Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients in Egypt

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes significantly to cancer mortalities worldwide. The association between a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the SOCS3 gene as well as the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) was found to be significant. We aimed to study SOCS3 gene polymorphisms at rs4969168 and rs4969170and HCC susceptibility in individuals with CHC. Methods: The current prospective study involved 111 subjects divided in to three groups (HCC, HCV with and with no cirrhosis, and apparently healthy individuals). Tumor staging was done using BCLC staging system. SOCS3 (rs4969168 and rs4969170) gene polymorphisms’ analysis was done utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (via DNA extracted from all subjects). All subjects underwent a complete history, medical examination, and laboratory and radiological data collection. Results: Compared to healthy controls, homozygous AA genotypes and heterozygous GA genotypes were substantially overrepresented in HCC patients as well as those with CHCaccompanied by cirrhosis.AFP, smoking, glucose level, and AA genotype of rs4969170 might be critical significant parameters for HCC development. Conclusion: SOCS3 gene polymorphisms at rs4969168 and rs4969170 are associated with HCC and liver fibrosis progression in the Egyptian population with CHC infection.
Probabilistic frontier regression models for binary type output data

This paper proposes a probabilistic frontier regression model for binary type output data in a production process setup. We consider one of the two categories of outputs as ‘selected’ category and the reduction in probability of falling in this category is attributed to the reduction in technical efficiency (TE) of the decision-making unit. An efficiency measure is proposed to determine the deviations of individual units from the probabilistic frontier. Simulation results show that the average estimated TE component is close to its true value. An application of the proposed method to the data related to the Indian public sector banking system is provided where the output variable is the indicator of level of non-performing assets. Individual TE is obtained for each of the banks under consideration. Among the public sector banks, Andhra bank is found to be the most efficient, whereas the United Bank of India is the least.
Role of endodontic treatment related signs for the forensic odontology practice considering real-life quality of comparable radiographs

Background. Real life quality of periapical radiographic images widely varies, while also periapical radiographs not always have been taken at the same angulation, especially in multirooted tooth cases, which in turn potentially may limit the value of obtained information received during endodontic treatment for the further comparative dental identification. Objective. To objectify possibility of using real-life quality periapical radiographs obtained during endodontic treatment for the comparative dental identification. Materials and Methods. Research was organized in the form of cross-sectional hospital-based study. Copies of ten pairs of selected radiographs were distributed for the Set 1 (simulation of ante-mortem images), which contained 10 radiographs of before root canal treatment, and Set 2 (simulation of post-mortem images), which contained 10 radiographs of after endodontic interventions. Set 1 and Set 2 images were randomized, and structured via Google Form, and five teaching assistants from the Department of Restorative Dentistry were asked to match the images through provided Google Form. Results. The range of 50-80% correct pre- and post-treatment images matching levels were registered among five operators. The mean correct matching level reached 68.0 ± 7.2%. Experience within endodontics seems to be valuable regressor regarding outcome performance (p < 0.05), while additional Radiology specialization did not significantly improved performance level for matching pre- and post-treatment images (p > 0.05). Operator graded 5 out of 10 images pair as relatively easy to match, 2 images – as moderately difficult to match, and 3 images – as hard to match (Fig. 3), while their agreement on the obtained above-mentioned scores reached 0.8. Conclusion. Significance of endodontics within forensic odontology field in most cases dictated by using the results of periapical radiology as evidences of ante-mortem origin, while also considering the fact of root canal morphology uniqueness and individualized endodontic treatment pattern consistency both ante- and post-mortem even under the influence of various disturbing factors. On the other hand identification role of endodontic signs may be diminished within the absence of proper quality radiographs, or when such were provided at critically different angulations, while also when endodontic-related evidences could not be supported by dental records.
Estimating Stem Diameter Distributions in a Management Context for a Tolerant Hardwood Forest Using ALS Height and Intensity Data

Abstract Two types of nonparametric modeling techniques and various metrics derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data were examined in terms of their utility for modeling stem diameter distributions in an uneven-aged tolerant hardwood forest in Ontario, Canada. Using an area-based approach (ABA), the frequency distribution of trees across 6 size classes was predicted using k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) imputation and Random Forest (RF) regression. Predictor variables derived from ALS height and intensity data were divided into 3 groups: height only, intensity only, and all metrics. Prediction results demonstrated that the first 2 groups of predictor variables exhibited similar predictive accuracy, whereas the synergy of both resulted in enhanced performance. The utility of intensity-based metrics was corroborated by an importance measure obtained from RF. The size class-specific stem density estimation approach based on RF was more accurate and flexible than the simultaneous estimation approach based on k-NN models. After the predicted diameter distributions were grouped into 9 structural groups, heterogeneous accuracy scores revealed the challenges for predicting select diameter distributions. Although successes were observed for certain size classes, there remains additional research (e.g., development of additional metrics or data types) to be done to accurately predict a complete range of size classes.
Vertical and meridional distributions of the atmospheric CO2mixing ratio between northern midlatitudes and southern subtropics : Biomass burning and lightning experiment (BIBLE)

