Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leptospirosis Pulmonary Hemorrhage Syndrome In Salvador, Brazil From 2003 - 2012

Objective: Leptospirosis pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome (LPHS) is a severe form of leptospirosis, with a case fatality rate exceeding 50%. Recently, LPHS has become the principal cause of mortality in leptospirosis patients in Salvador, Brazil. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of LPHS since 2003, characterize its clinical presentation, and identify risk factors that distinguish it from non-hemorrhagic pulmonary (NHPL) and non-pulmonary (NPL) forms. Methods: Patients admitted between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2012 in the active hospital-based surveillance who met the clinical case definition were included in the study. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data from patient charts and in-person interviews. Unadjusted logistic regression models identified individual-level risk factors. Maps showing spatial distribution and clustering of leptospirosis cases were created to identify high risk areas. Results: We identified 1,316 patients meeting our case definition, which included 113 LPHS, 184 NHPL, and 1019 NPL cases. Males were at greater risk for LPHS in all age groups. The LPHS-associated mortality was 65.5% (95% CI: 56.33-73.63), compared to 30.4% and 6.2% for NHPL and NPL cases, respectively. A lower microagglutination test (MAT) titer for LPHS compared to NPL cases in the acute phase suggests the absence of an early robust immune response. A high-risk LPHS cluster (p= 0.01) was identified and rat sightings was associated with NHPL patients (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.23-6.23). Limited unique clinical correlates observed in patients with pulmonary manifestations compared to non-pulmonary forms of leptospirosis. Conclusion: We describe the clinical features and epidemiology of LPHS in Salvador, Brazil, since its emergence in 2003. Few clinical correlates were identified between LPHS and NHPL patients, suggesting that leptospirosis is a disease on a clinical spectrum. Multidimensional control measures focusing on areas of high risk are necessary to reduce the burden of leptospirosis.
Clinico-Cytological Evaluation of Cysticercosis in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand: A 10 Years Study

Background: Cysticercosis is an increasingly common medical problem in the United States, especially in the Southwest. The clinical syndromes caused by T solium are categorized as either cysticercosis (cysts in various tissues including the brain) or taeniasis (intestinal tapeworm infection). Fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] plays a rapid, safe, and reliable role in prompt diagnosis of this disease. Objectives: To evaluate the role of Fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of cysticercosis and to analyse the clinical feature of cysticercosis in kumaon region. Material and Methods: This retrospective study of ten years duration (January 2007 to March 2017) was carried out in a tertiary care centre of kumaon region of Uttarakhand. FNAC was performed on 43 Cases who presented with palpabe nodules at different sites. Subsequent excision biopsy was done whenever necessary. Results: This study was conducted on 43 patients, presented with painless subcutaneous and intramuscular nodules at various sites. Majority of the patients were females. The most commonly affected sites were head and neck followed by abdominal wall. In most of the cases (20 cases; 46.51%) clear/watery fluid like material was aspirated. Definitive diagnosis of Cysticercosis on FNAC was made in 32 cases. In Rest 11 cases (which were non diagnostic on FNAC) follow-up histopathological examination was done and confirmed diagnosis of Cysticercosis was made. Conclusion: FNAC is a simple, sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid diagnostic tool for diagnosis of cysticercosis as cytological diagnosis is quite clear where the actual parasitic structures are identified in the smear.
Ready Schools in Pakistan: School and Classroom Factors Associated with Children's Success in Early Primary

The school system in Pakistan seems to be failing children from the very start – with low levels of enrolment, retention (staying in school), and learning, especially in early primary. What makes a ready school in Pakistan, a school that is ready to support children they first transition into early primary? This study used mixed methods to investigate school and classroom factors associated with children’s transition outcomes: entry, adjustment, and learning in early primary. Quantitative methods examined relationships between school factors and transition outcomes at 35 schools. Grade 1 enrolment was higher at schools in urban areas, with better toilet and water facilities, with higher levels of intervention in the Grade 1 classroom, and with pre-primary programmes, particularly better quality pre-primary classrooms. Grade 1 attendance rates were also higher at schools with pre-primary programmes. Grade 1 learning achievement scores were associated with levels of intervention in the Grade 1 classroom, as well as with Grade 1 and pre-primary classroom
Chemical and acoustic directed processes for enhancing two-phase porous media fluid flow

This thesis presents a reservoir-on-a-chip study of waterflooding, acoustic streaming and ultrasonic streaming as enhanced oil recovery mechanism. Microfluidic devices with different porosities are fabricated using photolithography or close-packed microbeads to sever as reservoir-on-a-chip micromodels. Optical video fluorescence microscopy is used to track the invasion of a water phase through the oil saturated porous
Roles of dynamic capabilities and knowledge management strategies on organizational performance

