Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinico-Histopathological Correlation in Hansen ’ s Disease

Aim: The aim of the present study was to perform clinico-histopathological correlation of skin lesions in all patients with a clinical suspicion of Hansen’s disease. Materials and Methods: A 3 year retrospective study from 2016-2018 was carried out with all the clinically suspected cases of Hansen’s disease along with histopathological examination of skin biopsies. Results: Out of the 60 cases diagnosed as Hansen’s disease, majority belonged to age goup 31-40 years with a male preponderance. Most number of cases diagnosed were of Borderline tuberculoid type (24/60). Overall clinicohistopathological correlation was 58.3%. Maximum correlation was evident at the polar ends of the spectrum with a slightly better correlation for lepromatous leprosy (75%). Conclusion: Correlation between clinical and histopathological features is required for accurate classification of Hansen’s disease. Clinical detection and histopathological diagnosis of borderline lesions remains challenging and hence the need for interpretation along with the clinical findings.
NARROWING THE LEGITIMACY GAP: THE ROLE OF TURNOVERS IN AFRICA’S EMERGING

Democratic consolidation depends on common perceptions of institutional legitimacy among citizens aligned with governing and opposition parties. Elections always result in winners and losers, but if they also create subservient insiders and aggrieved outsiders, the future of the democratic system will be uncertain. This paper theorizes about how various qualities of elections (turnover, peaceful, opposition party acceptance, and free and fair) should reduce winner–loser gaps in perceived institutional legitimacy. We test our hypotheses using a hierarchical two-step statistical procedure to analyze three rounds of Afrobarometer micro-level data combined with national-level data on African elections between 1989 and 2006. We find that electoral turnovers alone have a moderating effect on the citizenry. Following alternations of power, winners and losers converge in their attitudes about their institutions, thus furthering the consolidation of democracy.
Who's Calling? Characterizing Robocalls through Audio and Metadata Analysis

Unsolicited calls are one of the most prominent security issues facing individuals today. Despite wide-spread anec-dotal discussion of the problem, many important questions remain unanswered. In this paper, we present the ﬁrst large-scale, longitudinal analysis of unsolicited calls to a honeypot of up to 66,606 lines over 11 months. From call metadata we characterize the long-term trends of unsolicited calls, develop the ﬁrst techniques to measure voicemail spam, wangiri attacks, and identify unexplained high-volume call incidences. Additionally, we mechanically answer a subset of the call attempts we receive to cluster related calls into operational campaigns, allowing us to characterize how these campaigns use telephone numbers. Critically, we ﬁnd no evidence that answering unsolicited calls increases the amount of unsolicited calls received, overturning popular wisdom. We also ﬁnd that we can reliably isolate individual call campaigns, in the process revealing the extent of two distinct Social Security scams while empirically demonstrating the majority of campaigns rarely reuse phone numbers. These analyses comprise powerful new tools and perspectives for researchers, investigators, and a beleaguered public.
Effects of turbulent Schmidt number on CFD simulation of inclined negatively buoyant jets

Employing inclined negatively buoyant jets is one of the most advantageous means to discharge brine or waste in coastal environments. However, numerical prediction of mixing parameters for this kind of flow is still a challenge. In this investigation, CFD simulations of 45◦ inclined dense jets were conducted using realizable k– model with buoyancy corrections and different values of turbulent Schmidt number ( Sc t ) within two approaches in a finite volume model (Open FOAM). In the first approach, seven scenarios with different values of Sc t were simulated. In the second one, a Regional Turbulent Schmidt Number (RTSN) configuration was introduced based on different behaviors of the flow in jetlike, plume-like, and inner/outer regions. Regarding the first approach, results showed that changing the turbulent Schmidt number has significant consequences for mixing and geometrical parameters. Reducing Sc t from 1.0 to 0.4 led to more than ∼ 60% and ∼ 40% improvements in dilution ratio at return point and centerline peak, respectively. Using RTSN approach successfully improved the mixing parameters along with keeping nearly unchanged the accuracy of geometrical parameters. That was the case, specifically at return point in comparison with using any other constant Sc t for the whole domain (first approach). This local (regional) change in turbulent Schmidt number compensates for flaws of Boussinesq approximation in the linear two-equation turbulence modeling of inclined negatively buoyant jets. Comparing to the previous LES results, the RTSN approach combined with the realizable k– model stands as an economically superior solution employing much lower grid numbers.
STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN BY GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER JACKETING TECHNIQUE

Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns of existing structures often becomes vulnerable to the existing loads and starts displaying early failures symptoms. The Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) externally bonded jacketing is a well-known and a valid technique to improve the axial load carrying capacity of the existing columns. This study intends to investigate the performance of reinforced concrete column jacketed with GFRP wrap under axial loading condition. Finite element model of reinforced concrete column of square cross-section with glass fibre reinforced polymer jacket is in ABAQUS. The simulation has been done with appropriate contact modelling to determine the improvement in strength of column by confinement due to GFRP wrap. Effect of providing corner radii in place of sharp corner in GFRP jacketed concrete column on axial strength is analysed. The results from finite element model simulation is compared with the values determined mathematically which are in good agreement in terms of improvement in strength. Axial load carrying capacity of column has been enhanced by GFRP jacketing in both cases i.e., column with sharp corner and column with rounded corner. However, the enhancement with GFRP jacketing on columns with rounded corners was more significant.
GRAVMOD-2: A NEW TOOL FOR PRECISE GRAVITATIONAL MODELLING OF PLANETARY MOONS AND SMALL BODIES

This paper describes the ESA gravity modelling tool GRAVMOD-2, its main functionalities, ongoing studies and expected evolutions. GRAVMOD-2 is the followup and extension activity of the GRAVMOD-1 tool. GRAVMOD-2 is a software tool developed by Astos Solutions and GMV for ESA. It adds guidance analysis and on-board manoeuver capabilities to the gravitational modelling core of GRAVMOD-1 originally developed by DEIMOS. The unique mathematical models and architecture make it particularly suitable for the modelling of the gravity field of highly irregular bodies such as asteroids or comets. GRAVMOD-2 is composed of two main modules: 1) A Gravity Modelling module: containing mathematical algorithms able to compute gravity fields as Spherical Harmonics Model (SHM) or Multiple Point Masses Model (MPMM), using as input gravity accelerations provided or computed from other gravity fields (as PANGU model, polyhedron model, and ellipsoid model, along with the already mentioned SHM and MPMM). This module allows also comparing two different gravity fields, analyzing the accelerations produced or propagating a trajectory. 2) An Orbit Propagation and Determination module: set of methods and algorithms allowing the propagation of a trajectory, generation of measurements, and optimal estimation of a gravity field once a mission around a body is known. It also allows the computation of stable orbits based on simplified dynamics models including the restricted three body problem. As a part of this tool also a GNC propagator has been developed for on-board applications. GRAVMOD-2 allowed producing a series of gravity models for ESA internal purpose. Those models have been made available via the ESA Planetary Database (PDB). PDB has been extended and which provides now capabilities to plot GRAVMOD-2 gravity fields and trajectories(using a simplified version of the GRAVMOD-2 propagator). The paper will conclude with the current status of ongoing studies and expected mid-term evolutions.
Effect of NH_4~+-N/NO_3~--N Ratios on Growth and Some Physiological Parameters of Chinese Cabbage Cultivars

