350 G and has a FWHM of 300 G. Other parameters, such as profile asymmetries, filling factors and line-of-sight velocities are also determined and discussed.
The long and winding road: Experiences of students entering university through transition programs

This article presents outcomes of two studies which focus on the lived experience of transition by students entering higher education in NSW (New South Wales), Australia, from two divergent pathways: Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and a university based enabling program. The studies intersect in two fundamental ways. First, the theoretical foundations (Mezirow’s Transformational Learning Theory and Bourdieu’s Social Capital Theory) which emphasise the role of habits of mind and the habitus respectively in an individual’s life. Second, both studies have identified the primacy of the contribution of education to changing notions of self. The studies have found that successful students reappraise and reimagine their self-identity inclusive of possible future selves. The studies reject deterministic and often deficit models of socio-cultural influences on self-concept, and instead embrace the perspective that adult learning can not only realise, but also build upon latent capabilities, and ultimately that it is an empowering experience for many transitioning students.
Advances in the tracking of marine species: using GPS locations to evaluate satellite track data and a continuous-time movement model

Argos satellite tracking provides information about the large-scale movements of marine species, but the limitations in position accuracy and frequency make it difficult to interpret fine-scale behaviour. With Fastloc global positioning system (GPS) technology, it is now possible to overcome these limitations when tracking diving marine species. We compared differences among archived GPS (GPS), transmitted GPS (GPS-t) and Argos satellite (PTT) tracks acquired simultaneously on 30 northern fur seals Callorhinus ursinus. We examined times and distances between locations, as well as overall trip characteristics (e.g. distance traveled and transit rate). The GPS data were also used to test the accuracy of a continuous-time correlated random walk model created to cope with the spatial error and gap times associated with PTT locations. Significantly more GPS locations per day were acquired than PTT locations (31.6 ± 1.9 vs. 12.0 ± 0.3, respectively), and the GPS locations were more evenly distributed along the track. The influence of data type (GPS, GPS-t, PTT) varied based on the parameter measured, ranging from different among all (e.g. average transit rate) to no significant difference (e.g. maximum distance traveled). Modeling of both PTT and GPS-t data resulted in tracks with over 79% of predicted locations less than 5 km from the GPS location (average location error: 3.2 ± 0.1 and 1.7 ± 0.1 km, respectively). This study demonstrates the added benefit of using GPS to track marine species, as well as how and when modeled PTT data may be sufficient to address study questions.
Preventive effect of black rice antioxidant extract on oxidative stress induced by ethyl alcohol

The present study investigated the black rice ethanolic extract (BREE) protective effect as natural antioxidants against oxidative stress induced by ethyl alcoholic (EA) in male rats. BREE flavonoids and phenols were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 170±2 g, the animals divided into 4 equal groups. The first group was given distilled water (DW) and used as a negative control (NC) group. The second group was administrated EA (6 g/kg bw/day) and used as positive control (PC) group. The other groups of rats were administrated [BREE 125 or 250 mg/kg bw + EA 6 g/kg bw/day]. Blood samples were collected after 10 days. Lipid profile, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and F2-isoprostanes (F2-isoPs) were determined. The results indicate that the rats treated with EA 6 g/kg bw/day showed a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TBA and F2-isoprostanes and significant (p≤0.05) decrease in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), SOD and GSH levels. The rise in serum TC, LDL-C, TBA and F2-isoprostanes were significantly attenuated by BREE 125 or 250 mg/kg bw + EA 6 g/kg bw/day. Also, the levels of serum HDL-C, SOD and GSH in BREE 125 or 250 mg/kg bw + EA 6 g/kg bw/day groups showed a significant (p≤0.05) increase as compared to PC group. The current results ascertained the beneficial effects of BREE in controlling oxidative stress induced by ethyl alcohol in male rats. Key words: Antioxidants, black rice extract, ethanol, oxidative stress, free radicals, F2-isoprostanes, rats.
Building a sense of belonging among tertiary commuter students: The Monash Non-Residential Colleges program

Student engagement at university is significantly influenced by sense of belonging. In 2013, our university developed a novel extra-curricular program designed to foster a sense of belonging in students who commute to university – the Monash Non-Residential Colleges (NRC) program. This study examines whether participation in the Monash NRC program changed students’ perceptions about their university experience and their sense of belonging to the university community. We show that our NRC program appears to be effective in fostering a more positive university experience for students when compared with non-NRC students. Additionally, we demonstrate that our NRC program influenced students’ sense of belonging through increased interaction with peers and staff as well as greater reported attendance on campus.