Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Islamic stock indexes outperform conventional stock indexes? A state space modeling approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Islamic stock indexes outperform conventional stock indexes, in terms of informational efficiency and risk, during the recent financial instability period. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a state space model combined with a standard GARCH(1,1) specification while taking into account structural breakpoints. The authors allow for efficiency and volatility spillovers to be time-varying and consider break dates to locate periods of financial instability. Findings Empirical results show that Islamic stock indexes are more volatile than their conventional counterparts and are not totally immune to the global financial crisis. As regards of the informational efficiency, the results show that the Islamic stock indexes are more efficient than the conventional stock indexes. Practical implications Resulting evidence of this paper has several implications for international investors who wish to invest in Islamic and/or conventional stock markets. Policy makers and even academics and Sharias researchers should as well take preventive measures in order to ensure the stability of Islamic stock markets during turmoil periods. Overall, prudent risk management and precocious financial practices are relevant and crucial for both Islamic and conventional financial markets. Originality/value The originality of this study is performed by the use of time-varying models for volatility spillovers and informational efficiency. It considers structural break dates that think about the dynamic effect of informational flows on stock markets. The study was developed in a global framework using international data. The global analysis allows avoiding country specific effects.
Sensory Evaluation, Biochemical, Bioactive and Antioxidant Properties in Fruits of Wild Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Genotypes from Northeastern Türkiye

Wild edible fruits are an important source for agriculture worldwide suffering from genetic erosion due to a severe genetic diversity reduction and domestication hindrance. In Türkiye, underutilized Prunus spinosa fruits are increasingly being considered as genetic resources and are marginally used by small farmers constituting a real safety valve for the sustainability of the processing plum value chain. Fruits of those plum genotypes differ in their biometric, processing and functional quality attributes. In this study, fruits of eight wild grown blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) genotypes were sampled from the Ispir district of the Erzurum province and subjected to sensory, morphological, biochemical and antioxidant characterization. Aroma, taste and juiciness were used as the criteria for sensory analysis, and a trained panel of ten experts established and evaluated the sensory characteristics of the fruits of the blackthorn. Fruit weight, fruit skin and flesh color as L*, a* and b* values were the main morphological parameters. For biochemical and bioactive analysis, organic acids, SSC (Soluble Solid Content), vitamin C, total anthocyanins, total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were determined. Antioxidant capacity was determined by FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. The results indicated significant differences among genotypes for most of the traits. The fruit weight was found between 2.78–3.67 g. The skin L*, a* and b* values were 13.11–16.12, 2.56–3.85 and 2.01–3.44, respectively. The flesh L*, a* and b* values were in the ranges of 17.45–20.37, 4.88–6.73 and 4.12–5.66, respectively. The SSC content ranged from 18.66% to 21.07%. The total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were between 372–504 mg GAE/100 g; 53–72 mg cy-3 g eq./100 g and 107–134 mmol Fe (II) eq./g, respectively. The dominant organic acid was malic acid for all genotypes and varied from 1.04 g/100 g to 1.52 g/100 g fresh weight base. The data showed that the analyzed blackthorns, particularly PS-5, PS-3 and PS-2 had bigger fruits indicate their suitability for fresh and dried consumption, PS-1 and PS-3 had higher juiciness, indicating their suitability for processing, and PS-4 and PS-6 had higher human health promoting compounds (higher total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity), making them suitable for future use as functional foods and as promising sources of natural antioxidants.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with HIV in Accra and Kumasi Metropolis

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is RNA virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In Ghana the AIDS epidemic is spreading very fast in densely populated areas with higher numbers of cases occurring in the southern regions especially the densely populated capitals such as Kumasi, Koforidua and Accra as well as mining towns like Obuasi and Tarkwa, and in border towns. Data was collected from Accra and Kumasi on socio-economic backgrounds such as age, sex, education, marital status, household size, among others with a structured questionnaire and analysed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. About 72% females and 28% males were interviewed with close to 74% lying between 22 to 40 age brackets. Also 63% of these completed JHS/Middle school, Seventeen (36.1%) are married people, 15 (31.9%) widowed. Majority of them are Akans who are also Christians with different denominations. Among these people, 20 (42.6%) of them are unemployed, and 3 (6.4%) claimed to be self-employed in various disciplines. Most of them said they use condoms as contraceptives in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Income level of the respondents predominantly lies between GH¢50.00- GH¢450.00 per annum. Some of the interventions for preventing the disease include promoting abstinence and faithfulness, promoting reductions in the number of sexual partners, encouraging delays in the onset of sexual activity among others.
Deep learning for multiple object tracking: a survey

