Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of using double-echo chemical shift imaging to monitor bone mass change in aged patients with lumbago: a pilot study

Background: For aged patients with lumbago, monitoring bone mass change is of great importance for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis.The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using the double-echo chemical shift imaging (CSI) to detect bone mass change in aged population with lumbago. We calculated chemical shift rate (CSR) from double-echo CSI data, and investigated whether CSR correlate to bone mass change. Methods: Two-hundred patients (aged from 60 to 70) with lumbago were included in the study. Each subject accepted a lumbar MR examination, for which the ordinary spin echo T1-Weigthed sequence was modified to the double-echo imaging. By doing so, in-phase and out-phase images could be obtained simultaneously with one acquisition. The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) at the non-dominant hand. Then all subjects were grouped according to their T-value (normal bone mass group, T-value > -1.0; abnormal bone mass group T-value ≤ -1.0). The CSR were calculated based on the signal intensity (SI) measured respectively at the 3 rd – 5 th lumbar vertebrae. The association of CSR with BMD was investigated, as well as the impact of other factors on BMD. Results: Patients with normal and abnormal bone mass showed significant difference in CSR (P = 0.008), that positively correlated with T-value (r = 0.281, P ＜ 0.001) and negatively correlated with the diagnosis of abnormal bone mass (B = - 3.02, P = 0.010). Furthermore, the risk of abnormal bone mass increased by 4.9% for each unit decrease in CSR. Additionally, females were more likely to have abnormal bone mass than males (P = 0.017), while the patients who had type 2 diabetes was determined to undergo 3.25-time risk to have abnormal bone mass, compared to those who did not have. Conclusions: CSR could be used to predict the bone mass loss in elderly patients with lumbago. Our study provides a more economical solution to monitor bone mass lose in elderly patients who complained lumbago and required lumbar MR imaging. And among such patients, the double-echo CSI is highly recommended to those who have type 2 diabetes.
Deep Learning In Software Engineering

Software evolves and therefore requires an evolving field of Software Engineering. The evolution of software can be seen on an individual project level through the software life cycle, as well as on a collective level, as we study the trends and uses of software in the real world. As the needs and requirements of users change, so must software evolve to reflect those changes. This cycle is never ending and has led to continuous and rapid development of software projects. More importantly, it has put a great responsibility on software engineers, causing them to adopt practices and tools that allow them to increase their efficiency. However, these tools suffer the same fate as software designed for the general population; they need to change in order to reflect the user’s needs. Fortunately, the demand for this evolving software has given software engineers a plethora of data and artifacts to analyze. The challenge arises when attempting to identify and apply patterns learned from the vast amount of data. In this dissertation, we explore and develop techniques to take advantage of the vast amount of software data and to aid developers in software development tasks. Specifically, we exploit the tool of deep learning to automatically learn patterns discovered within previous software data and automatically apply those patterns to present day software development. We first set out to investigate the current impact of deep learning in software engineering by performing a systematic literature review of top tier conferences and journals. This review provides guidelines and common pitfalls for researchers to consider when implementing DL (Deep Learning) approaches in SE (Software Engineering). In addition, the review provides a research road map for areas within SE where DL could be applicable. Our next piece of work developed an approach that simultaneously learned different representations of source code for the task of clone detection. We found that the use of multiple representations, such as Identifiers, ASTs, CFGs and bytecode, can lead to the identification of similar code fragments. Through the use of deep learning strategies, we automatically learned these different representations without the requirement of hand-crafted features. Lastly, we designed a novel approach for automating the generation of assert statements through seq2seq learning, with the goal of increasing the efficiency of software testing. Given the test method and the context of the associated focal method, we automatically generated semantically and syntactically correct assert statements for a given, unseen test method. We exemplify that the techniques presented in this dissertation provide a meaningful advancement to the field of software engineering and the automation of software development tasks. We provide analytical evaluations and empirical evidence that substantiate the impact of our findings and usefulness of our approaches toward the software engineering community.
Socio-demographic, clinical and health facility-related predictors of delayed HIV diagnosis among patients newly diagnosed with HIV in Northwest Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis

