Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloud Computing as a Tool for NGOs in India and Pakistan

—Cloud computing has emerged as an important trend that has been used in the delivery of computer services to different entities. It relies on different technologies such as the internet, virtualization, grid computing and Web services with an aim of providing scalable and cheap on-demand computer infrastructures that offer better quality of services from a cloud. This paper provides a framework on how cloud computing can be used in the management of NGOs in India and Pakistan in order to achieve their objectives. It showed how these communities have had lasting impacts by using or failing to use the cloud computing to solve the social issues, in this case their health care needs. This was achieved through the use of case studies of two NGOs in India and Pakistan and a comparison with the available scholarly work. It was found that cloud computing has got more benefits than losses; enhances the services for the general and better welfare of the population; users need to have adequate knowledge of the manner in which their organizations can benefit; and proper training of the staff and the upgrading of their management principles is imperative. NGO’s must choose only the vendors that can guarantee the security of the data while at the same time maintaining the confidentiality. Cloud computing technology has been integral in ensuring that the NGOs in India succeed, contrary to this, the NGOs in Pakistan particularly HOPE has failed to be operationally efficient as it has not migrated to the cloud computing technology.
The Role of Erythropoietin and its Receptor in the Immune , Central Nervous and Cardiovascular Systems

Primary role of erythropoietin (EPO) is to protect red blood cell progenitors from apoptosis and to stimulate their growth and differentiation by binding to its receptor (EPOR). However, the expression of EPOR has been identified on other human cells, such as granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, endothelial cells and neurons. Its presence on these cells suggests that beyond erythropoietic function EPO might have some other properties. Various studies show that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) used in the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has potentially beneficial influence on cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis of cells other than erythrocyte progenitors. It can modulate the activity of immune cells, protect neurons from apoptosis and even stimulate angiogenesis, but also it has a prothrombotic properties. This review presents current knowledge on the role of EPO and its receptor in the immune, central nervous and cardiovascular systems in various pathophysiological situations. © 2015 ACT. All rights reserved.
The effectiveness of a primary care mental health service delivering brief psychological interventions:a benchmarking study using the CORE system

High demand for psychological therapies in primary care has led to increased interest in the effectiveness of brief interventions. Our aims were to (1) profile patients and their presenting problems accessing a new Primary Care MentalHealth (PCMH) service; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the PCMH service in terms of patient outcomes; and (3) compare service parameters with those derived from national primary care counselling. The PCMH service was delivered in54 general practitioner (GP) practices and provided mental health assessment, brief psychological interventions (usually up to six sessions), and onwardreferral to specialist serviceswhere required. Data were routinely collected over a 34-monthperiod regarding (1) access to the PCMH service (number of patients referred, demographics, nonattendance rates, assessment outcome and completion of treatment) and (2) patient outcome using the CORE outcome measure. Outcomedata were compared with a national dataset from 33 primary care counselling services. In total 6750 patients were referred to the PCMH service and 5539 had been discharged by the end of the evaluation. The non-attendance rate for assessmentwas 26.1%. One in five patients referred to the service completed therapy sessions. Outcomes of treatment were comparable with primary care counselling data. Patients choosing to complete treatment after three sessions achieved the greatest gains on average. Attrition is a key problem for efficient mental health service delivery in primary care. Evaluating this new service against national comparators of more established service delivery is a clinically useful method for monitoring outcomes of brief interventions in primary care.
Toxic for Whom? Examining the Targets of Uncivil and Intolerant Discourse in Online Political Talk

Licensing Uncivility: How relevant is the Journey of Interwar Fascism to the Mainstream to the Dynamics of Contemporary Populism? Aristotle Kallis (Keele University) The institutionalisation of populist political discourse and un-civil society in the EU: From the margins to the mainstream? Carlo Ruzza (University of Trento) Free Speech, Postracialism and the Networked Public Sphere Gavan Titley (Maynooth University & University of Helsinki)
Task Feasibility Maximization Using Model-Free Policy Search and Model-Based Whole-Body Control

Producing feasible motions for highly redundant robots, such as humanoids, is a complicated and high-dimensional problem. Model-based whole-body control of such robots can generate complex dynamic behaviors through the simultaneous execution of multiple tasks. Unfortunately, tasks are generally planned without close consideration for the underlying controller being used, or the other tasks being executed, and are often infeasible when executed on the robot. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the motion will be accomplished. In this work, we develop a proof-of-concept optimization loop which automatically improves task feasibility using model-free policy search in conjunction with model-based whole-body control. This combination allows problems to be solved, which would be otherwise intractable using simply one or the other. Through experiments on both the simulated and real iCub humanoid robot, we show that by optimizing task feasibility, initially infeasible complex dynamic motions can be realized—specifically, a sit-to-stand transition. These experiments can be viewed in the accompanying Video S1.
Organized crime and women in politics: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in southern Italy

