Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
04 19-51 (2118) Oliver et al.indd

Address correspondence to: Armando L. Oliver, MD, University of Puerto Rico Department of Ophthalmology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936. Email: armando.oliver@upr.edu Objective: To describe the characteristics upon presentation of a cohort of Hispanic patients living in Puerto Rico with ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Methods: Retrospective chart review of subjects with ocular MMP at one academic institution and one private practice. Patients with clinical evidence of ocular MMP, along with a positive mucous membrane biopsy revealing linear antibody or C3 deposition in the basement membrane zone, or with a positive indirect immunofluorescence assay were included. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Eight patients with ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid were identified. The median age upon presentation was 60.5 years; however, 2 patients were in their 4th decade and one in the 5th decade of life. Females constituted 62.5% of the cohort. All patients presented with stage III ocular MMP in at least one eye and 50% had history of trichiasis. Seven out of eight patients (87.5%) had extraocular symptoms for a median duration of 36 months (range 2-144 months). The most common site of extraocular involvement was the oropharynx, present in 87.5% of patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest that in Puerto Rico ocular MMP most commonly presents in the seventh decade of life. The presence of symblepharon, trichiasis or oropharyngeal mucosal disease should prompt further evaluation and consideration for immunopathological tissue analysis and an IIF assay. [P R Health Sci J 2020;39:34-38]
Impact of biomass burning aerosols on radiation, clouds, and precipitation over the Amazon during the dry season: dependence of aerosol-cloud and aerosol-radiation interactions on aerosol loading

Abstract. Biomass burning (BB) aerosols can influence regional and global climate through interactions with radiation, clouds, and precipitation. Here, we investigate the impact of BB aerosols on the energy balance and hydrological cycle over the Amazon Basin during the dry season. We performed WRF-Chem model simulations for a range of different BB emission scenarios to explore and characterize nonlinear effects and individual contributions from aerosol-radiation interactions (ARI) and aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI). The ARI of BB aerosols tend to suppress low-level liquid clouds by local warming and increased evaporation, and to facilitate the formation of high-level ice clouds by enhancing updrafts and condensation at high altitudes. In contrast, the ACI of BB aerosol particles tend to enhance the formation and lifetime of low-level liquid clouds by providing more cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), and to suppress the formation of high-level ice clouds by reducing updrafts and condensable water vapor at high altitudes (> 8 km). For scenarios representing the lower and upper limits of BB emission estimates for recent years (2002–2016), we obtained total BB aerosol radiative forcings of −0.2 W m−2 and 1.5 W m−2, respectively, showing that the influence of BB aerosols on the regional energy balance can range from modest cooling to strong warming. We find that ACI dominate at low BB emission rates and low aerosol optical depth (AOD), leading to an increased cloud liquid water path (LWP) and negative radiative forcing, whereas ARI dominate at high BB emission rates and high AOD, leading to a reduction of LWP and positive radiative forcing. In all scenarios, BB aerosols led to a decrease in the frequency of occurrence and rate of precipitation, caused primarily by ACI effects at low aerosol loading and by ARI effects at high aerosol loading. Overall, our results show that ACI tend to saturate at high aerosol loading, whereas the strength of ARI continues to increase and plays a more important role in highly polluted episodes and regions. This should hold not only for BB aerosols over the Amazon, but also for other light-absorbing aerosols such as fossil fuel combustion aerosols in industrialized and densely populated areas. The importance of ARI at high aerosol loading highlights the need for accurately characterizing aerosol optical properties in the investigation of aerosol effects on clouds, precipitation, and climate.
Assessment of Left and Right Ventricular Involvement in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Special Reference to Echocardiography

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects > 5% of the population. COPD and congestive heart failure (CHF) frequently coexists and ventricular function has important role in mortality and morbidity among COPD patients. Objectives: Aim of our study was to correlate left and right ventricular function by echocardiography, to correlate it with pulmonary function test (PFT), with age and sex matched control. Materials: Through clinical examination, chest x ray, pulmonary function test, ECG, echocardiography(2D, M mode, Doppler) were done in each cases and controls. Results: Left ventricular, right ventricular, left atrial dimensions were increased compared to control population. Right ventricular end diastolic dimension (RVEDd) and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDd) ratio is increased in COPD group. E/Ea ratio, PVS, PVD pattern, S/D ratio are altered significantly. RVEF (right ventricular ejection fraction) and TAPSE(tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) decreased. Conclusion: Echocardiography is an easy and available investigation in clinical practice. To correlate cardiac function abnormality and COPD severity is important for prognostic significance.
Extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model with the technology acceptance model (TAM)

