Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Oil Income on Real Exchange Rate in Iranian Economy

This paper investigates the effect of oil income on real exchange rate defined in Iranian economy from 1981 to 2012. This study uses Unit Root Tests, Cointegration techniques, Engle-Granger test, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The main findings of this paper are: (i) long run relationship exists between the oil income and Real Exchange Rate (REXR). (ii) The real exchange rate is an important variable to the oil income and oil price, and devaluation will improve the income growth rate of Iran in the long run. (iii) Unilateral causality is found among the variables of the model. As implication, in order to achieve the desired effects on oil income, Iran should depend on policy that focusing on the variable of real exchange rate. The results show that there is a long run co-integration relation between oil income and real exchange rate.
Atmospheric Ammonia Mixing Ratios at an Open-Air Cattle Feeding Facility

Abstract Mixing ratios of total and gaseous ammonia were measured at an open-air cattle feeding facility in the Texas Panhandle in the summers of 2007 and 2008. Samples were collected at the nominally upwind and downwind edges of the facility. In 2008, a series of far-field samples was also collected 3.5 km north of the facility. Ammonium concentrations were determined by two complementary laboratory methods, a novel application of visible spectrophotometry and standard ion chromatography (IC). Results of the two techniques agreed very well, and spectrophotometry is faster, easier, and cheaper than chromatography. Ammonia mixing ratios measured at the immediate downwind site were drastically higher (∼2900 parts per billion by volume [ppbv]) than those measured at the upwind site (≤200 ppbv). In contrast, at 3.5 km away from the facility, ammonia mixing ratios were reduced to levels similar to the upwind site (≤200 ppbv). In addition, PM10 (particulate matter <10 μm in optical diameter) concentrations obtained at each sampling location using Grimm portable aerosol spectrometers are reported. Time-averaged (1-hr) volume concentrations of PM10 approached 5 × 1012 nm3 cm−3. Emitted ammonia remained largely in the gas phase at the down-wind and far-field locations. No clear correlation between concentrations of ammonia and particles was observed. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of ammonia emissions from open-air animal feeding operations, especially under the hot and dry conditions present during these measurements.
Analysis of genes, pathways and networks involved in disease severity and age at onset in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis

Background: The role of genetic factors in influencing the clinical expression of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. Objective: The objective of this paper is to identify genes, pathways and networks implicated in age at onset (AAO) and severity, measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS), of primary-progressive MS (PPMS). Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 470 PPMS patients of Italian origin:. Allelic association of 296,589 SNPs with AAO and MSSS was calculated. Pathway and network analyses were also conducted using different tools. Results: No single association signal exceeded genome-wide significance in AAO and MSSS analyses. Nominally associated genes to AAO and MSSS were enriched in both traits for 10 pathways, including: “oxidative phosphorylation” (FDRAAO=9*10−4; FDRMSSS=3.0*10−2), “citrate (TCA) cycle” (FDRAAO=1.6*10−2; FDRMSSS=3.2*10−3), and “B cell receptor signaling” (FDRAAO=3.1*10−2; FDRMSSS=2.2*10−3). In addition, an enrichment of “chemokine signaling pathway” (FDR=9*10−4) for AAO and of “leukocyte transendothelial migration” (FDR=2.4*10−3) for MSSS trait was observed, among others. Network analysis revealed that p53 and CREB1 were central hubs for AAO and MSSS traits, respectively. Conclusions: Despite the fact that no major effect signals emerged in the present GWAS, our data suggest that genetic variants acting in the context of oxidative stress and immune dysfunction could modulate the onset and severity of PPMS.
Epidemiology of injuries in metropolitan Tehran, Iran: a household survey

