Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Notorious Trio! Inflammation, Metabolic Syndrome and Vitiligo

Background: There is evidence to support that vitiligo is linked to metabolic syndrome (MS), confirming its systemic nature. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. Objectives: To reveal the possible association of MS with vitiligo. We also attempted to study the connection between some inflammatory markers and MS in vitiligo patients to evaluate their utility in predicting MS risk. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 vitiligo patients with an age range between 18 to 60 years and 100 controls with matched age, gender, and body mass index. All subjects were tested for MS components. Serum visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also measured. Results: Regarding MS, it was observed in 22.0% of vitiligo patients and 2.0% of control subjects (P < 0.001). Serum FABP4, VAP-1, YKL-40, and hs-CRP concentrations were higher in patients than in the control group (P < 0.05 each), and their levels showed high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate MS when using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Levels of these markers, except serum vaspin, were significantly positively correlated with lipid profile markers (except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and fasting blood glucose levels (P < 0.05 each). Conclusion: MS was more common in vitiligo patients. The levels of the biomarkers studied were significantly higher in vitiligo patients. Furthermore, their levels accurately predicted MS in vitiligo patients. According to current research, these markers may be useful in assessing MS risk in vitiligo patients. Extensive research, however, is required.
Association of Cervical Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities with Chronic Neck Pain in Southern Nigeria

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the relationship between cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical features in adults with chronic neck pain (NP) at our tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of the cervical spine MRI of 90 adult patients with chronic NP. The clinical history, biodata, and cervical spine MRI findings were analysed. Statistical tests were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.72 (13.51) years (range = 28–79 years). There were 52 (58%) males and 38 (42%) females. Cervical disc desiccation and disc herniation were the most prevalent MRI findings. C4/C5 and C5/C6 disc levels were most commonly affected. Disc height reduction correlated with shoulder pain (r = 0.23, P = 0.030), unsteady gait (r = 0.27, P = 0.010), and lower limb weakness (r = 0.23, P = 0.029). Vertebral collapse correlated with shoulder pain (r = 0.22, P = 0.036), upper limbs burning sensation (r = 0.33, P = 0.001), and loss of dexterity (r = 0.22, P = 0.037). Spondylolisthesis correlated significantly with unsteady gait (r = 0.34, P = 0.001), dizziness/vertigo (r = 0.29, P = 0.005), painful neck movement (r = 0.32, P = 0.002), loss of dexterity (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) and sphincteric dysfunction (r = 0.23, P = 0.031). Modic changes correlated with loss of dexterity (r = 0.39, P < 0.001) and upper limbs burning sensation (r = 0.21, P = 0.048). Cervical canal stenosis did not correlate significantly with any symptom. Conclusion: Cervical disc disease (C4/C5 and C5/C6 levels) was the most prevalent finding on MRI. Disc height reduction, vertebral collapse, spondylolisthesis, and Modic changes correlated with various clinical symptoms.
On The Jacobsthal Numbers By Matrix Method

Abstract: In this paper we consider the usual Jacobsthal numbers. We investigate the identities between the Jacobsthal numbers and matrices, which are introduced for the first time in this paper. We also present a new complex sum formula. Key words: Jacobsthal number, matrix, permanent Ozet: Bu calismada, alisilmis Jacobsthal sayilarini goz onune aldik. Jacobsthal sayilari ve bu calismada ilk kez tanitilan matrisler arasindaki ozdeslikleri inceledik. Birde yeni bir karmasik toplam formulu sunduk. Anahtar kelimeler: Jacobsthal sayi, matris, permanent
Exploring the relationship between teachers’ instructional and students’ geometrical thinking levels based on van Hiele theory

Geometry is one of the mathematics topics learned in school. Therefore, it is important to explore how the geometry was taught. Lines and angles material at grade VII Junior High School were chosen to meet this purpose. This study investigated the teacher instructional practice and students’ geometrical thinking levels based on van Hiele theory. The correlation between teachers’ instructional and students’ thinking levels was determined. The teacher instructional practices were observed and analyzed, then students’ levels of geometry thinking were accessed using the van Hiele test. The results of this study were descriptions and explanations of the relationship between the learning phases and students’ geometrical thinking level based on van Hiele theory.
Impact of consuming a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy on neurodevelopmental disabilities in offspring: results from the Boston Birth Cohort