[1] The atmospheric CO 2 mixing ratio was measured using a continuous measurement system onboard a Gulfstream-II aircraft between the northern midlatitudes and the southern subtropics during the Biomass Burning and Lightning Experiment Phase A (BIBLE A) campaign in September-October 1998. The vertical distribution of CO 2 over tropical regions was almost constant from the surface to an altitude of 13 km. CO 2 enhancements from biomass burning and oceanic release were observed in the tropical boundary layer. Measurements in the upper troposphere indicate interhemispheric exchange was effectively suppressed between 2°N-7°N. Interhemispheric transport of air in the upper troposphere was suppressed effectively in this region. The CO 2 mixing ratios in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were almost constant, with an average value of about 365 parts per million (ppm) and 366 ppm, respectively. The correlation between the CO 2 and NO y mixing ratios observed north of 7°N was apparently different from that obtained south of 2°N. This fact strongly supports the result that the north-south boundary in the upper troposphere during BIBLE A was located around 2°N-7°N as the boundary is not necessary a permanent feature.
Implications of Fault‐Valve Behavior From Immediate Aftershocks Following the 2023 Mj6.5 Earthquake Beneath the Noto Peninsula, Central Japan

The Mj6.5 (Mw6.2) event that occurred on 5 May 2023 near the northern shoreline of the northeastern tip of the Noto Peninsula, central Japan, is the largest event to date in a long‐lasting, intense earthquake swarm. Here we have created a more precise aftershock catalog associated with the 2023 Mj6.5 and the second‐largest 2022 Mj5.4 sequence to understand the rupture process of this largest earthquake. Most of the aftershocks are aligned along a ∼45° SE‐dipping plane. The mainshock initially ruptured the same deep section of the fault zone that had been ruptured by the 2022 Mj5.4 event, before propagating rapidly to shallow depths and to offshore along the ruptured fault plane. The aftershock front migrated at a speed of ∼20 km/hr. This rapid upward migration of the immediate aftershocks might be driven by upwelling of crustal fluids along the intensely fractured and permeable fault zone via mainshock dynamic rupture.
Gallery Game: Smartphone-based Assessment of Long-Term Memory in Adults at Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Gallery Game, deployed within the Mezurio smartphone app, targets the processes of episodic memory first vulnerable to neurofibrillary tau-related degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease, prioritising both perirhinal and entorhinal cortex/hippocampal demands. Thirty-five healthy adults (aged 40-59 years), biased towards those at elevated familial risk of dementia, completed daily Gallery Game tasks for a month. Assessments consisted of cross-modal paired-associate learning, with subsequent tests of recognition and recall following delays ranging from one to 13 days. There was a non-linear decline in memory retention with increasing delays between learning and test, with significant forgetting first reported following delays of three and five days for paired-associate recall and recognition respectively, supporting the need for ecologically valid measures of longer-term memory. Gallery Game outcomes correlated as expected with established neuropsychological memory assessments, confirming the validity of this digital assessment of episodic memory. In addition, there was preliminary support for utilising the perirhinal-dependent pattern of semantic errors during object recognition as a marker of early impairment, justifying ongoing validation against traditional biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of Land Reclamation Activities on Fish Catch Among Fishermen at Merambong Shoal, Johor

The fisheries community is a community that is highly dependent on the fisheries sector, and they usually live near the coastal area. However, land reclamation activities are conducted in the coastal area for development and urbanization due to the increasing population. Consequently, the land reclamation activities degraded the habitat of the fish and caused a decrease in their productivity. This study investigated the effects of land reclamation activities on fish catch among fishermen. Using convenience sampling, 79 fishermen in the Merambong Shoal were selected, and a structured questionnaire was constructed to get responses from these fishermen. Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the number of trips, duration of fishermen to catch fish, distance of fishing ground from the coast, number of crew, and government incentives were the factors that affected the fish catch. These factors have significant relationships with the quantity of fish catch, which directly impacts income and, at the same time, affects livelihoods. The role of the government in increasing the monetary incentives and subsidies to improve the fishermen's fishing operations was highly recommended.
The Role of Government Expenditure on Regional Economic Resilience During Pandemic Covid-19

