Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inverse SAR approach for localization of moving RFID tags

This paper presents an inverse synthetic aperture radar approach for localizing standard UHF RFID transponders. The proposed method is a powerful option to estimate the positions of tags that pass RFID gates or read points. A priori information about the relative transponder trajectory, such as the speed of a conveyor belt or a trajectory created by a robotic arm or rotary table, is used to generate an inverse synthetic aperture. Sampled phase data from RFID signals which are backscattered to single or multiple antennas combined with the information on the relative RFID tag trajectory are used to reconstruct the tag's absolute trajectory. The paper describes basic properties of synthetic apertures in RFID systems and methods of evaluating beam patterns based on array beam steering theory. Simulations of a conveyor belt scenario and test data acquired from an industrial rotary table transporting tagged objects are described. The experimental results prove that our novel method enables robust localization of moving RFID tags even in a severe multipath environment.
Impact of ultrasonography on central venous catheter insertion in intensive care

Background and Aims: The insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) is an integral part of the management of critically ill patients. We aimed to study the impact of ultrasonography (USG) on CVC insertion in intensive care. Setting and Design: A prospective study of 450 patients requiring CVC in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital. Methods and Materials: The patients were randomized into two groups: to have CVC insertion with USG-guidance or with the anatomic landmark technique (ALT). Data were collected on patient demographics; operator experience; and method, site and side of insertion. Outcome measures included successful insertion of CVC, number of attempts needed and complications. Results: Internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation was successful in 177/194 patients (91.2%) using ALT and in 200/205 patients (97.6%) using USG guidance, a significant difference of 6.4% (P = 0.006). Using ALT, 72.7% of cannulations could be accomplished in the first attempt as compared with 84.4% with USG guidance (P = 0.004). The overall complication rate was 28/399 (7%), with 19 (9.8%) complications in the ALT group and 9 (4.4%) in the USG group (age-, sex-, and operator-adjusted OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.96; P = 0.03). For subclavian vein catheterization, the success rate was 26/28 (92.9%) in the ALT group and 17/17 (100%) in the USG group (P = 0.52). Using ALT, 71.4% cannulation could be accomplished in the first attempt as compared with 82.4% under USG guidance (P = 0.49). The overall complication rate was 6/45 (13.3%), with 4 (14.3%) complications in the ALT group and 2 (11.8%) in the USG group (P > 0.99). Conclusions: Real-time USG guidance improves success rates, reduces the number of attempts and decreases the complications associated with CVC insertion, especially for the IJV, and should become the standard of care in intensive care.
Reshaping an enduring sense of self: the process of recovery from a first episode of schizophrenia

Aim: Although advances in the treatment of schizophrenia have been made, little is known about the process of recovery from first episode of schizophrenia (FES). To date, the study of recovery in the field of mental health has focused on long‐term mental illness. This qualitative study addresses ways in which individuals with FES describe their process of recovery and how identified individuals (e.g. family members) describe their perceptions of and roles in the participant's process of recovery.
Analyzing the nexus of creativity, Islam, and democracy: Evidence from Turkey

ABSTRACT While the relationship between Islam and democracy has received considerable attention in the social science literature, very few studies have explained the dynamics of support for democracy through a micro-level, socio-psychological lens. Applying a novel perspective, this study analyzes the empirical nexus among Islamic religiosity, being open to new ideas and creativity (ONIC), and pro-democratic attitudes to probe the following two questions: Are Muslims who are open to new ideas and think creatively more supportive of democracy than those who are not? Could ONIC be an intervening factor between religiosity and support for democracy? To this end, the paper systematically (1) examines the interrelationship between ONIC and Islamic religiosity; (2) estimates the effects thereof on support for democracy; (3) assesses the mediating potential of ONIC between devoutness and pro-democratic attitudes through an illustrative case of Turkey. The findings indicate that ONIC and Islamic religiosity are not mutually exclusive. The evidence also suggests that, ceteris paribus, while religiosity is positively associated with pro-democratic attitudes, the mediating potential of ONIC is inconclusive. Religiosity and ONIC appear to have an independent effect on support for democracy. Educational reforms or policies that cultivate and support creative thinking might be consequential for building and fostering democracy in Islamic societies.
Epidemic diarrhea due to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

