Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the treatment effect heterogeneity of antidepressants in major depression: A Bayesian meta-analysis and simulation study

Background The average treatment effect of antidepressants in major depression was found to be about 2 points on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, which lies below clinical relevance. Here, we searched for evidence of a relevant treatment effect heterogeneity that could justify the usage of antidepressants despite their low average treatment effect. Methods Bayesian meta-analysis of 169 randomized, controlled trials including 58,687 patients. We considered the effect sizes log variability ratio (lnVR) and log coefficient of variation ratio (lnCVR) to analyze the difference in variability of active and placebo response. We used Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses (REMA) for lnVR and lnCVR and fitted a random-effects meta-regression (REMR) model to estimate the treatment effect variability between antidepressants and placebo. Results The variability ratio was found to be very close to 1 in the best fitting models (REMR: 95% highest density interval (HDI) [0.98, 1.02], REMA: 95% HDI [1.00, 1.02]). The between-study standard deviation τ under the REMA with respect to lnVR was found to be low (95% HDI [0.00, 0.02]). Simulations showed that a large treatment effect heterogeneity is only compatible with the data if a strong correlation between placebo response and individual treatment effect is assumed. Conclusions The published data from RCTs on antidepressants for the treatment of major depression is compatible with a near-constant treatment effect. Although it is impossible to rule out a substantial treatment effect heterogeneity, its existence seems rather unlikely. Since the average treatment effect of antidepressants falls short of clinical relevance, the current prescribing practice should be re-evaluated.
Essays in Threshold Regression: Theory and Application

ESSAYS IN THRESHOLD REGRESSION: THEORY AND APPLICATION Chaoyi Chen Advisors: University of Guelph, 2019 Thanasis Stengos, Yiguo Sun This thesis consists of three essays in the threshold regression model regarding both theory and application. Chapter 1 investigates the linear index threshold regression model with endogeneity. We propose a two-step GMM estimation method to estimate the model, which allows both the threshold variable and regressors to be endogenous. We show the consistency of the GMM estimator and derive the asymptotic distribution of the GMM estimator for weakly dependent data. We suggest a test of the exogeneity null hypothesis for both the threshold and the slope regressors. Monte Carlo simulations are used to assess the finite sample performance of our proposed estimator. Finally, we present an empirical application investigating the threshold effect of a linear index between external debt and public debt on economic growth for developing countries. In Chapter 2, we compare the finite sample performance of three non-parametric threshold estimators via the Monte Carlo method. Our results indicate that the finite sample performance of the three estimators is not robust to the position of the threshold level along the distribution of the threshold variable, especially when a structural change occurs at the tail part of the distribution. In Chapter 3, we examine the effect of the Exchange Rate Pass-Through (ERPT) on
Manganese Oxide Nanorods Decorated Table Sugar Derived Carbon as Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst in Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries

Despite its commercial success as a primary battery, Zn-air battery is struggling to sustain a reasonable cycling performance mainly because of the lack of robust bifunctional electrocatalysts which smoothen the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) taking place on its air-cathode. Composites of carbon/manganese oxide have emerged as a potential solution with high catalytic performance; however, the use of non-renewable carbon sources with tedious and non-scalable synthetic methods notably compromised the merit of being low cost. In this work, high quantity of carbon is produced from renewable source of readily available table sugar by a facile room temperature dehydration process, on which manganese oxide nanorods are grown to yield an electrocatalyst of MnOx@AC-S with high oxygen bifunctional catalytic activities. A Zn-air battery with the MnOx@AC-S composite catalyst in its air-cathode delivers a peak power density of 116 mW cm−2 and relatively stable cycling performance over 215 discharge and charge cycles. With decent performance and high synthetic yield achieved for the MnOx@AC-S catalyst form a renewable source, this research sheds light on the advancement of low-cost yet efficient electrocatalyst for the industrialization of rechargeable Zn-air battery.
Robust Machine Learning Systems: Challenges,Current Trends, Perspectives, and the Road Ahead

Currently, machine learning (ML) techniques are at the heart of smart cyber-physical systems (CPS) and Internet-of-Things (IoT). This article discusses various challenges and probable solutions for security attacks on these ML-inspired hardware and software techniques. —Partha Pratim Pande, Washington State University
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Saudi Arabia Community in 2017