Background Ethiopia recently implemented the ‘test and treat’ strategy for all HIV-infected individuals receiving a diagnosis at the health facility level. However, the impact of this policy in terms of timely HIV diagnosis and factors associated with it were not evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and predictors of delayed HIV diagnosis among newly diagnosed people living with HIV in the northwest, Ethiopia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 759 newly diagnosed patients were recruited consecutively. The multistage sampling technique was employed to select health facilities and all newly diagnosed patients were included. Delayed HIV diagnosis was defined when there is an established AIDS-defining clinical condition (WHO clinical stage III or IV), irrespective of CD4 count. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.5 and exported to STATA version 14 for further analysis. Taking into account the nested structure of the data, multilevel logistic regression analysis has been employed. Four models containing variables of interest were fitted. Multivariate multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A one-fourth of newly diagnosed HIV patients diagnosed at advanced disease stage. After controlling for other individual and health facility level factors, factors associated with delayed HIV diagnosis were: Patients who had completed secondary school or higher (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.06, 4.08), patients who presented to health facilities with HIV symptoms (AOR = 5.87, 95% CI = 3.57, 9.62), being non-working functional status (AOR = 4.80, 95% CI = 2.58, 8.92) and HIV diagnosis at hospitals (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.08, 4.31). Conclusion The magnitude of delayed HIV diagnosis was improved. In addition to individual-level factors, it is important to address health facility-related factors to improve earlier HIV diagnosis. Here, we recommend using both clinical and laboratory characteristics of a patient particularly, baseline CD4 count and viral load to identify patients diagnosed with advanced disease stage. Moreover, public health interventions are important targeted on factors associated with delayed HIV diagnosis.
Engineering the magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbon by epoxy chains

The magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) oxidized by either two single epoxy or one epoxy pair chains were investigated here. The results show that the epoxy pair chain essentially produces finite spin moment for both the antiferromagnetic (AFM) and the ferromagnetic (FM) coupling between the ribbon edges, while the two single epoxy chains oxidized ZGNR and pure ZGNR show the trivial moment for the AFM coupling. The total spin moment has a weak dependence on the position of single epoxy and epoxy pair chains inside the ZGNR and on the width of ZGNR. In addition, the ZGNR oxidized by one epoxy pair chain transitions from a half metal to a semiconductor via tuning the Fermi level when the chain shifts inwards from the ribbon edge. Our results suggest the potential for designing graphene-based spintronics by introducing epoxy pair chains.
An Analysis of the Board of Directors Composition: The Case of Maltese Listed Companies

: Purpose: The objectives of this study were to analyse certain aspects of the Board composition of Maltese listed companies (MLCs), namely Board size, independence, expertise, gender diversity and the chairperson/CEO links, and how these may be improved. Design/Approach/Methodology: The study was designed around a qualitative approach of data collection. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen participants, consisting of fourteen company secretaries of MLCs, a representative of the Maltese regulator, a corporate advisor and a corporate lawyer. Findings: The nomination and appointment process of directors in MLCs relies mainly on networking, with a tendency to continuously appoint the same tried network of directors. This creates a barrier towards new talent being introduced into boardrooms. A general disagreement also persists as to what constitutes a truly independent Board member. Practical Implications: Practical experience often supplants academic qualiﬁcations when nominating and appointing directors. Moreover, female representation on the Boards of MLCs is still lacking. Notwithstanding the fact that the importance of having separate chairperson/CEO roles is acknowledged, there is likely to be strong resistance to any law rendering this mandatory. Originality/Value: Studies relating to the composition of the Board of Directors in smaller states such as the island state of Malta are infrequent. This paper provides information that is of particular value to listed companies in smaller states and their stakeholders, including regulators and sheds more light on the priniciple of proportionailty when dealing with requirements imposed by the authorities. Abstract: Purpose: The objectives of this study were to analyse certain aspects of the Board composition of Maltese listed companies (MLCs), namely Board size, independence, expertise, gender diversity and the chairperson/CEO links, and how these may be improved.
Technical Potential of Biogas Technology Adoption in Replacing Firewood, Kerosene and Chemical Fertilizer: The Case of Misrak and Mirab Estie Districts, in Northern Ethiopia

Background: The depletion of bioenergy sources has caused significant deforestation, low agricultural production and energy crisis. This study evaluates the technical potential of biogas technology adoption in replacing firewood, charcoal, kerosene and chemical fertilizer in Northern Ethiopia. Methods: Questionnaire household survey, key informant interview, focus group discussion and field obervation were used for data collection. Results: Biogas technology adoption reduced the use of firewood, charcoal, dung cake, and kerosene consumption by 58%, 36%, 71%, and 74%, respectively. It also reduced the use of chemical fertilizer by 94% and the combined use of chemical fertilizer and manure by 91%. Adoption turned the majority of households (65.4%) to use combination of bio-slurry and chemical fertilizer. It helped the majority (89.95%) of adopters to construct and connect toilets to biogas operational system. In doing so, adoption reduced defecation in the field and improved environmental sanitation and human health. It further enabled saving of about 38% of adopters’ time, which otherwise would be expended for firewood and dung collection. It similarly enhanced adopters’ income through decreasing expenses for chemical fertilizer, kerosene, and other fuel sources. Conclusions: Biogas technology has huge potential of replacing traditional fuel sources for domestic consumption, and of reducing the consumption of kerosene and chemical fertilizers as well as of increasing income and decreasing time for biofuel collection.
A New Iodiplumbate-based Hybird Constructed from Asymmetric Viologenand Polyiodides: Structure,Properties and Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Organic Dye

