Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic oxidoreductive balance in patients without clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis

Introduction. Oxidative stress plays an important role in atherosclerosis, but numerous clinical trials have not confirmed a favourable effect of antioxidant supplementation. We aimed to determine the oxidative stress parameters in patients without clinical manifestation of vascular disease. Material and methods. Forty-eight patients were divided into two groups in relation to the presence or absence of clinically silent signs of atherosclerosis (ankle-brachial index < 0.9, intima-media thickness ≥ 0.9 mm, the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, silent ischaemia in a treadmill stress test or focal myocardial contractility found in echocardiography). Plasma concentrations of: retinol, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol and uric acid, as well as the products of oxidative DNA damage repair: 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in blood leucocytes and urine, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxo-Gua) in urine. Results. Patients with signs of subclinical atherosclerosis had lower blood concentration of alpha- tocopherol, and a non-significantly greater urine concentration of 8-oxoGua. Women had significantly greater blood concentration of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol, as well as lower level of retinol and uric acid. They also had greater leucocyte concentration of 8-oxodG. Plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol 30.34 μM distinguished patients with and without signs of subclinical atherosclerosis. Conclusions. Oxidative stress has clinical importance in the early stages of atherosclerosis and may be helpful in predicting its subclinical stage. Women had higher level of antioxidant defence, which explains their natural protection against early atherosclerosis development. Further studies are needed to determine the usefulness of tocopherol determination as a biomarker for atherosclerosis risk evaluation.
Acta Polytechnica

We focus on a generalization of the three gap theorem well known in the framework of exchange of two intervals. For the case of three intervals, our main result provides an analogue of this result implying that there are at most 5 gaps. To derive this result, we give a detailed description of the return times to a subinterval and the corresponding itineraries.
Stress, Social Support and Functioning: Beyond the Stress-Buffering Effect.

AJTHOR Mitchell, Roger E. TXTLE Stress, Social Support and Functioning: Beyond the Stress-Buffering Effect. PUB DATE Aug 84 NOTE 16p. ; Paper presented as part of the symposium "Investigations of Variables Buffering Life Stress: Current Trends" at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (92nd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, August 24-28, 1984). PUB TYPE Viewpoints (120) -Speeches/Conference Papers (150)
Simulation of Material Flow Coupled with Die Analysis in Complex Shape Extrusion

The paper presents recent studies in simulation of thin profile extrusion technology with the emphasis on interaction between the material flow and the state of the tooling set. To take into consideration die deflection and gradient of the temperature across the die and mandrel during the entire process cycle a transient coupled thermo-mechanical model has been built on the basis of QForm-Extrusion program. The paper explains the background for this model and some tests to verify its accuracy. Practical implementation of this model at several die making and extrusion companies has shown it to be of higher accuracy compared to the results of rigid die simulation.
Socioeconomic Characterization and Equity Market Knowledge of the Citizens of Barranquilla, Colombia

Este articulo examina empiricamente el grado de conocimiento y participacion de los ciudadanos de Barranquilla en el mercado bursatil colombiano. Para ello, se encuestaron 800 individuos distribuidos en las cinco localidades de la ciudad. Utilizando un modelo logit, se estimaron los factores que explican el estado del conocimiento del mercado bursatil asi como las variables que influyen en la probabilidad de inversion en la bolsa de valores. Se encuentra que el rango de ingresos determina en mayor medida el nivel de conocimiento e inversion en el mercado bursatil respecto al resto de variables. Finalmente, se confirma que se trata de un mercado de caracteristicas muy especificas, en el cual participan principalmente aquellos inversionistas con mayor conocimiento de las inversiones que ponen en marcha.
On the generalizability of factors: The influence of changing contexts of variables on different methods of factor extraction