The GDP growth rate in the second quarter of 2020 YoY decreased by 5.32%. This contraction was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic which had an impact on economic activities. The policy of restricting the mobility of people and the closure of various business sectors has resulted in social and economic problems. This study examines government fiscal instruments to maintain the sustainability of the public economy. The analysis used in this study is a mixed method. Empirical testing is done by using regression techniques. The research variables include regional economic performance, spending on the prevention of COVID-19, spending on social safety nets, and spending on handling economic impacts. The research is also based on a questionnaire conducted with local governments regarding health performance and economic recovery efforts. The data used is a cross-section of the period at the end of the second quarter of 2020. The test results prove that the budget reallocation used for spending on COVID-19 disease control and social safety net spending affects improving the regional economy during the study period with p-values of 0.021 and 0.000. The government, through the Sub-National Budget, continues to refocus spending for economic recovery.
Community Empowerment Dynamics of Masjid-Based Bayt al-Mal: A Phenomenology Approach

Historically, masjids were the center of government, education, and economy. Nowadays there is an impression that Muslims are only busy to build the physical masjid and are not familiar with reality because Muslims tend to prioritize ceremonial rituals and underestimate the social functions of masjids. This study aims to assess the above assumptions and provide an overview of analytical reviews in capturing the phenomena of the management of masjid-based bayt al-mal. Thus, it can be well recognized the sides of excellence and weaknesses that may exist. This research uses qualitative methods with a phenomenological approach. The research found that there are four phenomena of management of masjid-based bayt al-mal in the Special Province of Yogyakarta namely providing people with social funds through bayt al-mal, empowering people through bayt al-mal, empowering communities not through bayt al-mal. This research emphasizes the evolving roles of masjids, extending beyond mere places of worship. The effectiveness of these multifaceted roles hinges on strong financial management, active fundraising, and transparent utilization of bayt al-mal funds. Training and professional management are also crucial for optimizing resources and building community trust. Masjids can serve as centers of community empowerment and positive social change when embracing their broader roles and responsibilities. Secara historis, masjid adalah pusat pemerintahan, pendidikan, dan perekonomian. Saat ini ada kesan umat Islam hanya sibuk membangun fisik masjid dan tidak paham dengan kenyataan karena umat Islam cenderung mengutamakan ritual seremonial dan meremehkan fungsi sosial masjid. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji asumsi-asumsi di atas dan memberikan gambaran tinjauan analitis dalam menangkap fenomena pengelolaan masjid berbasis bayt al-mal. Dengan demikian, dapat diketahui dengan baik sisi keunggulan dan kelemahan yang mungkin ada. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologis. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa terdapat empat fenomena pengelolaan bayt al-mal berbasis masjid di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta yaitu pemberian dana sosial kepada masyarakat melalui bayt al-mal, pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui bayt al-mal, pemberdayaan masyarakat tidak melalui bayt al-mal, -mal. Penelitian ini menekankan perubahan peran masjid, tidak hanya sekedar tempat ibadah. Efektivitas peran multifaset ini bergantung pada pengelolaan keuangan yang kuat, penggalangan dana yang aktif, dan pemanfaatan dana bay al-mal yang transparan. Pelatihan dan manajemen profesional juga penting untuk mengoptimalkan sumber daya dan membangun kepercayaan masyarakat. Masjid dapat berfungsi sebagai pusat pemberdayaan masyarakat dan perubahan sosial yang positif ketika menjalankan peran dan tanggung jawab mereka yang lebih luas.
Validation of QuikSCAT data and their application in the analysis of wind characteristics of Taiwan Strait and its adjacent waters in winter 2008

Before the laying of monitoring buoys in the Taiwan Strait,the specific circumstances of wind in the Taiwan Strait away from the coast were unknown.In this article,buoy wind vectors and QuikSCAT satellite wind data for winter 2008(December 2008 to February 2009) are used to investigate Taiwan Strait and its adjacent waters in terms of(1) the applicability of QuikSCAT satellite wind data,(2) the characteristics of winter wind,and(3) the degree and area of influence of "the narrow-tube effect". The correlation coefficient between the wind speeds obtained using the two observation methods is 0.93,the average deviation is-0.03 m/s,the root mean square error is 1.10 m/s,and the mean absolute error is 1.54 m/s;the average deviation in the wind directions obtained using the two observation methods is-9.53°,the root mean square error is 22.83°,and the average absolute error is 33.84°. The results show that QuikSCAT wind data for winter are highly applicable to Taiwan Strait and its adjacent waters.QuikSCAT satellite wind data were averaged to analyze the winter wind characteristics affected by the narrow tube effect in Taiwan Strait and its adjacent waters,which led to three findings. (1) There is an area of higher wind speed in central Taiwan Strait,nearer the east coast,which has wind speeds averaging 1~4 m/s higher than speeds in nearby areas of Taiwan Strait. (2) Southern Taiwan Strait has higher wind speed than the north. (3) There are areas of lower wind speed at the southwest cape and northeast cape of Taiwan Island.Combining these results with analysis of the strong-wind process,it is found that the narrow tube effect is increasingly obvious as the wind speed increases.
Cosmology of surviving Horndeski theory: The road ahead

