Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bias correction of daily precipitation for ungauged locations using geostatistical approaches: A case study for the CORDEX‐Africa ensemble

Climate model simulations typically exhibit a bias, which can be corrected using statistical approaches. In this study, a geostatistical approach for bias correction of daily precipitation at ungauged locations is presented. The method utilizes a double quantile mapping with dry day correction for future periods. The transfer function of the bias correction for the ungauged locations is established using distribution functions estimated by ordinary kriging with anisotropic variograms. The methodology was applied to the daily precipitation simulations of the entire CORDEX‐Africa ensemble for a study region located in the West African Sudanian Savanna. This ensemble consists of 23 regional climate models (RCM) that were run for three different future scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5). The evaluation of the approach for a historical 50‐year period (1950–2005) showed that the method can reduce the inherent strong precipitation bias of RCM simulations, thereby reproducing the main climatological features of the observed data. Moreover, the bias correction technique preserves the climate change signal of the uncorrected RCM simulations. However, the ensemble spread is increased due to an overestimation of the rainfall probability of uncorrected RCM simulations. The application of the bias correction method to the future period (2006–2100) revealed that annual precipitation increases for most models in the near (2020–2049) and far future (2070–2099) with a mean increase of up to 165mm⋅a−1 (18%). An analysis of the monthly and daily time series showed a slightly delayed onset and intensification of the rainy season.
Beyond Employment Rates: Continuity of Employment for People With Visual Impairments

The most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data indicate that only 46.2% of people with visual impairments were employed in 2019 compared to 78.6% of people without disabilities (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020a). Yet, these percentages reflect only one point in time, corresponding to the week before the ACS participants completed the survey. The ACS and other large, national datasets provide considerable details about respondents’ employment status, including continuity of work. For example, ACS collects information about how many weeks people worked during the past year, and the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) collects monthly employment data over a 4-year period. However, these datasets have been minimally explored for people with visual impairments. The concept of year-round work has received less research attention than full-time and part-time work. Year-round workers are individuals who worked 50–52 weeks during the reference year, and part-year workers worked less than 50 weeks of the reference year (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The latest Current Population Survey (CPS) estimates indicate that 80.4% of employed adults in the general population worked year-round in 2019, including 82.4% of men and 78.2% of women (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). According to Cornell University’s Annual Disability Status Report, people without disabilities had a substantially higher full-time/full-year employment rate in 2018 than those with disabilities (including visual impairments) (Erickson et al., 2020). Our second focus in exploring the employment status of individuals with visual impairments is continuity of work, over one year and four years. Few studies have addressed continuity of work specifically for people with visual impairments. In a study based on data from 1976, Kirchner and Peterson (1980) found that people with visual impairments held fewer permanent jobs and worked fewer weeks per year than people in the general population. In another study, Kirchner et al. (1999) investigated short-term transitions to and from employment using data from the National Health Interview Survey on Disability; however, due to limitations of the dataset, they only examined employment at two points in time, about 1 year apart. They found that the most substantial transition from
Improving the Quality of Madrasah through Integrated Management Model of Madrasah Development Center in Gowa District

This study aims to determine the quality improvement of madrasah application of the integrated mentoring model in Gowa Regency. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Research data was obtained from informants through in-depth interviews (in-depth interview), observation, and documentation. The validity and reliability of the data are validated by checking the level of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The data were analyzed using qualitative data analysis techniques through the data collection process, data display and conclusion/verification. The results of the study indicate that Madrasah mentoring carried out by MDC in Gowa Regency can be realized through an integrated mentoring model which is carried out in three stages, namely the planning stage is carried out as a whole with good results consisting of (a) implementation of Institutional Socialization and MDC Work Programs, b ) Formation of Verification Team, Mentors and Trainers (c) Verification of Target Candidates and Plenary Session of Madrasah Verification Results, and (d) Need Assessment and Baseline to measure the needs and weaknesses of madrasas and become the basis for developing mentoring programs. The stages of implementation were well implemented involving all components of madrasa stakeholders consisting of (a) training on Effective School Improvement, Madrasah-Based Management, KTSP/Curriculum that applies nationally (K-2013), PAIKEM, Library Management and Development, Healthy Living, Finance and Administration, Innovation (IT-based Learning), (b) Implementation of training outcomes at the madrasah level through mentoring models. Monitoring and evaluation stages are carried out correctly using accreditation instruments and End line Evaluation instruments.
The strength of strong ties: wasta and migration strategies among the Mappila Muslims of northern Kerala, India