The theoretical and practical impact of dynamic capabilities on organizational performance remains elusive. This study investigates the mediating role of a firm’s dynamic capabilities, measured by IT capability and environmental scanning. In addition, by proposing that knowledge management (KM) strategies play a crucial moderating role in the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), dynamic capabilities, and organizational performance, this study highlights the need for effective KM strategies to maximize organizational performance. A questionnaire was administered to Korean managers who understand and can answer overall characteristics of their organizations. Our study found that dynamic capabilities partially mediated the relationship between EO and organizational performance. In addition, our findings show that the relationship between EO and organizational performance is stronger when firms emphasize personalization KM strategies, while the firms focusing on codification KM strategies demonstrate a stronger relationship between IT capability and organizational performance.
The Production of word stress patterns in English noun to verb conversion words by adult EFL learners in Indonesia: A Phonological Study

Word stress errors produced by EFL learners is such a common issue in phonological study. Many research regarding the issue have been conducted. Most of research concerned about the analysis of word stress errors itself. This urges the researcher to conduct a study on the production of word stress patterns in noun to verb conversion words. This topic is somehow rarely found in the area of research since the researcher use conversion words as an instrument. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the production of word stress patterns in English noun to verb conversion words by adult EFL learners in Indonesia. The researcher gathers the data by recording the production of 10 English noun to verb conversion words in the form of sentences given to 10 English Linguistics postgraduate students as participants of the study. The researcher classifies the data into correct word stress and error word stress. The error word stress are also classified into types of error word stress. The results showed that most of the students already have phonological competence, particularly in word stress patterns production in noun to verb conversion words. Apart from the success of word stress placement. It is also found that there are several types of error placement produced by adult EFL learners comprising verb stress placement in noun, noun stress placement in verb, unstressed words, and double-stressed words. In addition, this research have made contributions to the area of phonological study especially word stress and its implementation according to specific language learners. Keywords—word stress patterns, English noun to verb conversion words, adult EFL learners.
The Effectiveness of Registered Dietitians in Diabetes Case Management

Advisor: Corrine K Hanson, PhD, RD, LMNT OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of diabetes education provided by registered dietitians (RD) in a diabetes case management (DCMs) model, compared to diabetes education provided by RDs in the usual care model (UCM) at an outpatient endocrinology clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. This study hypothesizes that education by RD DCMs will be equal or more efficacious in regards to primary outcomes of A1C and BMI and secondarily, lipid results and adherence (total encounters) when compared to outcomes of UC. METHODS: This is a cross sectional retrospective review of patients with diabetes (n=946), receiving traditional RD education (n=445) and DCM (n=501). Groups had like distribution of A1C and lipids at baseline. The DCM group had a higher BMI, higher percentage of male subjects and older population compared to the UCM at baseline. BMI, Lipids, A1C and total encounters were compared from initial visit to 12 months. SPSS software provided descriptive statistics of the sample groups and independent samples t-test for differences of means between groups. P-value of < 0.5 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Primary outcomes were endpoint A1C and BMI and mean change in A1C and BMI at 1 year. Endpoint A1C was lower in the DCM (8.0 vs. 8.4, p= 0.02). Mean A1C change was 0.4 in DCM, compared with 0.2 in UCM (p=0.06). Endpoint BMI was higher in the DCM (32.7 vs 31.5, p=0.04), however BMI declined slightly (0.04) in DCM and increased slightly (+ 0.2) in the UCM (p=0.07). Secondary findings included greater mean change in LDL in DCM (+1.78 vs 4.16, p=0.002) and higher number of overall encounters with RD (10.01 vs 7.39) and
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Woven Fabric Selection and Grading for Ladies Summer Apparel

ABSTRACT In the garment industry, selection of the most appropriate fabric for apparel manufacturing plays a vital role in customer satisfaction. Identification of the best fabric from a set of available options in the presence of conflicting selection criteria is often a quite challenging multi-criteria decision-making problem. In this study, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) are used to solve fabric selection problem for apparel manufacturing. The AHP identifies relative weights of the selection criteria, whereas the PROMETHEE II method ranks the alternative fabrics based on their net outranking flows. The ranking of cotton fabrics based on multiple decision criteria of different weights is successfully achieved using combined AHP and PROMETHEE approach, which is applicable to selection of textile raw materials at any stage of the value chain. AHP and Visual PROMETHEE approach are integrated to provide a holistic methodology for fabric ranking and selection in the light of multiple selection criteria.
Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser - JIP-test parameters to study apple peel photosystem II behavior under high solar radiation stress during fruit development