Deep learning has been proved effective in multiple object tracking, which confronts the difficulties of frequent occlusions, confusing appearance, in-and-out objects, and lack of enough labelled data. Recently, deep learning based multi-object tracking methods make a rapid progress from representation learning to network modelling due to the development of deep learning theory and benchmark setup. In this study, the authors summarise and analyse deep learning based multi-object tracking methods which are top-ranked in the public benchmark test. First, they investigate functionality of deep networks in these methods, and classify the methods into three categories as description enhancement using deep features, deep network embedding, and end-to-end deep network construction. Second, they review deep network structures in these methods, and detail the usage and training of these networks for multi-object tracking problem. Through experimental comparison of tracking results in the benchmarks in total and by group, they finally show the effectiveness of deep networks for tracking employed in different manners, and compare the advantages of these networks and their robustness under different tracking conditions. Moreover, they analyse the limitations of current methods, and draw some useful conclusions to facilitate the exploration of new directions for multi-object tracking.
The Effects of Aberrant Responding on Model-Fit Assuming Different Underlying Response Processes

Aberrant responding on tests and surveys has been shown to affect the psychometric properties of scales and the statistical analyses from the use of those scales in cumulative model contexts. This study extends prior research by comparing the effects of four types of aberrant responding on model fit in both cumulative and ideal point model contexts using graded partial credit (GPCM) and generalized graded unfolding (GGUM) models. When fitting models to data, model misfit can be both a function of misspecification and aberrant responding. Results demonstrate how varying levels of aberrant data can severely impact model fit for both cumulative and ideal point data. Specifically, longstring responses have a stronger impact on dimensionality for both ideal point and cumulative data, while random responding tends to have the most negative impact on data model fit according to information criteria (AIC, BIC). The results also indicate that ideal point data models such as GGUM may be able to fit cumulative data as well as the cumulative model itself (GPCM), whereas cumulative data models may not provide sufficient model fit for data simulated using an ideal point model.
Poor sleep quality and stress differentially predict delay discounting for food, but not money, in college students

Early college is a time when eating habits change and subsequent weight gain may occur. Moreover, college students report higher stress levels and poorer sleep quality while enrolled in courses. This study investigated the extent to which stress and sleep quality in college students may be related to delay discounting (DD) for food—a psychological process in which immediate outcomes are preferred over larger, more delayed outcomes. College students (N = 297) completed the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ)—measures of food and monetary DD, respectively. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and measures of subjective hunger, substance use, and demographic variables were also administered. Perceived stress was related to poor sleep quality, alcohol use, substance use, and vaping. Analyses revealed that, when controlling for subjective hunger, perceived stress and poor sleep quality contributed unique variance to food DD, though in opposing directions. Perceived stress uniquely predicted preferences for immediate food, a phenomenon consistent with stress‐induced urgent eating. Poor sleep quality uniquely predicted preferences for larger amounts of delayed food, a pattern consistent with eating later in the day. Stress and sleep quality, when controlling for substance use variables, were unrelated to monetary discounting. Stress and poor sleep quality, then, predict independent and opposing discounting processes in college students that are food‐specific, as opposed to more general cross‐commodity processes.
Association between polymorphism rs6295 of HTR1A serotonin receptor gene and personality traits among athletes of combat sport

HTR1A (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A) and its polymorphic variants are highly important for athletes in different aspects, allowing us to hypothesize their biological influences. Hence, to investigate at least part of the relationship mentioned in the case literature, it was decided to study the association of the selected HTR1A polymorphism with personality traits measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The participants consisted of 250 mixed martial arts (combat sport) athletes and 209 healthy male participants (control group). The personality traits were measured for the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R). Genetic material was isolated from whole blood collected from patients, and then all samples were genotyped using the real-time PCR method. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2 × 3 factorial ANOVA. The research revealed a statistically significant effect of a complex factor of rs6295 of the HTR1A serotonin receptor gene with combat sport/control and with Novelty Seeking (F2,453 = 6.126; p = 0.0024; η2 = 0.026) and Harm Avoidance (F2,453 = 3.709; p = 0.0252; η2 = 0.016). The presence of the HTR1A GG genotype (rs6295) was found to be associated with higher scores in self-management and lower scores in harm avoidance, indicating genetic predispositions in the strength group towards better results in combat sports.
Heterophily or Homophily of Social Media Influencers: The Role of Dual Parasocial Relationships in Impulsive Buying

