Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus without covert cardiac involvement

Background: Diabetic patients develop systolic and diastolic dysfunction without even associated coronary artery disease. But diastolic dysfunction is more prevalent in diabetic patients than systolic dysfunction and usually occurs before onset of symptoms. Recognition of early diastolic dysfunction is likely to make management better and avoids progression of cardiac dysfunction. This study was conducted in patients of Diabetes mellitus without other comorbidities. Methods: The present study which is cross sectional and was carried out among outpatients and inpatients of tertiary care hospital of Armed forces and involved army personnel and their dependents and sample size was 100 patients. Results: The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction among our study participants was found to be 36%. Diastolic dysfunction was found to be significantly higher among elderly individuals (60%) when compared to young study participants. (p<0.0001). Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was found to be non-significantly higher among males and with longer duration of diabetes as compared to lesser duration and female gender. Conclusions: Diastolic dysfunction, evaluated by echocardiography, was found to be fairly prevalent (36%; 95% CI = 27-45%) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Poor Glycaemic control and increasing age were found to be significantly associated with presence of diastolic dysfunction among individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Attributes, Environment Factors and Women Entrepreneurial Activity: A Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of individual attributes and business environment factors on the entrepreneurial activity of women entrepreneurs. Individual attributes such as education, working experience, attitude towards risk-taking, affect women entrepreneurial activity. Economic constraints such as lack of credit due to lack of asset collaterals and socio-cultural barriers, lack of savings due to low household income, and lack of labour skills due to low educational level also affect women entrepreneurial activity. The effect of these factors on entrepreneurial activity is worth studying because entrepreneurship development is considered a vital link to an overall economic growth of a nation through its positive impact on economic development especially at the grassroots. However, limited studies have reviewed literatures on individual attributes and business environment factors on the entrepreneurial activity of women entrepreneurs. This is the focus of this study. Methodology: The paper is a descriptive study that reviews literature on individual attributes and environment factors on women entrepreneurial activity. Conclusion: The paper concludes that environment factors exert much more influence on women entrepreneurial activity than individual attributes. Research limitation: The paper is limited to a literature review that may need further research by using a framework to investigate the factors on entrepreneurial activity. Practical implication: It shows the need for the government to support entrepreneurs through adequate provision of micro-finance.
Relationship between DASH Questionnaire and Objective Variables in Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis

Study background: Carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis has an important functional consequence on Activity daily life. Pain, is the main reason for medical consultation described in the literature. Last years, outcomes based on self-report of function and patient satisfaction have become variables increasingly important for measurement improvement. Objective: Determinate the relationship between subjective variables (pain and function) and pinch and grip force in patients suffering from carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Methods: Observational analytic design. Final sample consisted of 72 patients diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, grade 2/3 Eaton. Pain, Grip and pinch force were measured and compared to patient-report functional outcomes (DASH). Results: For function, the most significant model (R2=0.89) included grip, key, tip to tip and 3 points pinch. But it is tip to tip pinch force which has a stronger relationship with DASH (Standardized B: -736) questionnaire. Conclusion: Function referred by the patient depends on pinch, grip force and pain, but is tip to tip pinch force the best predictor of function in a lineal correlation.
Water salinity and initial development of yellow passion fruit

Considering the lack of information on salt tolerance of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seedlings, a study was carried out to evaluate the effects of water salinity on the vigor and initial growth in a completely randomized design with 8 levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw), varying from 1.0 to 8.0 dS m-1. Salinity delayed the germination process, but relative reduction was observed only above ECw 4.43 dS m-1. Seedling vigor and growth decreased with increasing salinity, however, water at 4 dS m-1 resulted in 85% of vigor and seedlings with more than 50% growth in comparison to the lowest salinity treatment. Based on soil salinity, the passion fruit may be considered as 'moderately tolerant' to salinity during the initial phase.
Divergence coding for convolutional codes

In the paper we propose a new coding/decoding on the divergence principle. A new divergent multithreshold decoder (MTD) for convolutional self-orthogonal codes contains two threshold elements. The second threshold element decodes the code with the code distance one greater than for the first threshold element. Errorcorrecting possibility of the new MTD modification have been higher than traditional MTD. Simulation results show that the performance of the divergent schemes allow to approach area of its effective work to channel capacity approximately on 0,5 dB. Note that we include the enough effective Viterbi decoder instead of the first threshold element, the divergence principle can reach more. Index Terms — error-correcting coding, convolutional code, decoder, multithreshold decoder, Viterbi algorithm.
The cosmic baryon cycle and galaxy mass assembly in the FIRE simulations

