Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Serum Interferon-gamma Level in Vitiligo Patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder of the skin, resulting from a loss of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Multiple pathogenetic factors have been proposed, including the neural theory, genetic predisposition and impaired anti-oxidative defense. Cytokines are small immuneregulatory molecules that can generate an inappropriate immune response when imbalanced. IFN-γ is a pleiotropic cytokine that is a key regulator of the immune system. In addition to host defense, IFN-γ also contributes to autoimmune pathology by inducing autoantibodies, activating autologous cytotoxic T cells and inducing target cell apoptosis. It plays an important role to induce depigmentation in vitiligo. Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine whether vitiligo is associated with alterations in serum level of IFN-γ or not and to find out its association with disease course, severity, and duration. Methods: This case control study included 40 patients presented with stable (N=22) and active (N=18) vitiligo (non-segmental and segmental), diagnosed on the basis of typical clinical features, were selected as patient group. Forty age and sex matched apparently healthy individuals were also included representing the control group. Also patients with previous skin cancer or premalignant skin lesions, or taking immunosuppressive drugs as methotrexate and patients with hepatitis viral infection and those on INF therapy were excluded. They were 25 females (62.5%) and 15 males (37.5 %), their ages ranged from 18 to 45 years old (mean of 33.53). The controls were 20 females (50%) and 20 males (50%), their ages ranged from 18 to 46 years old (mean of 32.85). Results: The distribution of vitiligo in patients, 60% was vitiligo vulgaris, 25% were segmental vitiligo and 15% were acro-fascial vitiligo. The results showed no statistical significant difference (p-value > 0.05) between patients and control as regard age, sex and family history and showed statistical significant difference (p-value < 0.001) between patients and control as regard serum concentration of IFN-γ. Results also showed statistical significant (p-value < 0.001) positive (r = 0.63) correlation between IFN-γ levels and VASI score in patients group and statistical significant difference (p-value < 0.001) between IFN-γ levels and duration, clinical types and activity of the disease in patients group. Conclusion: This study proved high serum level of IFN-γ may be risk factor for vitiligo progression suggesting that it could be used as a marker for assessing vitiligo activity and may open the way for further therapeutic approaches for vitiligo. Serum IFN-γ is positively correlated with disease duration and severity, although it does not seem to be influenced by age, sex and family history of the patient.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT-BASED BEHAVIORAL GROUP COUNSELING IN STRENGTHENING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE TRAITS TO OPTIMIZE STUDENTS’ HARD SKILLS

Purpose of the study: The research aims at finding how spiritual quotient-based behavioral group counseling is implemented to strengthen the creative and innovative aspects aimed at improving students’ hard skills. Methodology: The research is a qualitative method. The subject of the study is the students of the Guidance and Counseling Program at Private University in Solo Raya. The focus of the study is the implementation of spiritual quotient-based behavioral group counseling. The data are collected through interviews, observation, documentation, and test. They are validated through triangulation. They are analyzed through qualitative analysis. Main Findings: Research findings shows that the implementation of spiritual quotient-based behavioral group counseling can strengthen the creative and innovative aspects aimed at improving students’ hard skill at Guidance and Counseling Programmed at Private University in Solo Raya. It can be seen from the students’ behavior change, i.e. from uncreative and less innovative to be creative and innovative. Applications of this study: Findings of the research are useful as a reference enrichment conducting learning in guidance counseling courses especially for counseling theory. This study is also useful as a guideline for implementing group counseling practices for students and lecturers of counseling guidance at the national level because of the results of the study in terms of the implementation of the counseling technique. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contains novelty in counseling i.e. the implementation of spiritual intelligence-based counseling to improve student hard skills, which still rarely has never been done by other researchers. This research is beneficial to advance the field of guidance and counseling, namely to increase the implementation of group counseling in building soft skills and the hard skill of students.
Band Gap Engineering of Cu2ZnSnX4 (X = S, Se and Te) Quaternary Semiconductors Using PBE-GGA, TB-mBJ and mBJ+U Potentials

The structural and electronic properties of Cu2ZnSnX4 (X = S, Se and Te) with a tetrahedral coordinated stannite structure have been investigated using first-principles calculations. The optimized lattice constants, anion displacement u, tetragonal distortion parameter η, band gap, density of states and bulk modulus values are reported. The PBE-GGA, modified BeckeJohnson exchange potential (TBmBJ) and mBJ+U potentials are used to calculate the electronic properties of Cu based quaternary semiconductors Cu2ZnSnX4 (X = S, Se and Te) and thus the results for the band gap and other electronic properties such as Total Density of States (TDOS) and Partial Density of States (PDOS) are analyzed in detail. Also the results obtained using TB-mBJ and mBJ+U potential are compared with the standard local density and Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA). The comparison shows that the results obtained by TB-mBJ are still underestimating the experimental results. This explains the inadequacy of TB-mBJ potential for semiconductors with strongly delocalized d electrons. Thus in this paper an on-site Coulomb U is incorporated within mBJ potential (mBJ + U) which leads to a better description of the pd hybridization and therefore the band gap which is very much comparable with the experimental results.
Measuring the uncertainty of shadow economy estimates using Bayesian and frequentist model averaging