A new iodiplumbate/organic hybrid constructed from asymmetric viologen and polyiodides, (PBPY-H 2 ) 2 [PbI 4 (I 3 ) 2 ] ( 1 , PBPY = N-(propionate)-4,4΄-bipyridinium), has been synthesized via solvothermal reaction and structurally determined by X-ray diffraction method. Compound 1 crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P 2 1 / c with M r = 1936.72, a = 11.622(2), b = 14.839(3), c = 13.372(2) Å, β = 109.447(3)°, V = 2174.6(7) Å 3 , Z = 2, D c = 2.958 g/cm 3 , F (000) = 1712, μ (Mo Kα ) = 11.011 mm –1 , the final R = 0.0389 and wR = 0.0854 for 3866 observed reflections with I > 2 σ ( I ). [PbI 4 (I 3 ) 2 ] 4- mononuclear cluster of 1 features a seldom example of coordinated I 3- donors for the lead center. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds between [PbI 4 (I 3 ) 2 ] 4- clusters and (PBPY-H) 24+ dimmers contribute to the formation of a 2-D layer. Its absorption spectrum was investigated, and lower energy band gap of 1.42 eV was explained by DFT calculation.
Interactions of Cationic, Anionic and Nonionic Surfactants with Cresol Red Dye in Aqueous Solutions: Conductometric, Tensiometric, and Spectroscopic Studies

Abstract The interaction of cresol red (CR) with cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and Triton X-100 (TX-100) was studied in aqueous solutions employing conductometric, tensiometric, and spectroscopic methods. Various micellar and interfacial parameters were calculated in absence and in presence of CR. The interactions suggest the formation of a CR-CPB adduct, an association of CR with the micelle of TX-100 while no adduct is formed between CR and SDS. Appreciably low critical micelle concentration, CMC value of TX-100 compared with those of CPB and SDS in pure water and drastic reduction of CMC of CPB (about one-twelfth of its value in pure water) than SDS and TX-100 in the presence of CR were observed. Higher negative values of Gibbs free energy of micellization, ΔGm0, for all the three surfactants indicate that micellization process is spontaneous. The values of maximum surface excess concentration, Γmax, and minimum area per molecule, Amin, suggest that in the presence of CR, the air-solution interface is closely packed and the orientation of surfactant molecules is almost perpendicular to the surface. UV-visible spectra suggest the formation of ion-pair complex between the dye CR and the monomers of CPB in the pre-micellar region, while above the CMC a breaking up of the ion-pair complex takes place and the dye is solubilized in the micelles of CPB. In the case of SDS the absorption spectra indicate weak interaction between CR and SDS molecules formation of H-bonding, short range dispersive forces, and hydrophobic interactions between CR and TX-100 molecules in the solution.
Computational methods in preformulation study for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms of therapeutic proteins

Abstract Design and delivery of protein-based biopharmaceuticals needs detailed planning and strict monitoring of intermediate processing steps, storage conditions and container-closure system to ensure a stable, elegant and biopharmaceutically acceptable dosage form. Selection of manufacturing process variables and conditions along with packaging specifications can be achieved through properly designed preformulation study protocol for the formulation. Thermodynamic stability and biological activity of therapeutic proteins depend on folding–unfolding and three-dimensional packing dynamics of amino acid network in the protein molecule. Lack of favourable environment may cause protein aggregation with loss in activity and even fatal immunological reaction. Although lyophilization can enhance the stability of protein-based formulations in the solid state, it can induce protein unfolding leading to thermodynamic instability. Formulation stabilizers such as preservatives can also result in aggregation of therapeutic proteins. Modern instrumental techniques in conjunction with computational tools enable rapid and accurate prediction of amino acid sequence, thermodynamic parameters associated with protein folding and detection of aggregation “hot-spots. ” Globular proteins pose a challenge during investigations on their aggregation propensity. Biobetter therapeutic monoclonal antibodies with enhanced stability, solubility and reduced immunogenic potential can be designed through mutation of aggregation-prone zones. The objective of the present review article is to focus on the various analytical methods and computational approaches used in the study of thermodynamic stability and aggregation tendency of therapeutic proteins, with an aim to develop optimal and marketable formulation. Knowledge of protein dynamics through application of computational tools will provide the essential inputs and relevant information for successful and meaningful completion of preformulation studies on solid dosage forms of therapeutic proteins.
Effects of gelatin-polyphenol and gelatin–genipin cross-linking on the structure of gelatin hydrogels