We use cosmological simulations from the FIRE (Feedback In Realistic Environments) project to study the baryon cycle and galaxy mass assembly for central galaxies in the halo mass range Mhalo ∼ 10^(10)–10^(13) M_⊙. By tracing cosmic inflows, galactic outflows, gas recycling and merger histories, we quantify the contribution of physically distinct sources of material to galaxy growth. We show that in situ star formation fuelled by fresh accretion dominates the early growth of galaxies of all masses, while the re-accretion of gas previously ejected in galactic winds often dominates the gas supply for a large portion of every galaxy’s evolution. Externally processed material contributes increasingly to the growth of central galaxies at lower redshifts. This includes stars formed ex situ and gas delivered by mergers, as well as smooth intergalactic transfer of gas from other galaxies, an important but previously underappreciated growth mode. By z = 0, wind transfer, i.e. the exchange of gas between galaxies via winds, can dominate gas accretion on to ∼L* galaxies over fresh accretion and standard wind recycling. Galaxies of all masses re-accrete ≳50 per cent of the gas ejected in winds and recurrent recycling is common. The total mass deposited in the intergalactic medium per unit stellar mass formed increases in lower mass galaxies. Re-accretion of wind ejecta occurs over a broad range of time-scales, with median recycling times (∼100–350 Myr) shorter than previously found. Wind recycling typically occurs at the scale radius of the halo, independent of halo mass and redshift, suggesting a characteristic recycling zone around galaxies that scales with the size of the inner halo and the galaxy’s stellar component.
Effect of Water Content in Ethylene Glycol Solvent on the Size of ZnO Nanoparticles Prepared Using Microwave Solvothermal Synthesis

Zinc oxide nanoparticles ZnO NPs were obtained by the microwave solvothermal synthesis MSS method. The precursor of the MSS reaction was a solution of hydrated zinc acetate in ethylene glycol with water addition. It was proved that by controlling the water concentration in the precursor it was possible to control the size of ZnO NPs in a programmed manner. The less the water content in the precursor, the smaller the size of ZnO NPs obtained. The obtained NPs with the average particle size ranging from 25 nm to 50 nm were characterised by homogeneous morphology and a narrow distribution of particle sizes. The following parameters of the obtained ZnO NPs were determined: pycnometric density, specific surface area, phase purity, chemical composition, lattice parameters, average particle size, and particle size distribution. The average size of ZnO NPs was determined using Scherrer’s formula, Nanopowder XRD Processor Demo web application, by converting the results of the specific surface area, and TEM tests using the dark field technique. ZnO morphology and structure were determined using scanning electron microscopy SEM and transmission electron microscopy TEM. The test performed by the X-ray powder diffraction XRD confirmed that crystalline ZnO, pure in terms of phase, had been obtained.
Extreme Big Data (EBD): Next Generation Big Data Infrastructure Technologies Towards Yottabyte/Year

Our claim is that so-called "Big Data" will evolve into a new era with proliferation of data from multiple sources such as massive numbers of sensors whose resolution is increasing expo- nentially, high-resolution simulations generating huge data results, as well as evolution of social infrastructures that allow for "opening up of data silos", i.e., data sources being abundant across the world instead of being confined within an institution, much as how scientific data are being handled in the modern era as a common asset openly accessible within and across disciplines. Such a situation would create the need for not only petabytes to zetabytes of capacity and beyond, but also for extreme scale computing power. Our new project, sponsored under the Japanese JST- CREST program is called "Extreme Big Data", and aims to achieve the convergence of extreme supercomputing and big data in order to cope with such explosion of data. The project consists of six teams, three of which deals with defining future EBD convergent SW/HW architecture and system, and the other three the EBD co-design applications that represent di? erent facets of big data, in metagenomics, social simulation, and climate simulation with real-time data assimilation. Although the project is still early in its lifetime, started in Oct. 2013, we have already achieved several notable results, including becoming world #1 on the Green Graph 500, a benchmark to measure the power e? ciency of graph processing that appear in typical big data scenarios.
Single-Case Design in Psychophysiological Research: Part II: Statistical Analytic Approaches