Economic literature provides little discussion on the uncertainty around the macroeconometric shadow economy estimates. We fill this gap by deriving the measurement error of the shadow economy estimates stemming from the model uncertainty by using frequentist and Bayesian model averaging techniques. This allows us to make useful insights into the optimal selection of regressors within the Currency Demand Analysis (CDA) framework, basing on the marginal probabilities that the selected variables are included in the ''true'' model. Hence, we provide the CDA researchers with an additional guidance with respect to the selection of shadow economy determinants that makes CDA-based shadow economy measurements less arbitrary. Our results show that the selection of regressors can have a material and highly country-specific impact on the estimated level of the shadow economy. In consequence, one cannot attribute the same level of uncertainty to every country across the panel. We use our results to demonstrate the average shadow economy estimates as of 2014 for 64 countries, along with the confidence intervals
Pricing Inefficiencies and Feedback Trading: Evidence From Country ETFs

Abstract In view of the established presence of wide deviations of US-listed country ETFs' prices from their net asset values, we study whether feedback trading exists in this category of ETFs and whether it varies with their premiums and discounts. Using a sample of nineteen country ETFs for the 2000–2019 window, we find that feedback trading is present in several of them, particularly those targeting Asia Pacific markets. Feedback trading varies with the sign (i.e., premiums and discounts), level, and nature (observed/forecast) of these deviations, as well as prior to and after the outbreak of the 2008 crisis. Of particular note is the widespread feedback trading reported across the vast majority of country ETFs on those days for which there exist successful predictions of premiums/discounts, a fact suggesting that country ETFs' premiums/discounts contain useful information as per their trading dynamics.
Does Environmental Regulation Affect Firm Exports? Evidence from Wastewater Discharge Standard in China

Abstract This paper examines the effect of water pollution regulation on polluters' exporting decisions and exporting structure. Using a detailed firm-by-product level dataset, we employ a difference-in-differenceds model to identify the causal relationship between environmental regulation and firms' exporting performance. We find that stringent environmental regulation decreases both export likelihood and export values. Moreover, we examine the channels that the environmental regulation could affect firms' exporting performance through entry-exit of the export market, price transmission, adjustments of exporting destinations, and product switch. The tightening wastewater discharge standard appears to deter the new polluters rather than incumbents to enter the export market. Productive polluters could gain the relative larger export market by lowering down exporting prices and selling more products overseas. In response to this water pollution regulation, polluters would make substantial adjustments in their exporting destinations, exporting products, and exports value via different trade modes.
Clinical Profile of Adult Patients Suffering from Scrub Typhus in Kasturba Hospital Wardha, Central India: A Study of 125 Patients

Background: Scrub Typhus is among the commonest causes of Acute Undifferentiated Fever during the monsoon in central India but there is a gap in knowledge regarding the data of the clinical profile in tropical rural area. Objective: To study the clinical profile of adult patients admitted with scrub typhus during the monsoon in rural central India. Material and methods: A Hospital based retrospective study was carried out in the 125 patients admitted to Medicine department of MGIMS during the monsoon period of June to September 2017. The History, clinical features, Lab profile, Treatment, complications and outcomes were studied closely. The data was retrieved from the Hospital Information System. The Outcome was studied in association with the severity of presentation, complications and treatment given. Diagnosis depended on recognizing the syndrome of non-specific symptoms of fever and cough, while diagnosis was confirmed using the IgM Scrub Typhus Rapid Chromatographic Test, which was considered as a Gold Standard in our study. Statistical analysis was done by descriptive and inferential statistics using chi-square test and software SPSS 22.0 version, EPI Info version 7 and Graph Pad Prism 6.0 version. Results: The clinical illness was characterized by Fever with chills (60.8%) and Cough (68.8%). The Disease was mostly acute (97%) presenting with a history of less than 10 days. The most characteristic physical sign was fever which was present in almost 60 percent of cases and the traditionally mentioned rash called Eschar was found in only 38 percent of patients. ARDS, nephropathy, Liver failure and Multi organ dysfunction occurred in 16%, 20%, 20% and 13.6% respectively. Though Scrub typhus occurs secondary to a chigger bite, only 6 patients out of 125 gave the actual history of insect bite. 9 patients out of 125 (7.2%) succumbed to death. Early treatment with Doxycycline shortened the duration of illness. No relapses occurred in those patients who received Doxycycline or Azithromycin for at least 7 days. Conclusion: Serious complications can occur if Scrub typhus is not recognized promptly. Early institution of Doxycycline can save lives in the patients of acute undifferentiated fever pending investigations. General physicians should be Scrub typhus minded to suspect and accurately treat the patients of fever.
The knowledge needs for Canadian paediatric emergency physicians in the diagnosis and management of tropical diseases: A national physician survey.