This paper provides new and unexplored evidence of a negative link between an increasing female participation in politics and the infiltration of organized crime in government. We perform an empirical analysis of about 1,700 Southern Italian municipalities between 1985 and 2013 exploiting two Italian laws: law no. 164/1991, which allows measure of mafia infiltration in the Italian municipalities, and law no. 81/1993, which creates an exogenous source of variation in the share of women on the council that allows for correction of endogeneity bias. Increasing the female proportion on the city council of 10 percentage points reduces the probability of dissolution for mafia infiltration of about 1.8 p.p.; the result is confirmed when considering a female mayor. This negative effect remains across several robustness checks. This research adds a further reason in favour of the reduction of the gender gap in politics. In fact, policies aimed at legitimizing democracy, such as gender quotas in electoral law, also have the effect of strengthening institutions in the fight against organized crime, which is always a key government agenda.
PRBM_A_240263 245..255

*These authors contributed equally to this work Introduction: People often use heuristics derived from natural number tasks to solve fraction comparison tasks. For instance, one may falsely consider a fraction with a larger natural number to be the larger in magnitude, as in the case of 1/5 vs 1/4. We hypothesized that inhibitory control was needed to overcome this type of bias. Methods: To test the hypothesis, Event-related potentials (ERP) were collected when participants were conducting fraction comparison tasks that designed with the negative priming paradigm. Twenty-eight adult participants performed three types of fraction comparison tasks: congruent items, incongruent items and neutral items. Results: We found a negative priming effect in terms of response time. Consistently, ERP results demonstrated larger N1 and N2 amplitudes and a smaller P3 amplitude in the test trial than in the control trial. Conclusion: These findings indicated that adults still need to inhibit the “larger natural number-larger fraction” misleading strategy when solving fraction comparison tasks with common components.
Visual observation and analysis of animal and insect behavior 2012

Sticklebacks have been used as model organisms in behavioural biology for a long time. We plan to use quantitative trait locus mapping to identify the genetic basis for differences in schooling behaviour between marine and benthic sticklebacks. To do this, we need to quantify the schooling behaviour of thousands of fish. We have developed a robust high-throughput video analysis system that allows us to screen a few thousand individuals automatically. We propose a non-local mean background modeling approach that allows us to detect and track sticklebacks and obtain the schooling parameters efficiently.
Study on the effects of exposure to different doses of energy generated by a He-Ne laser on the quality of frozen-thawed semen of ram

The aim of the research was to determine whether and how the two doses of laser irradiation energy (3.96 and 6.12 J / cm) can improve the quality characteristics of ram sperm after freeze-thaw process. In this regard semen straws were thawed in water bath at 39C for 120 seconds. After thawing, semen was divided into three samples: one representing control and the other two were exposed to He-Ne laser irradiation at two different doses of energy (3.96 and 6.12 J / cm) and mitochondrial activity, cell viability (by flow cytometry), motility and function of plasma membrane integrity test (HOST) were analyzed. He-Ne laser action on thawed ram semen leads to an improvement of motility, viability, mitochondrial function and functional integrity of the membrane for the dose of 6.12 J / cm, in contrast to the dose of 3.96 J /cm which decreases the quality of semen parameters relative to the control sample.
Peer Observations: Enhancing Bedside Clinical Teaching Behaviors

