Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry to Assess Hearing Loss in High Risk Children Below 5 Years

Early detection of hearing loss and intervention is very important for the development of normal speech and language. In India, 63 million people (6.3%) suffer from significant auditory loss. Four in every 1000 children suffer from severe to profound hearing loss. With over 100,000 babies that are born with hearing deficiency every year approximately 50% of all cases of congenital hearing loss are attributable to environmental factors such as congenital hyperbilirubinemia, ototoxic medication exposure, neonatal hypoxia, viral infections, and meningitis. The other 50% of cases are thought to be inherited, i.e., of genetic causes. Of these hereditary cases approximately 30% are classified as syndromic [1]. In a developing country like India newborn hearing screening is yet to be implemented. Joint committee on infant hearing recommends BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry) technology as the only appropriate screening technique for use in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) (Figures 1-3). For infants who do not pass BERA testing in the NICU referral should be made directly to an audiologist for rescreening and when indicated comprehensive evaluation including diagnostic BERA should be done [2]. BERA is a far-field recording of the synchronized response of numerous neurons in the auditory pathway within the brainstem. BERA was first described by Sohmer and Feinmesser in 1967. It reflects neural activity generated at the level of the brainstem because of which it is not strongly affected by attention, sleep, or sedation [3]. Abstract
Cultural, morphological and pathogenic variability among the different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri

Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop, which belongs to family Leguminaceae, chickpea having 2n=16 number of chromosomes. Chickpea is native of India and tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. It is ranked 3 rd after common bean. Pulses play an important role not only from economical point of view but also due to their nutritional value. Chickpea is valued for their nutritive seeds with high protein content, 25.3-28.9 per cent after dehulling. Carbohydrate 61.5 per cent, fat 4.5 per cent and vitamins 2.44 per cent. Variability among the ten isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp . ciceri (FOC), collected from different locations of Parbhani district in Maharashtra. Ten isolates were studied in respect of cultural, morphological characters and Pathogenic variability. Result of the above study reveals that pathogenic variability has been established by inoculating ten days old seedlings of different cultivars individually with the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp . ciceri isolates. JG 62 exhibited susceptible reactions to FOC isolates with highest percentage of seedling mortality whereas, JG 315 and BCP-160 were exhibited resistant reactions to the FOC isolates with lowest mortality percentage due to wilt varied within the cultivars. Cultural studies of all isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. c iceri resulted that isolates differ in the growth rate, types of colony, sporulation, and pigmentation on Potato Dextrose Agar is being favorable for luxuriant growth for all the isolates and dry weight of mycelia mat growing them on Potato Dextrose Broth medium. Morphological studies of different isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. c iceri concluded resulted in the variations in size, septation and formation of chlaymadospores.
The Chief Information Officer: Impact on Organizational Forecasting Outcomes

Management earnings forecasts are essential sources of information for organizational shareholders. However, many companies remain in a quandary about how to develop an appropriate governance structure within top management to produce high-quality forecasts. This study investigates how firms with chief information officers (CIOs) impact organizational outcomes in terms of both the frequency and the bias of management earnings forecasts. We integrate the following theories to formulate our hypotheses: upper echelons theory, agency theory, and information processing theory (in conjunction with strategic management literature). Using a sample of firm-years (2000 to 2010), we find robust support for the proposition that firms with CIOs are associated with reduced opportunistic bias in earnings forecasts. In addition, we find that, as information uncertainty increases, firms with CIOs generate management forecasts less frequently and exhibit a reduction in optimistic forecasting bias. Collectively, these findings provide a theory-based understanding of how firms with CIOs can influence forecasting outcomes.
Loranthus Micranthus Extracts Suppress the Expression and Enzymatic Activity of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase in Human Breast Cancer Cells via the Inhibition of JAK/STAT and NF-κB Pathways