In the context of the effective field theory of dark energy (EFT) we perform agnostic explorations of Horndeski gravity. We choose two parametrizations for the free EFT functions, namely, a power law and a dark energy density-like behavior on a nontrivial Chevallier-Polarski-Linder background. We restrict our analysis to those EFT functions which do not modify the speed of propagation of gravitational waves. Among those, we prove that one specific function cannot be constrained by data since its contribution to the observables is below the cosmic variance, although we show it has a relevant role in defining the viable parameter space. We place constraints on the parameters of these models by combining measurements from present-day cosmological data sets, and we prove that the next-generation galaxy surveys can improve such constraints by 1 order of magnitude. We then prove the validity of the quasistatic limit within the sound horizon of the dark field, by looking at the phenomenological functions μ and Σ, associated, respectively, with clustering and lensing potentials. Furthermore, we notice up to 5% deviations in μ, Σ with respect to general relativity at scales smaller than the Compton one. For the chosen parametrizations and in the quasistatic limit, future constraints on μ and Σ can reach the 1% level and will allow us to discriminate between certain models at more than 3σ, provided the present best-fit values remain.
Finite Element Analysis of Corrosion Tubular T-Joint Repaired with Grouted Clamp

A finite element (FE) analysis of corroded circular hollow section T-joints repaired using grouted clamps is presented in this study. To ensure an accurate simulation, experiments on a T-joint with uniform corrosion and an intact T-joint with grouted clamp are reproduced separately using an FE model. The experimental and FE modeling results correlate closely, displaying similar failure behaviors and load–displacement responses. Subsequently, a total of 56 FE T-joint models with varying degrees of corrosion on the chord, repaired by grouted clamp, were then analyzed numerically. The corrosion was artificially applied to the chord’s outer surface at depths of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the chord’s thickness. The models also account for variations in joint geometry, dictated by parameters β and γ, which range from 0.565 to 0.678 and from 21 to 28, respectively. Furthermore, grouted clamp’s properties were examined, including sleeve length, thickness, strength, as well as the thickness and strength of the grout, in relation to the complexity of the repair. The grouted clamp demonstrated significant repair capability, increasing the ultimate strength of the corroded joint by up to 2.23 times. Reinforcements that are both thicker and longer substantially enhance the joint’s ultimate strength. However, inappropriate repair construction results in an abrupt termination of the load–displacement curve and a brittle failure phenomenon outside reinforced chord region. Additional weight from the grouted clamp requires reasonable control, and sleeve overlapping ratio should be guaranteed to be greater than 0.7. The joint bearing capacity can be efficiently increased by thicker grouts and sleeves only in ductile failure cases. The confinement effect and mechanism of the grouted clamp in joint deformation were visually analyzed as stress distribution from FE analysis results. Finally, a prediction equation is proposed to estimate the static strength of the repaired joint through regression analysis.
Technological challenges affecting radio broadcasts to schools in kenya: the case of primary schools in Rangwe division, Homa bay county

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER ONE . 1 TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES AFFECTING RADIO BROADCAST TO SCHOOLS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN RANGWE DIVISION; AN OVERVIEW . 1 1.
HRD Programs and Employees’ Innovative Behavior in Nepalese Organizations: Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment

This study explores the relationship between HRD programs, employees' innovative behavior, and the mediating role of psychological empowerment in the Nepalese organizational context. HRD programs are crucial for improving employees' knowledge, skills, and abilities, which can lead to improved job performance and innovation. Psychological empowerment, which refers to employees' belief in their ability to control their work and make decisions, can be a critical factor in promoting innovative behavior. There were 52984 employees from banking, insurance, and hotel industry as population from which, 607 were taken as sample using disproportionate sampling method. This study has adopted a quantitative research design. It has adopted a descriptive, correlational, and explanatory research design approach. The study has used tools like exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling to explore, confirm, and test the relationships among the variables. This study suggests that HRD programs can influence employees' innovative behavior in both direct and indirect ways by promoting psychological empowerment as well. The findings of this study can help organizations in Nepal design and implement HRD programs that encourage innovation and creativity by promoting psychological empowerment, ultimately leading to improved organizational performance.