Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Least Squares Dummy Variable Estimation Of Dynamic Panel Models In The Presence Of Outliers

— This research is focused on the consistent, robust least squares dummy variable (LSDV R ) estimator which is predicated on the correction of the bias of the inconsistency of the least squares dummy variable estimator of the parameters of the dynamic panel data model, as an extension of earlier results. We compared the results of the bias corrected least squares dummy variable estimator of the dynamic panel data models in the presence of outliers, at stated specifications of the model with the consistent instrumental variable (IV) and the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators of Anderson and Hsiao (AH), Arellano and Bond (AB) and Blundell and Bond (BB) to validate the claims or otherwise of the estimators. We observe at =  =0.8 and B=0.2 that the robust least squares dummy variable estimator (LSDV R ) performs better than the IV- GMM in finite and large samples in terms of predictive powers and in the estimation of the autoregressive coefficient in large samples followed by the LSDV, though, with maximum RMSE property while the Blundell and Bond (BB) performs better than the other contending models in estimation of the autoregressive coefficient in finite samples showing that the presence of an outlier does not affect the predictive power of the robust least squares dummy variable (LSDV R ) estimator.
EFFECT OF FYTOLAN ON TESTICULAR FUNCTIONS AND SEX HORMONES

Indiscriminate use of fungicides has caused severe environmental and public health hazards. Fytolan was used in present study because it is the most commonly used fungicide but not much is known about its toxicity. The present study was undertaken with an objective to determine the possible adverse effects of fytolan on testicular functions and sex hormones of male rat. The tested dose was administrated orally to the wistar rats at the dose level 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg/kg. b. wt. /day for 30 days. A significant decrease in weight of testis and accessory sex organs was observed. Marked reduction in the sperm motility in cauda epididymis was noticed. A significant decrease in sperm density was also observed in testis and cauda epididymis. A 100% negative fertility was observed in fytolan treated animals. Significant reduction in testicular glycogen and sialic acid content was observed, but cholesterol and protein content was found to be elevated. From a reduced reproduction success, marked reduction in sperm motility and density, with adverse effect on hormone biosynthesis, this could be deduced that fytolan act as toxicant to reproductive system.
Effect of Cowpea Extract on PCNA Expression and BAX/BCL2 Ratio in Mice Epithelial Cells Menopause Model

Objective: In biology, breast cancer has two main biological factors proliferation and apoptosis. Currently, therapeutic agents focus on the regulation of these factors that can manage and prevent progression of the cancer. However, current drugs provide not only therapeutic benefits but also serious side effects that eventually adds burden to the patient. With this, medicinal plants were explored as a potential source of therapeutic agents such as Cowpea that are abundant in Indonesia that showed a potential regulation of the progression of breast cancer. To evaluate the effects of Cowpea extract in the two biological factors of breast cancer, PCNA expression and ratio of BAX/BCL2 were measured in mice epithelial cells menopause model. Design: Prospective controlled experimental trial. Setting: University medical center. Animal: Rattus norvegicus Strain Wistar. Intervention: The experimental mice oovorectomy were divided into 3 groups: Group I: the control group; no treatment was given and experimental mice Group II: experimental mice given Cowpea extract (15 mg/kgBW/day), Group III: experimental mice given cowpea extract (60 mg/kgBW/day). Main Outcome Measurement: Histopathological assessment. Result: The effect of Cowpea extract with two dose-response showed a significant difference between the control group (85 ± 13.87a) and the test groups, group 2 (61 ± 6.67b) and group 3 (47.8 ± 6.14c) (p = 0.00) in PCNA expression. This indicates that the test groups, both the two different doses significantly decrease the PCNA expression in female rats. In BAX/BCL2 expression the control group (0.32 ± 0.18a and group 2 (0.56 ± 0.50a), group 3 (1.33 ± 0.78b). This indicates that the test groups, both the two different doses significantly decreases the BAC/BCLA2 expression in female rats. Conclusion: The remarkable effects of Cowpea extract on the inhibition of PCNA expression and upregulation of BAX/BCL2 will served as a good platform for pharmaceutical and medical industries to explore Cowpea which is abundant in Indonesia as a source of effective therapeutic treatment for breast cancer.
Stated Preference Modeling for a Preferred Transportation Mode

This paper contains econometric analysis of commuters’ behaviour with regards to their choice between different transportation modes (car and bus) in traveling to Accra central. Using the data collected from an experimental survey, a binary logit model and its marginal effects was estimated. The magnitude of estimates generally indicates that bus users highly value attributes such as price and habit. However, the level of noise, comfort, and time (morning trips) will result in a disutility of public transport choice. Keywords: Commuters, discrete choice model, mode choice, public transport, stated preference
Network Coding approach for Secure Cloud Storage