This article is Part 2 of a two-part series on the conceptual and methodological applications of single-case design research in psychophysiological research (Gustafson, Nassar, & Waddell, 2011). Part 1 in this series presented the context, structure, and fundamentals of single-case design in relation to psychophysiology. Part 2 introduces four statistical analyses that are utilized in single-case research design and are broadly applicable to a wide range of research questions or clinical outcome studies. These techniques are reviewed in sufficient detail so that clinicians and researchers may apply them in real-world contexts. The following analyses—(a) Percentage of Non-overlapping Data Points and Percentage of All Non-overlapping Data, (b) Split-Middle and Percentage of Data Points Exceeding the Median, (c) Improvement Rate Difference, and (d) Hierarchical Linear Modeling—were chosen for their suitability with psychophysiological data. Although these analyses may be unfamiliar, their calculations are qu.
Financial Sector Reforms and the Performance of the Nigerian Economy

Using descriptive statistics and Vector Autoregressive Model, we investigated the impact of financial sector reforms on the performance of the Nigerian economy. The paper is justified given the need to provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of financial reform in promoting saving, investment and growth. The paper found that the means of performance indicators - saving rate, investment ratio and growth of real GDP, were very low relative to pre-reform period and their correlation with financial indicators were mostly low or negative under reform. Evidence from the VAR analysis also showed that shocks to financial indicators either had negative or insignificant positive effect on the saving rate investment and growth during reform. Complementing financial reforms with structural reforms, therefore, is necessary to promote growth in Nigeria .
What has been going on in Europe in bivalve pathology

Research on bivalve diseases has been mostly focused on pathogen morphology and ultrastructure, effect of external factors on pathogens or infectivity, and on the development of immune and molecular diagnostic techniques. Recently, specific PCRs have been set up for the most important bivalve pathogens being more sensitive than traditional techniques such as histology. Although in the last years an increased effort has been done on bivalve pathology studies, a series of subjects remain to be tackled such as the validation of new diagnostic methods, the pathogenicity of the newly identified organisms, the real mortality data on bivalve culture, disease resistance selection programmes or the effect of pathogens on bivalves immune system. Trans-national research actions involving multidisciplinary research groups will facilitate to answer many questions still not solved in bivalve pathology.
THE EFFECT OF TWO INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS AND BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISRAELENSIS ON MUSCA DOMESTICA AND CULEX PIPIENS

The house fly, Musca domestica and common mosquito, Culex pipiens are widely distributed in Egypt and they are very important vectors form the standpoint of medical and veterinary importance. In seeking replacement for chemicals, the present work aimed to meet this need by using natural and environmentally benign materials for controlling both insects. Two insect growth regulators and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis were used on the late larval instars of both flies. For this purpose the following points were covered: collection, identification, and rearing of both vectors. Studying the insecticidal effect of such materials, at serial dilutions, upon the developmental stages, as well as the developmental periods, pupation rates, adult emergences, and sex ratios. Evaluation of the toxicity of the used materials against larval instars of both insects, determination of the median lethal concentrations (LC50s) for each material and the morphological aberrations were recorded.
How Leadership Styles Influence Commitment to Service Quality (CSQ): A Case Study of Hospitals of Sindh Pakistan

The present study investigates the effect of transformational, transactional and laissez-fair leadership styles on commitment to service quality and a cross sectional study was used to examine the relationship. The study utilized a quantitative research design Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to respondents. Three hundred and seventeen questionnaires were received from medical staff (doctors) of 43 hospitals from the province of Sindh, Pakistan. The data was analyzed using Smart PLS 2.0 software. The results of the study indicate that transformational and transactional leadership styles have positive relationship with commitment to service whereas laissez-fair style of leadership has no significant relationship with commitment to service quality. In the last part of the paper results and implications are discussed. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n6s2p282
Interactive comment on “Recession, thinning, and slowdown of Greenland’s Mittivakkat Gletscher” by S. H. Mernild et al

I would like to express my thanks to the reviewers who did a very thorough job on the paper and have made a number of important suggestions for improving the paper. The paper is well written and the authors present some interesting data from this well studied glacier in Greenland. However, both reviewers conclude that the paper is far from ready for publication in The Cryosphere. They both point out several important critical points that requires more than a major revision. I will therefore like to end the review process and recommend that the paper stays in TCD, but will not be published in TC. I think the authors should read carefully the advices given by the reviewers and consider reworking the paper for future publication and resubmission.
Optimal Policy Intervention and the Social Value of Public Information

Svensson (2006) argues that Morris and Shin (2002) is, contrary to what is claimed, pro-transparency. This paper reexamines the issue but with an important modification to the original Morris and Shin framework. Recognizing that central banks impact the economy not only indirectly via public announcements, but also directly through policy actions, we consider the social value of public information in the presence of active policy intervention. Our results strengthen Morris and Shin's conclusions considerably: in particular, we find that public disclosure of the central bank's information is unambiguously, i.e., regardless of parameter values, undesirable. (JEL D82, D83, E52, E58)
The integument of Cambrian chancelloriids