ABSTRACT The scholarship on cross-border labour migration in India is characterised by the notoriety of the labour intermediaries. However, such a focus often eclipses the mutually beneficial social exchanges found among the migrants, would-be migrants, and their larger social circle. Against this backdrop, this paper focuses on the migration strategies of a leading migrant community in India- the Mappila Muslims of Kerala. Our findings suggest that, although there is a thriving migration brokerage industry in Kerala, Mappilas secure the crucial labour market information, facilitate their cross-border movement, and obtain the much-coveted Gulf job using close interpersonal connections. With their familiarity and first-hand knowledge of the market practices of the Persian Gulf, the Mappila migrants have internalised and strategically invested in the Arab cultural practice of wasta (securing favours via social connections). The paper also argues how the wasta-based connections of Mappilas help us broaden our understanding of social networks as understood in the Granovettarian tradition.
Characterization of Immune-Related Genes and Immune Infiltration Features in Epilepsy by Multi-Transcriptome Data

Background Epilepsy encompasses a group of heterogeneous brain diseases that afflict about 1% of the world’s population. Accumulating evidence shows that the immune system plays a key role in epileptogenesis. Nevertheless, the immune-related mechanisms remain not been precisely understood. Methods Three epilepsy datasets (GSE16969, GSE32534 and GSE143272) were screened to obtain differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). Random forest (RF) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed to identify core genes. Another dataset (GSE31718) and 60 clinical samples via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were utilized to validate core genes. Immune cell infiltration score was performed with CIBERSORTx tools and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and ssGSEA were conducted to determine the pathways that are significantly enriched during normal and epilepsy. The correlation between hub genes, immune cells, and enriched molecular pathways was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Based on RF and PPI, 4 DEIRGs (CSF1R, IL6R, TLR2, and TNFRSF1A) were identified as hub genes. Results of qRT-PCR validated that higher expression levels of CSF1R, IL6R, TLR2, and TNFRSF1A in epilepsy samples compared to control sample. Immune infiltration analysis by CIBERSORTx displayed immune signatures that are significantly richer in epilepsy, T cell subsets in particular. Notably, ssGSEA found that Th1 signatures were more abundant in normal tissues; yet Th2 signatures were more abundant in epilepsy tissues. Cytokine cytokine receptor interaction (CCR) was significantly enriched in epilepsy based on multi-transcriptome data. Additionally, hub genes were significantly correlated with score of Th1/Th2 signatures and enrichment score of CCR in multi-transcriptome data. Conclusion Four IRGs (CSF1R, IL6R, TLR2, and TNFRSF1A) were closely correlated pathogenesis of epilepsy, which may be by impacting CCR and the balance of Th1/Th2 signatures involved in the occurrence of epilepsy. Our data offer compelling insights into the pathogenesis and promising therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
The utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in a community with a high HIV and tuberculosis burden

Background Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has become the gold standard in diagnosing and performing nodal staging in patients with suspected lung cancer and diagnosing other malignant and benign diseases. Studies from countries with low tuberculosis (TB) incidence suggest that it has a sensitivity of 90 - 95% and a specificity of 100%. Objectives To investigate the utility of EBUS-TBNA in a community with a high HIV and TB burden. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA to confirm a tissue diagnosis during a 2-year period from January 2017 - December 2018. Only patients with complete medical, pathology and radiology records and follow-up were included Results During the 2 years, a total of 201 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA. Some patients (n=19) had incomplete notes or follow-up and 104 cases were ultimately diagnosed with benign nodal disease. In the 182 patients who were ultimately included in the present study, EBUS-TBNA had a sensitivity of 95.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 88.6 - 98.2), specificity of 100% (95% CI 94.20 - 100), positive predictive value (PPV) of 100.00% (95% CI 95.3 - 100) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.1% (95% CI 86.0 - 97.8) for all diagnoses. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 97.3% (95% CI 93.9 - 99.2). Out of the 64 patients who had lung cancer, EBUS-TBNA had a sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI 86.7 - 99.0), specificity of 100% (95% CI 5.5 - 100), PPV of 100.0% and NPV of 58.3% (95% CI 31.7 - 80.9). The overall diagnostic accuracy for lung cancer was 95.5% (95% CI 87.2 - 99.1%). Conclusion EBUS-TBNA has high diagnostic accuracy, even in a population with a high HIV and TB burden.
The effect of corticosteroids on macular edema in patients with noninfective uveitis ‎

