Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ePubWU Institutional Repository

Th e paper describes an attempt to gain insight into the relationship between cash and futures markets for US lean hogs and EU live pigs, and the opportunity of arbitrage hedging. In doing so, the authors use newer methods of threshold cointegration analysis for time series from 1999 until 2008. Besides the existence of a long-run equilibrium, asymmetric price adjustments can be demonstrated. Th is is especially the case for the EU live pigs, where price variations of the basis are higher and exhibit lower standard deviation. Th e results also perfectly show that cash prices follow the futures market more than the other way round. Furthermore, a grid search has revealed that the residual-based threshold in either market is near zero and therefore coherent with economic interpretation. Th us, at least theoretically, arbitrageurs in those markets are able to exploit the price diff erences between the two markets and reap no-risk monetary benefi t. Hence, the results are in line with the statement that “speculating the basis” generates a better return.
Effects of Growth Stimulator Microbes on Growth and Ions Concentration of Stevia under Salinity Stress Conditions

Soil salinity and water deficit are major problems for development of agricultural production. In this study, effects of growth promoting microorganisms (inoculation with Piriformospora indica and two isolates of Streptomyces sp.) on the leaf yield and absorption rate of some elements in leaves and roots of stevia plant was investigated under salinity conditions for two consecutive years (2016-2017). The fresh and dry weights of the leaves were significantly affected by microorganism and salinity. High salinity level led to sodium accumulation in the root and leaf; while the amount of potassium and K+/Na+ ratio decreased in both root and leaf. The accumulation of phosphorus in both leaf and root was significantly decreased in 3 ds m-1 salinity. Plants exposed to Piriformospora indica and Streptomyces strains, showed lower sodium content in their leaves and roots. In contrast, an increase in the content of potassium and phosphorus was observed in the growth stimulator microbes-treated plants. However, the K+/Na+ ratio in the growth stimulator microbes-treated plants was to some extent lower than its ratio in control plants. In conclusion, P. indica and Streptomyces strains improved the biomass formation of the stevia plant under salinity conditions by controlling the uptake of potassium, phosphorus and sodium.
Local and global convergence in the temporal domain in Polish task-oriented dialogue

Conversational parties tend to mutually adapt their communicative behaviour in a number of dimensions, from the level of physical aspects of speech signal and gesture, utterance properties, up to the level of mental representations. In the present study, an attempt is made to track the process of convergence in the temporal domain both as a global tendency and a local phenomenon. The material under study consists of two sets of task-oriented dialogues recorded with or without eye contact (telephone conversations) between the speakers. All the recordings were segmented into syllables and analysed in terms of speech rate and syllable timing pairwise variability (s nPVI) for each speaker as well as for the correlations between the speakers in each pair. Global convergence tendencies were proven to be weak but some influence of dialogue settings and gender was found. The results seem to support the hypotheses that the alignment-related processes remain under the influence of many factors related to the dialogue flow and cannot be modelled as simply incremental.
An Evaluation of Parental Socio-Demographic Status in Childhood Obesity

Original Research Article Introduction: Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height. The frequency of obesity has been differed potentially from country to country according to the socio-demographic levels. In reducing the increasing incidence of childhood obesity environmental approaches and population-based social strategies should be considered as effective initiatives. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the relation of childhood obesity with parental sociodemographic status of the respective children. Methods: This was a cross sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorder (outdoor unit), Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh in the mentioned hospital were finalized as the study population. Study period Feb-2018 to Jan1019 and Total Study participants was (n=124). More than 18 or less than 3 years‟ old children were excluded from the study. Data was entered, coded, cleaned, and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS), version 20. Results: In our study we found, the highest number, 63 (50.81%) fathers of the participants were business among 124. Then 28 (22.58%) were service, 19 were farming holders which was 15.32%, 11 were day laborer which was 8.87% and only 3 were unemployed which was 2.42% among 124 in total. On the other hand, the highest number, 83 (66.94%) mothers of the participants were housewives among 124. Then 11 were businessmen which were 8.87%, 10 were service holders which was 8.06%, 7 were day farmers which was 5.65% and 13 were day laborer which was 10.48% among 124 in total. In analyzing the family income of the participants we found the highest 58, (46.77%) were from such family whose monthly income was 1, 00,000 – 5, 00,000 BDT per month. Besides this, 37 (29.84%) were from the families whose monthly income was 30,000-10, 0000 BDT per month and only 29 (23.34%) were from the families whose monthly income was less than 30,000 BDT per month. Endocrine causes of obesity where Out of 124 participants 4 was endogenous others120 was exogenous. Out of 124 participants 110 was urban and 14 was rural population. Conclusion: In our study we found monthly family income and family history of the participants as the most potential factors for child obesity. The findings of this study may be helpful for the physicians in treating obese children and in farther related studies.
Study on effect of plant growth regulators on flowering, yield and quality aspects of summer okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Var. Varsha Uphar

