Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photothermal strain imaging for diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver without excessive alcohol consumption. Failure to detect NAFLD in advance can lead to fatal and irreversible liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and thus the clinical need for rapid diagnosis of NAFLD is being raised. However, conventional NAFLD diagnostic methods, including biopsy and imaging, have inherent limitations due to technical or cost issues. For example, liver biopsy is invasive, MRI imaging is very expensive, CT is harmful for routine clinical use, and ultrasound is not very specific in diagnosing NAFLD. Here, we present photothermal strain imaging (pTSI), which uses the difference in thermal strain between fat and water during temperature change, as a new method for NAFLD diagnosis. The pTSI is a non-invasive, convenient, and cost-effective method of using a laser that matches the optical characteristics of the target. We developed a liver pTSI system to find fat accumulated in the liver using a clinical ultrasound imaging system and a lipid-sensitive continuous-wave laser. To demonstrate the feasibility of the pTSI system, in vitro experiments were performed using fat and chicken breast. The results showed that fat in the chicken breast was clearly distinguished. Finally, we performed in vivo experiments using NAFLD and normal rat. Through the difference in the strains that occurs when the laser heats the target, the progression of NAFLD could be determined.
Why are industrial firms high or low brand sensitive? An empirical investigation

ABSTRACT Grounded in information processing and risk theories, this study examines organizational brand sensitivity as a three-dimensional construct that includes brand-related information acquisition, processing, and buying center memory. The study validates that buying center structure (degree of lateral and vertical involvement) mediates the relationships between antecedents (purchase situation) and consequences (brand sensitivity). The relative influence of buying center roles, the type of buyer–seller ties, and the number of supplier brands moderate these linkages. For example, higher lateral involvement implies lower brand information acquisition. Presence of influential technical roles in the buying center and availability of major branded offerings strengthen this association.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS’ GRAMMAR MASTERY AND THEIR TRANSLATION ABILITY

This research attempted to investigate the students’ grammar mastery, their translation ability, and the correlation between both variables. The research was designed as a quantitative correlational method. The population was 79 sixth semester students of English Education Study Program of Bengkulu University in the academic year 2018/2019. The samples were 40 students. The instruments used to collecting the data were grammar test and translation test. The collected data were analyzed by Pearson Product Moment Formula using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16.0. The results of this research showed: 1. Majority of the student (77.5%) had poor grammar mastery. 2. Majority of the students (82.45%) had inadequate translation ability. 3. There is a correlation between students’ grammar mastery and their translation ability (the correlation coefficient is 0.797). Therefore, it was concluded that the students’ grammar mastery contributed significantly to their translation ability. Lastly, it was suggested that English Education Study Program should add semester credit units (SKS) of the grammar and translation subjects in order to improve the students’ grammar mastery and translation ability. Keywords: Correlation, Students’ Grammar Mastery, Students’ TranslationAbility
Endoscopic evaluation and treatment of epistaxis – A prospective study

Epistaxis is a common nasal symptom seen in all age groups. It often presents as an emergency. An attempt should always be made to find any local or systemic cause for it because epistaxis is a sign and not a disease per se. Objectives: To evaluate the local causes of epistaxis using rigid nasal endoscope for specific treatment planning. Methods: This was a prospective study which included 50 patients with epistaxis who attended the Otolaryngology outpatient department of SUT Academy of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum over a period of one year. Rigid nasal endoscopy under local anesthesia was done for these patients for whom both anterior and posterior rhinoscopy could not reveal any local causes. Results: Nasal endoscopy helped in finding the local causes for epistaxis. Epistaxis was more common in males (66%) and majority was in the age group of 21-30 years (46%). The causes were posterior deviation of nasal septum with spur (24%), bleeding points on the nasal septum (12%), rhinosporidiosis (10%), infected polyp (10%), deviated nasal septum with allergic rhinitis (8%), congested adenoids (8%), deviated nasal septum with sinusitis (4%), nasopharyngeal mass (4%), and miscellaneous conditions (6%). In 6% patients, no significant local cause was detected. All the patients were treated according to the endoscopic findings. Conclusion: Nasal endoscope is an important tool in diagnosis and treatment of local causes of epistaxis.
Pengaruh Kualitas Produk Dan Citra Merek Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Minuman Frestea