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have gained educators’ and technology researchers’ interests in recent years as MOOCs could be the future of online education. Previous research has shown how MOOCs’ acceptance could be improved by using technology acceptance models. Little research has been done on university students’ acceptation of MOOCs and intention to use MOOCs as well as the degree to which a technology acceptance model could influence this acceptance process. The purpose of this study is therefore to examine Dutch university students’ intention to use MOOCs and their acceptance of MOOCs explained by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model and Theory of Acceptance Model (TAM). These models combined are called the extended UTAUT model. The extended UTAUT model consists of several factors that affect peoples’ intention to use MOOCs. These factors are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, attitude towards use of MOOCs, social influence, facilitating conditions and behavioural intention to use MOOCs. A sample of 305 Dutch university students took part in this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) implemented via partial least squares (PLS) was used to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that the extended UTAUT model provides a comprehensive understanding of students’ intention to use MOOCs. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy positively influence students’ attitude towards use of MOOCs. Next to this, students’ attitude towards use of MOOCs positively influence students’ behavioural intention to use MOOCs. Unexpectedly, social influence had no significant influence on behavioural intention to use MOOCs. Facilitating conditions had no significant influence as well on behavioural intention to use MOOCs. This study, although interpreted carefully, adds to literature on educational innovations, technology acceptance models and behavioural intentions. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be interesting for educators in dealing with students’ enrolment in a MOOC course.
Brand Equity Analysis: A Case Of Selected Firms In Indian Fibre Cement Sheets Industry

The changing technology, enormous opportunity for substitutes, and ever-changing consumption pattern has affected margins of Indian Fibre Cement Sheets industry. The high brand equity results higher customer satisfaction which drives high prices and elevates organizational performance. Organizations that invest in brands, can track their brand story by employing brand equity surveys, enabling corrective action for development of high brand equity. Brand Equity Survey employed on the basis of key variables identified through literature review. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilks and Mann Whitney U Test were used for data analysis in this study. The survey was employed through a pre-validated questionnaire. The study follows a descriptive research design. The various components of the Brand Equity and their association among two prominent fibre cement companies was studied. Strategies to improve the weak components of Brand Equity has been suggested. The management of the firm under study shall be benefited in fine tuning the overall strategy of the organization. The brand equity is one of the construct of long term performance of the firm. This study will help firms in developing and planning strategic alternatives to counter all the challenges. This paper on study of brand equity is first of its kind in this sector.
Dinâmica evolutiva de DNAs repetitivos com ênfase em espécies da tribo Phanaeini

The study of repetitive DNAs has been explored as an important tool to answer various biological questions, including the molecular organization and understanding of chromosome structure, and the analysis of karyotype diversification and evolution. Thus, this study focused in the chromosomal and genomic organization of repetitive DNA with emphasis on representatives of the Phanaeini tribe (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae), with the aim in understanding the mechanisms involved in the evolutionary dynamics of repetitive DNAs in the genome and their implications. In Phaneini, especially members of Coprophanaeus genus, it was observed that the expansion of repetitive DNAs occurred early in the diversification of the group. Also, these sequences have being involved in the diversification of sex chromosomes of Coprophanaeus, and the origin and evolution of the B chromosome observed in C. cyanescens. Isolation and mapping of Mariner transposons revealed that these sequences had a high diversification during the evolutionary history of Phanaeini, and therefore may also play a role in the pericentromeric region of the chromosomes. Comparative analysis between sequences of related families of Mariner transposons showed that these sequences may have been involved in a process of horizontal transfer (HT) in several unrelated groups of animals, especially between insects and mammals, which contributed to the widespread distribution of transposable elements (TEs). Regarding to the chromosomal mapping of multigene families, there was a large variation for 18S rDNA in contrast to the conserved pattern of 5S rDNA, suggesting that distinct evolutionary forces govern the genomic regions that harbor both ribosomal. Furthermore, the chromosomal mapping of repetitive sequences is a useful tool in understanding the processes that govern the evolution of karyotypes and genomes, as here seen for Phanaeini. Additionally, the analysis of 28S ribosomal DNA sequences and non-LTR retrotransposons R2 showed that the level of R2 insertions did not affect significantly the concerted evolution of the ribosomal genes, but may have been involved in the dispersion of rRNA genes to different chromosomes.
IS CONGESTION PRICING AN URBAN MOBILITY SOLUTION TO BRAZILIAN CITIES?

