Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new Liu-type estimator for the Inverse Gaussian Regression Model

ABSTRACT The Inverse Gaussian Regression Model (IGRM) is used when the response variable is positively skewed and follows the inverse Gaussian distribution. In this article, we propose a Liu-type estimator to combat multicollinearity in the IGRM. The variance of the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) is overstated due to the presence of severe multicollinearity. Moreover, some estimation methods are suggested to estimate the optimal value of the shrinkage parameter. The performance of the proposed estimator is compared with the MLE and some other existing estimators in the sense of mean squared error through Monte Carlo simulation and different real-life applications. Under certain conditions, it is concluded that the proposed estimator is superior to the MLE, ridge, and Liu estimator.
Different No More: Country Spreads in Advanced and Emerging Economies

Interest-rate spreads fluctuate widely across time and countries. We characterize their behavior using some 3,200 quarterly observations for 21 advanced and 17 emerging economies since the early 1990s. Before the financial crisis, spreads are 10 times more volatile in emerging economies than in advanced economies. Since 2008, the behavior of spreads has converged across country groups, largely because it has adjusted in advanced economies. We also provide evidence on the transmission of spread shocks and find it similar across sample periods and country groups. Spread shocks have become a more important source of output fluctuations in advanced economies after 2008.
Youth reproductive health in Ethiopia.

It is within this context that the Foundation has funded this in-depth analysis of the 2000 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data relating to adolescents and young adults. The objective of this analysis is to develop a comprehensive report on the fertility family planning and health behavior of adolescent and young adults in Ethiopia. We believe that this study will provide valuable information on what kinds of services are needed and where so that appropriate programs can be developed to respond to these needs. (authors)
Kinetic Study of Waste-derived Solid Hydroxy Sodalite Catalyst during Transesterification of Animal Fat Oil to Biodiesel in a Batch Reactor

Kinetic studies of heterogeneous catalytic reactions form a crucial step necessary for the understanding of catalytic behaviour of a catalyst towards designing, controlling and optimizing a reactor. This study reports kinetics of waste animal fat oil (AFO) transesterification to biodiesel using waste-derived heterogeneous catalyst, hydroxy sodalite (HSOD) in a batch reactor. The catalyst was synthesized from coal fly ash and waste industrial brine via hydrothermal treatment. At a temperature range of 49 - 62 °C and a time range of 30 -120 minutes, the transesterification of animal fat oil to biodiesel was conducted at a fixed methanol/oil mass proportion 9:1, percent mass weight of catalyst 3 (based on the AFO) and stirring intensity of 300-500 rpm. Experimental findings reveal that reaction rate, which is first-order, was anticipated to increase with increasing temperature, resulted in an activation energy and a pre-exponential factor of 58554.65 J mol-1 and 2.83 min-1, respectively. The value of the activation energy suggests that the reaction is endothermic and a minimum energy of 58.55 kJ is required to achieve an effective collision at a frequency of 2.83 min-1. The highest biodiesel yield was 90 % at 62 °C and this corresponds to a highest AFO conversion of 93 % at a reaction time of 120 minutes.
Economics of Rubber Production in Jhapa, Nepal

A study was conducted to examine cost structure and economic feasibility of rubber production in Jhapa district. It also aimed to assess determinants of increment in acreage of rubber cultivation in the study area. A total of sixty two rubber growers were selected by simple random sampling and interviewed with pre-tested semi structured schedule on the month of March, 2019. Study revealed that the total cost of natural rubber production per hectare of rubber orchard was 499774.8 NRs. /year. It was found to be economically viable and cost effective as indicated by satisfactory values of Benefit Cost Ratio (1.5), Net Present Value of NRs. 686547 at a discount rate of 12 percent and Internal Rate of Return 18 percent. Probit model revealed that trainings received, experience of rubber farming, ethnicity and membership in community organizations were significant factors that positively affected farmers' decision in expanding rubber cultivation area. Received trainings solely could increase probability of acreage increment by 36.9 percent. Thus, it is recommended that extension services like training, farmers' field school, and farm visits should be intensified for increment of profitability from rubber farming in Jhapa, Nepal.
ACE gene Polymorphism on Diabetic Type 2 Patients and their Susceptibility to Diabetic Nephropathy