Background Medical training relies on direct observations and formative feedback. After residency graduation, opportunities to receive feedback on clinical teaching diminish. Although feedback through learner evaluations is common, these evaluations can be untimely, non-specific, and potentially biased. On the other hand, peer feedback in a small group setting or lecture format has been shown to be beneficial to teaching behaviors, however, little is known if peer observation using a standardized tool followed by feedback results in improved teaching behaviors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine if feedback after peer observation results in improved inpatient teaching behaviors. Methods This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Academic hospitalists in the Division of Hospital Medicine developed a standardized 28-item peer observation tool based on the Stanford Faculty Development Program to observe their peers during bedside teaching rounds and provide timely feedback after observation. The tool focused on five teaching domains (learning climate, control of session, promotion of understanding and retention, evaluation, and feedback) relevant to the inpatient teaching environment. Teaching hospitalists were observed at the beginning of a two-week teaching rotation, given feedback, and then observed at the end of the rotation. Furthermore, we utilized a post-observation survey to assess the teaching and observing hospitalists’ comfort with observation and the usefulness of the feedback. We used mixed linear models with crossed design to account for correlations between the observations. Models were adjusted for gender, age, and years of experience. We tested the internal validity of the instrument with Cronbach’s alpha. Results Seventy (range: one to four observations per faculty) observations were performed involving 27 teaching attendings. A high proportion of teachers were comfortable with the observation (79%) and found the feedback helpful (92%), and useful for their own teaching (88%). Mean scores in teaching behavior domains ranged from 2.1 to 2.7. In unadjusted and adjusted analysis, each teaching observation was followed by higher scores in learning climate (adjusted improvement = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02-0.15; p = 0.007) and promotion of understanding and retention (adjusted improvement = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02-0.17; p = 0.01). The standardized observation tool had Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81 showing high internal validity. Conclusions Peer observation of bedside teaching followed by feedback using a standardized tool is feasible and results in measured improvements in desirable teaching behaviors. The success of this approach resulted in the expansion of peer observation to other Divisions within the Department of Internal Medicine at our Institution.
University of Birmingham Quantitative brain MRI in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Context: Brain white matter hyperintensities are seen on routine clinical imaging in 46% of adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The extent and functional relevance of these abnormalities have not been studied with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. Objective: To examine white matter microstructure, neural volumes, and central nervous system (CNS) metabolites in CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) and to determine whether identified abnormalities are associated with cognition, glucocorticoid, and androgen exposure. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital including 19 women (18 to 50 years) with 21OHD and 19 age-matched healthy women. Main Outcome Measure: Recruits underwent cognitive assessment and brain imaging, including diffusion weighted imaging of white matter, T1-weighted volumetry, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy for neural metabolites. We evaluated white matter microstructure by using tract-based spatial statistics. We compared cognitive scores, neural volumes, and metabolites between groups and relationships between glucocorticoid exposure, MRI, and neurologic outcomes. Results: Patients with 21OHD had widespread reductions in white matter structural integrity, reduced volumes of right hippocampus, bilateral thalami, cerebellum, and brainstem, and reduced mesial temporal lobe total choline content. Working memory, processing speed, and digit span and matrix reasoning scores were reduced in patients with 21OHD, despite similar education and intelligence to controls. Patients with 21OHD exposed to higher glucocorticoid doses had greater abnormalities in white matter microstructure and cognitive performance. Conclusion: We demonstrate that 21OHD and current glucocorticoid replacement regimens have a profound impact on brain morphology and function. If reversible, these CNS markers are a potential target for treatment. ( J Clin Endocrinol Metab 103: 1330 – 1341, 2018)
Effect of intra-articular administration of autologous PRP and activated PRP on inflammatory mediators in dogs with osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the intra-articular use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and bio-physically activated PRP (BPRP) on the inflammatory mediators for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. The animals included in this study were 36 mix breed dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the stifle as a result of the clinical and radiological examinations. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups: PRP (platelet-rich plasma), BPRP (biophysically activated platelet-rich plasma) and control (given 0.9% isotonic saline). These three main groups were each further divided into two groups as single and double according to the number of intraarticular administrations. Joint fluid analyses, a clinical examination (Hudson Visual Analog Scale and Canine Brief Pain Inventory Tests) radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on days 1, 15, 30, 60, and 90 for each group. Genesis System 2 branded and BPRP preparation kits were used in this study. An ELISA method was used to measure the cytokines in charge of the inflammatory mediation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) in the synovial fluid samples. The records obtained from the walking and pain rating tests were subjected to a statistical analysis program and a Mann-Whitney U test was performed. The results of the ELISA were evaluated by a Tukey test. There was a significant difference between the single and double groups of the PRP administration on days 60 and 90 (P < 0.05) in the walking and pain scores. The double groups of the PRP had better results than the single groups. There was a significant difference between the single groups of the PRP and BPRP for the IL-10 on the 30th day (P < 0.05). In the single application groups, the BPRP was better than the PRP on day 30 in the IL-10 measurements. In the comparison of the single and double administration groups, there was significant difference between the single and double groups of the BPRP on day 90 (P < 0.05). The double groups of the BPRP had better results than the single groups. In addition, the biophysically activated PRP was found to be superior to the PRP for the IL-10 content. In conclusion, the efficacy of the PRP and BPRP was related to the degree of the osteoarthritis (OA). Especially the success rate in the acute OA patients was higher due to the anti-inflammatory activity of the BPRP. Moreover, the double administration groups gave more positive results than the single administration groups.
Identification and Validation of Immune-Related Gene Prognostic Signature for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Immune-related genes (IRGs) have been identified as critical drivers of the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study is aimed at constructing an IRG signature for HCC and validating its prognostic value in clinical application. The prognostic signature was developed by integrating multiple IRG expression data sets from TCGA and GEO databases. The IRGs were then combined with clinical features to validate the robustness of the prognostic signature through bioinformatics tools. A total of 1039 IRGs were identified in the 657 HCC samples. Subsequently, the IRGs were subjected to univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses in the training set to construct an IRG signature comprising nine immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs). Functional analyses revealed that the nine IRGPs were associated with tumor immune mechanisms, including cell proliferation, cell-mediated immunity, and tumorigenesis signal pathway. Concerning the overall survival rate, the IRGPs distinctly grouped the HCC samples into the high- and low-risk groups. Also, we found that the risk score based on nine IRGPs was related to clinical and pathologic factors and remained a valid independent prognostic signature after adjusting for tumor TNM, grade, and grade in multivariate Cox regression analyses. The prognostic value of the nine IRGPs was further validated by forest and nomogram plots, which revealed that it was superior to the tumor TNM, grade, and stage. Our findings suggest that the nine-IRGP signature can be effective in determining the disease outcomes of HCC patients.
Phytochemical constituents and In vitro Antioxidant Activities of Methanol leaf extracts of Musanga cercropioides and Maesobotrya barteri