The influence of changing contexts of variables on results is often mentioned as a main problem of exploratory factor analysis limiting the generalizability of factors. In the present study, the influence of changing contexts of variables on results of different methods of factor extraction (principal component analysis, principal axis factor analysis, alpha factoring, and maximum likelihood factor analysis) was investigated by means of artificial data. In the first simulation study four factor solutions with pronounced simple structure were created on the basis of artificial data both with 200 and 1000 cases. These four factor solutions represented the context of variables in which a factor was identified. In the second simulation study, a context of variables was created, which completely dissolved one of the four factors composed by four marker variables in the previous study. These data were then analyzed by means of principal component analysis, principal axis factor analysis, alpha factor analysis, and maximum likelihood factor analysis. The factor was less dissolved in principal axis factor analysis, alpha factor analysis, and maximum likelihood factor analysis than in principal component analysis. Moreover, a slight overextraction may also be favorable for the identification of a dissolved factor. On the basis of the results, some recommendations were given in order to perform factor extraction in a way which maximizes the generalizability of factors.
ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES IN A CASE OF MULTIPLE MYELOMA USING SPECTRAL KARYOTYPING

Objective: It was proposed to determine the chromosomal abnormalities in a 49-year-old male patient with multiple myeloma (MM) employing both conventional and advanced molecular cytogenetic techniques.Methods: GTG-banding and spectral karyotyping (SKY) on fixed metaphases obtained from LPS-stimulated bone marrow cells and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) on unsorted marrow cells were carried out to identify genetic markers of prognostic significance.Results: The abnormal chromosomes observed through conventional cytogenetics could be resolved with SKY technique. The translocation t(4;14) (p16;q32) indicating FGFR3/IGH fusion and deletion of 13q14.3 was noticed using iFISH. The genetic abnormalities confirmed a poor prognostic outcome in the patient who died within 6 months of diagnosis.Conclusion: This report emphasizes the need for multicolor FISH techniques besides iFISH to resolve complex abnormalities and to identify cryptic aberrations of importance in risk stratification of MM patients.
Income Smoothing: Evidence From Turkey

Kârini istikrarli hale getiren isletmelerin degerli ve dusuk riskli olduklari paydaslari tarafindan degerlendirilmektedir. Bu calismanin amaci, genis bir veri seti (Istanbul Menkul Kiymetler Borsasi’nda islem goren isletmelerin %82’sini olusturan 277 isletme) ve guncel bir donemi (2006 ile 2010 yillari) temel alarak, isletmelerin kâr yonetimi davranislari hakkinda bilgiler saglamaktir. Elde edilen sonuclara gore, kârini istikrarli hale getiren isletmelerin oranlari uretim sektoru icin %30, hizmet sektoru icin %21 ve finansal sektor icin %36 olarak saptanmistir. Kucuk isletmelerin buyuk isletmelere gore kârlarini istikrarli hale getirme tutumlarinin daha olasi oldugu, ve finansal sektordeki isletmelerin hizmet sektorundeki isletmelere gore kârlarini istikrarli hale getirme tutumlarinin daha olasi oldugu istatistiksel olarak bulgulanmistir
Assessing Fan Flutter Stability in Presence of Inlet Distortion Using One-Way and Two-Way Coupled Methods

Abstract Concernsregardingnoise,propulsiveeﬃciency,andfuelburnareinspiringaircraftdesigns wherein the propulsive turbomachines are partially (or fully) embeddedwithin the airframe; such designs present serious concerns with regard to aero-dynamic and aeromechanic performance of the compression system in response toinletdistortion. Previously,apreliminarydesignofaforward-swepthigh-speedfanexhibitedﬂutterconcernsinclean-inletﬂows,andthepresentauthorthenstudiedthisfanfurtherinthepresenceofoﬀ-designdistortedin-ﬂows. Continuingthisre-search,athree-dimensional,unsteady,Navier-Stokescomputationalﬂuiddynamicscode is again applied toanalyze and corroborate fan performance with clean inletﬂow and now with a simpliﬁed, sinusoidal distortion of total pressure at the aero-dynamic interface plane. This code, already validated in its application to assessaerodynamicdampingofvibratingbladesatvariousﬂowconditionsusingaone-waycoupledenergy-exchangeapproach,ismodiﬁedtoincludeatwo-waycoupledtime-marchingaeroelasticsimulationcapability. Thetwocouplingmethodsarecomparedintheirevaluationofﬂutterstabilityinthepresenceofdistortedin-ﬂows.
Relationship between hearing complaint and hearing loss among older people