Background: Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) is a woody parasitic plant. It is found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Its leaves and stem/twigs have been used in traditional medicine in various continents for the treatment of metabolic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Loranthus micranthus leaves and stem (LML and LMS) extracts on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO); a key regulator of cancer immunity; and the possible molecular mechanism(s) involved.Methods: Human breast cancer cells; MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 were pre-treated with LML and LMS at doses of 1-30µg/mL for 2 hours. This was followed by interferon-γ (INF-γ) stimulation at 50 ng/mL for 24 hours. After the treatment period, the activity of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1) and T cell proliferation were determined using a spectrophotometric assay. Protein expression of IDO-1, IDO-2, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase-2 (TDO-2), Bridging inhibitor 1 (BIN-1), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), Inhibitor of κ B (IκBα) and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were analyzed using the western blotting technique. The mRNA expression of IDO-1 was quantified using the qRT-PCR technique. Results: MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 cells pre-treated with LML and LMS exhibited lower kynurenine synthesis than that of INF-γ treatment. We observed downregulation of IDO-1, IDO-2, and TDO-2 protein expressions, and lower IDO-1 catalytic activity in LML and LMS pretreated cells than those of INF-γ treated cells alone. Cells pretreated with LML and LMS exhibited significant downregulation of phosphorylation of JAK-1, JAK-2, STAT-1, and STAT-3 than those of IFN-γ treatment alone. Furthermore, LML and LMS pre-treated cells exhibited upregulation of IκBα and BIN-1 protein expression compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Additionally, LML and LMS pretreatment significantly improved T cell viability when compared with IFN-γ treated cells alone. Conclusion: These findings indicate that LML and LMS extracts regulate immune responses in cancer cells by inhibiting IDO activity/expression in a JAK/STAT and NF-κB-dependent manner. This accounts for their anticancer effects in traditional medicine, hence a promising candidate for future drug development.
Dynamic Impact of Development and Energy Consumption Pattern on Environmental Quality: A Case Study of Selected Populous Asian Countries

The present study aims to examine the long-run and short-run effects of economic development, energy consumption pattern, trade openness and urbanization on environmental quality in ten Asian most populous economies. The analysis examines panel data from 1988 to 2018 by employing an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The results indicate that the struggles to raise development are increasing the CO 2 emissions in these emerging populous countries. Moreover, the utilization of non-renewable energy sources (gas, coal, oil) is associated with high carbon emissions affecting environmental quality adversely and worsening the atmosphere at the zonal level too. Furthermore, the empirical findings highlight that urbanization and trade openness partake to the reduction of CO 2 emission and hence are considered environmental friendly. Finally, the government should formulate the strategies which help to reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources and promote the consumption of efficient gas energy source to raise development and better environmental quality in populous countries of Asia and hence the strategies will be helpful for the comfort and happiness of this part of the emerging region.
Fodder yield, economics and quality of “Pratap Makka Chari-6” (Zea mays L.) under varying plant densities and fertility levels

A field experiment entitled “Fodder Yield, Economics and Quality of Fodder maize "Pratap Makka Chari-6" ( Zea mays L.) Under Varying Plant Densities and Fertility Levels” was conducted at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during kharif 2015 and 2016 with objective to evaluate production potential of fodder maize under varying plant densities and fertility levels. The treatment consisted combinations of four plant densities (1,33,333, 1,66,666, 2,22,222 and 3,33,333 plants ha -1 ) and four fertility levels (90 + 30, 110 + 40, 130 + 50 and 150 + 60 kg N + P 2 O 5 ha -1 ). The plant density of 2,22,222 plants ha -1 recorded significantly higher green and dry fodder yield, net return and B C ratio over 1,66,666 and 1,33,333 plants ha -1 and proved economically profitable compared to rest of the densities. Increasing plant density from 1,33,333 to 3,33,333 plants ha -1 decreased crude protein content significantly, however, failed to influence other quality parameters significantly. N and P content decrease with increasing plant densities, However, K content was at par with increasing plant densities. N, P and K content decrease with increase in plant density. However, K content was at par with increasing plant densities. N, P and K uptake increased significantly with increasing plant density. The green fodder yield, net return and B C ratio recorded under application of 130 kg N + 50 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 were significantly higher over 110 kg N + 40 kg P 2 O 5 and 90 kg N + 30 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 and proved economically beneficial. Application of 130 kg N + 50 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 also improve nutrient content their uptake and sustain quality of fodder maize.
A Study of Genetic Variants in Genes of Glutamate Signaling and Risk of Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Dysfunction of glutamate signaling has been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This case-control study was to examine the association between childhood ASD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes of the glutamate signaling pathway in a Chinese Han population.Methods: A total of 12 SNPs in the SLC1A1, SLC25A12, GRM7 and GRM8 genes were examined. The Children Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was applied to evaluate the severity of the disease. The relationship between SNPs and the risk of ASD or the severity of the disease was determined by logistic regression.Results: The T allele of rs2292813 in the SLC25A12 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio (OD) =1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.6, P=0.0107). Other examined SNPs were not associated with the risk of ASD. None of the SNPs examined were associated with the severity of ASD.Conclusions: Our findings support the involvement of SNPs in the SLC25A12 gene, but not SNPs in the SLC1A1, GRM7 and DRM8 genes, in the development of childhood ASD in the Chinese Han population.
Vanadium Speciation in Fused Alkali Chlorides

