Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge: A Systematic Literature Review

In February 2020, the governing bodies of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) announced the decision to change Step 1 score reporting from a three-digit system to pass/fail designation. Previous studies theorized that Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) will become the numerical standard by which residency directors can quickly sort through program applicants. The goal of this study is to review prior research and identify significant factors associated with Step 2 CK outcomes. A systematic literature search on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC that included articles published between 2005 and 2015 was conducted using the keywords “USMLE,” “Step 2 CK,” “score,” “success,” and “predictors. ” After screening the initial search yield of 3,239 articles, 52 articles were included for this review. Positively correlated factors included Step 1 score, clinical block grades, Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA), Comprehensive Clinical Science Examination (CCSE), and volunteerism. Factors such as clerkship sequence and pass/fail grading failed to correlate with Step 2 CK. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score (p < 0.01) and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) (p = 0.01) positively correlated, while age displayed a negative correlation. Additionally, females typically scored higher on Step 2 CK than their male peers. The study findings suggest that continuous learning and academic success throughout medical school positively influence eventual Step 2 CK scoring. Performance on USMLE practice examinations, Step 1, and clinical evaluations serve as positive predictors for Step 2 CK scores. Interestingly, changing answers and spending more time on each question during the examination were associated with higher scores.
Delegation, Compliance, and Judicial Decision Making in the Court of Justice of the European Union

Courts regularly delegate tasks to individual or small subsets of judges. While a substantial literature addresses delegation in the context of American courts, less is known about why and how courts delegate from a comparative perspective. With many of the world’s high courts using panel systems (also known as “chambers”) by which the court delegates cases to subsets of judges, this limitation of the extant literature leaves a number of empirical and theoretical questions unanswered. We argue that the threat of noncompliance presents one factor influencing a court’s delegation of cases to panels. From our expectation that a court will not delegate cases with a greater risk for noncompliance to panels, we then derive empirical implications for case disposition and a court’s willingness to rule contrary to the legal merits in a case. We analyze panel usage at the Court of Justice of the European Union to support our account.
Energy Use Efficiency of Sugar Cane Production in the Central Clay Plain of Kenana Area

Sugarcane is one of the strategic cash crops in Sudan for production of sugar and other products for local consumption and export. The objective of this research study was to investigate and calculate the amounts of energy used in sugarcane production, to evaluate the energy use efficiency at Kenana Sugarcane Company. Data were collected from this company and literature to compute the required energy parameters. The results indicated that total energy input was 85496.6 MJha-1 and total energy output was 112812 MJha-1 and urea fertilizer energy used in sugarcane production systems had the highest share with 37.0 percent, followed by electricity for irrigation pumps, diesel fuel and seed cuttings used, as 17.1, 15.5 and 13.4 percent energy respectively. The energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, renewable energy and non-renewable energy of sugarcane production were 1.31, 1.10 KgMJ-1, 0.91 MJkg-1, 19989.2 MJha-1, 65507.4 MJha-1 and 26980 MJha-1 respectively. The energy use efficiency of sugarcane production shows value higher than one, so the system earned energy for sugarcane production in Kenana-Sudan.
Fluence rate differences in photodynamic therapy efficacy and activation of immune checkpoints of murine colorectal cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for colorectal cancer owing to its high selectivity and limited systemic side effects. However, the true potential of PDT for therapeutic applications against tumors hasn’t been realized partly due to the complexity of PDT regimen. In the present study, we examine the efficacy of different fluence rates of hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD)-mediated PDT to predict long-term control rates of murine CT26 colorectal cancer. We further show how variation in the expression of immune checkpoints in the response of HpD-PDT at different fluence rates. Tumor-bearing mice were injected with 5 mg/kg HpD and subjected 48 h later to an 80 J/cm2 red light dose administered at fluence rates of 10, 50, and 100 mW/cm2. The expression of immune checkpoints（PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3）on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes was measured 10 days after PDT. Mice treated with fluence rates of 10 and 50 mW/cm2 exhibited significantly longer survival than those treated at 100mW/cm2. Immune checkpoints on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells were upregulated following PDT. Tumors treated with fluence rate of 10 mW/cm2 showed a significant increase of immune checkpoints on CD8+ T cells than those treated at 50 and 100 mW/cm2. Low light fluence rate results in significant tumor control and immune checkpoints upregulation. Improved tumor control could be expected by reducing the rate and combining checkpoint inhibitors with PDT using low fluence rate. Our data establish a correlation between activation of immune checkpoint and fluence rate and show the potential to combine PDT with checkpoint inhibitors.
Effects of Phase Feeding Different Levels of Fungus Myceliated Grain on Broiler Performance and Health