Background: While consuming a Mediterranean-style diet (MSD) among pregnant women is expected to affect offspring neurodevelopment, the current evidence is limited. This prospective birth cohort study aimed to explore the association of maternal MSD with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) in offspring, especially among children born to mothers with overweight or obesity (OWO) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) since they have a higher risk for oxidative stress and immune/metabolic disturbances. Methods: We analyzed data from a subgroup of mother–child dyads enrolled in the Boston Birth Cohort. Maternal dietary information (via food frequency questionnaires, Food frequency questionnaires [FFQ]) and sociodemographic information were obtained via in-person interviews within 24 to 72 hours postpartum. Maternal clinical information and child diagnosis of NDD including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other developmental disabilities (DD) were extracted from medical records. A Mediterranean-style diet score (MSDS) was calculated using the FFQ. The association of maternal MSDS with NDD, autism, ADHD, and other DD was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for pertinent covariates. Results: This study included 3153 mother–child pairs, from which we identified diagnoses of 1362 (43.2%) NDD, including 123 (3.9%) case of autism, 445 (14.1%) ADHD, and 794 (25.2%) other DD. In the overall sample, women with a higher maternal MSDS (per standard deviation increase) were less likely to have offspring with NDD (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.904, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.817–1.000; P value: 0.049). Using MSDS quintile 1 as the reference, being in the combined group of quintiles 3–5 was associated with a 26% lower likelihood of NDD (adjusted OR: 0.738, 95% CI: 0.572–0.951; P value: 0.019). When stratified by mothers with OWO/DM vs. without OWO/DM, the association between maternal MSDS and offspring NDD was greater in children born to mothers with OWO/DM. Conclusions: In this prospective birth cohort, a higher maternal MSDS was associated with a lower likelihood of NDD in the offspring. Furthermore, this association of maternal MSDS with offspring NDD was greater in children born to women with OWO/DM. More studies are needed to replicate the findings and further analyze NDD subgroups and explore underlying molecular pathways.
Currency Risk Premiums: A Multi-horizon Perspective

We review the literature on multi-horizon currency risk premiums. We show how the multi-horizon implications arise from the classic present-value relationship. We further show how these implications manifest themselves in the interaction between bond and currency risk premiums. This link is strengthened by explicitly accounting for stochastic discount factors. Information about currency risk premiums at different horizons presents a wealth of new evidence and challenges for existing models. JEL classification codes: E43, E52, F31, G12, G15.
The Effect of Capital Structure and Investment Policy on Firm Value (Case Study of a Company in the Concrete Printing Field)

The researcher conducted this study to determine the influence of capital structure and investment policy on firm value in a concrete printing company. The study analyzes the most dominant factors influencing a concrete printing company's capital structure and corporate policy. The population in this study consists of five years of financial reports from the first to fourth quarters, totaling 20 financial reports from 2015 to 2019. The results of this study prove that capital structure has a significant negative influence on firm value, while investment policy has a significant favorable influence on firm value. The capital structure (DER) and investment policy (PER) have an influence of 89.4% on firm value (PBV), while other unexamined variables influence the remaining 10.6%. To enhance the influence of the capital structure on firm value, companies need to pay attention to their debt level. If the amount of debt exceeds the company's equity, it will increase the capital structure. However, it is essential to note that a high capital structure exerts a negative influence, indicating that an increase in the capital structure (DER) will lead to a decrease in firm value. On the other hand, we expect companies to increase the available investment funds to enhance the influence of investment policy on firm value. This condition is because investment policy has a positive influence on firm value. By increasing investment policy, the firm value will indirectly increase as well. In order to
Postharvest of four ecotypes of mexican plum ( Spondias purpurea L.) grown in Morelos, Mexico

Mexico has a great diversity of Mexican plum, a fruit tree with a lot of potential to be commercially cultivated, but few post-harvest studies have been carried out on known ecotypes. The objective of this study was to characterize the postharvest behavior of four Mexican plum ecotypes grown in Morelos, Mexico, this information is basic to develop postharvest technologies oriented to increase shelf-life. Fruits of ‘Amarilla’, ‘Castilla’, ‘Chapilla’ and ‘Roja’ Mexican plum ( Spondias purpurea L.) with epidermal color development of 50 or 75 % were collected to determine some changes during ripening. Results suggested that 'Amarilla' and 'Chapilla' showed a maximum respiration peak 3 d after harvest with significant differences between ripening stages. Respiration decreased constantly with no differences between ripening stages for 'Castilla' and 'Roja'. Hue (h*) decreased from yellow color tendency (63 ≤ h* ≤ 86) to orange and red color (31 ≤ h* ≤ 67), with differences between ripening stages. Lightness (L*) reduced from 46-48 % to 31-32 % and chroma (C*) increased from 18-25 to 36-42, suggesting that the color purity increased during ripening. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased from 9.4 to 15.5 °Brix and from 0.27 to 0.48 %, respectively, with significant differences between ripening stages at the beginning of the experiment, which were not maintained during ripening. Vitamin C increased during ripening in the four ecotypes and no differences were detected between ripening stages. In conclusion, differences in behavior were detected among ecotypes evaluated with few differences attributed to harvest maturity, which should be considered in the development of postharvest technologies for this species.
Media Visibility: Game-Changer or Alternative? Comparative Research between MPs in Brazil and Germany