* Doctoral Degree in Biomedical Gerontology (PUCRS) Audiology Laboratory Phonoaudiologist / RS. ** Doctoral Degree in Human Movement Sciences (UFRGS). Professor of the Physical Education Course of the Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA). *** Doctoral Degree in Psychology (Pontifical University of Salamanca). Professor of the Course of Nursing at ULBRA Canoas / RS. **** Doctoral Degree in Social Psychology (USP). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ***** Doctoral Degree in Psychology (University of Barcelona). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ****** Doctoral Degree in Phytotechny (UFRGS). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ******* Doctoral Degree in Phytotechny (UFRGS). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ******** Doctoral Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences (University of Leon). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ********* Doctoral Degree in Education (Methodist University of Piracicaba). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS). ********** Doctoral Degree in Biological Sciences (Neurosciences UFRGS). Professor of the Physical Education Course (ULBRA / RS).
The impact of sexual and physical violence on women’s learning processes: Implications for child and youth care workers in educational settings

The issue of family violence transcends the four walls of the household. Recent studies suggest that it is now impinging on the classroom by influencing the learning process. This is especially true for young girls and adolescent women. This paper will present an extensive review of the literature concerning the impact of early abuse on learning. It will also discuss a series of case studies that investigated the learning styles, attributional patterns, and levels of post traumatic stress disorder in 10 women who had experienced physical, sexual, and verbal violence as children or adolescents. Extensive interviews elicited specific examples of the effects of childhood trauma on learning processes. Implications for child and youth care workers in educational contexts are discussed.
Einstein–Weyl spaces and near-horizon geometry

We show that a class of solutions of minimal supergravity in five dimensions is given by lifts of three-dimensional Einstein–Weyl structures of hyper-CR type. We characterise this class as most general near-horizon limits of supersymmetric solutions to the five-dimensional theory. In particular we deduce that a compact spatial section of a horizon can only be a Berger sphere, a product metric on S1×S2 or a flat three-torus. We then consider the problem of reconstructing all supersymmetric solutions from a given near-horizon geometry. By exploiting the ellipticity of the linearised field equations we demonstrate that the moduli space of transverse infinitesimal deformations of a near-horizon geometry is finite-dimensional.
The Informativeness of Quarterly Financial Reporting: The Portuguese Case

With the Directive 2004/109/EC, of December 15, 2004 – Transparency Directive –, the European Union decided not to require listed companies to disclose financial information in the first and third quarters of each year. Each EU country now has to decide whether to oblige its companies to disclose this information. Using a sample of 1751 firm-earnings announcements between 1994 and 2004, this paper ascertains the informativeness of quarterly financial reporting in Portugal, one of the seven European countries where the disclosure of such information is currently compulsory in all quarters. Evidence suggests that the information of the first and third quarters, both in terms of price volatility and trading volume, is significant and not inferior to that of the remaining earnings announcements.
Numerical Study of Particle Interaction in Gas-Particle and Liquid-Particle Flows: Part I Analysis and Validation

A detailed study into the turbulent behaviour of dilute particulate flow under the influence of two carrier phases namely gas and liquid has been carried out behind a sudden expansion geometry. The major endeavour of the study is to ascertain the response of the particles within the carrier (gas or liquid) phase. The main aim prompting the current study is the density difference between the carrier and the dispersed phases. While the ratio is quite high in terms of the dispersed phase for the gas-particle flows, the ratio is far more less in terms of the liquid-particle flows. Numerical simulations were carried out for both these classes of flows using an Eulerian two-fluid model with RNG based k-e model as the turbulent closure. An additional kinetic energy equation to better represent the combined fluid-particle behaviour is also employed in the current set of simulations. In the first part of this two part series, experimental results of Fessler and Eaton (1995) for Gas-Particle (GP) flow and that of F.
A benchmark event sequence for mass ejection onset studies. A flare associated CME with coronal dimm