ABSTRACT The proliferation of social media platforms has empowered social media influencers to trigger impulsive buying behavior among consumers. The effectiveness of social media influencers relies on their ability to establish parasocial relationships with their followers. By leveraging both heterophily and homophily, influencers can cultivate dual parasocial relationships that cater to their followers’ needs for information seeking or affection exchange, thereby influencing impulsive buying. However, little is known about the contribution of dual parasocial relationships to impulsive buying behavior and the competing roles of heterophily (vs. homophily) in fostering different types of parasocial relationships. In line with the two fundamental dimensions of social ties, this study distinguishes between instrumental and expressive parasocial relationships to investigate and compare their effects on impulsive buying behavior. Additionally, we dissect heterophily (vs. homophily) into visible, informational, and value dimensions to investigate their impacts on dual parasocial relationships. The findings reveal that dual parasocial relationships have varying effects on impulsive buying behavior. Furthermore, the three types of heterophily (vs. homophily) exhibit complex and nonlinear impacts on dual parasocial relationships. These insights advance our theoretical understanding of heterophily, homophily, and parasocial relationships in the context of impulsive buying. They also offer practical guidance for social media influencer marketers to develop effective strategies for maintaining relationships with followers, while harnessing the power of both heterophily and homophily.
Impact of a Novel Multi-Specialist Telemedicine Consultation Program Model of Care for Homebound Older Adults

Introduction In 2015, a centralized Multi-Specialist Telemedicine (TM) Consultation Program was established to improve access to specialist care and enhance continuity of care for homebound older adults in Toronto, Canada. Community-dwelling patients were referred to the program by their primary care providers (PCP), treating specialists, and inpatient physicians for specialist-led post-hospital discharge follow-up care. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) thereafter collaborated with hospital-based consulting specialists, utilizing videoconferencing technology to facilitate consultations and follow-up visits for homebound patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study of the overall intervention including patient characteristics and the number/type of consultations provided by analyzing the clinical charts of each enrolled patient. Satisfaction surveys were conducted after five years of program implementation with patients, family caregivers and healthcare providers utilizing paper-based questionnaires administered by members of our research team. Data were analyzed using summary statistics. Results From April 2015 to March 2020, this program supported a total of 216 homebound patients, with an average age of 84 years, and an average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 3.36. Patients received a total of 1,003 consultation and follow-up visits from 42 specialist care providers representing 22 unique clinical specialties. 59 (27%) patients and family caregivers and 22 specialist and primary care providers voluntarily completed satisfaction surveys. 100% of surveyed patients and caregivers reported being very satisfied with the program and 86% of physicians reported that the program enhanced their delivery of patient care. Conclusion Our TM program had a high participation rate and showed promising results in improving the delivery of patient care by centrally facilitating multi-specialist consultations and maintaining continuity of care for homebound older adults in an urban setting, which may have potentially reduced future ED visits. The program also received high satisfaction rates among providers, patients, and caregivers, indicating a positive response to its implementation.
An Investigation on the Origin of Centaurs’ Color–Inclination Relation