Background: Despite the improvements in the health care education of management in KSA, the prevalence of tuberculosis remains alarming. Objectives: Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice among Saudi population regarding pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A multi-center community cross sectional study was assessed among random sample of 2056 adult Saudi subjects from different regions in KSA. All participants filled out a questionnaire that included questions about demographics, awareness, attitude and practice about pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Most of participants (76.8%) had general knowledge about TB disease and only 23.2% haven’t heard about TB before. The majority of Saudi adult (74.9%) have inadequate knowledge about TB and only 25.1% have good knowledge regarding TB. The attitude of respondents about TB was negative among most of them while most of participants had a good practice level but it needs to be increased. There was a significant association between young age and high educational degree with good knowledge about TB. Conclusion: KAP of Saudi population toward TB seems to be facing some challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The awareness, attitude and practice need to be significantly evaluated in different studies to improve control policies for reducing the disease incidence in our society. The prevention of TB and management are based on good knowledge and education of Saudi population thus the health authorities should intensify efforts and arranging specific educational programs about the disease and the consequences of spreading infection among large sector of the population . Also, means of discovery, medication should receive special attention by the governmental medical authorities.
Potentials and Limits of Vegetation Indices With BRDF Signatures for Soil-Noise Resistance and Estimation of Leaf Area Index

Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) is found to be undesirable to estimate Leaf Area Index (LAI) with heterogeneous canopy structure in low vegetation cover. In this article, three new vegetation indices (VIs), such as Normalized Hotspot-Signature Vegetation Index 2 (NHVI2), Hotspot-Signature Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (HSVI), and Hotspot-Signature 2-Band Enhanced Vegetation Index (HEVI2), are proposed for a better quantitative estimation of LAI and soil-noise resistance than with SAVI. To obtain these new indices, the angular index called Normalized Difference between Hotspot and Darkspot (NDHD) is introduced which represents the distribution of foliage in vegetation canopy. The validity of new VIs is statistically verified using simulated data and field measurements. The Discrete Anisotropic Radiative Transfer (DART) model is used to simulate both the homogeneous and heterogeneous canopy for analyzing vegetation isolines behaviors, soil-noise resistance, and LAI estimation. In situ measurements of LAI and bidirectional reflectance factor from the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) are also used to test the robustness of the new VIs for the estimation of LAI. By considering the distribution of the foliage, the accuracy of LAI estimation of SAVI for heterogeneous canopy improved almost 16% using exponential regression analysis. With the improvement of multiangular remote-sensing and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) models in the future, hotspot-signature VIs have the potential to provide a more accurate LAI estimation for heterogeneous canopy in strong soil-noise interference area.
Samuelson on Populist Democracy, Fascist Capitalism, and the Vicissitudes of South American Economic Development (1948-1997)

Paul Samuelson was attracted to the economic dynamics of South American countries because of the links between economic performance and political factors. He discussed the influence of “populist democracy” on Argentina’s relative stagnation, which, he argued in the 1970s and early 1980s, served as a dangerous paradigm for the American economy under stagflation. Moreover, he applied his concept of “capitalist fascism” to deal with military dictatorships in Brazil and (especially) in Chile. The Brazilian translation of his Economics in 1973 brought about a correspondence with Brazilian economists about the “fascist” features of the regime. The main variable behind the South American economic and political processes discussed by Samuelson was inequality, which became also a feature of the American economy since the adoption of market-based policies in the 1980s and after. <br>
Fin whale 40‐Hz calling behavior studied with an acoustic tracking array

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), the second largest baleen whale and an endangered species, occur worldwide and are found in all major oceans (Reilly et al., 2013). Fin whales produce two main types of stereotypical, frequency downswept, high-amplitude, short duration (<1 s) calls, that are known by their primary frequencies as “20-Hz” and “40-Hz” calls (Širovi c, Williams, Kerosky, Wiggins, & Hildebrand, 2013; Watkins, 1981). The 20-Hz calls may have reduced bandwidth of ~1 Hz and also may include higher frequency components at 135–140 Hz (Castellote, Clark, & Lammers, 2012). The 20-Hz calls are the most commonly reported fin whale sound, and may serve a social purpose for establishing and maintaining contact when produced in irregular sequences (Edds-Walton, 1997) or as a reproductive function when produced by males in regular sequences forming song (Croll et al., 2002). The 40-Hz call occurs in irregular sequences and is more common during the summer, but its social context is not well understood (Širovi c et al., 2013; Watkins, 1981). Fin whale dive behavior has been described as two types: short dives of 2–6 min and longer dives of 6–14 min or longer (Goldbogen et al., 2006; Stimpert et al., 2015; Watkins, 1981). Both the 40-Hz call, and single 20-Hz calls, are produced more often during long dives (Stimpert et al., 2015; Watkins, 1981), and at times when several whales are diving near each other. During these dives, sequences of 5–10 calls are produced, apparently by more than one animal, based on the character of the calls. Typically, calls are not produced when fin whales are at the surface, leading to longer time gaps between successive calls in a call sequence. The 20-Hz call source sound pressure level (SL) has been reported as high as 189 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m (rms) (Širovi c, Hildebrand, & Wiggins, 2007; Weirathmueller, Wilcock, & Soule, 2013), allowing the call to be detected at long distances (10s of km) and to be localized and tracked using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) techniques (McDonald, Hildebrand, & Webb, 1995; Soule & Wilcock, 2013; Varga, Wiggins, & Hildebrand, 2018; Weirathmueller et al., 2013; Wilcock, 2012). Call localization allows SLs to be estimated, an important parameter for estimating detection probability and population densities from PAM using distance sampling techniques (Hildebrand et al., 2015; Marques, Thomas, Ward, DiMarzio, & Tyack, 2009), and successive localizations result in tracks, providing Received: 11 March 2019 Accepted: 10 January 2020
FORMULASI DAN UJI EFEK ANTIOKSIDAN GEL EKSTRAK AIR AMPAS KOPI ARABIKA (Coffea arabica L.)

