Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPLEMENTATION COSTS OF THE GST IN AUSTRALIA: CONCEPTS, PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES AND IMPLICATIONS

The introduction of a GST in Australia which commenced on 1 July 2000 heightened public interest in and concern for the simplification of tax reform. In recent months, the media increasingly focused on the implementation costs of the GST. Some estimates of the start-up compliance costs of the Australian GST have been reported, many of which were either baseless or difficult to justify. This paper considers a number of conceptual and measurement issues associated with the implementation costs of a new tax. It reviews Canadian and Australian estimates, and suggests that the implementation costs of the GST in Australia would range from $4-5 billion dollars. The implications for tax revenue, the price level and efficiency gains of the GST start-up operating costs are also discussed
Acculturation strategies and multicultural identity in Bolivia: Influences of a plural society.

A plural society is a suitable scenario for the encounter between human groups ethnic or culturally differentiated. It is in the context of these encounters that acculturation occurs as one of many strategies of cultural exchange. This article shares the Berry`s notion of acculturation, stressing four forms of relationship derived depending on whether individuals prefer or not to preserve their cultural values, and on whether promote or not inter ethnical contacts with other ethnic groups. We assume that plural society should develop in their members, multiple cultural identities as a product of shared diversity. This study postulates a differential influence of the acculturation strategy on the multicultural identity formation. The results indicate that certain forms of acculturation determine with more strength, the multicultural identity, especially those in which prevails the inter-ethnic contact intent. These results revitalize approaches that explain the identity from the social and interactive perspective.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN IN-HOUSE ROSE BENGAL PLATE TEST FOR DIAGNOSIS OF BRUCELLOSIS IN GOAT

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella melitensis, is a significant problem for both public and animal health worldwide. The Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) antigen from Brucella melitensis local isolates were developed in this study. The performance of the assay was investigated using serum samples collected from goats. A total of 1063 serum samples obtained from goats were examined for the presence of antibodies against Brucella by in-house RBPT (LRBPT), commercial RBPT (Veterinary Laboratory Agency – VLA, UK) and Compliment Fixation test (CFT). The sensitivity and specificity was calculated using CFT as the gold standard. Out of 1063 goats sera analyzed 364 (34.24%), 335 (31.51%), and 373 (35.08%) were found to be positive by LRBPT, commercial RBPT and CFT, respectively. The sensitivity calculated for the LRBPT, was 90.1% compared to commercial RBPT 85.0%. However, the specificity of the LRBPT was lower (95.9%), than the commercial RBPT (97.4%). Furthermore the LRBPT has better value of NPV (94.7%) than commercial RBPT NPV (92.3%). While the PPV, of the commercial RBPT is higher (94.6%) than LRBPT (92.3%) respectively. High sensitive and low cost LRBPT compared to cRBPT B. melitensis RBPT test was successfully developed in this present study. Therefore it was concluded that this diagnostic test kit can complement and replace the available commercial RBPT which is relatively more expensive and less sensitive in detection of brucellosis in goats. It could also be used for epidemiological surveillance of caprine brucellosis in Malaysia.
The Ferrous Ion Chelating Assay of Pandanus Extracts

The antioxidant properties of the natural plant extracts can be resulted from their ability to chelate transition metal ions, especially Fe 2+ and Cu 2+. For example, the complex formation between ferrozine and Fe 2+ can be disturbed by the presence of other complexing agents which cause a decrease in the red colour intensity of complexes. Phenolic compounds from Pandanus extracts (family: Pandanaceae) may consist of dihydroxy groups, which can conjugate transition metals, therefore preventing the metal-induced free radical formation. This study investigates the metal chelating capacity of Pandanus pygmaeus extracts and their column chromatographic fractions. The ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assay was performed to determine the ability of the extracts in chelating ferrous ion. The stock solution was diluted to five concentrations (1-10 000 µg/mL). 500 µL samples at different concentrations were mixed with 100 µL of 0.6 mM ferrous chloride (FeCl 2) and 900 µL of methanol (MeOH). Then, the mixtures (1.50 mL) were incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. Next, 100 µL of 5 mM ferrozine was added, mixed thoroughly and left in the dark for another 10 minutes. The absorbance of the solution was measured spectrophotometrically at 562 nm. The respective solvent used in this bioassay served as a blank control. Ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA) was used as positive control. The percentage inhibition of ferrozine-Fe +2 formations was calculated. In this assay, only the MeOH extract of P. pygmaeus and positive control EDTA exhibited the chelating activity. The absorbance of ferrous and ferrozine complex was decreased dose-dependently, which means that the chelating activity was increased on increasing concentration from 1-10 000 µg/mL. The highest chelating activity of MeOH extract and EDTA is at 10 000 µg/mL with 85.39% and 99.81%, respectively. However, the chelating activity of MeOH extract still can be improved by increasing the concentration. However, compared to positive control of EDTA, IC 50 of MeOH extract was higher than that of EDTA. The smaller the IC 50 value, the higher the metal chelating activity of the compound / extract. This reveals that the MeOH extract is a moderate metal chelating agent as compared to EDTA. On the other hand, the hexane and dichloromethane extracts do not show any chelating activity as IC 50 value could not be determined. The ferrous ion-chelating activity was shown by methanolic extract of P. pygmaeus and positive control EDTA with IC 50 values 2256.50 ± 59.53 µg/mL and …
The prevalence of psychological distress and relationships with social fragmentation and isolation: a geospatial study and survey in rural Australia.