Since its discovery, there has been a debate in the past few decades on the origin of the bimodal color distribution of Centaurs. Two theories have been proposed to explain this bimodal color distribution: (1) evolutionary processes resulting in changes of the surface properties of Centaurs, and (2) compositional differences inherited from the source region of Centaurs. Interestingly, Centaurs also show a correlation between their orbital inclinations and colors such that blue and red Centaurs tend to be characterized by high and low inclination distributions, respectively. In this study, these two hypotheses are investigated, and it is found that hypothesis (2) is more likely to be the origin of the color–inclination relation of Centaurs assuming that the scattered Kuiper Belt objects (SKBOs) also have a color–inclination relation, and this relation is statistically preserved when they evolved into Centaurs. This hypothesis is further justified by performing numerical simulations on 158 observed Centaurs and 82 observed SKBOs. Finally, it is suggested that the “outside-in” external photoevaporation happening during the early stage of the solar system might be related to the puzzling color–inclination relation observed in Centaurs and, possibly, other trans-Neptunian object subgroups.
Obstructive Giant Inflammatory Polyp of the Colon in Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory polyps, also known as pseudo-polyps, are a common benign condition affecting 10-20% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic, repeated inflammation and ulceration associated with healing lead to the formation of polyp-like structures in the colon. Although there are no common symptoms accompanying these pseudo-polyps, they can present with anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, intussusception, palpable mass, abdominal pain, discomfort, and melena, not to mention bowel obstruction that happens infrequently. Finally, it is important to recognize giant inflammatory polyps as they may occasionally be mistaken for colon cancer, leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. We present the case of a 38-year-old woman who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 10 years back, treated with oral mesalamine for five years, and had no follow-up after this period. She came to our clinic complaining of recurrent obstructive symptoms for a few months. Examination shows tenderness in the left lower quadrant with normal vital signs and bowel sounds.
Study of ionospheric disturbances during solar flare events using the SuperDARN Hokkaido radar: Study of ionospheric disturbances during solar flare events using the SuperDARN Hokkaido radar

It is well known that many types of ionospheric disturbances occur during solar flare events. The sudden increase in total electron content (SITEC) has been studied for several decades, but total electron content (TEC) data do not provide information on the altitudinal distribution of electron density changes. Previous studies used HF Doppler system data to investigate the contributions of the D-region and F-region ionospheric electron density changes by examining the HF radio wave frequency dependence on the Doppler shift values. In this study we examined the dependence of the elevation angle of the Doppler shift of ground scatter echoes using the SuperDARN Hokkaido radar. We analyzed solar flare events from Dec 2006 to Mar 2012. A sudden fade-out of echoes was observed in almost all the events we analyzed, which was the result of the radio absorption associated with a significant increase in electron density within the D-region ionosphere. In addition, we discovered positive Doppler shifts just before the sudden fade-out of echoes. The Doppler shift is negatively correlated with the elevation angle of received radar waves. It indicates that variation of electron density in the D-region ionosphere is dominant during solar flare events. This result is consistent with a previous study. We also compared the irradiation by X-ray and extreme ultra violet rays observed by the GOES-14 and GOES-15 satellites, which generated Doppler shifts. A positive Doppler shift is consistent with a change of X-ray flux.
History of earthquake studies in Russia

To evaluate the completeness of modern knowledge on historical seismicity it is necessary to know the general geopolitical and socio-cultural background in the country. It determines the possibility to record the evidence of an earthquake and conserve the record in original form for a long time-period. The potential duration of historical earthquake study in Russia is assessed based on these considerations. Certain stages of earthquake study in Russia have been detected. Specific problems of seismicity studies of low active areas are discussed as an example of Russian platform. The value of each (even moderate magnitude) event becomes crucial for seismic hazard assessment in such territories. A correct identification of event nature (tectonic earthquake or exogenous phenomena ‐ landslides, karsts, etc.) is practically impossible without using primary sources with detailed descriptions. Occurrence of modern earthquakes can be used to assess the accuracy of historical seismicity knowledge.
C9ORF72 Gene GGGGCC Hexanucleotide Expansion: A High Clinical Variability from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to Frontotemporal Dementia

The expanded GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat (HRE) in the non-coding region of the C9ORF72 gene (C9ORF72-HRE) is the most common genetic cause of familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), FTD, and concurrent ALS and FTD (ALS-FTD), in addition to contributing to the sporadic forms of these diseases. Both syndromes overlap not only genetically, but also sharing similar clinical and neuropathological findings, being considered as a spectrum. In this paper we describe the clinical-genetic findings in a Basque family with different manifestations within the spectrum, our difficulties in reaching the diagnosis, and a narrative review, carried out as a consequence, of the main features associated with C9ORF72-HRE. Family members underwent a detailed clinical assessment, neurological examination, and genetic analysis by repeat-primed PCR. We studied 10 relatives of a symptomatic carrier of the C9ORF72-HRE expansion. Two of them presented the expansion in the pathological range, one of them was symptomatic whereas the other one remained asymptomatic at 72 years. Given the great intrafamilial clinical variability of C9ORF72-HRE, the characterization of patients and family members with particular clinical and genetic subgroups within ALS and FTD becomes a bottleneck for medication development, in particular for genetically focused medicines for ALS and FTD.