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of phase feeding a combination of 3 different medicinal mushrooms (Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus) via Fungus Myceliated Grain (FMG) on broiler performance and health after natural and experimental exposure to field strains of Eimeria. A total of 300, day-of-hatch, female broiler chickens were weighed and randomly assigned into the following dietary treatment conditions: 1) 1 % starter, 2) 1 % grower, 3) 1 % starter-grower-finisher, 4) 5% starter, 5) 5% grower, 6) 5% startergrower-finisher, 7) 10% starter, 8) 10% grower and 9) 10% starter-grower-finisher. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 10 chickens per replicate. Half the broilers in each treatment were challenged with a mixture of three pathogenic Eimeria spp. (E. acervelina, E. maxima and E. tenella) via oral gavage at 4 weeks of age. The body weights of broilers given FMG at the 1% inclusion level were significantly lower compared to broilers in the 5% and 10% starter phase. Eimeria counts for challenged broilers in the 5% grower phase were significantly higher than that of broilers given the 1% and 10% inclusion. Elevations in IgA and IgG levels were observed in the grower phase at the 1% level as well as the starter-grower-finisher phase at the 10% level.
Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Persons with HIV/AIDS, Southern Brazil, 2010–2019

We evaluated disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in HIV patients over 10 years in southern Brazil. The incidence was 12 cases/1,000 hospitalizations (2010–2019); the mortality rate was 35%. Tuberculosis frequently obscured the diagnosis of DH. We emphasize the need in our region to suspect and investigate DH using more sensitive methods.
Do foliar applications of nickel increase urease activity and nutrient levels in pecan leaflets?

Nickel (Ni) deficiency limits the production of pecan. Concentrations of mineral nutrients and urease activity in leaflets of young pecan plants cv. Pawnee were evaluated in response to foliar applications of Ni as Ni sulfate or Ni citrate, or as chelates with EDDHA, EDTA, or DTPA. Significant variations were found in N-total concentration with Ni-EDDHA (27.17 ± 0.98 g/kg) and Ni-sulphate (28 ± 0.89 g/kg), where the latter together with Ni-citrate were high in phosphorus concentrations. Levels of Ni2+ (3.70 mg/kg), Mn2+ (222.73 mg/kg) and Zn2+ (38.69 mg/kg) were all increased in leaflets sprayed with Ni-EDDHA but the Mn2+ concentrations were similar for leaflets sprayed with Ni-sulphate. The Ni-DTPA spray significantly reduced foliar Fe2+ concentration (73.66 ± 3.44 mg/kg). No significant effects of the sprays were observed on the concentrations of total chlorophyll or carotenoids. The plants sprayed with Ni-EDDHA showed significant increases in leaflet area and leaflet dry weight and also in root dry weight. The urease showed maximum activity in leaflets sprayed with Ni-EDDHA, Ni-citrate and Ni-sulphate. This study suggests growers of the pecan should consider foliar sprays of Ni-EDDHA or Ni-sulphate to increase the levels of Ni in their trees if Ni is a growth-limiting factor.
Exposure of α-Synuclein Aggregates to Organotypic Slice Cultures Recapitulates Key Molecular Features of Parkinson's Disease

The accumulation of proteinaceous deposits comprised largely of the α-synuclein protein is one of the main hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Their progressive development coincides with site-specific phosphorylation, oxidative stress and eventually, compromised neuronal function. However, modeling protein aggregate formation in animal or in vitro models has proven notably difficult. Here, we took advantage of a preclinical organotypic brain slice culture model to study α-synuclein aggregate formation ex vivo. We monitored the progressive and gradual changes induced by α-synuclein such as cellular toxicity, autophagy activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular death as well as α-synuclein modification including site-specific phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that organotypic brain slice cultures can be cultured for long periods of time and when cultured in the presence of aggregated α-synuclein, the molecular features of PD are recapitulated. Taken together, this ex vivo model allows for detailed modeling of the molecular features of PD, thus enabling studies on the cumulative effects of α-synuclein in a complex environment. This provides a platform to screen potential disease-modifying therapeutic candidates aimed at impeding α-synuclein aggregation and/or cellular transmission. Moreover, this model provides a robust replacement for in vivo studies that do not include behavioral experiments, thus providing a way to reduce the number of animals used in an accelerated timescale.
Financial Structure Effects on Jordanian Banks Tobin's Q