The congestion pricing is a measure of travel demand management to discourage car use with low public and political acceptability. In the Brazilian context, the Urban Mobility Policy considers this measure to mitigate the congestion. In this paper, we present an exploratory analysis to identify the characteristics considered important by Brazilian transport experts to the implementation of the congestion pricing. The residents assessed these characteristics to identify the preference and acceptability of this scheme in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). We obtained the data from a Web-based survey from experts and residents. With the results, we simulated scenarios reducing the number of private cars in order to evaluate the real benefits of congestion price in a real network. According to Brazilian transport experts, the congestion pricing can be an efficient and well-accepted demand management measure, if the profit subsidises the public transportation systems (bus and rail) and the infrastructure to non-motorized transportation, with active public participation in the decision-making. Considering the residents’ results, we identified favourable public acceptability considering the benefits of public transport investment from the revenue obtained out of the congestion charges. However, availability for payment has a high rejection rate, although implementation strategies are perceived as advantages. The simulation indicates the reduction of travel time (seconds/km), delay time (seconds/km), queue length (vehicle) and density time (vehicle/km) indicating congestion reduction and, consequently, improving the urban mobility. The contribution of this paper is one methodology considering the Brazilian context to evaluate the congestion-pricing scheme from experts and residents point of view. Also, the results could support the discussion about the implementation of the congestion charging in Brazilian cities.
A new optical-based technique for real-time measurements of mineral dust concentration in PM10 using a virtual impactor

Abstract. Atmospheric mineral dust influences Earth's radiative budget, cloud formation, and lifetime; has adverse health effects; and affects air quality through the increase of regulatory PM10 concentrations, making its real-time quantification in the atmosphere of strategic importance. Only few near-real-time techniques can discriminate dust aerosol in PM10 samples and they are based on the dust chemical composition. The online determination of mineral dust using aerosol absorption photometers offers an interesting and competitive alternative but remains a difficult task to achieve. This is particularly challenging when dust is mixed with black carbon, which features a much higher mass absorption cross section. We build on previous work using filter photometers and present here for the first time a highly time-resolved online technique for quantification of mineral dust concentration by coupling a high-flow virtual impactor (VI) sampler that concentrates coarse particles with an aerosol absorption photometer (Aethalometer, model AE33). The absorption of concentrated dust particles is obtained by subtracting the absorption of the submicron (PM1) aerosol fraction from the absorption of the virtual impactor sample (VI-PM1 method). This real-time method for detecting desert dust was tested in the field for a period of 2 months (April and May 2016) at a regional background site of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. Several intense desert mineral dust events were observed during the field campaign with dust concentration in PM10 up to 45 µg m−3. Mineral dust was present most of the time during the campaign with an average PM10 of about 8 µg m−3. Mineral dust absorption was most prominent at short wavelengths, yielding an average mass absorption cross section (MAC) of 0.24±0.01 m2 g−1 at 370 nm and an absorption Ångström exponent of 1.41±0.29. This MAC value can be used as a site-specific parameter for online determination of mineral dust concentration. The uncertainty of the proposed method is discussed by comparing and validating it with different methods.
Examining the Perceived Consequences and Usage of MOOCs on Learning Effectiveness

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have recently received a great deal of attention from the academic communities. However, these courses face low completion rates and there are very limited research pertaining to this problem. Therefore, this study uses Triandis theory to better understand variables that are indicative of MOOC completion. Furthermore, this study scrutinizes the quantitative relationship between MOOC usage and learning effectiveness. Two hundred and thirty-four users from selected Coursera participated in this study to evaluate the proposed model. The partial least squares (PLS) were used to analyze the collected data and test the research hypotheses. The results indicated that perceived consequences (including knowledge growth, social interaction, and compatibility) and affect have a significant impact on intention to use MOOC. In contrast, social factors delineated the insignificant effects on intention to use MOOC. The findings indicated that facilitative conditions and intentions to use MOOC have a strong and positive impact on the actual use of MOOC. Hypotheses regarding the influence of perceived consequences and the actual usage of MOOC on learning effectiveness were upheld.
Consequences of Massive Neutrino to Astrophysics and Cosmology

It is now recognized that a neutrino is a massive spin-1/2 particle. Consequently, neutrinoantineutrino pair production and their pair annihilation are theoretically valid processes. The data prove that the strength of weak interactions increases with collision energy. Therefore, a neutrino pair production event is expected to be a significant process in the region which is just outside the event horizon of a black hole. Another neutrino source is the pair production of particles like muons and charged pions whose decay produces neutrinos. Similarly, copious neutrino pair production events are expected to take place right after the big bang. Since a neutrino does not directly participate in electromagnetic interactions, its pair annihilation cannot directly produce photons. For this reason, a low energy neutrino-antineutrino collision can only go to another neutrino-antineutrino pair. It follows that the number of low energy neutrinos increases with time. This effect may contribute to the problem of the missing mass of the universe.
Self-esteem hypothesis 1 Running head: Self-esteem hypothesis Musical taste, in-group favouritism and social identity theory: Re-testing the predictions of the self-esteem hypothesis