Purpose: There is limited data on the effects of social isolation on rural mental health. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of psychological distress in a rural area of Australia while exploring the association between psychological distress and social isolation at the individual and area level. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of 408 adult volunteers was conducted across rural south-eastern New South Wales from October 2019 to April 2020. The Kessler 10 was used to measure psychological distress, while area-level social fragmentation was assessed using the family (ANSFIfam) and mobility (ANSFImob) components of the Australian Neighbourhood Social Fragmentation Index. The number of different occupations of people known socially was used to assess individual-level social isolation. Spatial analysis was performed to identify any spatial autocorrelation. Results: The prevalence of high psychological distress in the sample was 29%. Using logistic regression models, there was little evidence of a relationship between high psychological distress and ANSFIfam (odds ratio (OR)=0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.93, 1.03), or ANSFImob (OR=1.04, 95%CI=0.99, 1.09). High psychological distress also did not appear to be associated with number of occupations known socially (OR=1.00, 95%CI=0.99, 1.00). There was no significant spatial autocorrelation of psychological distress or social fragmentation at the postal area level. Conclusion: The results suggest that social fragmentation or isolation may not have a significant effect on psychological distress in a rural setting. Nevertheless, further investigation of the effects of social isolation on mental health in rural areas is warranted.
Racial and ethnic differentials in COVID-19-related job exposures by occupational standing in the US

Researchers and journalists have argued that work-related factors may be partly responsible for disproportionate COVID-19 infection and death rates among vulnerable groups. We evaluate these claims by examining racial and ethnic differences in the likelihood of work-related exposure to COVID-19. We extend previous studies by considering 12 racial and ethnic groups and five types of potential occupational exposure to the virus: exposure to infection, physical proximity to others, face-to-face discussions, interactions with external customers and the public, and working indoors. Most importantly, we stratify our results by occupational status, defined as the proportion of workers within each occupation with some college education. This measure serves as a proxy for whether workplaces and workers employ significant COVID-19-related risk reduction strategies. We use the 2018 American Community Survey to identify recent workers by occupation, and link 409 occupations to information on work context from the Occupational Information Network to identify potential COVID-related risk factors. We then examine the racial/ethnic distribution of all frontline workers and frontline workers at highest potential risk of COVID-19, by occupational status and by sex. The results indicate that, contrary to expectation, White frontline workers are often overrepresented in high-risk jobs while Black and Latino frontline workers are generally underrepresented in these jobs. However, disaggregation of the results by occupational status shows that, in contrast to Whites and several Asian groups, Latino and Black frontline workers are overrepresented in lower status occupations overall and in lower status occupations associated with high risk, and are thus less likely to have adequate COVID-19 protections. Our findings suggest that greater work exposures likely contribute to a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among Latino and Black adults and underscore the need for measures to reduce potential exposure for workers in low status occupations and for the development of programs outside the workplace.
SARS-CoV-2 Causes a Different Cytokine Response Compared to Other Cytokine Storm-Causing Respiratory Viruses in Severely Ill Patients

Hyper-induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, also known as a cytokine storm or cytokine release syndrome (CRS), is one of the key aspects of the currently ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This process occurs when a large number of innate and adaptive immune cells activate and start producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, establishing an exacerbated feedback loop of inflammation. It is one of the factors contributing to the mortality observed with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) for a subgroup of patients. CRS is not unique to the SARS-CoV-2 infection; it was prevalent in most of the major human coronavirus and influenza A subtype outbreaks of the past two decades (H5N1, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and H7N9). With a comprehensive literature search, we collected changing the cytokine levels from patients upon infection with the viral pathogens mentioned above. We analyzed published patient data to highlight the conserved and unique cytokine responses caused by these viruses. Our curation indicates that the cytokine response induced by SARS-CoV-2 is different compared to other CRS-causing respiratory viruses, as SARS-CoV-2 does not always induce specific cytokines like other coronaviruses or influenza do, such as IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, or IL-5. Comparing the collated cytokine responses caused by the analyzed viruses highlights a SARS-CoV-2-specific dysregulation of the type-I interferon (IFN) response and its downstream cytokine signatures. The map of responses gathered in this study could help specialists identify interventions that alleviate CRS in different diseases and evaluate whether they could be used in the COVID-19 cases.
Reduction in child mortality in Ethiopia: analysis of data from demographic and health surveys