- This paper focuses the ingrained relationship between secure cloud storage and secure network coding. The secure cloud storage protocol is that the user can check the data integrity without possessing the actual data. The secure network coding uses the concept of data fragmentation. Though different and studied independently they can work together to give effective results. It shows systematic construction of secure cloud storage protocol when secure network coding protocol is used with it. Further two specific secure cloud storage protocols based on two recent secure network coding protocols are proposed. First is security mediated anonymous cloud storage is proposed and second is third party auditable secure cloud storage. It will give us the effective and efficient mechanism for secure cloud storage.
Phytogenic Feed Additives as a Coccidiostat in Poultry

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that influences farm animals. The disease severely affects poultry leading to real economic losses. This occurs by affecting growth and feed efficiency, causing death of birds and expending a lot of money for vaccination and inclusion of anticoccidial drugs into the diet for the long period. In the last years development of resistance against anticoccidial drugs was the problem that disquieting poultry producers and researchers. Above issues were encouraging researchers to looking for natural, cheap alternatives to control coccidiosis. Anticoccidial properties of various natural products such as Ageratum conyzoides extract (Billy goat weed), green tea, maslinic acid (found in leaves and fruit of olive tree), extract of Musa paradisiacal root, coumestans from Eclipta alba, extract of a wild mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), extract of Artemisia sieberi, extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves, leaves of Artemisia annua and Aloe vera-based diet were reported. Ability of other materials to improve the resistance of birds against coccidiosis was demonstrated, such as commercial probiotic (MitoMax) and Lactobacillus-based probiotic. These findings give hope to producers and researchers regarding the control of coccidiosis without the risk of drug resistant. Therefore this research aims to exhibit scientific literature that discussed the use of phytogenics as natural coccidiostat in poultry diet with focus on their mode of action.
Correlation of pallor with hemoglobin levels and clinical profile of anemia in primary and middle school children of rural Telangana

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 2 billion individuals or about 40% of the world’s population suffer from anemia. The population groups with the highest prevalence of anemia are: pregnant women and the elderly (about 50%), infants and children 1 to 2 years (48%), school children (40%), non-pregnant women (35%), and preschoolers (25%). Methods: The study was conducted at MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences. 1007 children were screened clinically and their blood samples collected and analyzed by hemocue instrument. A complete physical examination was done for all these children. Results: The maximum number of subjects belongs to the nine year old category. Boys constituted 46% of the study population while girls constituted 54% of the study population. Anemia is more prevalent in female subjects than males. In the present study, clinical pallor was present in 16.48% of the subjects. In specific, conjunctival pallor was noted in 9.43%, generalized pallor of skin noted in 4.96% and palmar crease pallor was noted in 1.88% of subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of clinical pallor in diagnosing anemia is 94.02% and 93.71% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of palmar pallor in diagnosing severe anemia is 100% and 98.21% respectively. Conclusions: The clinical finding of pallor in a child is a reliable indicator of anemia. The presence of clinical pallor in any of the body sites (conjunctival pallor, skin pallor, palmar pallor) is a reliable indicator of anemia. The presence of palmar crease pallor is a good indicator of severe anemia in children. By effective implementation of mid-day meal scheme, the incidence of anemia could be brought down effectively.
SUBACUTE ANTIDIABETIC PROPERTIES OF AGERATUM CONYZOIDES LEAVES IN DIABETIC RATS

This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides. Streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia male adult albino rats were used to study the antidiabetic effect of Ageratum conyzoides aqueous extract (at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg respectively). The diabetic rats were housed in metabolic cages, for the whole period of the experiment. Body weight was evaluated at the beginning of the experiment and on days 7, 14, and 21 afterward. Water intake, food intake and urine excretion volume were also estimated. At the end of the experiment the rats were sacrificed and serum insulin concentration, total serum proteins and hepatic glycogen content were estimated. Lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), High density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG)) were also assessed. The results showed significant effect of stimulating body weight growth at the doses of 200, 300 mg/kg. The effect of the extract on the food, water intake and water excretion showed a significant decrease in the 200 and 300 mg/kg extract treated groups. In treated rats, both doses (200 and 300 mg/kg) induced a significant reduction in serum glucose and the Area Under the glucose Curve, with concomitant increases in serum insulin and protein levels. Furthermore, A. conyzoides treatment improve lipid profile by increase HDL and reducing triglycerides and LDL at 200 mg/kg. The present study clearly indicates that Ageratum conyzoidesaqueous extract leaves exhibited significant antidiabetic activity and supports its uses in traditional medicine. INTRODUCTION: Ageratum conyzoides is an erect herbaceous annual plant. It was originally introduced as a garden plant, and now widely used in traditional medicine worldwide 1 . Since ancient times, the plant has been utilized for the treatment of various ailments, such as burns and wounds, infectious diseases, arthritis and fever 1 . QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.6(4). 1378-87 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr. com DOI link: http://dx.doi. org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.6(4). 1378-87 Specifically, it has been shown to have activity against larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti 2 , anti-inflammatory properties with no apparent hepatotoxicity 3 , radio-protective and gastroprotective effect 4, 5 . Isolated and structurally elucidated 5, 6, 7, 8, 3ʹ, 4ʹ, 5ʹ-Heptamethoxy flavone from Ageratum conyzoides, showed low insecticidal activity against D. hyalinata and R. dominica 6 . In Africa A. conyzoides is used to treat fever, rheumatism, headache, colic, wounds caused by burns, dyspepsia, eye problems, uterine disorders and pneumonia, while it is used in traditional medicine for antiasthmatic, antispasmodic and haemostatic effects in East Africa 7 .
Network Intrusion Detection Using Hybrid Simplified Swarm Optimization and Random Forest Algorithm on Nsl-Kdd Dataset