A household survey was conducted to determine the epidemiological characteristics of injuries among people living in Tehran, the mega capital of Iran. Using cluster random sampling in April 2007, survey was conducted seeking information about injuries occurred within families in past Persian year. All injury patterns and causes were classified according to ICD-10 and analysed using SPSS version 16. Out of 9173 household participants, 765 ones (8.3%) had injuries during the past Persian year, frequently open wounds and burns with a male to female ratio of 0.54 : 1. They occurred mostly due to ‘exposure to the inanimate mechanical forces’, followed by ‘contact with heat or hot substances’ and ‘falls’. The common locations were home, and then streets. Approximately 15% of injuries required medical attention and the incidence rate was 175.5 per 10,000 person–year with male to female ratio of 2.37 : 1. They were frequently fractures and open wounds and mostly associated with falls and transport accidents that had been transpired on streets or at workplace. This study evidences the high rate of injuries in Tehran city and prevention priorities should be given to traffic and home injuries.
Clopidogrel plus aspirin versus aspirin alone for preventing cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND Aspirin is the prophylactic antiplatelet drug of choice for people with cardiovascular disease. Adding a second antiplatelet drug to aspirin may produce additional benefit for those at high risk and those with established cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES To quantify the benefit and harm of adding clopidogrel to standard long-term aspirin therapy for preventing cardiovascular events in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease and those with established cardiovascular disease. SEARCH STRATEGY The searches have been updated: CENTRAL (Issue 3 2009), MEDLINE (2002 to September 2009) and EMBASE (2002 to September 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomized controlled trials comparing long term use of aspirin plus clopidogrel with aspirin plus placebo or aspirin alone in patients with coronary disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, or at high risk of atherothrombotic disease were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data on mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, unstable angina, heart failure, revascularizations, major and minor bleeding, and all adverse events were collected. The overall treatment effect was estimated by the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model (Mantel-Haenszel). MAIN RESULTS No new studies were identified from the updated searches. A total of two RCTs were found: the CHARISMA and the CURE study. The CURE study enrolled only patients with a recent non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. The use of clopidogrel plus aspirin, compared with placebo plus aspirin, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.94; P<0.01) and a higher risk of major bleeding (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.57; P<0.01). Overall, we would expect 13 cardiovascular events to be prevented for every 1000 patients treated with the combination, but 6 major bleeds would be caused. In the CURE trial, for every 1000 people treated, 23 events would be avoided and 10 major bleeds would be caused. In the CHARISMA trial, for every 1000 people treated, 5 cardiovascular events would be avoided and 3 major bleeds would be caused. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available evidence demonstrates that the use of clopidogrel plus aspirin is associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events and an increased risk of bleeding compared with aspirin alone. Only in patients with acute non-ST coronary syndrome benefits outweigh harms.
Pflegerische Expertise ist obligat

Zusammenfassung Die pflegerische und medizinische Versorgung von Patienten mit einer ECMO ist in Deutschland längst keine Seltenheit mehr. Allein in der Klinik für Thorax- und Kardiovaskularchirurgie im Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen wurden im Jahr 2017 mehr als 200 Patienten mit einem entsprechenden System versorgt. Viele bis heute veröffentlichte Artikel bilden häufig medizinische oder medizintechnische Aspekte der ECMO ab. Der vorliegende Artikel möchte einen Beitrag zum Thema „ECMO und Pflege“ leisten. Er fokussiert besonders die Bereiche Bewegung und Mobilisation sowie die Patientensicherheit.
Achilles Tendon Repair in Obese Patients Is Associated With Increased Complication Rates

Objective. The objective of the present study is to utilize a national database to examine the association between obesity and postoperative complications after primary Achilles tendon repair. Methods. The PearlDiver database was queried for patients undergoing primary Achilles repair using CPT 27650. Excision of a Haglund’s deformity or tendon transfer were exclusion criteria. Patients were then divided into obese (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) cohorts using ICD-9 codes. Complications within 90 days postoperatively were assessed using ICD-9 and CPT codes. Results. In all, 18 948 patients who underwent primary Achilles tendon repair were identified from 2005 to 2012. Overall, 2962 patients (15.6%) were coded as obese or morbidly obese. Obese patients had significantly higher rates of postoperative wound complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; P < .0001), infection (OR = 1.8; P < .0001), venous thromboembolism (VTE; OR = 1.8; P = .001), and medical complications (OR = 3.9; P < .0001) compared with nonobese patients after primary Achilles tendon repair. Additionally, obese patients had a significantly lower rate of ankle stiffnesassociated with a significantly higher risk of s (OR = 0.4; P < .0001) compared with nonobese patients. Conclusion. Obesity is associated with a significantly higher risk of wound complications, infection, VTE, and medical complications after primary Achilles tendon repair. Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level II: Retrospective study
Epstein-Barr virus-associated post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: potential treatments and implications for nursing practice.

BACKGROUND Considered to be a secondary malignancy, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a potentially fatal complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). With 50%-70% of all reported cases of PTLD being associated with EBV, the incidence in HCT is relatively low. However, mortality rates in this population of patients are 70%-90%. OBJECTIVES The focus of this article is to discuss published literature regarding the risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prevention, and potential treatment options for EBV-PTLD, as well as nursing implications and the importance of patient education in high-risk HCT recipients. METHODS This review of literature focused on locating, summarizing, and synthesizing data from published clinical studies that focused on treatment options, guidelines, and recommendations for EBV-PTLD. CINAHL® and PubMed databases were used to search for articles published within the past 10 years that included the following key words: post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder, Epstein-Barr virus, and hematopoietic cell transplantation. FINDINGS Prevention and preemptive therapy are paramount when caring for patients undergoing HCT. Early determination of risk, close observation of EBV DNA levels in the blood, and prompt initiation of therapy are essential to improving patients' overall prognosis. Reduction in immunosuppression is considered first-line therapy for those diagnosed with EBV-PTLD. The literature also supports rituximab-based therapies, administration of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells, and donor lymphocyte infusion as treatment strategies.
Presentation of gender dysphoria: A perspective from Eastern India