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui : (1) Pengaruh Kualitas Produk terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Minuman Frestea. (2) Pengaruh Citra Merek terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Minuman Frestea. (3) Pengaruh Kualitas dan Citra Merek terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Minuman Frestea. Populasi penelitian ini adalah konsumen Minuman Frestea di Fakultas Ekonomi UST Yogyakarta. Sampel diambil sebanyak 100 responden dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Data dikumpulkan dengan kuesioner sebagai metode pengambilan data. Sesudah data disebar kepada responden, data kuesioner digunakan untuk uji validitas dan reabilitas dengan menggunakan aplikasi SPSS 24. Teknik Analisis data yang digunakan adalah Analisis Deskriptif Statistik, Uji Prasyarat Analisis, Analisis Regresi Linier Berganda, Uji Hipotesis, dan Koefisien Determinasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah : (1) Kualitas Produk berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian dengan nilai regresi sebesar 0,625 dan tingkat signifikansinya 0,000. (2) Citra Merek berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian dengan nilai regresi sebesar 0,270 dan tingkat signifikasinya 0,000. (3) Kualitas Produk dan Citra Merek secara simultan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Keputusan Pembelian dengan tingkat signifikansi sebesar 0,000 lebih kecil dari 0,05 (p<0,05), dan besarnya adjusted R2 Kualitas Produk dan Citra Merek terhadap Keputusan Pembelian adalah sebesar 0,575. Keterbatasan ini hanya pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Ekonomi yang mengonsumsi Frestea di Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa Yogyakarta. Penelitian selanjutnya hendaknya menambahkan variabel lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini adalah atribut produk.
Can the Multiscale Modeling Framework (MMF) Simulate the MCS‐Associated Precipitation Over the Central United States?

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are a major source of precipitation in many regions of the world. Traditional global climate models (GCMs) do not have adequate parameterizations to represent MCSs. In contrast, the Multiscalex Modeling Framework (MMF), which explicitly resolves convection within the cloud‐resolving model embedded in each GCM column, has been shown to be a promising tool for simulating MCSs, particularly over the Tropics. In this work, we use ground‐based radar‐observed precipitation, North American Regional Reanalysis data, and a high‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting simulation to evaluate in detail the MCS‐associated precipitation over the central United States predicted by a prototype MMF simulation that has a 2° host‐GCM grid. We show that the prototype MMF with nudged winds fails to capture the convective initiation in three out of four major MCS events during May 201x1 and underpredicts the precipitation rates for the remaining event, because the model cannot resolve the mesoscale drylines/fronts that are important drivers for initiating convection over the Southern Great Plains region. By reducing the host‐GCM grid spacing to 0.25° in the MMF and nudging the winds, the simulation is able to better capture the mesoscale dynamics, which drastically improves the model performance. We also show that the MMF model performs better than the traditional GCM in capturing the precipitation intensity. Our results suggest that increasing resolution plays a dominant role in improving the simulation of precipitation in the MMF, and the cloud‐resolving model embedded in each GCM column further helps to boost precipitation rate.
Multi-Device Use: Understanding the Motivations behind Switching between Multiple Devices during a Task

ABSTRACT Multi-device use has become a popular pattern of device use in recent years. However, empirical studies pertaining to motivations behind intention to use multiple devices have been limited. The objective of this study focuses on answering an essential question: given that heterogeneous devices are available to users, why do users use multiple devices rather than a single device to complete a task? Both Task-Technology Fit Theory and mental workload paradigm are considered to develop eight hypotheses and build the research framework. A trip-planning scenario was designed and used in the questionnaire to understand the factors that motivate users to use multiple devices. A total of 217 subjects completed the questionnaire. The results show that perceived task fit with multi-device use forms users’ attitudes toward and expected satisfaction with multi-device use. Furthermore, users’ attitudes toward multi-device use trigger their intentions to use multiple devices. Additionally, perceived complexity of multi-device use hinders users from perceiving good task fit with multi-device use. Implications for theory, practice, and future research directions are discussed.
Comment on “A novel ultrathin wideband metamaterial absorber for X-band applications”

Recently, Ranjan et al. [A novel ultrathin wideband metamaterial absorber for X-band applications. J Electromagn Waves Appl. 2019;33:2341–2353. DOI:10.1080/09205071.2019. 1681299] have designed a wideband metamaterial absorber for X-band applications. In this comment, we demonstrate that a linear reflective polarization converter is erroneously interpreted as a wideband metamaterial absorber by Ranjan et al. They have shown that the proposed structure is a metamaterial absorber due to the ignorance of cross-polarized component of the reflected wave. Furthermore, we have shown that due to anisotropic geometry and high cross-polarization of the reflected wave, the proposed design is a cross-polarization converter.
AN EXPLORATORY EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF MOBILE HEALTH APPS