: During the last decade the analysis of intrusion detection has become very significant, the researcher focuses on various dataset to improve system accuracy and to reduce false positive rate based on DAPRA 98 and later the updated version as KDD cup 99 dataset which shows some statistical issues, it degrades the evaluation of anomaly detection that affects the performance of the security analysis which leads to the replacement of KDD cup 99 to NSL-KDD dataset. This paper focus on detailed analysis on NSL-KDD dataset and proposed a new technique of combining swarm intelligence (Simplified Swarm Optimization) and data mining algorithm (Random Forest) for feature selection and reduction. SSO is used to find more appropriate set of attributes for classifying network intrusions, and Random Forest is used as a classifier. In the preprocessing step, we optimize the dimension of the dataset by the proposed SSO-RF approach and finds an optimal set of features. SSO is an optimization method that has a strong global search capability and is used here for dimension optimization. The experimental results shows that the proposed approach performs better than the other approaches for the detection of all kinds of attacks present in the dataset.
Serum Lipid Profile in Preterm and Term Appropriate for Gestational Age Indian Newborns: A Hospital Based Comparative Study

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of death in developed countries and also is a rising trend in developing countries. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare lipid profile and atherogenic indices in term and preterm neonates. Methods: A total of 60 neonates were selected which were grouped on the basis of gestational age and birth weight. Umbilical venous blood was collected from them. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides), apolipoproteins (apo B and apo A-I) and atherogenic index were evaluated and compared. Studentt test (unpaired) was applied to test the significance. Results: Mean serum cholesterol and LDL was significantly high in preterm . Mean TC / LDL ratio of preterm group 3.17, term 2.64 (p< 0.006). Mean Apolipoprotein A-1 in preterm 78.37 mg/dl, term 76.51 mg/dl (P<0.67). Mean apolipoprotein B / A-1 ratio in preterm 0.45, term 0.39, (p<0.11) showing worse profile in preterm. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a trend towards worse lipid profile in preterm SGA new-borns. There is a need to investigate if this atherogenic lipid profile is a marker for future cardiovascular diseases.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Long-Span Bridge System with Durability Degradation

An offshore long-span continuous rigid-frame bridge is taken as an example to study the effect of degradation of bond-slip behavior on the seismic performance of bridges in an offshore environment during a service period. On the basis of a numerical simulation analysis using the OpenSeeS platform, the influence of durability degradation of concrete carbonization, steel corrosion, and degradation of bond-slip performance is considered collectively using incremental dynamic analysis method to examine the time-varying seismic fragility of the offshore bridge. Results show that when bond slip is considered, the exceedance probability of the bridge components and the system increases significantly, and the durability degradation caused by concrete carbonization and chloride ion erosion in the whole life cycle increases the seismic response of the bridge structure. The results of the proposed time-varying seismic fragility analysis indicate that, considering the degradation of bond-slip behavior of reinforced concrete after the durability degradation of materials, the exceedance probability of the pier, bearing, abutment, and system increases with the extension of service period and the increase in seismic strength under earthquake action. In addition, with the extension of service time, the effect of bond slip on the seismic fragility of components and system gradually decreases.
Effects on Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus in Liver Transplant Patients

For most drugs, initial dosage for different individuals is associated with many factors, such as weight and age. If drug blood concentrations can be measured, the dosage of the drug may be adjusted to the blood value to get an acceptable range. With regards to immunosuppressive drugs, like tacrolimus, dose that is too low could cause organ rejection, and a dose that is too high could cause toxicity [2,3]. Achieving a steady target blood concentration is critical to avoid rejection and adverse drug effects [4].
Prevalence of self reported halitosis in a sample of undergraduate dental students in Sulaimani University

The purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalence of self reported halitosis and its association with habit of smoking, systemic diseases, medications, oral hygiene habits and oral health status among undergraduate dental student. A questionnaire based study was carried out at school of dentistry, university of sulaimani among undergraduate dental students; the subjects consist of 103 dental students, 38(36.89%) of participant were male and 65(63.10%) were female. The questionnaire was distributed all the dental students, each dental student had to fill up questionnaire such as patient age, sex, systemic diseases, medications, smoking habit, oral health behaviours, oral health status, and presence or absence of halitosis. Chi square test was used to analyse the data. Prevalence of self reported halitosis was 28.15%. It was more prevalent among females (63.10%) than males (36.89%) but not significantly (P>0.05). Prevalence of halitosis was higher among patients with systemic diseases (34.28%) than patients without systemic diseases (25%) however it was not statistically significant (P=0.32). Prevalence of halitosis was significantly high among patients who were using medication and among smoker patients (P<0.05). With some exceptions , prevalence of halitosis was lower among patients practicing oral hygiene habits than patients who were not practicing oral hygiene habits however it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Prevalence of halitosis was higher among patients who had xerostomia, bleeding gum when brushing, coated tongue, bleeding gum spontaneously than patients who were not having these conditions but not significantly (P>0.05). Majority of patients reported halitosis when wake up (65.51%). there is a relatively high prevalence of halitosis among dental student ;prevalence of self reported halitosis was higher among females than males, prevalence of halitosis was higher among patients with systemic diseases than patients without systemic diseases; medications and smoking were significantly correlated with halitosis; with some exceptions patients who performed oral hygiene habits have shown lower prevalence of halitosis than patients who did not perform oral hygiene habits although without statistical significant as well as poor oral health status tend to increase prevalence of halitosis.
Quality Measure Techniques for Estimating the Impact of Image Attributes on Tampering

An alteration or manipulation in digital images is termed as tampering. There are different techniques to detect and remove tampering from digital images. A number of attributes are associated with image and these impact the process of tampering removal. There may be dependency of different image attributes on tampering removal process. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is one of the robust techniques to detect the extent of tampering in digital images. SVD based Tampering Removal (SVD-TR) model which has been proposed earlier shows a significant effect of selected image attributes on tampering removal process. Carrying out further research work in this direction, another SVD based model for quality assessment (QA) metrics (SVD-QM) has been proposed and experimentally analyzed in this research paper. This model is an extension of SVD-TR. SVD-QM model estimates the effect of selected image attributes on tampering removal (TR) process. For experimental analysis, a wide range of databases has been tested with SVD-QM model and extent of tampering removal has been calculated. Further the results obtained have been compared with Pixel Difference Mean Square Error (PDMSE) QA method. The result shows that selected image attributes impact the tampering removal process. Further, the output of SVD-QM is comparable to PDMSE QA method.
ANTIPYRETIC ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CROSSOPTERYX FEBRIFUGA STEM BARKS IN WISTAR RATS

Crossopteryx febrifuga is used in Ivorian traditional medicine by populations of Pakouabo village to treat fever. The present study was designed to evaluate the antipyretic activity of an aqueous extract of the stem barks of Crossopteryx febrifuga in wistar rats. The antipyretic activity of Crossopteryx febrifuga was evaluated by brewer's yeastinduced pyrexia in rats in comparison to paracetamol (100 mg/kg body weight). The extract of this plant did not show an hypothermic effect. A very marked antipyretic activity with a percent inhibition of pyrexia of more than 50% was obtained with the extract of Crossopteryx febrifuga at the concentration of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. The antipyretic activity of this aqueous extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg was identical to that of paracetamol (100 mg/kg). Phytochemical characterization revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpens, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides and catechin tannins. These findings suggest the aqueous extract from stem barks of Crossopteryx febrifuga presents significant antipyretic activity on hyperthermia in rats.
Proseal LMA Versus Endotracheal Tube A Clinical Comparative Study of its Different Effects in Paediatric Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Introduction: This prospective comparative trial was undertaken to compare the effects of insertion of ProSeal LMA and Endotracheal tube on haemodynamic response, evaluate the safety and efficacy of ProSeal LMA as an airway device, and evaluate other noteworthy observations in paediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia and requiring positive pressure ventilation. Material and Methods: 60 cases which met all the inclusion criteria were selected and the study was carried out on patients of ASA I and II, aged 2 – 10 years of either sex, weighing 10 – 20 kg undergoing elective lower abdominal surgery Group-A: ProSeal LMA (PLMA) for airway management Group-B: EndoTracheal Tube (ETT) for airway management. Results: Both ETT and PLMA cause increase in hemodynamic responses, but the magnitude and duration of response is less in LMA-PS. Removal of PLMA showed that the change of HR, SBP, DBP, MAP were not significant to the base line reflecting a smooth emergence. Incidence of post-operative complications were found to be less with PLMA than with ETT. Conclusion: ProSeal LMA can be routinely used as a safe and effective alternative airway device to endotracheal intubation for positive pressure ventilation in paediatric patients undergoing elective surgical procedure.