One of diabetic type 2 (T2D) complications is diabetic nephropathy, the glycated hemoglobin, poor diabetic control, are considered as risk factors for renal damage. current study aim the I/D polymorphism ACE gene and serum ACE levels may increase the diabetic nephropathy complications susceptibility in a sample population of Al-Najaf in Iraq. a total of 90 T2D patients(about 32 without nephropathy and 58 with nephropathy) and 50 healthy persons, all groups age were>45years old. The ACE I/D polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using special primers, followed by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gel. we record significant differences between the ACE I/D polymorphism in T2D and control was (P < 0.01). the DD genotype of ACE I/D polymorphism the risk for T2D increased (OR=7.2 fold), as well as, the carriers D allele, the risk (OR=0.55). also T2D patients had a significantly higher level in ACE in diabetic nephropathy(DN) and lower level in T2D without nephropathy if compared with controls (P < 0.01). Our evident show the carriers DD genotype had more serum ACE levels than carriers II genotype in T2D.
Studying the Relation between Mental Adjustment to Cancer and Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Health-related quality of life in cancer patients has been interested to researchers in the domain of health in recent decades. Mental adjustment to cancer is a concept known as an important indicator of life quality, well-being and health of cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to examine the relation between mental adjustment to cancer and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among some women with breast cancer. Methods: 100 patients were non-randomly selected from hospitals and oncology clinics in Kermanshah and Shiraz cities, Iran. These patients completed the functional assessment of cancer treatment-breast (FACT-B) in order to measure HRQoL and mini-mental adjustment to cancer questionnaire (Mini-MAC). Data were analyzed by using correlation and regression. Results: The results show that helplessness/hopelessness (58%), fighting spirit (40%), fatalism (33%) and preoccupation anxiety (18%) explain the variance of HRQoL. Conclusions: According to the findings, there is no relation between cognitive avoidance styles and HRQoL, and it can be concluded that coping styles helplessness/hopelessness and fighting spirit are the best predictors of HRQoL in patients with breast cancer. Consequently, the evaluation of the coping styles and emergency interventions in order to enhance coping with illness in cancer patients, decrease the sense of helplessness/hopelessness and anxiety are recommended, which in turn are accompanied by
An exploration of fall-related, psychosocial variables in people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen

Introduction Psychosocial contributors to fall risk for people with multiple sclerosis are often overlooked in falls prevention practice. This study explored several fall-related, psychosocial variables and their association with falls self-efficacy in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis reporting a fall. Method A cross-sectional, structured telephone survey was employed. The survey explored socio-demographics, multiple sclerosis characteristics, and fall-related psychosocial variables. Multiple linear regression was employed to investigate associations with Falls Efficacy Scale – International scores. Results The mean Falls Efficacy Scale – International score for 140 participants was 38.14(SD = 10.16), and the mean Falls Control Scale score was 5.38(SD = 2.22). Fear of falling was expressed by 129 (92%) participants, with 111 (79%) reporting associated activity curtailment. A regression model including six predictors explained 47% of the variance in the Falls Efficacy Scale – International scores. Results of the multiple linear regression showed that fear of falling, associated activity curtailment, balance interference, falls control, and health status were associated with falls self-efficacy. Conclusion Fear of falling and associated activity curtailment, low falls self-efficacy, and compromised falls control are common among people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen. These fall-related psychosocial variables are distinct and each warrants attention during assessment. Findings suggest that falls self-efficacy among people with multiple sclerosis who have fallen is a complex construct associated with physical and psychosocial factors.
Basin Evolution and Shale Tectonics on an Obliquely Convergent Margin: The Bahia Basin, Offshore Colombian Caribbean