ABSTRACT The effects of two cross-linking agents (genipin and polyphenol) on the physical properties of gelatin hydrogels were studied to determine the more effective natural cross-linking agent. The highest gel strength obtained with polyphenols was 136.9 N/mm2 at concentrations up to 360 μg polyphenols/g gelatin, whereas the highest strength of samples cross-linked with genipin was 98.4 N/mm2 with 300 mg genipin/g dry gelatin. Scanning electron microscopy showed that gelatin modified by polyphenols at 360 μg/g gelatin had the most compact surface. Cross-linked gelatin-polyphenol exhibited a markedly enhanced denaturation temperature and greater thermal stability than gelatin–genipin.
The Effects of Policy Design Complexity on Public Support for Climate Policy

Important challenges like climate change require transformative policy responses. According to a growing public policy literature, such transformative responses typically require complex policy packages that bundle various individual policy instruments to complement each other, compensate transition losers, and create positive synergies. Nevertheless, while adding new instruments to a package can increase policy effectiveness, it comes at a price: increased policy design complexity. Increased complexity potentially leads to fundamental public misperceptions that undermine policy legitimacy and feasibility. Here, I argue that complex policy packages affect public opinion through a compensation, policy perception, and design complexity mechanism. To test this argument, this study assesses if citizens evaluate proposals for isolated climate policies related to food and mobility behaviors differently to complex policy packages. Employing a novel two-stage conjoint-experimental approach with 9115 respondents from the USA and Germany, the study shows that policy packaging increases citizens’ perceived policy effectiveness to reduce climate pollutants, but also perceived restrictions on citizens’ lifestyles. Moreover, increased design complexity can lead citizens to pay special attention to salient costly parts of policy packages. However, increased design complexity does not fundamentally reverse preferences. Through packaging desired and undesired policy instruments, policymakers can increase public support for transformative climate policies.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Financial Performance: A Case of SME’s Sector in Pakistan.

The paper assesses its relationship with firm innovation and Organizational performance in a single integrative model by using spss data set of 53 Pakistani SME’s firms. A questionnaire of self-administrative is developed to collect the data. Researcher personally visits of different SME’s firms and collect the data from manager of SME’s firms. The research use 275 questionnaire is distributed in different SME’s sector. In this study the statistical techniques of data analysis are used to investigate and find out the relationship among the Firm performance and the other factors. SPSS version16 is used for reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, correlation analysis, to check either modal is good fit or not. Our results supports a partial mediation effect of innovation performance on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and firm performance, meanwhile the effect of corporate social responsibility on firm performance shrinks upon the adding of innovation performance to the model. The findings may help to understand how corporate social responsibility is an important driver mechanism for companies to be more inventive, proficient and effective.
Relations between character strengths and subjective well-being in children and adolescents: A brief overview

This brief overview focuses on the relations between character strengths and subjective well-being in children and adolescents. The VIA classification of good character encompasses 24 character strengths, positive personality traits that contribute to a good life, which includes but is not limited to satisfaction, happiness, and success. Subjective well-being is a multi-dimensional construct that can be differentiated into positive and negative affect as well as global and domain-specific satisfaction. Cross-national results show that specific character strengths are positively related to positive affect, global life satisfaction, and domain-specific satisfaction. Furthermore, specific character strengths are negatively related to negative affect. Effect sizes are typically small to medium in magnitude. It is concluded that character strengths are clearly relevant correlates of young people’s subjective well-being. Because most - albeit not all - of the results are based on cross-sectional data, more longitudinal studies are needed to further validate these important findings. Nevertheless, the reported findings suggest that it could be very helpful for health-related and other youth-related professionals to be aware of a child or adolescent’s character strengths in order to better interpret their level of subjective well-being.
THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF DIGITAL PAYMENT SERVICES USING TRUST AS MEDIATING VARIABLE

The advance of technology development today brings an innovation in the financial industries, especially in the sector of payment. The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of personal innovativeness, security concerns and perceived enjoyment into customer adoption of digital payment services using trust as mediating variable. As a quantitative research, the study distributed questionnaires to 186 respondents who are customers who used digital payment platform in settling their business transactions. The data collection was furthered processed statistically using Structural Equation Method (SEM). The study showed that the customer decision to using the digital payment services had significantly influenced by trust variable, in which security concerns had the highest influence in creating the borrower’s trust.