Introduction: Owning a smartphone is now almost a given, and with smartphone use comes the benefit of access to a large pool of apps on every topic conceivable, including health. So, it is not surprising that mHealth apps development is on the rise, as is the use of mHealth apps. However, unlike apps intended for other purposes, the use of mHealth apps carry, not only the advantage of improved health but also the burdens of potential misuse, misleading content and possible security breach of personal data. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the possible hazards of some of the most popular mHealth apps in app stores from France. Objectives: To (1) examine the top 10 most downloaded health apps in term of security and transparency of content (2) identify the trends of the most downloaded apps (3) to assess the applicability of the mHONcode guidelines to identify main issues on health apps (4) to describe the still main risks of health apps and (5) to propose basic rules to overcome them. Results: As expected, the 10 apps displayed varying degrees of quality and trustworthiness or lack thereof. Only 20% of the apps disclose the editorial team and the funding source. 80% of the apps use tracking tools such as analytics, crash reporting without prior consent or before the consent. 2 out of 10 apps did not used a https web address for health content and advertisement display. One app activates the location functionality without any justification in the app. Conclusion
Composition, characteristics and long-term variability of the freshwater microcrustacean fauna of the Faroe Islands

ABSTRACT Despite the accessibility of the Faroe Islands, faunistic research on their numerous lakes and ponds is quite rare. The biota of Faroese freshwaters is still underexplored, and its specific traits raise many questions. In the present survey, 32 microcrustacean species were observed, 8 of which were new to the Faroese fauna. The obtained species list shows that Cladocera species prevail over Copepoda here, which is not typical of northern territories. This fact is due to (1) the extraordinarily warm climate of the Faroe Islands compared to other areas at similar latitudes because of the heating effect of the surrounding North Atlantic Current and (2) the lack of calanoid species, which have never been found in the freshwaters of the Faroe Islands. The diachronic analysis of the species diversity and composition over the centuries of research on the archipelago showed no evidence of the impact of global climate change on the fauna.
Finding Opportunities to Enhance Evidence-Based Treatment Through Provider Feedback: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT The Child System and Treatment Enhancement Projects (Child STEPs) clinical trials have endeavored to help bridge the gap between science and practice in children’s mental health services. The current study used an inductive coding approach to analyze feedback from 2 qualitative focus groups comprising 15 community mental health providers in the Los Angeles area. It explored the factors influencing provider implementation experiences with an innovative modular treatment design during the Child STEPs in California randomized effectiveness trial. Themes from the focus group discussions—including consultation, flexibility, treatment fit, study influences, and context—are presented and their implications explored. Two potential avenues for addressing provider concerns were considered: design strategies and supportive strategies. Primarily in the service context of Los Angeles, provider feedback suggested that the treatment’s fit to diverse client populations was a central concern and that the ongoing consultation process meaningfully influenced provider perceptions of treatment flexibility in meeting client needs.
Different Time Windows Provide Divergent Estimates of Climate Variability and Change Impacts on Maize Yield in Northeast China

Maize is the main crop in Northeast China (NEC), but is susceptible to climate variations. Using county-level data from 1980 to 2010, we established multiple linear regression models between detrended changes in maize yield and climate variables at two time windows—whole-season and vegetative and reproductive (V&R) phases. Based on climate change trends, these regression models were used to assess climate variability and change impacts on maize yield in different regions of NEC. The results show that different time windows provide divergent estimates. Climate change over the 31 years induced a 1.3% reduction in maize yield at the time window of whole-season, but an increase of 9.1% was estimated at the time window of V&R phases. The yield improvement is attributed to an increase in minimum temperature at the vegetative phase when the temperatures were much lower than the optimum. Yield fluctuations due to inter-annual climate variability were estimated to be ±9% per year at the time window of V&R phases, suggesting that the impact of climate variability on maize yield is much greater than climate change. Trends in precipitation were not responsible for the yield change, but precipitation anomalies contributed to the yield fluctuations. The impacts of warming on maize yield are regional specific, depending on the local temperatures relative to the optimum. Increase in maximum temperature led to a reduction of maize yield in western NEC, but to an increase in mid-east part of NEC. Our findings highlight the necessity of taking into account the phenological phase when assessing the climate impacts on crop yield, and the importance of buffering future crop production from climate change in NEC.
The Perceptions of Students and Teachers on the Practice of Assessment in Extensive Reading