The responses of three cultivars of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chmensis L.), one of the main vegetable crops in China, to different ratios of NH4+-N/NO3--N was investigated to find the optimal ratio of ammonium to nitrate for maximal growth and to explore ways of decreasing the nitrate content, increasing nitrogen use efficiency of Chinese cabbage, and determining distributions of nitrogen and carbon. Three cultivars of Chinese cabbage were hydroponically grown with three different NH4+-N/NO3--N ratios (0:100, 25:75 and 50:50). The optimal ratio of NH4+-N/NO3- -N for maximal growth of Chinese cabbage was 25:75. The increase in the ratio of NH4+-N/NO3--N significantly decreased nitrate content in various tissues of Chinese cabbage in the order of petiole leaf blade root. The highest total nitrogen (N) content was found when the ratio of NH4+-N/NO3--N was 25:75, and N contents in plant tissues were significantly different, mostly being in the order of leaf blade petiole root. At the NH4+-N/NO4+-N ratio of 25:75, the biomasses of Chinese cabbage cultivars 'Shanghaiqing', 'Liangbaiye 1' and 'Kangre 605' increased by 47%, 14% and 27%, respectively. The biomass, SPAD chlorophyll meter readings and carbon content of 'Shanghaiqing' were all higher than those of 'Liangbaiye 1', while nitrate and total nitrogen contents were lower. Thus, partial replacement of nitrate by ammonium could improve vegetable production by both increasing yields and decreasing nitrate content of the plants.
Analysis of Trust and Electronic Word of Mouth in Influencing Consumers’ Decision to Shop Using Lazada's Shopping Website in Jakarta

1 Student of Magister Management Program, Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB), Jalan Meruya Selatan No. 1, Meruya Selatan, Kembangan, RT.4/RW.1, Meruya Sel. , Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11650, Indonesia 2 Lecturer of Magister Management Program, Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB), Jalan Meruya Selatan No. 1, Meruya Selatan, Kembangan, RT.4/RW.1, Meruya Sel. , Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11650, Indonesia
Effects of obesity on circadian photic entrainment of locomotor activity in wild mice Neotomodon alstoni

Abstract Obesity is increasing in industrialized countries at an alarming rate. Recent studies have linked this condition with changes in the circadian regulation, and circadian clock dysfunctions have also been linked to metabolic disorders. When in captivity and fed a regular rodent chow diet ad libitum some volcano mice, Neotomodon alstoni (endemic species of Mexico) become overweight and display symptoms equivalent to metabolic syndrome. The aim of this work was to observe whether there are significant changes in the functional properties of the circadian system, namely in the entraining circadian locomotor activity rhythm, between mice that became obese and normal adult mice. Freely moving circadian rhythms of locomotor activity were tested under constant conditions as well as under conditions of discrete and continuous entrainment. Our results show that volcano lean mice present a phase response curve with larger delays than advances, indicating that re-entrainment is more easily achieved by delays. Volcano obese mice are less efficient at re-entraining because they show smaller phase shifts in delays than control mice. These results indicate that obesity in N. alstoni has a negative effect on the circadian mechanisms that integrate the photic entrainment.
Working Paper An Investigation into the Prospect of 3G Adoption in Kolkata: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The paper investigates the prospect of 3G rollout in India with the help of an empirical analysis of a survey on a random sample of 400 mobile phone customers in Kolkata. The study applies structural equation modeling and explores the adoption intention of this new facility among the respondents. It is found out that presence of low cost alternatives plays a significant hurdle for success of 3G services. This research reveals that perceived expense, an established inhibitor of technology adoption has no significant influence on adoption behavior here. The study further shows that the mobility factor, considered to be a prime motivator of 3G use is not found to be statistically significant
Detection and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates from Various Clinical Samples in Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen. Being an extremely adaptable organism, it can survive and multiply even with minimal nutrients and is one of the leading causes of hospital acquired infections. P. aeruginosa exhibits intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents. As a result of indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the spread of multidrug resistance (MDR) is now a global problem. Its general resistance is due to a combination of factor.Emergence of carbapenem resistance mainly Metallo-Beta-Lactamase (MBLs) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is considered as a world wide public health concern. Objectives: To study the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its antibiotic susceptibility pattern from various clinical samples in Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Materials and Methods: The Present study was undertaken at Microbiology Laboratory, Sir T. Hospital, Bhavnagar. 300 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from various clinical samples between November-2013 to August-2014 . They were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing by Modified Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion Method as per CLSI guidelines. Quality control of the test was done by standards ATCC strain P. aeruginosa 27853. Results: 300 Isolates were included in the study, out of which 95(32%) showed Imipenem Resistant. and were 100% resistant to Cefoatxime, and Imipenem. Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin showed 84% and 93% resistance. Amikacin and Ofloxacin showed 89% resistance each. where as Piperacillin showed 75% resistance. Conclusions: Early detection will go a long way in making adjustments in empirical antimicrobial therapy. The study was coducted to formulate antibiotic policy and plan a proper hospital infection control strategy to prevent the spread of these MDR strains.
Regional Income Redistribution and Risk-sharing in Argentina: Lessons from a developing country