This study aims to investigate the effect of the ownership structure includes (institutional, government, foreign, managerial, and concentration ownership) which is considered as one of the institutional governance tools, on the financial performance of Jordanian commercial banks as measured in Tobin’s Q. The study population consisted of all Jordanian commercial banks listed at the Amman Stock Exchange. Hypotheses of the study were tested using the multiple regression models. Among the most prominent findings of the study are a significant positive effect of institutional and concentration ownership on Tobin’s Q, while managerial ownership affected negatively on Tobin’s Q. Moreover, there was no effect of government and foreign ownership on Jordanian Banks Tobin's Q.
Discovering the Triad between Nav1.5, Breast Cancer, and the Immune System: A Fundamental Review and Future Perspectives

Nav1.5 is one of the nine voltage-gated sodium channel-alpha subunit (VGSC-α) family members. The Nav1.5 channel typically carries an inward sodium ion current that depolarises the membrane potential during the upstroke of the cardiac action potential. The neonatal isoform of Nav1.5, nNav1.5, is produced via VGSC-α alternative splicing. nNav1.5 is known to potentiate breast cancer metastasis. Despite their well-known biological functions, the immunological perspectives of these channels are poorly explored. The current review has attempted to summarise the triad between Nav1.5 (nNav1.5), breast cancer, and the immune system. To date, there is no such review available that encompasses these three components as most reviews focus on the molecular and pharmacological prospects of Nav1.5. This review is divided into three major subsections: (1) the review highlights the roles of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in potentiating the progression of breast cancer, (2) focuses on the general connection between breast cancer and the immune system, and finally (3) the review emphasises the involvements of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in the functionality of the immune system and the immunogenicity. Compared to the other subsections, section three is pretty unexploited; it would be interesting to study this subsection as it completes the triad.
Interplay of collagen and mast cells in periapical granulomas and periapical cysts: a comparative polarizing microscopic and immunohistochemical study

Objectives This pilot study aimed to establish the interrelationship between collagen and mast cells in periapical granulomas and periapical cysts. Materials and Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on the paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 68 specimens (34 periapical granulomas and 34 periapical cysts). The specimens were stained with picrosirius to observe collagen fiber birefringence and anti-tryptase antibody to evaluate the mast cell count immunohistochemically. The mean number and birefringence of collagen fibers, as well as the mean number of mast cells (total, granulated, and degranulated), and the mean inflammatory cell density were calculated. The data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation test (p < 0.05). Results The mean number of thick collagen fibers was higher in periapical cysts, while that of thin fibers was higher in granulomas (p = 0.00). Cysts emitted orange-yellow to red birefringence, whereas periapical granulomas had predominantly green fibers (p = 0.00). The mean inflammatory cell density was comparable in all groups (p = 0.129). The number of total, degranulated, and granulated mast cells exhibited significant results (p = 0.00) in both groups. Thick cyst fibers showed significant inverse correlations with inflammation and degranulated mast cells (p = 0.041, 0.04 respectively). Conclusions Mast cells and inflammatory cells influenced the nature of collagen fiber formation and its birefringence. This finding may assist in the prediction of the nature, pathogenesis, and biological behavior of periapical lesions.
COMPANY SIZE, MANAGERIAL, INTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DISCLOSURES

The purpose of this study is to empirically prove the effect of firm size, board size, institutional ownership, and managerial ownership on CSR disclosure. The sample in this study were mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2019 using the purposive sampling method. Based on the criteria, there were 67 samples of research data. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive statistical analysis, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis testing. This study shows that, partially, company size, institutional ownership, and managerial ownership do not affect CSR disclosure. Meanwhile, the environmental performance has a positive effect on CSR disclosure
Detection of Extracochlear Electrodes Using Stimulation-Current- Induced Non-Stimulating Electrode Voltage Recordings With Different Electrode Designs