Changes in apple (Malus domestica Bork.) peel PSII photochemical process during fruit development under high solar radiation field conditions were analysed by the JIP-test to increase understanding on energy dissipation and susceptibility to photooxidative damage. Fruits growing exposed (E), non-exposed (NE) or suddenly exposed (SU) to high solar radiation were evaluated at three developmental stages. Chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP), were affected by high solar radiation and development. Minimum fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, maximum quantum yield of photochemistry, and specific fluxes per cross section decreased in E and SU fruits. JIP parameters were a sensitive indicator of high solar radiation stress in apple peel. Peroxidative damage was observed in E fruits at each stage of development and in SU fruits at early and mid-stages. By delineating the photochemical events induced by solar radiation in apple fruits at different developmental stages, our findings might help to increase understanding on susceptibility of apple to photooxidation damage depending on the light environment and developmental stage they are exposed to.
NEWS-BASED SOFT INFORMATION AS A CORPORATE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

This study establishes a decision-making conceptual architecture that evaluates decision making units (DMUs) from numerous aspects. The architecture combines financial indicators together with a variety of data envelopment analysis (DEA) specifications to encapsulate more information to give a complete picture of a corporate’s operation. To make outcomes more accessible to non-specialists, multidimensional scaling (MDS) was performed to visualize the data. Most previous studies on forecasting model construction have relied heavily on hard information, with quite a few works taking into consideration soft information, which contains much denser and more diverse messages than hard information. To overcome this challenge, we consider two different types of soft information: supply chain influential indicator (SCI) and sentimental indicator (STI). SCI is computed by joint utilization of text mining (TM) and social network analysis (SNA), with TM identifying the corporate’s SC relationships from news articles and SNA to determining their impact on the network. STI is extracted from an accounting narrative so as to comprehensively illustrate the relationships between pervious and future performances. The analyzed outcomes are then fed into an artificial intelligence (AI)-based technique to construct the forecasting model. The introduced model, examined by real cases, is a promising alternative for performance forecasting.
THE PATHOLOGY OF VALGUS KNEE IN ELLIS-VAN-CREVELD SYNDROM, AND ITS SURGICAL TREATMENT. COMPARISON TO THE EQUIVALENT PATHOLOGY IN BLOUNT’S DISEASE.

Introduction: The usual surgical treatment of valgus knee in Ellis van Creveld Syndrom (EVC), is high tibial osteotomy. However, this approach failed to achieve the expected goal of lasting correction. Based on Dr. Paley’s observations, and our previous unsuccessful treatment of valgus knee in EVC syndrome, we changed the surgical approach. The aim of the surgical treatment is to eradicate all the elements causing sever valgus knee: 1) dysplasic lateral tibial condyle, 2) progressive depression of the lateral tibial plateau, 3) short fibula, 4) short and contracted fascia lata, 5) short lateral collateral ligament and biceps femoris, 6) short lateral head of gastrocnemius, and 7) contracted lateral knee capsule and lateral retinaculum. In many aspects the pathology of Blount’s disease grade 5 or 6 is similar, but located at the medial tibia causing genu vara. Materials and Methods: Three valgus knees of EVC syndrome and two varus knees of Blount’s disease grade 5 & 6 underwent surgical treatment by a unique surgical approach to address all pathologies which contribute to the deformity. In the cases of EVC syndrome the first stage operation included: 1) peroneal nerve release and soft tissue release including T.F. L. , B.F. , L.C. L. , capsule and gastrocnemius, 2) arthrogram, 3) fibulectomy, 4) elevation of lateral tibial plateau with bone graft, 5) reconstruction of L.C. L. and B.F. , 6) lateral release of retinacula and rerouting of patella, and 7)cast application. In the second stage operation of these cases a corrective high tibial osteotomy was performed. In the Blount’s disease knees the operative treatment was performed in one stage and included: 1) arthrogram, 2) elevation of the medial tibial plateau, 3) fibulotomy, 4) closing wedge tibial osteotomy based laterally, 5) transfer of the bony wedge under the elevated plateau and fixation. Results: All deformities were corrected with no recurrence, and stability of the knees persisted. We had one common peroneal nerve neuropraxia that recovered and one wound dehiscence. Conclusions: In both conditions, EVC syndrome and Blount’s disease, corrective high tibial osteotomy does not address the pathology, and recurrence is to be expected. The described surgical technique fulfills that target – eradication of the pathologic elements that lead to valgus or varus.
Revisiting the returns to education during rapid structural and rural transformation in Thailand: A regression discontinuity approach

Using data from Sierra Leone, I explore the role of cognitive ability in sorting across sectors and the importance of perceptions in the employment decision-making process. Crucial to the analysis is the introduction of the aid-industry/development sector as a â€˜third sectorâ€™, which is shown to be attractive to skilled jobseekers. One of the key findings is that the largest share of skilled jobseekers opt for early-career employment working for a donor organisation, INGO, or NGO in the development sector. The results show that cognitive ability matters for occupational choice, as higher ability workers are more likely to choose the development sector over other sectors. Skilled graduates also sort by intrinsic motivations to some extent, but these motivations are secondary to jobseekersâ€™ perceptions of various sectors. This result implies that â€˜mission matchingâ€™ based on measured preferences may be inhibited in contexts where employment possibilities are limited.
In vitro Evaluation of Fungicides, Botanical and Organic Amendments against Erysiphe polygoni DC in Black Gram