Senyawa antioksidan sangat dibutuhkan oleh tubuh untuk menangkal radikal bebas dari lingkungan, salah satu bahan alam yang mengadung senyawa antioksidan adalah ampas kopi arabika. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat formulasi gel antioksidan dari ekstrak air ampas kopi arabika dan menguji efektivitas antioksidan dari gel yang dihasilkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan Box-Behnken Design dengan 3 faktor (x) (carbopol 940, TEA dan ekstrak ampas kopi) dan 3 level untuk optimasi. % inhibisi yang dihasilkan oleh gel ekstrak ampas kopi arabika rata-rata adalah 32,650%. Model desain quadratic dipilih dalam penelitian karena berpengaruh signifikan terhadap % inhibisi dengan nilai p-value yaitu 0,0013 dan ketidaksignifikan lack of fit dengan F-value 1,24 dan nilai p-value 40,54%. Solusi optimal yang dihasilkan dari Box-Behnken Design adalah dengan formulasi carbopol 940 0,500 gram; TAE 0,600 mL; dan ekstrak 2,408 mL akan menghasilkan inhibisi 39,282% dengan desirability 0,965. Ampas kopi arabika memiliki potensi besar dalam bidang kesehatan sebagai sumber senyawa aktif dalam sedian farmasi.
Foreign Direct Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa: Is Tax Obligation Still an Issue?

This study examines the extent to which three aspects of tax obligations affect foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a panel of 36 countries in SSA from 2005 to 2016 and employing the dynamic system generalized method of moments (GMM) regression approach, the findings show a significant negative impact of all measures of tax obligations. However, the effect of the number of taxes and the time it takes to honour tax obligations are found to have greater negative effect. The findings show that although foreign investors are attracted by natural resources, they still care about the complicated and bureaucratic tax system. This challenges the conventional notion that FDI will always be attracted to and be maintained in Africa as long as there are natural resources. The practical implication is that reducing the number of taxes as well as the time it takes to honour tax obligations should be among the key measures for SSA economies to maintain high stock of FDI. As a contribution, this study provides an important information for the debate on fiscal environment and FDI in Africa.
Causal relationship among transformational leadership, professional learning communities, and teacher collective efficacy

ABSTRACT Through transformational leadership (TL) principals can promote teacher professional learning communities (PLCs) and strengthen teacher collective efficacy (TCE)—both of which research has shown enhance student learning. Less well understood in the literature is how these three critical variables interact. This study aims to close this gap by investigating the causal relationship between TL, TCE, and PLC drawing on 181 surveys from eight schools in one high fluency district that systematically implemented PLCs. Through a SEM analysis, TL is shown to predict both stronger PLCs and TCE, and in turn stronger PLCs are predictive of enhanced TCE. Teasing out these relationships suggests pathways leaders can use to achieve sustained improvement in student learning.
Serum platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity in patients with angiographically established cerebrovascular stenosis

Serum platelet-activating factor acethylhydrolase (PAF-AH)activity was investigated in the group of 32 patients aged 49-80 years with cerebrovascular atherosclerotic changes established angiographically in accordance to the control no-stenosis group of 55 patients aged 44-76 years with normal cerebral arteries on ultrasound examination. PAF-AH activity was measured with spectrophotmetric assay (AZWELL Auto PAF-AH, Osaka, Japan) on an Olympus AU-600 analyzer. Serum PAF-AH activities did not differ significantly between patients group with stenosis and controls (median values 351 U/L vs 380 U/L, p>0.05) and show the most significant relationship with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations in both studied groups
Factors That Influence Nurses’ Work-Family Conflict, Job Satisfaction, and Intention to Leave in a Private Hospital in Turkey