Hypothesis: Stimulation-Current-Induced Non-Stimulating Electrode Voltage Recordings (SCINSEVs) can help detect extracochlear electrodes for a variety of Cochlear Implant (CI) devices. Background: Extracochlear electrodes (EEs) occur in 9 to 13% of cochlear implantations and commonly go unnoticed without imaging. Electrodes on the electrode array located extracochlearly are associated with non-auditory stimulation and a decrease in speech outcomes. We have previously shown that SCINSEVs, with hardware and software from one manufacturer, could detect EEs. Here, we test the generalizability to other manufacturers. Methods: Fresh-frozen human cadaveric heads were implanted with Cochlear Ltd. CI522 (CI-A) and MED-EL's FLEX24 (CI-B) electrodes. Contact impedances and SCIN- SEVs were measured, with Cochlear Ltd. research Custom Sound software (Transimpedance Matrix) and MED-EL's clinical MAESTRO (Impedance Field Telemetry), for full insertion and EEs in air, saline and soft tissue. An automated detection tool was optimized and tested for these implants. Intra-operative SCINSEVs with EEs were collected for clinical purposes for six patients. Results: The pattern of SCINSEVs changed in the transition zone from intracochlear to extracochlear electrodes, even with low contact impedances on EEs. Automated detection in the cadaveric specimens, with two or more EEs in saline or soft tissue, showed a mean 91% sensitivity and specificity for CI-A and 100% sensitivity and specificity for CI-B. Quantification of EEs showed significant correlations of r = 0.69 between estimated and actual EEs for CI-A and r = 0.76 for CI-B. Conclusion: The applicability of SCINSEVs to detect extra- cochlear electrodes could be expanded to other cochlear implant companies despite differences in electrode array design and measurement software.
World development report 2016: Digital dividends

Digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world. Digital dividends—that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies—have lagged behind. In many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery. Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed. For digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access. But greater digital adoption will not be enough. To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements”—by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable. Digital technologies—the internet, mobile phones, and all the other tools to collect, store, analyze, and share information digitally—have spread quickly. More households in developing countries own a mobile phone than have access to electricity or clean water, and nearly 70 percent of the bottom fifth of the population in developing countries own a mobile phone. The number of internet users has more than tripled in a decade—from 1 billion in 2005 to an estimated 3.2 billion at the end of 2015. This means that businesses, people, and governments are more connected than ever before. The digital revolution has brought immediate private benefi ts—easier communication and information, greater convenience, free digital products, and new forms of leisure. It has also created a profound sense of social connectedness and global community. But have massive investments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) generated faster growth, more jobs, and better services? Indeed, are countries reaping sizable digital dividends?
Secondary Schooling, Tertiary Entry Ranks and University Performance

A large proportion of students competing for first year university places are selected on the basis of their Year 12 performance according to the Equivalent National Tertiary Entry Rank (ENTER). The ENTER ranks each student in relation to all other students. Year 12 students strive to achieve the highest ENTER possible, in order to optimise their choice of university and course. Students from Government schools produce lower ENTERs (on average) than students from other types of schools. One also reads, from time to time, that high ENTERs are not a good predictor of university success. This paper examines the situation at the start of the twenty-first century, using Monash University as a case study.
Unreal influence: leveraging AI in influencer marketing

Purpose This paper aims to examine how consumers respond to social media influencers that are created through artificial intelligence (AI) and compares effects to traditional (human) influencers. Design/methodology/approach Across two empirical studies, the authors examine the efficacy of AI social media influencers. With Study 1, the authors establish baseline effects for AI influencers and investigate how social-psychological distance impacts consumer perceptions. The authors also investigate the role of an influencer’s agency – being autonomous or externally managed – to test the boundaries of the results and determine the interactive effects between influencer type and influencer agency. Study 2 acts as an extension and validation of Study 1, whereby the authors provide generalisability and overlay the role of need for uniqueness as a moderated mediator. Findings The authors show that there are similarities and differences in the ways in which consumers view AI and human influencers. Importantly, the authors find no difference in terms of intention to follow or personalisation. This suggests that consumers are equally open to follow an AI or human influencer, and they perceive the level of personalisation provided by either influencer type as similar. Furthermore, while an AI influencer is generally perceived as having lower source trust, they are more likely to evoke word-of-mouth intentions. In understanding these effects, the authors show that social distance mediates the relationship between influencer type and the outcomes the authors investigate. Results also show that AI influencers can have a greater effect on consumers who have a high need for uniqueness. Finally, the authors find that a lack of influencer agency has a detrimental effect. Research limitations/implications The studies investigate consumers’ general response to AI influencers within the context of Instagram, however, future research might examine consumers’ response to posts promoting specific products across a variety of category contexts and within different social media platforms. Practical implications The authors find that in some ways, an AI influencer can be as effective as a human influencer. Indeed, the authors suggest that there may be a spill-over effect from consumer experiences with other AI recommendation systems, meaning that consumers are open to AI influencer recommendations. However, the authors find consistent evidence that AI influencers are trusted less than traditional influencers, hence the authors caution brands from rushing to replace human influencers with their AI counterparts. Originality/value This paper offers novel insight into the increasingly prominent phenomenon of the AI influencer. Specifically, it takes initial steps towards developing understanding as to how consumers respond to AI influencers and contrast these effects with human influencers.