Aims. In this study, we report on the spectroscopic observations of a particularly well-observed flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) event sequence which we feel can be used as a benchmark study for CME onsets. Methods. Specifically, we report on a set of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopic observations using the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to determine features of the CME onset process revealed through the analysis of plasma at different temperatures. Results. The flare which occurred on the north-western limb was associated with a large CME. The event in question showed evidence for pre-flare ascending loops containing 1-2 million K plasma, which disappeared just prior to the flare. This disappearance is interpreted as coronal dimming, and it appears to coincide with the projected mass ejection onset time. In addition, a discrete, short-lived coronal loop containing plasma at transition region temperatures was detected just prior to this eruption. This loop displayed mass motion, along flux tubes, with oppositely directed flows. The nature and timing of this transient loop suggest a close relationship between it and the eruption process. Examinations of the timing and topology, which extend previous studies considerably, are found to be consistent with the mass ejection onset interpretation of Zhang and co-workers. Conclusions. The clarity of this event sequence suggests that we should regard it as a benchmark in studies of the mass ejection onset process.
ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOQPSK AND MULTI-H CPM IN A MULTIPATH CHANNEL

Shaped Offset QPSK (SOQPSK) has been shown to be nearly identical in performance to Feherpatented FQPSK, which is the Advanced Range Telemetry (ATRM) program's Tier I waveform. Multi-h CPM has been selected as the ARTM Tier II waveform, because it offers 50% better spectral efficiency than the Tier I waveform. Both the Tier I and Tier II waveforms must operate in a multipath channel in order to meet the range community's telemetry requirements. This paper presents an analytical and experimental characterization of SOQPSK and Multi-h CPM in the presence of multipath. Quantitative results are presented which demonstrate the relative robustness of the ARTM Tier I and Tier II waveforms, in channels representative of a typical range environment.
Performance of a Micro-scale Radial-Flow Compressor Impeller made of Silicon Nitride

A micro-scale, high-speed compressor impeller (12 mm diameter, 800,000 rpm) was built and tested for feasibility in regard to aerodynamic performance. The compressor might be applied in a fist-sized gas-turbine-generator. To survive high stresses at such high temperatures, the rotor was manufactured as a single turbine/compressor/shaft unit in silicon nitride. Tests were conducted in a cold-flow rig at reduced speed of 420,000 rpm. Results from a CFD code compared favorably to measured data at this speed. Extrapolation from test conditions to full design speed was accomplished by application of CFD applied at both speeds. The experiments confirm design rules regarding reduction of efficiency at low Reynolds number, and results with several blade-to-shroud clearances were obtained to illustrate the importance of this parameter on micro-scale compressor performance where blade-to-shroud clearances will be relatively large compared to conventional radial-flow compressors.
Global Governance after the Financial Crisis: A New Multilateralism or the Last Gasp of the Great Powers?

the wake of the global financial crisis, three G20 Summits have reinvigorated global cooperation, thrusting the International Monetary Fund centre stage with approximately $1 trillion of resources. With China, Brazil, India, Russia and other powerful emerging economies now at the table, is a new more multilateral era of governance emerging? This article examines the evidence. It details the governance reforms and new financing of the IMF but finds only very limited shifts in the engagement of major emerging economies - insufficient to position the IMF to address the global imbalances, to set new multilateral rules, to operate as an alternative to self-insurance or indeed to provide a more multilateral response to the development emergency. The IMF is shifting between: borrower dependence (relying on fee-paying borrowers for income); independence (with its own investment income); and lender dependence (relying on wealthy members to extend credit lines to it). The result is an ambiguous set of forces restraining the IMF to stay as it is, and only weakly driving reform. A new order may emerge in which multilateral institutions - such as the IMF - end up with only a limited role to play alongside emerging national and regional strategies, unless a more radical transformation begins.
Monetary Policy and the Evolution of US economy