This paper estimates redistribution and risk-sharin g across provinces in Argentina during 19952010 as a result of the national budget and intergo vernmental transfers. We find that the aggregate national budget (expenditure, transfers and their c orresponding revenues) reduces differences in the provincial Gross Geographic Product by 5% in the lo ng term, and stabilises such differences by 10%. The redistributive tool is the national expend iture, while transfers are almost neutral and tax revenues amplify regional disparities. There are di fferent effects between 2003-2010 –of surplus public finances– and 1995-2001 –of macroeconomic de privation and deficit finances–. Redistribution is facilitated in times of fiscal le eway while stabilisation is more relevant during th e hard-budget sub-period and disappeared when the fis cal restraints became more flexible. Quantitative effects are somewhat modest in compari son with those achieved in developed countries.
On K-Centralizers of Semiprime Gamma Rings

Let M be a semiprime Γ-ring satisfying a certain assumption. Then we prove that every Jordan left K-centralizer on M is a left K-centralizer on M . We also prove that every Jordan K-centralizer of a 2-torsion free semiprime Γ-ring M satisfying a certain assumption is a K-centralizer. Mathematics Subject Classification: 16N60, 16W25, 16Y99
How Do Cities Change When We Work from Home?

How would the shape of our cities change if there were a permanent increase in working from home? We study this question using a quantitative model of the Los Angeles metropolitan area featuring local agglomeration externalities and endogenous traffic congestion We find three important effects: (1) Jobs move to the core of the city, while residents move to the periphery (2) Traffic congestion eases and travel times drop (3) Average real estate prices fall, with declines in core locations and increases in the periphery Workers who are able to switch to telecommuting enjoy large welfare gains by saving commute time and moving to more affordable neighborhoods Workers who continue to work on-site enjoy modest welfare gains due to lower commute times, improved access to jobs, and the fall in average real estate prices
Unconventional Monetary Policy and Covered Interest Rate Parity Deviations: is there a Link?

A fundamental puzzle in international finance is the persistence of covered interest rate parity (CIP) deviations. Since 2008, these deviations have implied a persistent dollar financing premium for banks in the Euro area, Japan and Switzerland. Using a model of the microstructure of the foreign exchange swap market, I explore two channels through which the unconventional monetary policies of the European Central Bank, Bank of Japan and Swiss National Bank can create an excess demand for dollar funding. In the first, quantitative easing leads to a relative decline in domestic funding costs, making it cheaper for international banks to source dollars via forex swaps, relative to direct dollar borrowing. In the second, negative interest rates cause a decline in domestic interest rate margins, as loan rates fall and deposit rates are bound at zero. This induces banks to rebalance their portfolio toward dollar assets, again creating a demand for dollars via forex swaps. Both policies thus lead to an increase in the excess demand for dollars in the forex swap market. To absorb the excess demand, financially constrained dealers increase the premium that banks must pay to swap domestic currency into dollars. I show empirically that CIP deviations have tended to widen around negative rate announcements. I also document a rising share of dollar funding via the forex swap market for U.S. subsidiaries of Eurozone, Japanese and Swiss banks in response to a decline in domestic credit spreads.
EXTERNAL IMBALANCES AND RECOVERIES 2020