This paper draws upon a field research conducted with Brazilian and German members of the Federal Parliaments (MPs). It aims to compare communication strategies and electoral connections in both countries. Methodology: The research design drew upon anelite survey sample (N=324) to provide a sufficient number of respondents for analysis. Results: The research found two basic kinds of politicians: (i) MPs who use national and regional media to communicate with voters, work in committees, deliver speeches at the House’s floor, but whose activities are not primarily related to district interests. (ii) MPs who heavily use the local broadcasting and print media, and whose activities are primarily focused on delivering services and pork to constituencies. For both types, the Internet and media visibility are not perceived as a "game-changer". Conclusion: As an instrument of political communication the Internet and social media emerged not as a globalizing force, but as a tool used and adapted to local political contexts.
DOES IMPORT QUALITY AFFECT BRAZILIAN WAGES? 1,2 A QUALIDADE DAS IMPORTAÇÕES AFETA OS SALÁRIOS BRASILEIROS?

In this paper, we investigated whether import quality affects wages paid by sectors facing import competition in Brazil from 1997 to 2016. First, we estimated a fixed effects model and, then, an unconditional quantile regression. We found that the quality of imports positively impacts Brazilian wages and that import quality affects wage bands differently in Brazil. In addition, we determined that the quality of imports originated in poorer economies has a slightly greater effect on wages in respect of richer countries. We concluded that, to fight international competition, local firms might improve product quality by hiring skilled workers, who earn more, and that the raise in the wage bill varies depending on the exporter income.
Fluctuations and correlations in ultracold Fermi gases

In this thesis we present the first in-situ measurement of densityand spin-fluctuations in trapped ultracold Fermi gases with a spatial resolution on the intrinsic scale set by the Fermi wavelength. The measurement of the fluctuations gives direct experimental access to the correlation functions underlying the many-body properties of strongly interacting systems. Using high-resolution imaging, we have observed the suppression of the density fluctuations below atomic shot-noise in quantum-degenerate, weakly interacting Fermi gases. This suppression is as a consequence of the quantum statistics obeyed by indistinguishable fermions and constitutes a measurement of antibunching in real space. We have also demonstrated a new method for measuring the temperature of trapped ultracold gases that is applicable also for strongly interacting system and which is based on the fluctuationdissipation theorem. For our measurement of the spin-fluctuations we have developed a shot-noise limited interferometer, which maps the spin-polarization of the atoms to a single mode of the light field. With this method we have studied the spin-fluctuations in weakly and strongly interacting two-component Fermi gases in a spatially resolved and quantitative way. For a strongly interacting gas we have measured a reduction of the spin-fluctuations due to pairing by 9.4 dB. We have used the spin-fluctuations to determine the spin-susceptibility. Furthermore, we interpret our measurement of the spin-fluctuations as a macroscopic entanglement witness, opening the way towards experimental investigations of entanglement in many-body systems. In a complimentary approach, we have achieved the first conduction measurement with cold atoms by engineering macroscopic atom reservoirs connected by a narrow channel. Using high-resolution imaging and manipulation of the atoms, we have demonstrated the emergence of a contact resistance, where the reservoirs and the channel connect. These measurements open the way towards the quantum simulation of mesoscopic devices.
Corrected: Association of Zinc Deficiency with Iron Deficiency Anemia and its Symptoms: Results from a Case-control Study

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common type of anemia. Impaired iron absorption can be caused by a decrease in trace elements as zinc, which is found in the structure of enzymes that coordinate or catalyst iron metabolism. The aim of this study is to detect if zinc deficiency is associated with IDA and to determine the effect of associated zinc deficiency on symptoms of IDA in adult IDA patients. This case-control study included 30 IDA patients with matched healthy control group (n = 30) for age and sex. For each subject, the parameters were evaluated: hemoglobin (Hb); mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum iron, serum ferritin (SF). Serum zinc levels were measured by atomic absorption method with the PerkinElmer Analyst. Symptoms attributed to iron deficiency or depletion, defined as fatigue, cardiopulmonary symptoms, mental manifestations, epithelial manifestations, and neuromuscular symptoms were recorded. Serum zinc levels were lower in IDA patients (43.4 ± 7.9 mg/dL) than in the control subjects (94.7 ± 16.75 mg/dL; p < 0.0001). Zinc deficiency was associated with worse cardiovascular symptoms (p = 0.04), epithelial symptoms (p = 0.027), and restless leg syndrome (p < 0.001) in patients with IDA. Measurement of zinc levels should be considered for IDA patients. With the help of our study, iron and zinc supplementation instead of only iron replacement may be considered in cases of iron deficiency particularly, in patients with severe epithelial dysfunctions. Further studies are still needed to evaluate the benefit of zinc and iron supplementation in IDA patients.
In-Sample Forecasting with Local Linear Survival Densities