This study aims to identify the effect of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of macular edema in patients with non-infective uveitis. This is a retrospective study and all the data was collected from medical data of the patients in a private clinic in Tirana. Patients with macular edema secondary to non-infective immediate, posterior, or panuveitis who were treated with corticosteroids were included. We compare the OCT of the patients before and after the treatment with corticosteroids. Other data included age, causes of uveitis; best-corrected visual acuity before and after treatment, and intraocular pressure before and after corticosteroid treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS. Best correction visual acuity was improved after corticosteroid therapy. In OCT we identify a significant reduction of central macular thickens. Only one patient developed an intraocular pressure of more than 30 mmHg one month after corticosteroid injection. The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of macular edema in non-infective uveitis had good improvement in visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness.
Obstetric–Neonatal Care during Birth and Postpartum in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

This study analyses the obstetric–neonatal outcomes of women in labour with symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study was carried out between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021 in eight public hospitals in the Valencian community (Spain). The chi-squared test compared the obstetric–neonatal outcomes and general care for symptomatic and asymptomatic women. In total, 11,883 births were assisted in participating centers, with 10.9 per 1000 maternities (n = 130) infected with SARS-CoV-2. The 20.8% were symptomatic and had more complications both upon admission (p = 0.042) and during puerperium (p = 0.042), as well as transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). The percentage of admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was greater among offspring of symptomatic women compared to infants born of asymptomatic women (p < 0.001). Compared with asymptomatic women, those with symptoms underwent less labour companionship (p = 0.028), less early skin-to-skin contact (p = 0.029) and greater mother–infant separation (p = 0.005). The overall maternal mortality rate was 0.8%. No vertical transmission was recorded. In conclusion, symptomatic infected women are at increased risk of lack of labour companionship, mother–infant separation, and admission to the ICU, as well as to have preterm births and for NICU admissions.
Retrospective Analysis of Urinary Tract Infection in the Pediatric Population at a Tertiary Care Centre

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common infections occurring during childhood. It is caused by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli is the most common causative agent. Methods: Data of all pediatric patients in the age group of 6 months to 18 years with urinary tract infection were taken for analysis. Urine samples were collected and cultured on the cystine lactose electrolyte-deficient medium. The presence of bacteria was identified using biochemicals, and the antimicrobial test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer test or the VITEK 2 compact system (bioMérieux, Inc., France). Results: The prevalence of UTI was 23.5%. In total, 614 specimens tested positive with significant bacteriuria. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2.3. Approximately 54% patients presented with urinary symptoms alone. Culture positivity was significantly associated with pyuria (p < 0.0001). E. coli (334/614) was the most common isolate, followed by Enterococcus spp. (92/614). Colistin, polymyxin B, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, netilmicin, and amikacin were extremely good acting antimicrobials. Meanwhile, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and norfloxacin were highly resistant to gram-negative bacteria. Multidrug-resistant bacteria and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria were found in 47% and 44.1% of cases, respectively. Vancomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin, and nitrofurantoin were highly effective against gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, norfloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline were highly resistant to gram-positive bacteria. Of the 92, 42 Enterococcus spp. were resistant to high-dose gentamicin. Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin and amikacin can be used as empirical therapy for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Because resistance to various commonly used antibiotics is found to be increasing, treatment must be guided by antibiotic susceptibility reports.
Cross-Sectional Analytical Study to Determine Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Students about COVID-19 Disease and Its Precautionary Measures