BACKGROUND In June 1998, we investigated one of the largest foodborne outbreaks of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli gastroenteritis reported in the United States. METHODS We conducted cohort studies of 11 catered events to determine risk factors for illness. We used stool cultures, polymerase chain reaction, and serologic tests to determine the etiologic agent, and we conducted an environmental inspection to identify predisposing conditions and practices at the implicated establishment. RESULTS During 5-7 June, the implicated delicatessen catered 539 events attended by >16,000 people. Our epidemiological study of 11 events included a total of 612 attendees. By applying the median prevalence of illness (20%) among events with ill attendees to the total number of events with any ill attendees, we estimate that at least 3300 persons may have developed gastroenteritis during this outbreak. Multiple food items (potato salad, macaroni salad, egg salad, and watermelon) were associated with illness, all of which required extensive handling during preparation. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli serotype O6:H16 producing heat-labile and heat-stable toxins was isolated from the stool specimens from 11 patients. Eight patients with positive stool culture results, 11 (58%) of 19 other symptomatic attendees, and 0 (0%) of 17 control subjects had elevated serum antibody titers to E. coli O6 lipopolysaccharide. The delicatessen had inadequate hand-washing supplies, inadequate protection against back siphonage of wastewater in the potable water system, a poorly draining kitchen sink, and improper food storage and transportation practices. CONCLUSIONS In the United States, where enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is an emerging cause of foodborne disease, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli should be suspected in outbreaks of gastroenteritis when common bacterial or viral enteric pathogens are not identified.
Investigating Gold Investment as an Inflationary Hedge

Abstract Gold and Indian culture have been sharing an age-old association. India is one of the top two consumers of gold. Gold is the most popular investment avenue because of its ability to provide liquidity. The average monthly price however has grown by 1,588 percent over the whole period from 1979 to 2017 (June). In this article, we intend to investigate gold as an investment to hedge against inflation. The sample period to study the relationship between gold and inflation is 2011–2017 (March). To analyze long-run equilibrium between gold and inflation (consumer price index [CPI]), Johansen’s cointegration approach has been used. The short- and long-run causality between gold and inflation has been studied using vector error correction model (VECM) and Wald test. The results of cointegration indicate that gold and CPI series are cointegrated and bear long-run equilibrium. Both VECM and Wald test results indicate that there is only long-run causality between CPI and gold prices. However, in short run these variables do not show any causality. Thus, we infer that gold investment can be used as hedge against Inflation. The findings of this research have got direct implications for retail investors, portfolio managers, treasury and fund managers, government, and commercial traders.
Humoral immune response to tissue transglutaminase is related to epithelial cell proliferation in celiac disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) autoantibodies are markers of celiac disease, and the enzyme is required for several crucial biological processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether these autoantibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of the mucosal lesion typical of celiac disease. METHODS Using rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin staining, we evaluated whether tTG antibodies, both commercially available and cloned from patients with celiac disease, cause cytoskeletal changes in Caco-2, MCF7, and NIH 3T3 cells. We monitored cell levels of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation to determine whether tTG autoantibodies are able to induce NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and epithelial mucosal cells into S phase. RESULTS Treatment with tTG antibodies caused a dose-dependent increase of membrane ruffling in Caco-2, MCF7, and NIH 3T3 cells. It also dose-dependently induced G(0)-synchronized NIH 3T3 fibroblasts into S phase but did not affect the rate of apoptosis. Similarly, tTG antibodies induced S-phase entry of epithelial cells in cultured intestinal biopsy specimens from patients with celiac disease. They did not affect biopsy specimens from patients without celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that tTG autoantibodies per se, by interacting with the extracellular membrane-bound transglutaminase, may play an important role in epithelial cell proliferation in celiac disease.
Professional Responsibility among Primary School Teachers of Mathematics

ABSTRACT This paper identifies the performance of primary schools mathematics teachers in the light of their professionalresponsibility. Research has been conducted following the descriptive approach. Questionnaire has been used as a data collection tool to explore the professional responsibility in terms of teachers’ belief in their professional responsibility, their interest in cognitive development as a means to professional development and their behavior as an outcome of professional development. The study group consists of 60 teachers divided into two groups. Group (A) includes (30) males and Group (B) includes (30) females. The results prove that primary school mathematics teachers have a low level of professional responsibility with no statistically significant differences in the average of professional responsibility in terms of gender or professional experience. The second part of the paper includes suggestions for enhancing the performance of primary school mathematics teachers in the light of their acquired professional responsibility
Dyslipidaemia as predictor of progressive renal failure and the impact of treatment with atorvastatin.