perceptions students and on the practice of assessment in , 74 (4), This paper examined the use of assessment techniques in extensive reading and students’ and teachers’ perceptions on the practice of extensive reading. A total of 232 university students who were placed at different proficiency levels of classes and 13 professors participated in the study by completing a questionnaire. In-depth interviews were carried out with a selected number of student and professor volunteers. Data were analyzed using t -tests to compare two different groups of students. Results revealed that writing short answers and assessments involving discussion with peers and professor were utilized more at the basic level, but students at the basic level reported discussion with peers and professor as the most effective assessment technique. In contrast, at the intermediate level, multiple-choice questions and T/F statements were used more as assessments, but students at the intermediate level reported that writing one’s opinion on themes was the most effective technique. Both groups believed that reading graded readers is helpful in improving reading skills and vocabulary as well as understanding other cultures. Results further revealed that professors preferred to use writing short-answer questions and in-class discussion as assessments on graded readers; however, they responded that a writing task was the most adequate type of assessment. In addition, they reported that graded readers are helpful in improving all language skills and favored the use of graded readers as part of the language program .
Specific Antibodies to Om-89 Can Account for its Clinical Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The glycoprotein rich extract of E.coli, OM-89, has immunomodulatory properties and is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. One property ascribed to OM-89 is polyclonal B cell activation, however, less clear is whether administration of the drug results in the appearance of specific B-cell responses. Immunoprecipitation was used to demonstrate that OM-89 reactive antibody compexes could be formed in serum following oral (40mg/kg) or parenteral administration of OM-89. ELISAs were developed to measure OM-89 specific antibody isotypes (IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG2c) in serum from orally dosed rats (4, 40 and 400mg/kg, 3 times a week for 6 weeks). A significant (p<0.05) increase in OM-89 specific IgG2a was observed at a dose of 40mg/kg, a dose shown previously to be efficacious in animal models of inflammation. These animals had significant elevations in IgG2a anti-GroEL (p<0.05) and anti-DnaK (p<0.05), major immunogenic epitopes in the drug. The possibility that these antibodies could be protective against chronic inflammation was investigated by examining the effect of serum transfer from OM-89 sensitised rabbits on granuloma weight in the cotton pellet model of chronic inflammation in rats. Serum from immune animals reduced granuloma weight by 22% (p<0.05) compared to untreated controls and by 33% (p<0.001) compared to controls dosed with the pre-immune serum. These results suggest that the induction of protective/blocking antibodies represents one mechanism in the therapeutic action of OM-89.
Facteurs pronostiques de la dénutrition et de la mortalité

Le suivi nutritionnel a ete effectue sur 6 mois aupres de 71 personnes âgees en long sejour. 17 deces sont survenus, se caracterisant par une hypo-albuminemie et prealbuminemie (< 30 g/l et <0,20 g/l respectivement) et une dependance physique a T0. Parmi ces decedes, 57 % souffraient d'une denutrition par hypercatabolisme, 33,5 % par apport. Pour l'ensemble des 54 survivants, le profil nutritionnel s'est ameliore: 29 % des denutris endogenes presentent a 6 mois une denutrition exogene dont le pronostic a court terme est moins engage, 44,5 % des denutris par apport ont un statut nutritionnel convenable a 6 mois et 71 % sans denutrition ont conserve ce meme statut. Diminution des proteines nutritionnelles, et necessite d'une supplementation alimentaire distinguent les personnes montrant une evolution plutot defavorable de leur etat de sante. La prise en charge therapeutique ne s'avere efficace que chez les sujets ayant beneficie d'un diagnostic precoce de la malnutrition et ayant maintenu une certaine motivation pour vivre et manger.
Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs on Neuroactive Steroids Brain and Plasma Levels in Humans and Animals: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Schizophrenia follows as one of the most challenge mental disorders, despite the highly available pharmacological treatment options, currently represented mainly by antipsychotic medications [1,2]. Most of these antipsychotic medications have in common some level of antagonism of dopamine type 2 receptors (D2) and also blockade of 5HT2A serotonin receptors is present in some of these compounds [3,4]. Even with the different types of currently available antipsychotics, all of them as stated earlier, have in common some blockade of D2 receptors. This pharmacodynamics effect is in accordance to the main theory that tries to explain the physiopathology of schizophrenia, the dopaminergic theory (CARLSSON AND LINDQVIST, 1963). Albeit reasonable improvement can be achieved with the use of antipsychotic to treat schizophrenia symptoms, especially when we consider the positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), almost one third of all patients is completely refractory to pharmacological approaches [1,5]. Therefore, the need for new drugs that target other neurotransmission systems other than the dopamine transmission is urgent [6] and the neuroactive steroids, like pregnenolone glutamate has attracted great attention ISSN: 2641-2020 DOI: 10.33552/APPR.2019. 02.000533