Background To examine changes in under–5 mortality, coverage of child survival interventions and nutritional status of children in Ethiopia between 2000 and 2011. Using the Lives Saved Tool, the impact of changes in coverage of child survival interventions on under–5 lives saved was estimated. Methods Estimates of child mortality were generated using three Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys undertaken between 2000 and 2011. Coverage indicators for high impact child health interventions were calculated and the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) was used to estimate child lives saved in 2011. Results The mortality rate in children younger than 5 years decreased rapidly from 218 child deaths per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval 183 to 252) in the period 1987–1991 to 88 child deaths per 1000 live births in the period 2007–2011 (78 to 98). The prevalence of moderate or severe stunting in children aged 6–35 months also declined significantly. Improvements in the coverage of interventions relevant to child survival in rural areas of Ethiopia between 2000 and 2011 were found for tetanus toxoid, DPT3 and measles vaccination, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and care–seeking for suspected pneumonia. The LiST analysis estimates that there were 60 700 child deaths averted in 2011, primarily attributable to decreases in wasting rates (18%), stunting rates (13%) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions (13%). Conclusions Improvements in the nutritional status of children and increases in coverage of high impact interventions most notably WASH and ORS have contributed to the decline in under–5 mortality in Ethiopia. These proximal determinants however do not fully explain the mortality reduction which is plausibly also due to the synergistic effect of major child health and nutrition policies and delivery strategies.
Kinetic and nonsteady-state effects in superconductors

Well, someone can decide by themselves what they want to do and need to do but sometimes, that kind of person will need some kinetic and nonsteady state effects in superconductors references. People with open minded will always try to seek for the new things and information from many sources. On the contrary, people with closed mind will always think that they can do it by their principals. So, what kind of person are you?
Assessment of Noise Exposure and Noise Annoyance in a Steel Factory

Background: Noise pollution is one of the most important risk factors in industrial settings. This study aimed to assess noise exposure and noise-induced annoyance among workers of a steel factory. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 70 healthy male participants (33 office employees and 37 production line workers) in a steel plant. Results: The results showed that 24.24% of employees in office areas and 54% of blue-collar workers had high noise annoyance. Also, noise levels in two parts of steel factory and percentage of responds by participants that felt highly annoyed showed a significant relationship (P < 0.05). Feeling of discomfort was a major complaint that was stated by office employees (%59) and blue-collar workers (%38). Conclusions: The findings of this investigation have clearly revealed that employees in both parts of steel factory are annoyed by noise. A higher noise level resulted in higher noise annoyance in the exposed workers. The need for implementing noise conservation program was established.
Determination of Work-Rest Schedules Based on Physical Workload Among Bakers in Ahvaz, Iran

Background: Bakery workers due to exposure to radiant heat and doing manual labor are at risk of heat-related illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the appropriate work-rest time interval using two indexes of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and relative heart rate (RHR). Methods: It was an analytical and descriptive research. Heart rate of workers was continuously recorded to achieve the physiological monitoring and the obtained information was used to determine the work difficulty and physical workload. The ratio of heat stress and RHR was measured using the WBGT and polar team pro device, respectively. Work-rest schedules were detected through the heart rate reserve and heat stress indexes. The level of significance was α = 0.05. Results: Physical workload based on heart rate was estimated light to moderate in bakery workers. Suitable work-rest schedule for all bakery workers according to WBGT index was 25% work-75% rest and based on heart rate reserve index in half of the workers was 50% work-50% rest, and in the other half of the bakery workers was continuous work without rest. According to Kappa test, there was no agreement between the two methods of heat stress index and heart rate reserve to determine the work-rest schedules of workers (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Physical workloads on the basis of heart rate were light for all workers except the workers of Tanoury who had moderate workload. Meanwhile, determining the work-rest schedule was different using the two indexes. The heart rate reserve index represents the physiological status of individual during the work and states the ratio of physical workload more precisely.
Prevotella Induces the Production of Th17 Cells in the Colon of Mice