Context: There is paucity of scientific data from India on gender identity disorders (GIDs) or gender dysphoria (GD). Aims: To study the clinical, biochemical profile, personality characteristics and family support of GID subjects. Settings and Design: A retrospective and cross-sectional study at an endocrine referral center in Kolkata in Eastern India between 2010 and 2015. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-three GID subjects who presented to the center were included in the study. Clinical, biochemical profile, personality characteristics (cross-dressing), and family support were investigated. The protocol was presented to the Ethics Committee who felt that given the retrospective nature of the study, informed consent could be dispensed with. GD was diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition). Statistical Analysis Used: Unpaired t-test has been used to find the significance of study parameters between two groups of patients. Chi-square/Fisher Exact test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two groups. Results: Out of the total 73 patients, 55 (75.34%) patients were male-to-female and remaining 18 (24.66%) were female-to-male. Around 11% of GD subjects practiced cross-dressing. In spite of median age of onset of GD was 9 years, the mean age of GD at presentation was quite late at 25.77 ± 6.25 years due to lack of social and informative support. It is difficult for transgender to express their sexual identity in family or in society as only 10.96% of our GD subjects had family support, leading to delayed presentation and delayed endocrine consultation. This delayed endocrine consultation have accounted for a significant proportion of GD subjects having unplanned and ill-timed castration (16.36%) or mastectomy (16.67%) even by nonmedically qualified person (66.7% of castrated subjects). All GD subjects had normal thyroid stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol, and karyotype concordant with their biological sex. No significant differences were demonstrated between any of the studied parameters namely age at presentation, onset-age of GD, hormone profile, family support, and cross-dressing preferences. Conclusions: Social taboo and lack of informative, family support leads to delayed medical consultation and have accounted for complexities in presentation indicating a huge need of awareness programs in our country. Social and informative support can be improved by awareness programs, which might lead to an early endocrine evaluation and proper treatment with improved outcomes.
Long-Term Costs for Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients in a Multidisciplinary Setting

The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term costs for foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Patients were treated and followed prospectively by a foot care team. A retrospective economic analysis was performed of costs for 274 patients during 3 years from healing of an initial foot ulcer, with or without amputation. Costs were estimated for inpatient care, outpatient care, home care, and social service. The cost calculations include costs due to complications and disability related to the initial ulcer, costs related to recurrence of ulcer, and costs for prevention of new ulcers. Expected total present value cost per patient during 3 years of observation was $26,700 (U.S. dollars) for primary healed patients with critical ischemia and $16,100 for primary healed patients without critical ischemia. For patients who healed with an amputation, the corresponding costs were $43,100 after a minor amputation and $63,100 after a major amputation. When estimating the costs for diabetic foot ulcers, it is not sufficient to calculate short-term costs. Long-term costs are high, mainly due to the need for increased home care and social service, but also due to costs for recurrent ulcers and new amputations.
The effects of small shifts in body weight on blood flow and interface pressure.

The purpose of this study was to (a) determine whether small shifts in body weight change pressure and blood flow under a bony prominence, and (b) identify the magnitude of change in blood flow and pressure under a bony prominence over time. Blood flow and interface pressure in two positions (lateral oblique/supine) with two small shifts in each position (thigh/rib cage) were evaluated over time in 50 nursing home residents. There was a significant decrease in interface pressure under the trochanter through the small shifts intervention, F = 5.36, p < . 01. There was a significant decrease in interface pressure, F = 3.90, p < . 05, and a significant increase in blood flow, F = 4.85, p < . 05, under the sacrum through the small shifts intervention. Blood flow and interface pressure did not change significantly over time.
Design specifications and optimisation of a directly grid-connected PM wind generator

This paper forms part of a broader study on the design and implementation of a slip-synchronous permanent magnet wind generator. This is a gearless, direct-drive generator connected directly to the utility grid without a power electronic converter. The system consists of two integrated generating units, a directly turbine connected slip permanent magnet generator and a conventional grid-connected permanent magnet synchronous generator. The focus of this study is to define the exact design requirements of the directly grid connected synchronous generator unit from the relevant grid code specifications, and to find the optimum design subject to these requirements. Due to the direct grid connection there are clear differences in the design requirements of this machine and those of conventional PM wind generators connected to the grid via a converter. Different generator topologies are evaluated with regard to ease of manufacturing, active mass, PM content and suitability for direct grid connection. Simulation results are presented and measured results are given for an existing directly grid-connected PM generator to confirm the FE-calculations.
High quality speech synthesis using a small speech dataset