Oblique convergent margins accumulate strike‐slip deformation that controls basin formation and evolution. The Bahia Basin is located offshore, proximal to major strike‐slip fault systems that affect northern Colombia. It lies behind the toe of the modern accretionary prism, where the Caribbean Plate is being subducted obliquely beneath South America. This is the first attempt using 3‐D seismic reflection data to interpret a complex strike‐slip basin at the western end of the southern margin of the Caribbean Plate. Detailed 2‐D and 3‐D seismic mapping of regional unconformities and faults is used to describe the structural geometry, timing, and evolution of extensional and strike‐slip faults, which controlled the formation of the basin. Analysis of the fault zones is coupled with a description of the seismic‐stratigraphic units observed within the Bahia Basin to reconstruct the spatial and temporal evolution of deformation and to evaluate the influence of the pervasive shale tectonics observed in the area. The results, presented as a series of structural‐paleogeographic maps, illustrate an initial stage of transtension that controlled the formation of shale‐withdrawal minibasins from late Oligocene to late Miocene times. The continuous deformation and northward expulsion of the Santa Marta Massif resulted in transpression during Pliocene times, leading to basin inversion and ultimate closure of the basin. Basin evolution along the southern Caribbean oblique, convergent margin, shows the occurrence of a complex interaction between subduction and major‐onshore strike‐slip fault systems and illustrates how strain‐partitioning led to the break‐up and lateral displacement of early accretionary prisms formed along the margin.
Consumption of fish and seafood by pregnant Polish women and the supply of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid from these products

Background. fish and seafood are the main source of docosahexaenoic acid (dHa) and eicosapentaenoic acid (epa) in the diet. there is no available data concerning the intake of fish and seafood by pregnant polish women. Objectives. the purpose of the study was to analyze the consumption of fish and seafood by pregnant women and to estimate the daily supply of dHa and epa provided by these products. Material and methods. a fish and seafood intake questionnaire was given to 204 full-term pregnant women. Results. 23% of the surveyed women did not eat any fish during pregnancy; 58% ate fish once a week or once every two weeks; 19% of pregnant women ate fish 2–3 times a week; only 5% of respondents ate seafood. the surveyed pregnant women recorded a total of 0.28 (range 0–1.9) g dHa per day and 0.131 (range 0–1.16) g epa per day from the supply of fish in their diet. the recommended daily requirement varies depending on the source: for dHa (0.2 g/day or 0.6 g/day) and for epa (0.22 g/day); thus, 52% or even 86% and 80% of surveyed women, respectively, obtained through their diet of fish and seafood less than the recommended daily intake of dHa and epa. Conclusions. fish and seafood consumption during pregnancy is either low or rare. the amount of fish and seafood in the diet of pregnant women does not meet the daily requirement for docohexaenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. dietary modifications in pregnancy are strongly advised in order to prevent a deficiency of dHa and epa.
Predictions on structural, electronic, optical and thermal properties of lithium niobate via first-principle computations

ABSTRACT In this work, we present our predictions on lithium niobate LiNbO3 concerning its structural, electronics, thermal and optical properties. These predictions are done by means of first-principles calculations performed within the full potential linearised augmented plane wave plus local orbital (APW + lo) approach designed within the density functional theory (DFT). The generalised gradient approximation (GGA), to appraise the electron exchange–correlation, parameterised by Perdew–Burke and Ernzerhof is implemented. From our calculations, optimised results for lattice parameters are obtained by optimising the volume of the simulated hexagonal unit cell of lithium niobate. Our computed results for structural parameters are consistent with the data reported in the literature. On the other hand, for the better description of the band structure/energy band gap, calculations of the band structure are performed, as well, at the level of GGA-mBJ with and without the inclusion of spin–orbit coupling effect. Our calculations of electronic band structure and density of states (DOS) show that LiNbO3 is a direct and wide bandgap material as the transition is found to be along (Γ-Γ) symmetry direction with numerical value about 4.084 eV. However, no significant influence of the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is noted on the band gap energy. Furthermore, optical parameters like dielectric function, anisotropy, refractive index, birefringence, extinction and absorption coefficients, optical conductivity and the energy loss spectrum (EELS) have also been calculated for an energy range, 0–40 eV. Similarly, by employing the ‘Debye Quasi-Harmonic Model’ crucial thermal parameters of the LiNbO3 are predicted.
Vortex competition in coastal outflows