Electronic absorption spectra of vanadium ions were recorded between 450 and 750◦C in 3LiCl–2KCl, NaCl–KCl and NaCl–2CsCl based melts. Analysis of the spectra showed that vanadium in the oxidation states of +2 and +3 is present in the melts as complex chloro-ions. Vanadium(II) can form the complex ions in octahedral and tetrahedral coordination, the latter being favored by higher temperatures. Only six-coordinated V(III) ions were observed. Vanadium in the oxidation state of +4 can be present in chloride melts only in the form of vanadyl-based oxochloro-species. Main spectroscopic parameters of vanadium complex ions were determined. Electronic absorption spectroscopy was also applied for studying a variety of the red-ox processes in vanadium containing melts including electrochemical oxidation and reduction of various species, and reaction of vanadium containing melts with oxygen. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0201708jes] All rights reserved.
Influence of Sodium Alginate on Hypoglycemic Activity of Metformin Hydrochloride in the Microspheres Obtained by the Spray Drying

Alginate microspheres with metformin hydrochloride were prepared by the spray drying method in order to improve residence time of drug in the stomach. Nine formulations (F1–F9) with various drug : polymer ratio (1 : 2, 1 : 1, and 2 : 1) and different sodium alginate concentration (1%, 2%, and 3%) were evaluated for size, morphology, drug loading, Zeta potential, and swelling degree. In vitro drug release, mathematical release profile, and physical state of microspheres were also evaluated. Optimal formulation characterized by the highest drug loading was formulation F6 (drug : polymer ratio 2 : 1 and 2% alginate solution). Based on glucose uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and α-amylase inhibition tests, it could be concluded that alginate microspheres enhance hypoglycemic activity of metformin hydrochloride evaluated in vitro. Designed microspheres are promising as alternative, multicompartment dosage form for metformin hydrochloride delivery.
Silver(I)‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes of bis‐imidazol‐2‐ylidenes having different aromatic‐spacers: synthesis, crystal structure, and in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer studies

A series of Ag(I) complexes () derived from imidazol-2-ylidenes was synthesized by reacting Ag2O with an o-, m-, p-xylyl or 1,3,5-triazine-linked imidazolium salts () and then characterizing these using various spectro-analytical techniques. Additionally, triazine-linked bis-imidazolium salt 5 was characterized using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Complexes 6–9 were formed from the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors 1–3 as PF6- salts in good yields. Conversely, salt 5 does not form Ag(I) complex even under various reaction conditions. Using ampicillin as a standard, complexes 6–9 were tested against bacteria strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, showing potent antimicrobial activities against the tested bacteria even at minimum inhibition concentration and bacterial concentration levels. Furthermore, the potential anticancer activities of the reported complexes were evaluated against the human colorectal cancer (HCT 116) cell lines, using 5-fluorouracil as a standard drug. The highest anticancer activities were observed for complex 8 with an IC50 value of 3.4 μm, whereas the lowest was observed for complex 9 with an IC50 value of 18.1 μm. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological treatment for patients with coronavirus disease 2019: systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background: The best treatment for COVID-19 is not known, with numerous agents under investigation. We determined the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 treated with different pharmacological agents. Methods: In this systematic review, we searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published between 1stJanuary and 12thAugust, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with COVID-19 treated with any pharmacological agent and compared with a different pharmacological agent, placebo or standard of care. Results: From 6346 citations, 19 studies were included, with an overall low risk of bias. Two RCTs evaluated the use of remdesivir in laboratory-confirmed moderate-to-severe COVID-19. One study found that 10 days of remdesivir was associated with shortened recovery time. Neither found reduction in mortality. One RCT found no association of lopinavir/ritonavir with time to clinical improvement, or mortality benefit. Two RCTs of hydrochloroquine in patients with mild, early disease demonstrated no reduction in disease severity, hospitalization rate, death or viral load. Two RCTs observed no association of hydrochloroquine in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate disease with virological clearance, improvement in symptoms, need for respiratory support or death. One RCT showed that the use of steroids was associated with improved survival in patients with moderate-to-severe disease, especially those requiring respiratory support. Conclusions: There is evidence for the benefit of steroids in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Remdesivir might shorten recovery time in patients hospitalized with moderate-to-severe disease. There is currently no evidence to support the use of lopinavir/ritonavir or hydrochloroquine.Study’s Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020184433.
Regional Potential Optimization Model in Increasing Local Revenue of Maybrat Regency, West Papua Province