Th17-mediated mucosal inflammation is related to increased Prevotella bacterial abundance. The actual involvement of Prevotella in the development and accumulation of intestinal Th17 cells at a steady state, however, remains undefined. Herein, we investigated the role of Prevotella in inducing intestinal Th17 cells in mice. Mice were treated with a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics (including ampicillin, neomycin sulfate, vancomycin hydrochloride, and metronidazole) in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then gavaged with Prevotella for 4 weeks. After inoculation, 16S rDNA sequencing was used to verify the colonization of Prevotella in the colon of mice. The IL-17A as well as IL-17A-expressing T cells was localized and quantified by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) of colon sections. Th17 cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice were counted by flow cytometry. Systemic immune response to Prevotella colonization was evaluated based on the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-4, IFN-γ, and IL-2. Th17-polarizing cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-2) induced by Prevotella were evaluated by stimulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Results revealed that after inoculation, Prevotella successfully colonized the intestine of mice and induced the production and accumulation of colonic Th17 cells in the colon. Moreover, Prevotella elevated some of the Th17-related cytokines in the serum of mice. And Th17-polarizing cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) produced by BMDCs were mediated mainly through the interaction between Prevotella and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). In conclusion, our data suggest that Prevotella induces the production of Th17 cells in the colon of mice, thus highlighting the potential role of Prevotella in training the intestinal immune system.
A Case of Prolonged Catatonia Caused by Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, often associated with some neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as systemic lupus erythematosus. Although catatonia is frequently reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, it has been rarely reported in patients with SS. Herein, we present a case of SS with catatonia effectively and safely treated with modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A 58-year-old woman showed prolonged catatonia and depressive mood along with pathologically dried eye and mouth. Based on physical findings and blood tests, she was diagnosed with SS. Because of the presence of pressure sores, we were unable to perform lumbar puncture for the diagnosis of abacterial encephalitis. Alternatively, single-photon emission computed tomography of her brain revealed multifocal hypoperfused areas in the parietotemporal region. Consequently, we performed ECT for the treatment of catatonia comorbid with SS. Following 20 sessions of ECT, the catatonia was improved without obvious adverse effects. One week after the last ECT, elevated levels of interleukin-6 were identified in the cerebral fluid. After receiving steroid pulse therapy, she has not experienced catatonia for more than 5 years. SS can cause catatonia, and ECT is a safe and effective option for the treatment of catatonia with SS.
Intraclass Difference in Pneumonia Risk with Fluticasone and Budesonide in COPD: A Systematic Review of Evidence from Direct-Comparison Studies

Background Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used and recommended to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While generally considered safe, several studies demonstrated an increased risk of pneumonia with the use of ICS in COPD patients. Although all ICS indicated for COPD carry the class labeling warning of increased pneumonia risk, evidence suggests an intraclass difference in the risk of pneumonia between inhaled budesonide and fluticasone. To date, systematic reviews of direct-comparison studies have not been performed to assess if an intraclass difference exists. Research Question This review investigated whether there is an intraclass difference in risk of pneumonia between inhaled fluticasone and budesonide, the 2 most commonly used ICS in COPD. Study Design and Methods A search of the medical literature was conducted in PubMed and Embase for the time period of 01/01/69–05/31/19. The search strategy combined terms that defined the patient/disease type, exposures, outcome, and the study/publication type. Descriptive and comparative statistics reported for fluticasone- and budesonide-containing products in each study, including data for pneumonia event subgroups, were extracted and reported by dose, seriousness, or practice setting. Controlled clinical trials and observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodologic quality by using the appropriate tool from the list of study quality assessment tools developed by the National Institutes of Health. Results The summary relative risk (RR) ratio across 5 included studies (57,199 patients) was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09–1.19), representing a 13.5% increased risk of pneumonia among fluticasone users compared to budesonide users. Similarly, summary RR ratio for serious pneumonia implied a 14.4% increased risk of serious pneumonia among fluticasone users compared to budesonide users (pooled RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09–1.20). Interpretation There is likely a clinically important intraclass difference in the risk of pneumonia between fluticasone- and budesonide-containing inhaled medications in COPD.
Tolosa–Hunt Syndrome: A Painful Ophthalmoplegia

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome is a painful ophthalmoplegia characterized by recurrent unilateral orbital pain, ipsilateral oculomotor paralysis, and a rapid response to steroids. Our report describes a 37-year-old young woman who presented with right ptosis, ipsilateral ophthalmoplegia, and painful headache with no other neurological deficits in which all biological and neuroimaging investigations were normal. Complete recovery within one week of corticosteroid therapy was observed. This is probably the first case of Tolosa–Hunt syndrome reported in Dakar, Senegal.