Experiments and field observations have shown that there are at least two modes of behavior for river plumes. In many cases, the plume turns to the right (in the Northern Hemisphere) on leaving the river mouth and follows the direction of Kelvin-wave propagation. Alternatively, a “bulge” can form in the plume and a fraction of the outflow volume becomes trapped near the mouth. This paper discusses how bulge formation can be affected by the vorticity profile at the river mouth. Due to the image effect, regions of cyclonic vorticity tend to propagate rightwards, whereas regions of anticyclonic vorticity propagate leftward upon exit from the source. If an outflow consists of regions of cyclonic vorticity to the left of regions of anticyclonic vorticity, the two image effects are in competition. We explore this phenomenon using a quasi-geostrophic model with piecewise-constant potential vorticity, which allows the vorticity profile at the source to be set as part of the problem. We present analytic solutions valid in the source region and at the head of the plume and show that all of the outflow travels rightwards if and only if the region of cyclonic vorticity is dominant. The initial-value problem for the model is integrated numerically using the method of contour dynamics, and the full parameter space is explored. We find that if the cyclonic and anticyclonic contributions cancel, as in the experiments of Avicola and Huq (2003), then steady solutions are unstable and a bulge can form downstream of the river mouth.
IMPACT OF PATIENT COUNSELLING ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Hypertension is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and proper assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) factors are helpful in its management. Our aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among hypertensive patients and the impact of patient counselling on the same. Methods: A prospective study was conducted among hypertensive patients from November 2015 to April 2016. Suitably designed and validated KAP questionnaire was used to evaluate the baseline KAP score. Patient information leaflets were provided after counselling. After 3 mo patients were followed up and their KAP scores were reassessed and data were analysed. Results: Before the intervention, the mean score±SD of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 11.76(SD±4.58); 5.14(SD±2.13); 9.26(SD±1.66) which increased to 14.29(SD±2.95); 5.74(SD±1.39); 10.32(SD±1.33) respectively after the intervention. Conclusion: Our study suggests that pharmacist mediated counselling plays a vital role in improving patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards the disease management
Estimation of Sea Ice Thickness from SARAL/AltiKa in Drifting Orbit Phase

Abstract Intra and inter-annual variations in the sea ice thickness are highly sensitive indicators of climatic variations undergoing in the earth’s atmosphere and oceans. This paper describes the method of estimating sea ice thickness using radar waveforms data acquired by SARAL/Altika mission during its drifting orbit phase from July 2016 onwards yielding spatially dense data coverage. Based on statistical analysis of return echoes, classification of the surface has been carried out in three different types, viz. floe, lead and mixed. Time delay correction methods were suitably selected and implemented to make corrections in altimetric range measurements and thereby freeboard. By assuming hydrostatic equilibrium, freeboard data were converted into sea ice thickness. Results show that sea ice thickness varies from 4 to 5 m near ice shelves and 1 to 2.5 m in the marginal sea ice regions. Freeboard and sea ice thickness estimates were also validated using NASA’s Operation Ice Bridge (OIB) datasets. Freeboard measurements show very high correlation (0.97) having RMSE of 0.13. Overestimation of approximately 1–2 m observed in the sea ice thickness, which could be attributed to distance between AltiKa footprint and OIB locations. Moreover, sensitivity analysis shows that snow depth and snow density over sea ice play crucial role in the estimation of sea ice thickness.
Incidence of Tinea capitis among school age children in Runjin Sambo Area of Sokoto State