BACKGROUND In patients with chronic renal disease, other lipid markers than total cholesterol or low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol are probably more appropriate to detect a potential lipid-related risk for progression to renal failure. Statin therapy might be protective. METHODS From 1999 to 2001, 177 consecutive patients with renal disease from our out-patient clinic were included and 169 could be followed-up for a mean period of 4.1 years. Seventy-two progressive patients (end-stage chronic renal disease or >5 ml/min/year decrease of creatinine clearance) were compared in 97 patients with stable or slowly progressive disease (<5 ml/min/year decrease). Throughout the study all patients were treated according to nephrology guidelines. Atorvastatin was instituted in patients with elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) after the baseline determinations RESULTS Proteinuria, mean arterial pressure and the type of underlying renal disease were independently associated with progressive renal disease. After adjustment for these factors and whether or not statin therapy was started, an increase in plasma apo B concentration was the most predictive lipid parameter for renal failure. An increase in apo B from 0.77 g/l (10th percentile) to 1.77 g/l (90th percentile) was associated with progressive loss of renal function, represented by an odds ratio of 2.63 (95% CI: 1.02-6.76; P = 0.045). Treatment with atorvastatin in the dyslipidaemic patients to lower LDL-C, was also accompanied by a reduction of proteinuria in this group (P < 0.001). The patients who reached the target level for LDL-C of <2.6 mmol/l in response to atorvastatin showed less often progression than patients with higher LDL-C (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS A high apo B at baseline appeared to be the strongest risk factor among various lipid parameters for progression of renal failure during the following years. Atorvastatin, aimed at lowering LDL-C, reduced proteinuria. Renal outcome was better in patients with the lowest LDL-C on treatment.
Barriers to Diet and Exercise among Nepalese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

This study aims to identify the modifiable barriers encountered by type 2 diabetic patients in Nepal to achieving their recommended dietary and exercise advice. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 type 2 diabetic patients, attending a diabetic clinic. Binary logistic regression models were used to identify perceived barriers. About 41% and 46% of the participants were noncompliant to diet and exercise advice, respectively; only 35.5% the participants were compliant to both. Perceived social acceptability (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03–0.58) and reminder to action (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.38–5.53) were associated with noncompliance to diet. Most of the barriers to diet were related to taste, feast and festivals, lack of knowledge, and availability of healthy options. Self-efficacy (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.34) and social acceptability (OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04–0.34) were significant predictors of noncompliance to exercise. The supportive role of children and spouse and the opposing role of friends and relatives were important for compliance to both. A misconception on diabetes severity, effectiveness of healthy lifestyle, and exercise timing was prevalent among the study participants. Addressing the modifiable barriers identified in this study is essential for successful diabetes management in Nepal.
Potential immunological markers for diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis using heterologous antigens

SUMMARY Strongyloides venezuelensis is a parasitic nematode of rodents that is frequently used to obtain heterologous antigens for immunological diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. The aim of this study was to identify antigens from filariform larvae of S. venezuelensis for immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. Soluble and membrane fractions from filariform larvae of S. venezuelensis were obtained in phosphate saline (SS and SM) and in Tris–HCl buffer (TS and TM), and were analysed by Western blotting. Different antigenic components were recognized by IgG antibodies from the sera of strongyloidiasis patients. Highest recognition was observed for a 30–40 kDa mass range present in all antigenic fractions. The band encompassing this mass range was then excised and subjected to mass spectrometry for protein identification. Immunoreactive proteins identified in the soluble fractions corresponded to metabolic enzymes, whereas cytoskeletal proteins and galectins were more abundant in the membrane fractions. These results represent the first approach towards identification of S. venezuelensis antigens for use in immunodiagnostic assays for human strongyloidiasis.
Factor Timing Revisited: Alternative Risk Premia Allocation Based on Nowcasting and Valuation Signals

Alternative risk premia are encountering growing interest from investors. The vast majority of the academic literature has been focusing on describing the alternative risk premia (typically, momentum, carry and value strategies) individually. In this article, we investigate the question of allocation across a diversified range of cross-asset alternative risk premia over the period 1990-2018. For this, we design an active (macro risk-based) allocation framework that notably aims to exploit alternative risk premia’s varying behavior in different macro regimes and their valuations over time. We perform backtests of the allocation strategy in an out-of-sample setting, shedding light on the significance of both sources of information.
The Future of Financial Reporting: Insights from Research

Research offers insights that, if heeded and built upon, could improve financial reporting, thereby contributing to a more prosperous society. In particular, research suggests improvement could stem from greater use of fair value; a performance statement designed to reveal the information embedded in changes in fair value; better information to help investors assess the value of intangible assets; more specific information about risk and uncertainty; information that is unbiased, rather than conservative; acceptance of a degree of earnings management together with a determination of how much earnings management is acceptable; and a financial reporting package designed to convey information users need, which presumably is broader than today's financial statements.
A tale of two models: Changes in psychological need satisfaction and physical activity over 3 years.