Objective: To determine knowledge and attitude of dental and medical students about COVID – 19 disease and its precautionary measures Methodology: The study was conducted after approval from the ethical review committee of the Foundation University College of Dentistry, Islamabad from June 2021 to September 2021. Inclusion criteria adhered to the recruitment of fourth and final-year students of dentistry. Informed written consent was taken after explaining the study protocol. The format of the questionnaire was based on previously published studies, literature, and guidelines provided by Centers for Disease Control. The questionnaire was validated by a Pilot Study and the opinion of dental health experts on the subject. Methodology constituted of a paper-based and web-based questionnaire with closed-ended questions and feedback were received from (60%) participants. Variables for analysis included demographic profile, next section comprised of questions regarding COVID – 19 disease knowledge, its precautionary measures, and attitude towards the disease. Moreover, participant's awareness in case of suspected infection was also analyzed to gauge the level of preparedness. There was a total of 256 participants enrolled in this study via consecutive non-probability sampling methodology. Results: There was a total of 256 participants enrolled in this study. Out of 256, 154 (60.2%) were male and 102 (39.8%) were females. 110(42.8%) believed that COVID-19 symptoms resolve without treatment, 256(100%) believed that disease spread can be prevented with education. 222(86.6%) endorsed a preference to avoid or work with the COVID-19 Patient. As per opinion regarding social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands before initiation of treatment, 246(95.1%) believed it to be mandatory for disease transmission reduction whereas 38(14.9%) considered it unnecessary. Conclusion: Dental students demonstrated ample awareness and knowledge regarding COVID-19 disease presentation, preventive measures, and strategy in case of suspected infection with a motivated attitude to spread awareness among the population.
Lateral Harvest of an Osseous-Based Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Results in Thinner Remaining Patellar Bone

Background: Patellar fracture after quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been reported in up to 8.8% of patients. Purpose: To determine the thickness of the remaining patellar bone across the QT graft harvest location while providing clinical guidance for safely harvesting a patellar bone block when using a QT graft in ACLR. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Medial and lateral QT graft boundaries were marked using a bone saw on 13 cadaveric patellae, and 3-dimensional computed tomography models were created. After the harvest of a virtual bone block with a maximum depth of 10 mm, the thickness of the remaining bone was measured across the graft harvest location in 9 zones. The thickness of the remaining bone was analyzed according to zone, graft harvest location, and patellar facet length. Risk zones were defined as <50% total patellar depth remaining. Results: We observed substantial variability in QT bone block harvest location, in which the distance between the lateral boundary of the harvest location and the lateral patellar cortex was from 21.2% to 49.2% of the axial patellar width. There was significantly less bone remaining in the lateral columns (mean ± SD, 7.56 ± 2.19 mm) compared with the medial columns (9.83 ± 2.10 mm) of the graft harvest location (P = .028). The number of risk zones was significantly associated with distance to the lateral cortical edge, with an increase in 0.59 zones with every 1-mm decrease in distance to the lateral cortex edge (b = -0.585; R 2 = 0.620; P = .001). With every 1-mm increase in the distance of the lateral cortex to the lateral graft boundary, the thickness of bone remaining in the lateral column increased by 0.412 mm (P < .001). No risk zones were encountered when the lateral boundary of the harvest location was created 18.9 mm from the lateral edge of the patella or 43% of the total patellar width from the lateral edge. Conclusion: Harvest of a more laterally based QT autograft bone block resulted in thinner remaining patellar thickness, increasing the potential of encountering a risk zone for fracture. Clinical Relevance: Care should be taken to avoid harvesting the patellar bone block too laterally during ACLR.
Polypropylene/Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene (MAgPP)/Coconut Fiber Composites

Natural fiber composites consisted of homopolymer polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene, and coconut fibers were produced by co-rotating twin screw extruder. The mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the polypropylene composites were determined by uniaxial tensile, impact, and flexural tests; thermogravimetric analysis; and differential scanning calorimetry. The dispersion of the coconut fibers in the polypropylene was studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the increase in coconut fiber led to an increase in brittleness and stiffness of the polypropylene composites. The addition of maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene content to polypropylene matrix contributed to the increase in tensile strength of the related composites compared to neat polypropylene.
Role of Microbiota in Viral Infections and Pathological Progression

Viral infections are influenced by various microorganisms in the environment surrounding the target tissue, and the correlation between the type and balance of commensal microbiota is the key to establishment of the infection and pathogenicity. Some commensal microorganisms are known to resist or promote viral infection, while others are involved in pathogenicity. It is also becoming evident that the profile of the commensal microbiota under normal conditions influences the progression of viral diseases. Thus, to understand the pathogenesis underlying viral infections, it is important to elucidate the interactions among viruses, target tissues, and the surrounding environment, including the commensal microbiota, which should have different relationships with each virus. In this review, we outline the role of microorganisms in viral infections. Particularly, we focus on gaining an in-depth understanding of the correlations among viral infections, target tissues, and the surrounding environment, including the commensal microbiota and the gut virome, and discussing the impact of changes in the microbiota (dysbiosis) on the pathological progression of viral infections.