Objectives To assess the knowledge gaps and need for continuing medical education (CME) resources for Canadian paediatric emergency department (PED) physician management of common tropical diseases. Methods A cross-sectional survey study of Canadian PED was performed from May to July 2017 using the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) database. Results The response rate was 56.4% (133/236). The mean performance on the case-based vignettes identifying clinical presentation of tropical illnesses ranged from 59.9% to 76.0%, with only 15.8% (n=21) to 31.1% (n=42) of participants scoring maximum points. Those who 'always' asked about fever performed better than those who only 'sometimes' asked (40.4% versus 23.8%). For management cases, the majority of the participants (59.4% to 89.5%) were able to interpret investigations; however, many were unsure of subsequent actions relating to initial treatment, discharge instructions, and reporting requirements. Many would consult infectious diseases (87.8% to 99.3%). Fifty-three per cent of the participants reported a low comfort level in diagnosing or managing these patients. They rated the importance of CME materials with a median of 50/100, via various modalities such as case studies (71.9%), emphasizing a need for PED-specific content. Conclusion This study identified a knowledge gap in the recognition and management of pediatric tropical diseases by Canadian PED physicians. There is a need for formal CME materials to supplement physician practice.
Estudio Cariológico de las especies españolas del género Reichardia Roth (Compositae)

espanolSe estudian cariologicamente las especies espanolas del genero Reichardia Roth, encontrandose los numeros cromosomicos siguientes: R. tingitana (L.) Roth, n = 8, 2n = 16; R. gaditana (Willk.) Coutinho, n = 8, 2n = 16; R. intermedia (Schultz Bip.) Coutinho, n = 8, 2n = 16 y R. picroides (L.) Roth, n = 7, 2n = 14. Se incluyen cario-gramas y formulas idiogramaticas, asi como indicacion de la asimetria del cariotipo de cada una de las especies. Se establece como numero basico mas primitivo del genero, x = 9. EnglishIn this paper, the caryology of the Spanish species of the genus Reichardia Roth is studied. It reports the following chromosome numbers: R. tingitana (L.) Roth, n = 8, 2n = 16; R. gaditana (Willk.) Coutinho, n = 8, 2n = 16; R. intermedia (Schultz Bip.) Coutinho, n = 8, 2n = 16 and R. picroides (L.) Roth, n = 7, 2n = 14. Karyograms, idiogramatic formulas and comments on the karyotype asymmetry are included for each studied species. The basic chromosome number x = 9 is proposed as the most primitive within the genus.
Prescription of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are frequently prescribed to address gait impairments for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Successful treatment with AFOs depends on optimal prescription, matching the design of the brace to the individual child’s physical impairments; however, research evidence does not exist to help health care professionals decide on the best AFO design to meet each child’s needs. Therefore, this thesis explored current AFO prescription practices, and aimed to improve evidence to assist clinicians in making prescription decisions for children with CP. Methods and Results: To examine the experiences and perspectives of clinicians on AFO prescription for children with CP, we conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews with 32 clinicians who were involved with AFO prescription for children with CP in five Canadian rehabilitation facilities. Using Interpretive Description as a framework for analysis, we identified three categories from the data: 1) What is made, 2) How it is used, and 3) Factors that support or challenge outcomes. Throughout the interviews, the theme of prescription as a collaborative, iterative, and individualized process emerged. To explore evaluation and clinical decision-making practices of physical therapists for AFO prescription and follow-up, we invited Canadian physical therapists (PTs) working with children who have CP to complete an online survey. Sixty completed responses were received. Three researchers conducted a conventional content analysis to examine the open-ended responses, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the closed-ended responses. Three themes were identified: 1) Focus on impairment level measures, 2) Inconsistent practices between PTs, and 3) Lack of confidence/knowledge about casting positions and AFO types. To investigate the effects of individualizing the angle of the ankle in the AFO on walking mechanics and function, gait biomechanics were studied in ten children with CP. Fifteen typically-developing children provided normative data. Using three-dimensional gait analysis, kinematics and kinetics were compared between the child’s usual AFO(s) and AFOs that were fabricated with an ankle angle that was individualized for each child. Net responses to the individualized ankle angle were positive for 60% of limbs, negative for 40%. The greatest benefits were observed at the knee, suggesting that this may be a beneficial approach to orthotic intervention for some children with CP. Conclusions: There is limited understanding of how AFOs are prescribed for children with CP in Canada. This thesis highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, objective evaluation, and individualized clinical problem-solving to facilitate the evolution of the AFO prescription from a medical directive to an orthotic device that optimally benefits the child. This is the first step toward the development of guidelines to help clinicians improve AFO prescription for children with CP.
The efficacy of collagen based dressings for treatment of scald burns in under 5 years paediatric population: a non-comparative, prospective single centre experience