We propose an approach to synthesizing high-quality speech under the conditions of a small dataset. A robust method for solving this problem is vital for voice restoration (recreation of lost fragments of records based on available speech material of a well-known person, e.g. an actor). The proposed TTS system is a hybrid system which includes the advantages of both HMM- and Unit Selection-based TTS systems. The approach described in the paper is based on statistical models of intonation parameters and special algorithms of speech element concatenation and modification. Listening tests show that it is possible to synthesize high-quality speech even with a small speech database (approximately one hour of speech).
Factors Influencing the Prevalence and Distribution of Ticks and Tick- borne Pathogens among Domestic Animals in Malaysia

Changes in tick-vector densities and a resultant incidence of tick-borne diseases are caused mainly by human activities affecting the environmental ecosystem, especially in tropical countries. As one of the most important invertebrate arthropod vectors of disease transmission, ticks are susceptible to changes in their environment due to their sole dependence of all their life stages on prevailing environment. Upon completion of their lifecycle, ticks depend on the availability of hosts and other several factors related to their surroundings to survive. This review discusses the major factors that influence the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne diseases among domestic animals in Malaysia. It is highly imperative to understand the factors that lead to increase in tick-vector populations, infection intensity and hence the spatial distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases in order to prevent their emergence and resurgence as well as to serve as a basis for effectivecontrol.
Security in Cloud Computing For Service Delivery Models: Challenges and Solutions

Cloud computing, undoubtedly, is a path to expand the limits or add powerful capabilities on-demand with almost no investment in new framework, training new staff, or authorizing new software. Though today everyone is talking about cloud but, organizations are still in dilemma whether it’s safe to deploy their business on cloud. The reason behind it; is nothing but Security. No cloud service provider provides 100% security assurance to its customers and therefore, businesses are hesitant to accept cloud and the vast benefits that come along with it. The absence of proper security controls delimits the benefits of cloud. In this paper, a review on different cloud service models and a survey of the different security challenges and issues while providing services in cloud is presented . The paper focuses on the security issues specific to service delivery model (SaaS, IaaS and PaaS) of cloud environment. This paper also explores the various security solutions currently being applied to protect cloud from various kinds of intruders. KeywordsCloud computing, security, Service delivery models, Security solutions.
Very Low Birth Weight Hospital Volume and Mortality: An Instrumental Variables Approach

Background:Previous studies of very low birth weight (VLBW) hospital volume effects on in-hospital mortality have used standard risk-adjusted models that only account for observable confounders but not for self-selection bias due to unobservable confounders. Objective:To assess the effects of hospital volume of VLBW infants on in-hospital mortality while explicitly accounting for unobservable confounders and self-selection bias using an instrumental variables (IV) model. Methods:The sample includes 4553 VLBW infants born in 63 hospitals in 2000–2004 in New Jersey. We use IV analysis with the differences between the patient’s distances to the nearest low (<50 VLBW infants annually), moderate (51–100 infants annually), and high (>100 VLBW infants annually)-volume hospitals as instruments. We evaluate several volume measures and adjusted for observable infant and hospital characteristics. Results:We find beneficial volume effects on survival that are significantly underestimated in classic risk-adjusted models, under which low and moderate volumes compared with high volumes increase mortality odds by 1.8 and 1.88 times, respectively (risk ratios of 1.4 and 1.5, respectively). However, using the IV approach, we find that low and moderate volumes increase mortality odds by 5.42 and 3.51 times, respectively (risk ratios of 2.76 and 2.21, respectively). These findings suggest unobservable confounders that increase the selection of infants at a greater mortality risk into higher-volume hospitals. Conclusions:Accounting for unobserved self-selection bias reveals large survival benefits from delivering and treating VLBW infants at high-volume hospitals. This supports policies regionalizing the delivery and care for pregnancies at risk for VLBW at high-volume hospitals.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism in the cytadhesin P1 gene of human clinical isolates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Genomic DNA obtained from Mycoplasma pneumoniae clinical isolates spanning a 30-year period was analyzed for the presence of polymorphism in their P1 cytadhesin genes. All clinical isolates expressed a 170-kilodalton P1 protein that reacted with anti-P1 monoclonal antibodies. However, Southern blot analysis of specific M. pneumoniae isolates with subclones of the P1 structural gene revealed the presence of restriction fragment length polymorphism, permitting the classification of their P1 genes into two distinct categories.