Introduction: Nurses who have difficulty balancing their family role and responsibilities because of intense work pressure tend to leave their current jobs to work in organizations which offer better working conditions, lower workloads, and more managerial support. Objective: This study aimed to determine nurses’ work-family conflict (WFC), job satisfaction, and intention to leave the job in a private hospital. Methods: This descriptive study is based on a methodological and causal research design. The population of the study included 98 nurses working in a private hospital. The research model is tested with structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: Nurses working changing shifts reported statistically higher levels of work-to-family conflict and workload than those consistently working daytime shifts. Managerial support and workload explained 48% of WFC. Work structure alone explained 44% of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction and WFC explained 17% of the variance in intention to leave. Conclusion: Nurses who have difficulty balancing their family roles and responsibilities because of intense work pressure tend to leave their current jobs to work in organizations which offer better working conditions, lower workload, and more managerial support. The work structure of nurses should be reorganized in order to enhance nurses’ job satisfaction.
ESG Performance and Disclosure: A Cross-Country Analysis

We use a unique dataset to examine the link between ESG disclosure and quality through a cross-country comparison of disclosure requirements and stewardship codes. We find a strong relationship between the extent of ESG disclosure and the quality of a firm’s disclosure. Furthermore, we find that ESG is correlated with decreased risk. This result suggests that firms with good ESG scores are simply disclosing more information. Finally, we show that ESG scores have little or no impact on risk-adjusted financial performance.
A Six Year Review of Caesarean Sections at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, South West Nigeria

Caesarean section is one of the most commonly performed major operative procedures. There appears to be an increase in the rate of caesarean delivery in our environment, the safety of the procedure has also improved over decades. However, the procedure is still associated with some complications. The aim of this study was to determine the rate, indications and complications of caesarean sections in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. This was a six year retrospective study of all caesarean deliveries in OOUTH between January 1st 2009 and December 31st 2014. Relevant informationwas retrieved from the medical records and case notes using a purpose designed proforma. The data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS windows version 21. A total of 1390 caesarean section were performed out of 4219 deliveries during the period of review giving a caesarean section rate of 32.9%. The commonest indication was previous caesarean section (25.2%), followed by obstructed labour (17.0%). Maternal complications occurred in 23.1% of the subjects with wound infection being the commonest. Birth asphyxia was the commonest foetal complication. This study demonstrates a high caesarean section rate in OOUTH. Efforts geared towards reducing primary caesarean sections by encouraging instrumental delivery in nulliparous women and improving skills in destructive vaginal delivery for obstructed labour with intrauterine fetal death will assist in reversing the trend.Keywords: Caesarean section rate, Indications, Complications
Distribution of Genes Encoding Toxin, Adhesion, and Antibacterial Resistance Among Various SCC mec Types of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Intensive Care Unit, Tehran, Iran

Background: Most methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections occur in health care settings; therefore, it is important to know about antimicrobial susceptibility, and carriage of virulence genes in S. aureus isolates. Objectives: Thecurrentstudyaimedatdeterminingtheprevalenceof genescodingantimicrobialresistance,toxins,andadhesion factors among various SCC mec types of MRSA isolated from intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: From April 2016 to March 2017, a total of 200 MRSA species were isolated from various clinical samples of patients hospitalized in ICUs. The Kirby-Bauer disk diﬀusion method was employed to determine resistance pattern. Conventional polymerase chainreaction(PCR)assaywasutilizedtodemonstrateantimicrobialresistance,toxins,andadhesiongenes. DiﬀerentSCC mec types of MRSA strains were determine by the multiplex PCR assay. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all the isolates were sensitive to linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin. The frequencyof high-levelmupirocin-resistantMRSAwas5.5%. Thepresenceof resistancegenes ant(4’)-Ia , aac(6’)-Ie / aph(2”) , tetM , msrA , ph(3’)-IIIa , ermA , msrB , ermB , ermC , and mupA were detected 73.5%, 60.5%, 57.5%, 37%, 36.5%, 34.5%, 24%, 17%, 15% and 5.5%, respectively. The most prevalent adhesion genes were clfA (93.5%) followed by clfB (90%), fnbA (81.5%), fnbB (77%), can (51%), ebp (46.5%), and bbp (2.5%). The frequency of etb , eta , pvl , and tst genes were 4.5%, 9.5%, 21.5%, and 61.5%, respectively. Inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (inducible MLSB resistance; iMLS B ), and constitutive MLS B (cMLS B ) phenotypes were observed in 88 (44%) and 26 (13%) isolates. Diﬀerent SCC mec types comprising type III (56.5%), type IV (25%), type II (11%) and type I (7.5%) were identiﬁed among the MRSA strains. threat to patients hospitalized in ICUs. Also, the current study ﬁndings showed that diﬀerent SCC mec types causing nosocomial infections were associated with speciﬁc antimicrobial resistance, adhesion, and toxin gene proﬁles. can ), clumping factor ( clf ), ﬁbronectin