Background: One of the major challenges faced worldwide is management of burn wounds, particularly among the pediatric population. Immense research is going on to overcome the challenges associated with survival of these patients and healing of burnt areas. Newer dressing materials are being developed and one of them is collagen. The collagen is biocompatible. The aim was to achieve earlier and better healing of wounds, and to obviate the need for frequent change of dressings; which besides being painful, is quite troublesome in pediatric population.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 38 patients of scald burns under-5 years of age, from October 2016 till July 2017. After thorough cleaning of burn wounds and thorough rinsing of collagen sheets with normal saline, the wounds were covered with sheets of collagen. Paraffin with chlorhexidine impregnated gauze dressing was applied over the sheet of collagen followed by dry gauze, cotton and bandage application. First dressing was opened after 5 days and then after 3 to 4 days.Results: The wounds healed in 10 to 14 days in most of them. Infection developed in one case, warranting removal of collagen sheet. None developed any adverse reaction to the application of collagen dressing.Conclusions: We conclude that collagen based dressing is a very good modality of treatment for the burn wounds with advantages of being cost effective, requiring lesser number of dressings and blood transfusions, and shorter duration of hospital stay.
Impact of Working Capital Management on Firm’s Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam

This paper investigates the impact of working capital management on the firm‟s profitability. The research sample includes 119 non-financial listed companies on Vietnam stock market over a period of 9 years from 2010 to 2018. Two statistical approaches include Ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effects model (FEM) are employed to address econometric issues and to improve the accuracy of the regression coefficients. The empirical results show the negative and significant impacts of the working capital management, which measured by cash conversion cycle (CCC) and three components of the CCC including accounts receivable turnover in days (ARD), inventory turnover in days (INVD), and accounts payable turnover in days (APD) on the firm‟s profitability measured by return on assets (ROA) and Tobin‟s Q. It implies that firms can increase profitability by keeping the optimization of the working capital management measured by the CCC, which includes shortening the time to collect money from clients, accelerating inventory flow and hold the low payment time to creditors. Besides, the profitability of firms was impacted by the sale growth rate, firm size, leverage, and age. Therefore, this paper provides a new insight to managers on how to improve the firm‟s profitability with working capital management.
Uplink Performance of NOMA-Based Combined HTC and MTC in Ultradense Networks

In this article, we study the uplink coverage and the uplink network throughput of an ultradense network (UDN) where human-type communication (HTC) users and machine-type communication (MTC) devices coexist. We employ non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) radio access to address the massive connectivity requirements of MTC while satisfying the high data rate requirements of HTC. To this end, stochastic geometry is utilized to model the network exploiting the inherent randomness of the proposed scenario. The enormous number of small cells in UDN along with NOMA can provide a common ground to satisfy the diverse requirements of both MTC and HTC. The distinguishing features of both UDNs and MTC are considered in modeling the network where stretched exponential path-loss (SEPL) is used to capture short-link distances. Moreover, the truncated channel inversion power control is employed in both HTC users (HTCUs) and MTC devices (MTCDs) to mitigate the uplink intercell interference. The results show the significant impact of various system parameters on the network performance. Closed-form and easy-computable expressions are derived for the considered performance metrics, and are assessed by Monte Carlo simulations.
Electrical Tomography: A Review of Configurations, and Application to Fibre Flow Suspensions Characterisation

Understanding the behaviour of suspension flows continues to be a subject of great interest considering its industrial relevance, regardless of the long time and effort dedicated to it by the scientific and industrial communities. Information about several flow characteristics, such as flow regimen, relative velocity between phases, and spatial distribution of the phases, are essential for the development of exact models for description of processes involving pulp suspension. Among the diverse non-invasive techniques for flow characterisation that have been reported in the literature for obtaining experimental data about suspension flow in different processes, Electrical Tomography is one of the most interesting, since it presents perhaps the best compromise among cost, portability, and, above all, safety of handling (indeed there is no need to use radiation, which requires special care when using it). In this paper, a brief review and comparison between existing technologies for pulp suspension flow monitoring will be presented, together with their strengths and weaknesses. Emphasis is given to Electrical Tomography, because it offers the above-mentioned compromise and thus was the strategy adopted by the authors to characterise different flow processes (solid–liquid, liquid–liquid, fibres, etc.). The produced portable EIT system is described, and examples of results of its use for pulp suspension flow characterisation are reported and discussed.