Details of the body surface of the chancelloriid Allonnia from the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang biota in southwestern China elucidate the nature of these enigmatic organisms. Rhombically arranged elements, about 30 x 60 p, are interpreted as representing imbricating platelets, the distal ends of which projected as spinules from the body surface. Comparisons with other chancelloriids suggest that the flexible integument was continuous with the aragonitic sclerites that sit on the surface like cactus spines, and that both were formed by an epidermal epithelium secreting a continuous exoand endocuticle. In the sclerites, the exocuticle was mineralized; the unrnineralized endocuticle and cellular extensions from the epithelium filled the interior of the sclerites. In the flexible integument the epithelium was overlain by endocuticle and unmineralized exocuticle. This structure of soft integument and sclerites is at variance with proposals of poriferan or ascidian affinity of chancelloriids but in accord with a coeloscleritophoran model.
Reidenbach and Robin’s Multidimensional Ethics Scale: Testing a Second-Order Factor Model

The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of the psychometric properties of Reidenbach and Robin’s (1988; 1990) MES (multidimensional ethics scale). Unlike earlier investigations that assessed the factor structure of the MES, this study proposes and tests a second-order factor model. Professionals from five public accounting firms participated in this study by completing the 10-item version of the MES. The proposed structure was evaluated using a structural modeling technique, partial least squares. Tests of reliability, validity and internal consistency support four first-order factors and a second-order factor.
Continuous Assessment: A Preliminary Study of Student Engagement in the Assessment Process

This paper provides an objective analysis of student engagement with continuous assessment over a three year period. The results of two groups of students from different stages of a modularised level seven engineering programme were examined. As both groups had taken modules where they studied numerical differentiation, this topic was selected and the corresponding assessment results and attendance of both groups were analysed. Two assessment methods were used to evaluate student engagement. The first method of assessment required the student to complete a laboratory assignment and submit it within a specified period of time. The second method of assessment involved an invigilated practical exam which was held in the laboratory on completion of the module. For both groups, students were required to attend a one hour lecture each week and a two hour computer laboratory on alternate weeks. Specific module content was introduced through the lecture and the computer laboratory enabled students to apply the material presented in the lectures and work on laboratory assignments relating to a specific topic. An online course management system was used which allowed students to download lecture materials, obtain model answers and view marks awarded for previously submitted assignments. The preliminary results and findings of this study are presented in this paper and may be used in part to answer the following questions: • Is the student’s level of attendance, an indicator of how they will perform in their continuous assessment? • Does the scheduling of weekly lectures and bi-weekly laboratory classes have an effect on the student’s performance? • How does a student’s performance in a laboratory assignment compare with their performance in an invigilated laboratory exam?
The Cryosphere An assessment of uncertainties in using volume-area modelling for computing the twenty-first century glacier contribution to sea-level change

A large part of present-day sea-level change is formed by the melt of glaciers and ice caps (GIC). This study focuses on the uncertainties in the calculation of the GIC contribution on a century timescale. The model used is based on volume-area scaling, combined with the mass balance sensitivity of the GIC. We assess different aspects that contribute to the uncertainty in the prediction of the contribution of GIC to future sea-level rise, such as (1) the volume-area scaling method (scaling factor), (2) the glacier data, (3) the climate models, and (4) the emission scenario. Additionally, a comparison of the model results to the 20th century GIC contribution is presented. We find that small variations in the scaling factor cause significant variations in the initial volume of the glaciers, but only limited variations in the glacier volume change. If two existing glacier inventories are tuned such that the initial volume is the same, the GIC sea-level contribution over 100 yr differs by 0.027 m or 18 %. It appears that the mass balance sensitivity is also important: variations of 20 % in the mass balance sensitivity have an impact of 17 % on the resulting sea-level projections. Another important factor is the choice of the climate model, as the GIC contribution to sea-level change largely depends on the temperature and precipitation taken from climate models. Connected to this is the choice of emission scenario, used to drive the climate models. Combining all the uncertainties examined in this study leads to a total uncertainty of 0.052 m or 35 % in the GIC contribution to global mean sea level. Reducing the variance in the climate models and improving the glacier inventories will sigCorrespondence to: A. B. A. Slangen (a.slangen@uu.nl) nificantly reduce the uncertainty in calculating the GIC contributions, and are therefore crucial actions to improve future sea-level projections.