The purpose of this study was to carry out a comparative evaluation of the physicochemical properties of A field trial was undertaken during 2014 summer season to determine the “Effect of plant growth regulators on flowering, yield and quality aspects of summer okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Var. Varsha Uphar” at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dapoli. The experiment consisted of three treatments viz, cycocel (200, 400 & 600 ppm), PBZ (150, 250 & 300 ppm) and ethrel (150, 250 & 300 ppm) was sprayed once at 30 DAS. From the results the observations were recorded on various traits and concluded that the lowest days to first flowering and 50 per cent flowering, nodal position of first flower, highest total number of harvestings, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and per hectare, weight of a single fruit, fruit breadth, Vitamin – ‘A’ and crude fiber per cent were recorded most in CCC @ 600 ppm while maximum number of nodes, lowest absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) of plant, fruit length and ascorbic acid were higher in ethrel @ 300 ppm.
Comparison of reconstruction of cement space in resin copings fabricated with the use of a 3D printer in single- and three-unit restorations

Marginal and internal gaps are very important factors in fixed prosthetic restorations. The marginal fit is affected by the cementing process of the restoration. One of the techniques used to create the required space between the prepared tooth and the crown is to use a die spacer. The aim of the current study was to assess the accuracy of reconstruction of the cement space in the resin copings of extracoronal restorations fabricated with the use of the 3D printing technique and compare it in single- and three-unit restorations. After taking impressions from the left maxillary first premolar and first molar teeth of a jaw model, a total of 20 models were prepared with the use of a 3D printer for single-unit and three-unit groups (a total of 120 samples) and cemented on their relevant dies. The samples were sectioned buccolingually. The images of the internal gaps were prepared under a light microscope and evaluated. The values in different groups were compared in relation to marginal and internal fit and analyzed with ANOVA (mixed models). Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Comparison of the accuracy of reconstruction of the cement space in resin copings fabricated with the use of a 3D printer showed that in the single-unit premolar tooth with a presumptive cement space of 45 µm the cement space was 30.45±20.01 µm (P>0.001) at the margin and 36.01±13.52 µm (P>0.001) in the internal area; in the reconstruction of the three-unit molar tooth with a presumptive cement space of 25 µm, the cement space at the margin was 105.97±33.7 µm (P>0.964), with 120.09±63.15 µm (P>0.005) in the internal area. It was concluded from the results of the present study that the accuracy of reconstruction of the cement space in resin copings fabricated with the use of a 3D printer in samples with a larger presumptive cement space was higher than that in samples with a smaller presumptive cement space. The accuracy of the reconstruction of the cement space in resin copings fabricated using a 3D printer in single-unit restorations was higher than that in three-unit restorations.
Differences between the acoustic typology of autonomy-supportive and controlling sentences

The current study was first to describe distinct patterns of prosody that discriminate motivationally laden speech. To do this we applied self-determination theory, a widely used motivational framework. Participants in the US and UK were asked to read out loud either autonomy-supportive sentences (that support choice and volition) or controlling (pressuring and coercive) sentences. Data analyses were conducted using a conservative hierarchical linear modeling approach to account for nesting of sentences within individuals. Across both countries and controlling for gender, autonomy-supportive sentences were read using lower pitch, less intensity, and a slower speech rate than were controlling sentences. Multiple regression analyses showed links between these patterns of prosody for each participant and his or her current level of motivation, providing additional validity to results. Findings inform both the motivation and prosody literatures and offer a first description of how different kinds of motivational speech may sound.
Role Models in Language Learning: Results of a Large-Scale International Survey