In this paper, in-sample forecasting is defined as forecasting a structured density to sets where it is unobserved. The structured density consists of one-dimensional in-sample components that identify the density on such sets. We focus on the multiplicative density structure, which has recently been seen as the underlying structure of non-life insurance forecasts. In non-life insurance the in-sample area is defined as one triangle and the forecasting area as the triangle that 20 added to the first triangle produces a square. Recent approaches estimate two one-dimensional components by projecting an unstructured two-dimensional density estimator onto the space of multiplicatively separable functions. We show that time-reversal reduces the problem to two one-dimensional problems, where the one-dimensional data are left-truncated and a one-dimensional survival density estimator is needed. This paper then uses the local linear density smoother with 25 weighted cross-validated and do-validated bandwidth selectors. Full asymptotic theory is provided, with and without time reversal. Finite sample studies and an application to non-life insurance are included.
Colored Noise Exploration in Reinforcement Learning

In off-policy deep reinforcement learning with continuous action spaces, exploration is often implemented by injecting action noise into the action selection process. Popular algorithms based on stochastic policies, such as SAC or MPO, inject white noise by sampling actions from uncorrelated Gaussian distributions. In many tasks, however, white noise does not provide sufficient exploration, and temporally correlated noise is used instead. A common choice is Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) noise, which is closely related to Brownian motion (red noise). Both red noise and white noise belong to the broad family of colored noise. In this work, we perform a comprehensive experimental evaluation on MPO, SAC and TD3 to explore the effectiveness of other colors of noise as action noise. We find that pink noise, which is halfway between white and red noise, significantly outperforms white noise, OU noise, and other alternatives on a wide range of environments. Thus, we recommend it as the default choice for action noise in continuous control.
Infant and Under-five Mortality Levels and Patterns in South Sudan, 1969- 2009

Before gaining independence in 2011, Southern Sudan experienced decades of political turmoil, with serious consequences for health. The health system deteriorated and direct and indirect causes of ill health became increasingly prevalent, consequently elevating morbidity and mortality in the region (Guha-Sapir et al 2005; Rice et al 2000). These changes in health have not been systematically documented. The present analysis uses the indirect estimation techniques to evaluate South Sudan’s infant and under-five mortality levels and patterns between 1969 and 2009 across three regions. Both North and South Coale-Demeny models are jointly used to assess the role of malnutrition and armed violence on early age mortality. On average, we find declining mortality trends across the regions for over the years, exhibiting notable resilience, even at the times of brute civil conflicts. But as expected estimates based on South model are slightly higher. The worsening child health at peace times presumably reflects the ineffectiveness of governance in newly forming states. Yet, there remains spatially differentiated mortality regime in the country. These differentials are possibly explained by temporary events such as war and famine, location, and specific disease environment. Policy makers could use these results to improve child health policies in this infant state. Hence, emphasis could be placed on equitably distributing social services, increasing economic security, fostering favorable environmental health policies, and increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure and human capital growth.
Contiguous Search: Exploration and Ambition on Uncharted Terrain

We provide a framework for analyzing search across correlated observations. The agent—an online customer, a drug company, a politician—tracks innovations over a Brownian path. The agent chooses the speed and length of search and retrospectively picks the best innovation when search is completed. We show that the optimal search speed is U-shaped: it is highest when approaching a breakthrough or when nearing search termination. Unlike search across independent samples, search optimally stops when observations are su ffi ciently discouraging , following a drawdown stopping boundary. We also show the tractability and features of optimal search contracts in our setting.
Instability of a weakly viscoelastic film flowing down a heated inclined plane

The stability of a thin film of Walters-type B″ viscoelastic fluid flowing down a heated inclined plane is investigated. Both the weighted residual method (WRM) and the Benney-type equation (BE) are derived to simplify the original two-dimensional problem. Normal mode analysis is conducted to determine the instability threshold. We also employ the Chebyshev spectral collocation method to solve the eigenvalue problem of the full linearized Navier-Stokes/energy equations, which provides a technique to test the performance of the analytical approximations. The self-similar velocity and temperature profile assumptions made in WRM are validated by a spectral method. The results show that WRM and BE yield the same expression for the critical Reynolds number, which is in agreement with the full equations. The effects of the viscoelastic parameter, Marangoni number, and Biot number are discussed. Both heating and viscoelasticity are found to destabilize the flow, while a critical value of the Biot number is determined at which the flow is the most unstable. Nonlinear simulations are further conducted based on the method of lines, which support the predictions of instability threshold using the linear theory.