The Investigations were carried out on incidence of dermatophytes infection among primary school children in Runjin sambo area of Sokoto state, Nigeria. Two methods of identification were used for this study microscopy and culture method.The result from our finding showed that 40.0% of the children were found to be infected by the disease. Four 4 species of fungi were associated with the infections. They are Trichophyton rubrum which appears twice both male and female, Trichophyton megninii and Trichophyton tonsurans.the infection was common among the male than the females and found to be frequent among children between the ages of 7 - 10 years. The sources of infection among the school children in this area were found to be the soil and domestic animals. The children and their teachers were not aware of the existence of disease; hence infected children represent a persistent and hidden source of infection. Conclusively, personal cleanness and health education should be mounted in the study area as preventive measures.
Molecular differentiation of Turkish and Common hazels (Corylus colurna L. and Corylus avellana L.) using multiplexed nuclear microsatellite markers

Corylus colurna is considered as important tree species under climate change for dry and warm conditions in Central Europe and was overused because of its valuable wood. Therefore Turkish hazel is now present only in small isolated populations and is protected under IUCN. Genetic conservation of this tree species plays a key role in future sustainable forest development. Turkish hazel co-occurs with Common hazel (C. avellana) in its whole distribution area and may form hybrids. To differentiate between the pure species and their hybrids, cross-species amplifying markers are required. In this study we have evaluated existing simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using altogether 128 samples of C. avellana and C. colurna. Fifteen nuclear SSRs have generated easy to-score alleles in the two species and 13 of them were highly polymorphic. For all 15 markers the mean allele number, average observed heterozygosity, genetic diversity and polymorphism information index were high. The two most polymorphic SSRs were L1.10 and CaT-B501 with 19 and 16 alleles, respectively. Structure analysis proved the differentiation of the two species C. avellana and C. colurna. No hybridization was detected in the analysed populations. Results also indicated that C. colurna from Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor belong to separate groups. Our study presents highly polymorphic, easy to score, ready to use SSR-multiplexes, which can be applied in population genetics and gene conservation studies.
Improving the Quality of Evidence on Upper-Limb Prostheses Through the Standardization of Outcome Measurement

This commentary discusses the challenges in conducting systematic reviews of studies comparing upper-limb prostheses given the wide variety of outcome measures used in scientific research. The paper calls for the use of a standardized brief core set of validated outcomemeasures. A culture change is needed to facilitate widespread adoption of a standardized core set in all routine clinical encounters and research studies. The result will be critically needed data to enable comparison of outcomes of different prosthesis types and components, and ultimately, stronger scientific evidence to assist in clinical and policy decision making. (J Prosthet Orthot. 2017;29:P21–P24)
An open-label study of rovalpituzumab tesirine in patients with DLL3-expressing advanced solid tumors.

TPS2597Background: Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) is an inhibitory ligand of the Notch receptor family. It is highly expressed in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell NEC (LCNEC), but is not expressed in normal tissue. DLL3 is expressed in melanoma, glioblastoma (GBM), neuroendocrine prostate, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), and other solid cancers. Rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T™) is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting DLL3, composed of a DLL3-specific IgG1 monoclonal antibody joined to a toxic DNA cross-linking agent by a cleavable linker. Rova-T binds to DLL3 on target-expressing cells, is internalized and cleaved, releasing the toxin to induce cell death. A Phase 1 study of Rova-T in SCLC showed encouraging antitumor activity in DLL3-high patients (pts), and was well-tolerated (Rudin et al., Lancet Oncol, 2016). As novel therapies are needed for multiple cancers that express DLL3, Rova-T may be effective in these tumors. Methods: This is a P.