Role models can exert considerable influence in shaping individuals’ values, attitudes, and beliefs. A large body of work in the social sciences has investigated the influence of celebrity role models, and in the context of education, several disciplines have a rich research history in this area (e.g. medical education). However, in the context of second language acquisition, research centred on role models has largely remained on the periphery. This study presents a large-scale international survey investigating the role models of English language learners. With data collected from 8,472 participants, analysis investigated whether these learners had English language role models, who the role models were and what characteristics learners valued in them, and investigated systematic variation among subgroups. Results showed that 68 per cent of respondents reported having an English language role model, and four key role model dimensions emerged: overall command of English, paralinguistic features, personal attributes and accent/variety of English. We argue that role modelling may be a highly influential component of the psychological context of second-language acquisition, and conclude by highlighting several valuable areas for future research.
University of Birmingham Muscle and timing-specific functional connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the primary motor cortex

■ The pFC has a crucial role in cognitive control, executive function, and sensory processing. Functional imaging, neuro-physiological, and animal studies provide evidence for a functional connectivity between the dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC) and the primary motor cortex (M1) during free choice but not instructed choice selection tasks. In this study, twin coil, neuro-navigated TMS was used to examine the precise timing of the functional interaction between human left DLPFC and ipsilateral M1 during the execution of a free/specified choice selection task involving the digits of the right hand. In a thumb muscle that was not involved in the task, a conditioning pulse to the left DLPFC enhanced the excitability of the ipsilateral M1 during free selection more than specified selection 100 msec after presentation of the cue; the opposite effect was seen at 75 msec. However, the difference between free and externally specified conditions disappeared when a task-specific muscle was investigated. In this case, the influence from DLPFC was dominated by task involvement rather than mode of selection, suggesting that other processes related to movement execution were also operating. Finally, we show that the effects were spatially specific because they were absent when an adjacent area of DLPFC was stimulated. These results reveal temporally and spatially selective interactions between BA 46 and M1 that are both task and muscle specific. ■
“Role and Outcome of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Different Sinonasal Diseases- A Retrospective Study”

Original Research Article Introduction: The indications for functional endoscopic sinus surgery are recurrent acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis that does not respond to medical therapy. Functional approach is not applicable to all diseases of the Nose and Sinuses. In addition, horizons of Endoscopic Nasal Surgery have grown far beyond FESS and now include other Nasal, Orbital and anterior skull base procedures such as nasal polyposis, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, CSF leak repair, optic nerve decompression. Objective: This study was carried out to observe the role and outcome of endoscopic for different sinonasal diseasess. Study was done in department of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery, Border Guard Hospital, and Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2019 to November 2019. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out to observe the role and outcome of endoscopic for different sinonasal diseases. Study was done in department of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery, Border Guard Hospital, and Dhaka, Bangladesh from March 2019 to November 2019. Sample size 60 (Sixty) patients included. Results: Sixty patients (60) were included retrospectively for this work. Main presenting symptoms of patients were nasal obstruction (78.33%), nasal discharge (73.33%), headache (51.66%) and recurrent sore throat (50%). In this series, minor complications occurred in 13.3% which includes synechiae, haemorrhage, infection and eccymosis of eye. No major complications like CSF leak, retroorbital haemorrhage, blindness were noted. Only 3 cases (5%) had severe haemorrohage. Most of the patients have got complete symptomatic relief, 5 cases had no improvement. Conclusion: It was concluded that functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has provided a safe and efficient method for dealing with different sinonasal disease and can be performed with high success rate for alleviation of symptoms with negligible morbidity.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in medical OPD patients of rheumatoid arthritis in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is high among chronic illness like arthritis to derive additional benefits. Aim and Objective: To examine CAM use among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 100 patients having rheumatoid arthritis reporting to medical OPD of tertiary-care hospital. Patients were asked to respond to a predesigned questionnaire pertaining to demographic profile and CAM usage. Result: CAM use was high among RA (60%) patients more so with longer duration of disease (81.66%). Majority of patients were from rural background (80%) above 40 years age (87%) and were females. Of all, 75% patients took to CAM after anti-rheumatoid drugs and lack of relief was the main reason. Ayurveda was most common type of CAM (35%) used and relatives were the principal source of information (58.33%). Most of the patients (61.66%) of rheumatoid arthritis reported relief with CAM. Conclusion: CAM use is high among RA patients especially in females and patients with longer duration of disease. Lack of benefit from anti-rheumatoid drugs was the main reason of CAM usage. Ayurveda was the most common type of CAM used. Therefore, the outcome of the study calls for the attention of treating physician regarding CAM use as some orally used CAM therapies can be harmful due to possibility of interactions and heavy metals.
Association of adiponectin gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus and carotid artery intima-media thickness