The quest for antioxidants of plant origin is growing at a massive rate due to their efficacy and affordability. This study examined the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities of methanol leaf extracts of Musanga cercropioides and Maesobotrya barteri. Standard methods were used to determine the phytochemical constituents of the leaves extracts. In vitro antioxidant activity of the methanol plant extracts was determined by a broad spectrum of antioxidant assays. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, coumarins, phenols and terpenoids in both plants. The quantitative analyses of the phytochemicals showed that M. cercropioides had higher levels (p < 0.05) of total phenol, total tannins, proanthocyanidin and lower total flavonoids as against M. barteri. DPPH scavenging activities of M. cercropioides (IC50 of 1.22.75 ± 0.046 mg/ml) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of M. barteri (IC50 of 1.95.75±0.023 mg/ml) but lower than that of ascorbic acid standard (IC50 0.15±0.003). M. cercropioides extracts had significantly higher (p < 0.05) capacity to reduce ferric ions to the ferrous form and also inhibit lipid peroxidation when compared with M. barteri. However, the reducing potential of M. cercropioides was comparable to the Ascorbic acid standard but significantly higher than that of M. barteri extracts. The study suggests that M. cercropioides and M. barteri contain bioactive compounds that may be effective in the management of oxidative stress related diseases.
Effect of Exogenous Application of Boric Acid and Seaweed Extract on Growth, Biochemical Content and Yield of Eggplant

There is no adequate literature on the effects of boron (B) and seaweed extract on the physiological responses of eggplant plants as well as yield. In the present study, the field experiment was carried out during the two growing seasons of 2012 and 2013, at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, to study the effect of separate and combined foliar applications of boric acid and seaweed extract at different levels on growth and yield of eggplant Suma hybrid. Seaweed extract was used at four concentrations, 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm. Boric acid was used at three concentrations, 0, 50 and 100 ppm. The results indicated that foliar application with boric acid significantly stimulated many growth aspects as plant height, leaf number, leaf area, haulm fresh and dry weight as compared with the control treatment. Respecting the foliar application of seaweed extract, the obtained data indicated that the foliar application of 1000 and 2000 ppm seaweed extract, generally, increased vegetative growth characteristics. In the two tested seasons, the differences detected for the foliar application of boric acid were insignificant in all leaf chemical components, but responded positively to foliar application of 1000 and 2000 ppm seaweed extract. The highest values of yield were recorded by the foliar application of 1000 and 2000 ppm seaweed extract and boric acid at 50 ppm, but the foliar applications of boric acid individually had an insignificant increase on yield and its components.
A reduced computational matrix approach with convergence estimation forsolving model differential equations involving specific nonlinearities ofquartic type

This study aims to efficiently solve model differential equations involving specific nonlinearities of quartic type by proposing a reduced computational matrix approach based on the generalized Mott polynomial. This method presents a reduced matrix expansion of the generalized Mott polynomial with the parameter-α, matrix equations, and Chebyshev--Lobatto collocation points. The simplicity of the method provides fast computation while eliminating an algebraic system of nonlinear equations, which arises from the matrix equation. The method also scrutinizes the consistency of the solutions due to the parameter-α. The oscillatory behavior of the obtained solutions on long time intervals is simulated via a coupled methodology involving the proposed method and Laplace-Pade technique. The convergence estimation is established via residual function. Numerical and graphical results are indicated to discuss the validity and efficiency of the method.