A decade after the beginning of the Great Recession, fl ow external imbalances, measured by the current account (CA) have narrowed markedly. However, stock or net foreign assets (NFA) imbalances have kept increasing and have created challenges for future macroeconomic and fi nancial stability. To date, early warning systems (scoreboards) have focused more on fl ow than on the stock variables. To approach this problem, in this paper we analyze expansions using two complementary sets of indicators proposed by Harding and Pagan (2002) and Gadea et al. (2017). After controlling for a large set of explanatory variables, we fi nd that the effect of CA imbalances is limited, except when the measures selected take into account past CA developments or some degree of persistence. In contrast, the evolution of NFA seems to be much more explanatory of the time it takes to regain the level of output previous to the recession, as well as the amplitude and the cumulation of the recoveries. Therefore, we conclude that future macro-prudential policies should pay more attention to stock variables to measure external imbalances due to their effects on the characteristics of recoveries.
Aspects of the biology of komokiagea and xenophyophoria

Abstract Most larger groups of Protozoa have been shown to be represented at great depths, and protozoans are generally attributed a significant role in the composition and function of deep-sea communities. Mudballs and ‘natural concretions’ present a number of problems, viz. during the sieving procedure, and in determining their origin, their function on the bottom, and their classification relative to organisms. A large part of what has been classified as these formations are, in fact, komokiaceans and xenophyophores. The body size of komokiaceans and xenophyophores is large, but the plasma constitutes only a very small part of the volume, while accumulations of faecal pellets are strikingly extensive. Vacuole-based intracellular digestion may here have been elaborated into a system based on extracellular transport and digestion of food particles. This might be combined with a long-term utilization of the nutrients, as the enclosed masses of faecal pellets could protect a commensal microflora providing .
A low power counting method in ramp ADCs used in CMOS Image sensors

We present a new counting method that can be used in a column-level ramp ADC. Comparing to the conventional ADC architecture, the proposed method can significantly reduce the power consumption by reducing the number of count with two clocks at different frequencies. The implementation of this method makes it possible to use such ADC structure in a large resolution sensor with relatively small digital power consumption.
A retrospective review of patients with significant traumatic brain injury transported by emergency medical services within the south east of England

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) will be a leading cause of death and disability within the Western world by 2020. Currently, 80% of all TBI patients in England are transported to hospital by an ambulance service. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare TBI patients transported to a major trauma centre (MTC) against those transported to a trauma unit (TU). Method: All patients with a primary injury of TBI who were transported to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 and entered into the Trauma Audit & Research Network (TARN) registry were reviewed. Patients were stratified by hospital designation (MTC or TU). Severity of TBI was categorised using the patients’ pre-hospital Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) Head. The outcomes of interest were 30-day mortality and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at discharge. Results: Between 1 January and 31 December 2016, 549 TBI patients were identified in the TARN database as being transported by SECAmb to either an MTC or a TU. The majority of patients were transported to a TU (77.96%), and the median age of the TU cohort was older than the MTC group (TU 82.15 IQR 16.73 vs. MTC 62.1 IQR 42.6). The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was greater in the MTC cohort (22 IQR 10 vs. 17 IQR 9), where falls from height and road traffic collisions (RTCs) contributed to 50.51% of all injuries. Within the TU cohort, falls from less than 2 metres (standing height) were the main mechanism of injury (MOI) (77.62%). The median length of hospital stay (LOS) was longer in the MTC cohort compared to the TU cohort (10 IQR 13.25 vs. 8 IQR 14). Conclusion: The high proportion of mild TBI and absence of reliable triage guidelines make it difficult for ambulance clinicians to identify patients who will benefit from transport to an MTC. Future research should focus on how TBI triage influences outcomes and how ambulance services can better identify patients with a TBI and who would benefit from specialist care.