Association of adiponectin gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was investigated by PCR-RFLP. Adiponectin gene Gly15Gly variation (T→G) in exon 2 is correlated with type 2 DM and thickening of carotid artery IMT in the population of Beijing area.
Health-related Quality of Life in Children andAdolescents With Sickle Cell Disease

Objective: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). Design, Setting, and Participants: The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Scales, a multidimensional self-report instrument that has been shown to be valid and reliable for use in children and adolescents with chronic illness, consists of 23 items that assess physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Juanita Conkin Dale, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX. Cindy J. Cochran, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Medical
Enterprise resource planning: making ERP a success

B usiness information systems can be either designed as custom applications or purchased as off-the-shelf standard solutions. The development of custom applications is generally expensive and is often plagued by uncertainties, such as the selection of appropriate development tools, the duration of the development cycle, or the difficulties involved in assessing costs. Thus, empirical surveys have shown that between half to two-thirds of information systems projects fail [3]. The current tendency to shift from individual development to standardized, prepackaged software solutions is therefore not surprising. Yet, standardized ERP systems such as SAP R/3, Oracle Applications, and PeopleSoft have disadvantages, too. Huge storage needs, networking requirements, and training overheads are frequently mentioned ERP problems. However, the scale of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and customization tasks involved in the software implementation process are the major reasons for ERP dissatisfaction [1]. Baan, Peoplesoft, as well as SAP calculate that customers spend between three and seven times more money on ERP implementation and associated services compared to the purchase of the software license. Our own experiences validate that the ratio between ERP implementation efforts and software purchase is approximately 5 to 1. With hardware and software costs rapidly decreasing, that ratio becomes even worse. This high ratio is due to the fact that ERP systems are more or less easy to install, yet users must also determine which goals (strategies) they wish to reach with the system, how the functionality of the system can achieve this, and how to customize, configure, and technically implement the package. If one realizes that SAP’s R/3 solution comprises more than 5,000 different parameters, the complexity of the implementation process will be evident. Inevitably, customization and implementation of ERP systems became an industry on its own. But particularly smalland medium-sized enterprises are not able to pay consultants millions of dollars for ERP implementation. Hence, modeling methods, architectures, and tools have become increasingly popular because they can help to reduce the cost of software implementation and at the same time increase user acceptance of ERP software solutions. Several modeling approaches are possible:
Enterprise resource planning: multisite ERP implementations

H istorically, ERP systems evolved from MRP II systems, which are designed to manage a production facility’s orders, production plans, and inventories. ERP systems integrate inventory data with financial, sales, and human resources data, allowing organizations to price their products, produce financial statements, and manage the resources of people, materials, and money. Implementing ERP systems can be quite straightforward when organizations are simply structured and operate in one or a few locations. But when organizations are structurally complex and geographically dispersed, implementing ERP systems involves difficult, possibly unique, technical and managerial choices and challenges. The complexities of what are often called “multisite” ERP implementations are discussed here. Like all computer-based information systems, multisite ERP implementations can be analyzed in terms of levels or layers (logical versus physical, hardware versus software). At each level there are different choices to make and different criteria for evaluating the alternatives. However, the layers are interdependent: Choices at one level may limit the available choices or affect the performance of the system at another level. Therefore, organizations are generally advised to start planning multisite ERP implementations at the strategic level before proceeding to the technical (software and hardware) levels. In practice, however, the sheer size and scale of such implementations may encourage organizations to tackle the layers MULTISITE ERP IMPLEMENTATIONS
Comparison on therapeutic effect between TACE combined with radiofrequency ablation and TACE combined with psychro-circulation percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and TACE combined with psychro-circulation percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Fifty patients with HCC underwent TACE and RFA with Tyko Radinics CooltipTM systerm,while 60 patients underwent TACE and psychro-circulation percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy with ECO-100 system.One month after the treatment,dynamic enhanced CT scanning was performed.Results One month after the treatment,the local control rate of the tumor for TACE combined with RFA or ECO-100 psychro-circulation percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy was 70.00% and 87.67%,respectively.Statistically significant difference existed in the rate of complete tumor necrosis between the two groups (P0.05). Conclusion Both TACE combine with RFA and TACE combined with ECO-100 psychro-circulation percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy are effective for HCC,the latter can be regarded as an ideal alternative for patients who failed to respond to TACE alone.