This study aims to find an optimal model for the development of regional potential owned by Maybrat Regency, West Papua Province, to increase local revenue for its people's welfare. Qualitative methods are used in this research using a post-positivism paradigm design, which seeks to reveal a social reality that ontologically can never be fully understood due to the limitations of human nature. The results show that the regional potential optimization model in Maybrat Regency is different from other regions because Maybrat Regency has special autonomy, which provides the broadest possible opportunity for local governments to manage all the potential to increase local revenue. The increase in the original region requires the support of political stability, availability, and quality of human resources, the quality of supporting facilities to create a good investment climate. West Papua Maybrat Regency Government.
MOTIVATION TO USE M-PAYMENT IN SHOPPING CENTRE: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

The study intends to understand motivation to use M-payment in shopping centre, which can be considered to be a new technology of payment. The literature on technology acceptance has been flourishing for a long time. The three leading theories in technology acceptance are innovation diffusion, technology acceptance, and network externalities theories. The study employs a qualitative methodology using the approach of photo voice. Six participants were selected for the study. The results of the study indicate that the participants are motivated to use M-payment because of convenience, sales promotion, convergence, and keeping up with the trend or technology. The findings are then compared to the leading theories in technology acceptance.
LASER ABLATION OF NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER TUMORS; ANY ADVANTAGE OVER STANDARD RESECTION PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: The choice of treatment modality in patients with Non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is one of the most discussed issues in urology.One of major problems in management of NMIBC in high recurrence and progression rates. In recent years, the laser has increasing role in different urological fields.Aim of the Work: Evaluation of the value of adding LASER ablation of the tumor bed after resection of the non-muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.Patients and Methods: 136 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 underwent Laser ablation of tumor bed after resection (Laser group)(n=68), and Group 2 underwent conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT group) (n=68). Operation time, irrigation time, Catheterization time, postoperative hospital stay, Postoperative clot retention or any postoperative complications, and results after each follow up cystoscopy were collected and compared.Results: after one year follow up for all patients we found that patients who underwent laser ablation after resection has less recurrence or progression rates than patients of the other group which was significant statistically. Also they had less postoperative hospital stay and early catheter removal.Conclusion: laser found that it can decrease the recurrence and progression rates in NMIBC after 1 year follow up, it also found to improve postoperative hematuria and decrease postoperative catheterization time and postoperative hospital stay when compared to conventional TURBT.
Comparison of Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Fresh Weight as Herbicide Bioassay Techniques

The sensitivities of chlorophyll fluorescence and fresh weight as bioassay techniques for the determination of metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5 (4H)-one], diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea], and atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] concentrations in soil were compared. The ratio of the initial inflection point (I) to the variable fluorescence maximum (P) of intact oat (Avena sativa L. ‘Chilocco’) leaves was determined for plants seeded directly into herbicide-treated soil and for those transplanted into treated soil after 14 days of growth in nutrient solution. Using the chlorophyll fluorescence of transplanted oats bioassay, 0-, 0.13-, 0.25-, and 0.50-ppm concentrations could be distinguished from one another within 8 h for metribuzin, within 24 h for diuron, and within 48 h for atrazine. These distinctions between rates could not be made 17 days after seeding into treated soil when using fresh weight as the bioassay indicator. Chlorophyll fluorescence of oats seeded directly into treated soil was also a reliable technique, but required much more time to attain sufficient plant size for convenient chlorophyll fluorescence determinations.
Voting Rights of Denizens and Expats: Adjusting Democracy Indices to the Age of Mass Migration

Contemporary migration flows affect virtually all aspects of the social fabric, democracy included. Focusing their attention on the competitiveness aspects of the regime, comparative measurements of democracy have underestimated the complexity of the Dahlian dimension of inclusiveness, a sine-qua-non condition for defining a polyarchy. Firmly anchored in the literature and democratic theory, this measurement paper proposes a new index of inclusiveness: Electoral Residential Inclusiveness. This measure assesses how large the overlap between those who make the law and those who are subject to it is. It is shown how some regimes—including some of those that have been systematically considered strong democracies—exhibit such a considerable gap between these two groups that their democratic credentials should be questioned. This index has a clear impact on the way we measure and, most important, understand democracies. Unpacking this forgotten dimension, this work helps to fine tune the efforts to measure democracies.