Musical taste is thought to function as a social ‘badge’ of group membership, contributing to an individual’s sense of social identity. Following from this, social identity theory predicts that individuals should perceive those who share their musical tastes more favourably than those who do not. Social identity theory also asserts that this in-group favouritism is motivated by the need to achieve, maintain or enhance a positive social identity and selfesteem (i.e., the ‘self-esteem hypothesis’). The findings of the present study supported both of these predictions. Participants rated fans of their favourite musical style significantly more favourably than fans of their least favourite musical style. The present findings also offer, for the first time, evidence of significant positive correlations between an individual’s selfesteem and the in-group bias shown to those who share their musical tastes. However, significant relationships with in-group identification also indicate that self-esteem is unlikely to be the sole factor responsible for this apparent in-group bias. Together these findings suggest that those who share our musical taste are likely to be regarded as in-group members and will be subject to in-group favouritism according to our self-esteem and how strongly we identify with our fellow music fans.
The Effect Of Weight Training On Muscle Strength, Muscle Endurance And Body Composition Among Overweight Individuals

Weight training is one of the training method that often been used to gain muscle strength and size. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of weight training on body mass index (BMI), muscle mass, body fat percentage, hand grip strength and maximal repetition of weight gain in overweight men. This study was conducted using experimental method through preand post-test. Body composition analyzer was used to measure BMI, fat percentage and muscle mass. Muscle strength was measured by using the maximum hand grip test while muscle endurance by using the maximum push-up test. The subjects of this study were consisted of 20 individuals (male, BMI 25.76 ± 1.35, age 23.05 ± 2.14 years old). Weight training intervention was conducted 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The result shows there was a significant effect of weight training on maximum push-up repetition (p = .000, p <.005). However there were no significant effect of weight training on BMI (p = .586), mass muscle (p = .163), body fat percentage (p = .659) and maximum hand grip (p = .179). In conclusion, the 4-weeks weight training is able to increase the muscle endurance among overweight males. Therefore, it can be suggested that weight training as one of the strategy to improve muscle endurance among overweight males. For future study, it is suggested that the duration of the weight training intervention to be extended to obtain a significant effect.
A Mixed Methods Study Of The Causal Model On Organizational Commitment Among Certified Public Accountants

The purpose of this study was to determine the best fit model of organizational commitment among Certified Public Accountants. Employing the explanatory sequential mixed methods, stratified sampling, systematic selection approach, structural equation modeling technique and thematic analysis, data were obtained from 418 CPAs across sectors in Region XI. From the results of the study, it was found that the exogenous variables: selfefficacy, work engagement and quality of life are correlated with the endogenous variable that is organizational commitment. In addition, the results revealed that the standardized model 5 is the best fit model indicating the importance of work engagement and quality of life as predictors of organizational commitment among accounting professionals. These findings were further substantiated through the essential themes: work engagement as predictor of organizational commitment; quality of life as predictor of organizational commitment; affective commitment as observed variable of OC; normative commitment as observed variable of OC; and exclusion of self-efficacy as predictor of OC which were established from the experiences and insights of study participants.
Description Of Mathematical Communication Skills, Logical Thinking And Its Influence On The Ability Of Mathematical Literacy For Students Of Grade V Elementary School

This research paper aims to describe the influence of mathematical communication skills, logical thinking towards mathematical literacy skills in students grade V of elementary School in Somba Opu Sub-district, Makassar. This research paper uses the ex-post facto design. The instruments used are mathematical communication tests, logical thinking tests and mathematical literacy tests. Research sample is 316 students grade V of elementary School. The research data is analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis includes mean, median, variance, skewness, kurtosis, minimum value, maximum value and frequency distribution. While for inferential analysis used double linear regression analysis because researchers want to test whether there is a influence of mathematical communication skills, logical thinking towards mathematical literacy skills. Based on data analysis results, acquired t-count 9.298 > 1.967 with a significance of 0.000 < 0.05 so that it can be concluded that mathematical communication is influential towards mathematical literacy. While for the variables of logical thinking acquired t-count 8.606 > 1.967 with significance 0.000 < 0.05 so that it can be concluded that logical thinking affects the mathematical literacy. Furthermore, obtained F-count 221,312 > F-table 3.03 with significance 0,000 < 0.05 hence it can be concluded that the ability of mathematical communication and logical thinking of students jointly affects the students’ mathematical literacy skill.