Black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] is the most important grain legumes. It is from Fabaceae family with 2n=22 Chromosomes and it is believed to have originated in India (Chatterjee and Bhattacharya, 1986). Black gram cultivation is suitable for hot and moist weather condition where temperature remains between 25-35 o C. It is mainly a day neutral warm season crop commonly grown in semiarid to sub-humid low land tropics and subtropics (Mane et al., 2018). Powdery mildew of black gram incited by Erysiphe polygoni (De Candolle) is the major problem in black gram production; it causes both quantitative and qualitative losses of grains. This disease has been observed severe mainly in late sown kharif crop and remains active throughout the year. The powdery mildew disease interferes Powdery mildew of black gram incited by Erysiphe polygoni (De Candolle) is the major problem in black gram production; it causes both quantitative and qualitative losses of grains. In vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicides, botanical and organic amendments against powdery mildew of black gram caused by Erysiphe polygoni DC. Among all the fungicides new combi-fungicide Taspa 300 SC [Propiconazole (13.9%) 15% W/V + Difenconazole (13.9%) 15% W/V] significantly cause maximum 93.05, 92.1 and 89.23% inhibition of spore germination with minimum 5.32, 6.05 and 8.24 % spore germination at 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05% concentration. Among the botanical the Neem leaf extract was observed most effective with 28.32, 30.53, 32.85, 35.62 and 42.63% spore germination and 62.14, 59.18, 56.08, 52.38 and 43.01% inhibition of spore germination at 15, 10, 7, 5 and 2% concentration respectively and in the organic amendments Panchgavya was found most effective with 30.50, 32.15, 34.98, 39.36 and 45.51% spore germination and 59.22, 57.02, 53.24, 47.38 and 39.16% inhibition of spore germination at 15, 10, 7, 5 and 2% concentrations respectively. K e y w o r d s
Humans use a local code for tactile perception

Humans are classically thought to use either spectral decomposition or averaging to identify vibrotactile signals. These are general purpose ‘global’ codes that require integration of the signal over long stretches of time. Natural vibrotactile signals, however, likely contain short signature events that can be detected and used for inference of textures, instantaneously, with minimal integration, suggesting a hitherto ignored ‘local code’. Here, by employing pulsatile stimuli and a change detection psychophysical task, we studied whether humans make use of local cues. We compared three local cues based on instantaneous skin position and its derivatives, as well as six global cues, calculated as summed powers (with exponents 1,2, and 3) of velocity and acceleration. Deliberate manipulation of pulse width and amplitude (local+global) as well as pulse frequency (global) allowed us to disentangle local from global codes. The results singled out maximum velocity, an instantaneous code, as a likely and dominant coding variable that humans rely on to perform the task. Comparing stimuli containing versus lacking local cues, demonstrated that performances exclusively using global cues are rather poor compared to situations where local ones are available as well. Our results are in line with the notion that humans not only do use local cues but that local cues may even play a dominant role in perception. Our results parallel previous results in rodents, pointing to the possibility that quite similar coding strategies evolved in whisker and finger tactile systems. Significance statement The brain is believed to select coding symbols in sensory signals that would most efficiently convey functionally relevant information about the world. For instance, the visual system is widely believed to use spatially local features, like edge orientation, to delineate a visual scene. For the tactile system only global, general purpose coding schemes have been discussed so far. Based on the insight that moving contacts, characteristic for active touch, feature short-lived stick-slip events, frictional movements that transfer fair amounts of texture information, one should expect the brain to use a temporally local code, extracting and instantaneously analyzing short snippets of skin movement. Here, we provide the first analytical psychophysical evidence in humans that this indeed is the case.
Terahertz spectroscopy of amino acid crystals based on dispersion-correction functional theory

Abstract The terahertz spectra of solid-state amino acids with different polarities were measured by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The measured absorption spectra were in good agreement with the results simulated by density functional theory using hybrid functional Becke–3–Lee–Yang–Parr and generalized-gradient approximation Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional with the same basis set of 6-311 G (d, p), respectively. In order to construct a precise crystal structure, dispersion-corrected density functionals were included in the simulation. It was found that Becke–3–Lee–Yang–Parr functional combined with dispersion-correction could produce accurate simulation results that corresponded to the experimental terahertz spectra of solid-state amino acids. However, it greatly increased the time for calculation. The method of Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional with dispersion-correction provided comparable accuracy to Becke–3–Lee–Yang–Parr with dispersion-correction, and much higher simulation speed. The spectral features are assigned as primarily external lattice translations and rotations with lesser contributions to intramolecular torsions.