This paper investigates the relationship between monetary policy and the changes experienced by the US economy using a small scale New Keynesian model. The model is estimated with Bayesian techniques and the stability of policy parameter estimates and of the transmission of policy shocks examined. The model fits well the data and produces forecasts comparable or superior to those of alternative specifications. The parameters of the policy rule, the variance and the transmission of policy shocks have been remarkably stable. The parameters of the Phillips curve and of the Euler equations are varying.
MICROPILING IN KARSTIC ROCK: NEW CMFF FOUNDATION SOLUTION APPLIED AT THE SANITA FACTORY

The new Sanita factory is a 2 story factory warehouse covering an area of 10,000 m 2 located in Zouk-Mosbeh, Lebanon. The warehouse is composed of 140 reinforced concrete columns supporting a one way pre-stressed concrete slab designed to carry 25 kN/m 2 of industrial live load plus a future steel structure. The soil substratum consists of 1 to 4 m of silt on top of the bedrock. The bedrock is hard karstic limestone with cavities and fissures. Because of the karstic nature of the rock, the original design called for a strip foundation on top of the rock with a maximum allowable bearing pressure of 400 kPa. Combined Micropiles and Footing Foundation, CMFF, is a new foundation system that was created by the International Institute for Geotechnics and Materials, iIGM, and implemented as an alternative solution for this particular project. This new system was designed utilizing a finite element model. There were two major concerns regarding this solution. The first concern was with respect to the load-settlement performance of the micropile in the karstic terrain. The second concern was to prove the advantages of the CMFF system considering the particular conditions of the project. Two static load tests were performed on the micropiles with different methods. The results of the tests permitted modeling the soil/structure interactive foundation system. CMFF in karst offered many technical advantages over classical methods. A cost saving of about 40% was also accomplished in the foundation system without compromising safety. This paper summarizes the results of the load tests and the advantages of CMFF in this particular project. The paper also presents the different phases of the foundation system by covering the design details, construction aspects, performance evaluation, and cost analysis.
Biological phosphorus removal from dairy wastewater by alternating anaerobic and aerobic conditions

In this study, the possibility of applying the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process for Algiers dairy wastewater which can have phosphorus contents up to 130 mg/L was examined. EBPR is conventionally performed by an anaerobic-aerobic process. The objectives of this work were to determine an optimal hydraulic retention time (HRT) in aerobic conditions and to study the effect of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (acetic and propionic acids) addition on the phosphorus release in anaerobic conditions. The tests were performed in a batch reactor operating with an aerobic/anaerobic sequence of phases. Batch tests have been carried out at 3 HRTs in aerobic conditions (1, 2 and 3 h) while the anaerobic retention time was fixed at 4 h, to examine the effect of stress related to changes of aerobic HRT. Main results show that the most favorable aerobic retention time was found to be 2 h. The amount of P released in anaerobic phase increases from 2.25 to 2.48 mgP/gVSS with increasing aerobic HRT from 1 to 2 h and decreases to 1.28 mgP/g VSS for a time of 3 h using acetic acid. Similarly, this amount increases from 1.62 to 4.38 mgP/gVSS for 1 to 2 h and decreases to 1.41 mgP/gVSS for a time of 3 h using propionic acid. The initial release rate was directly proportional to the amount of added substrate. Propionate may be a more effective carbon source for biological phosphorus removal than acetate. Based on the results presented herein, we can confirm the possibility of phosphorus removal from dairy wastewater in the aerobic-anaerobic biological process. Keywords: Dairy wastewater, biological phosphorus removal, aerobic, anaerobic, release, acetic acid, propionic acid
Institutional Trust in Contemporary Moscow

Abstract Levels of institutional trust in Russia are amongst the lowest in the world. As yet, however, little research has focused on this phenomenon at the sub-national level. The current study examines trust in social and political institutions among citizens in Moscow in 2004. Results showed that levels of institutional trust are extremely low and that there were only three institutions (the church, president and hospitals) that were more trusted than distrusted. Moreover, although the effects of some demographic and other independent variables on trust stretched across institutions, several variables had a unique impact in terms of trust in the president.