OBJECTIVE (a) Examine longitudinal measurement invariance of scores from psychological need satisfaction (PNS) scales, and (b) examine if changes in PNS were associated with change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). METHOD Adolescents (N = 842, Mage = 10.8, SD = .6) enrolled in the Monitoring Activities of Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits (MATCH) study completed measures of PNS and MVPA every 4 months over a 3-year period (2011-14) for a total of 9 times. RESULTS PNS scores demonstrated strong longitudinal measurement invariance (i.e., invariant factor loadings and intercepts). Latent growth curve modeling indicated that a factor representing perceptions of all 3 PNS variables was positively associated with MVPA at Time 1 (β = .562, p < .05), and that increases in the common PNS factor were associated with increases in MVPA (β = .545, p < .05) with a large effect size (Rinitial MVPA2 = .316; Rchange in MVPA2 = .301). In an alternative model, MVPA at Time 1 was associated with perceived common PNS at Time 1 (β = .602, p < .001), and increases in MVPA were associated with increases in common PNS (β = .667, p < .001) with a large effect size (Rinitial PNS2 = .363 of the Rchange in PNS2 = .426). CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal measurement invariance was supported, and therefore PNS scores could be used to study change over time. Further, 2 equally well fitting models were found suggesting that change in PNS can be both an antecedent and an outcome of MVPA. As such, both PNS and MVPA could be targeted in interventions aimed at increasing need satisfaction or MVPA.
Exclusion and Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis by a Rapid ELISA D-dimer Test, Compression Ultrasonography, and a Simple Clinical Model

The classical clinical signs of deep vein thrombo sis (DVT) are unspecific and may be found in several other conditions besides DVT. Therefore, patients suspicious of DVT are subjected to elaborate invasive or noninvasive evidence- based procedures that actually confirm DVT in only 20% to 30% of patients in this setting. However, simple laboratory tests and noninvasive strategies to exclude and diagnose DVT are becoming available in the clinical emergency setting of outpatients. In the presented literature, a sound basis is pro vided for quantifying clinical judgment for the diagnosis of acute proximal DVT. The number of positive clinical findings at time of first suspicion of DVT appears to correlate directly with the probability of acute proximal DVT. The modified clinical model of Landefeld and Wells for DVT allows reason able accurate classification of patients into low, moderate, and high probability for suffering DVT. The rapid automated en zyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) VIDAS D- dimer presently available can be rapidly performed in daily practive and emergency situations and is accurate to a high degree, especially in ruling out ongoing venous thromboem bolic processes. The sequential use of the rapid ELISA VIDAS D-dimer test and compression ultrasonography in a well- designed clinical setting using a simple clinical model predicts a significant improvement due to a high sensitivity near 100% for the exclusion and diagnosis of DVT in the majority of outpatients with suspect DVT. A prospective decision analysis management study is proposed to exclude and diagnose DVT based on the rapid ELISA VIDAS D-dimer test and compres sion ultrasonography within the context of a ready-to-use simple clinical model. The proposed simple model of a rational diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (RADIA DVT) has to be tested in a large multicenter study of more than 1,000 outpa tients with suspected DVT. This model would be less expen sive, easy to perform, and likely yield a significant simplifica tion and improvement of highly accurate evidence-based ex clusion or diagnosis of DVT on the basis of which clear-cut indications of anticoagulation could be appropriately initiated or safely withheld.
Generation of Chemisorbed Benzyl Radicals on Silica Nanoparticles

Functionalized silica nanoparticles (NP) were obtained by esterification of the silanol groups of fumed silica nanoparticles with benzyl alcohol. These particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, total organic carbon, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, UV‐visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. NP suspensions in water/acetonitrile mixtures were used as quenchers of benzophenone (BP) phosphorescence in time‐resolved experiments at the excitation wavelength of 266 nm. The phosphorescence signals obtained in the presence of the nanoparticles were fitted to biexponential decays. Both decays were accelerated in the presence of increasing amounts of NP. A model, including the reversible adsorption of BP on the NP, which was supported by computer simulations accounts for the observed results. Laser flash‐photolysis experiments with excitation at 266 nm of NP suspensions in water/acetonitrile in the presence of BP generated benzyl radicals that were attached to the silica surface. These radicals were detected at their absorption maxima (320 nm) by transient optical techniques.