Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Admission Glucose Level, Left Ventricular Function and the Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction with and Without Diabetes

Background. Prior studies have suggested that increased admission glucose is an independent predictor of both inhospital and long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the relationship between them is not well defined. Objectives. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship between increased admission glucose in patients with ST-elevated AMI (STEMI) and left ventricular function and the degree of severity of atherosclerosis in diabetic/ impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and non-diabetic patients with STEMI. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of a total of 100 patients with AMI, 27 women and 73 men (aged 56–86 years), who underwent coronary angiography followed by angioplasty within 12 hours after the onset of chest pain. Plasma glucose level was measured at the time of hospital admission. Either diabetes type II or IGT were diagnosed in 52 patients – Group A. In 48 patients there was neither diabetes nor IGT – Group B. Then the patients were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 consisted of 37 diabetic/IGT patients with admission glucose level < 180 mg%; Group 2 – 15 diabetic/IGT patients with admission glucose level ≥ 180 mg%; Group 3 – 23 non-diabetic/IGT patients with admission glucose level < 140 mg%; and Group 4 – 25 non-diabetic/IGT patients with admission glucose level ≥ 140 mg%. The severity of atherosclerosis in coronary angiography and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed. Results. In Group A, anterior/anterolateral myocardial infarction were confirmed much more frequently than in Group B (p < 0.05). There was no difference between Groups A and B in the number of significantly narrowed coronary vessels; nor was there any significant correlation between admission glucose and the number of arteries blocked by coronary atherosclerosis in any of the groups. LVEF did not differ significantly between Groups A and B, nor was any significant correlation found between LVEF and admission glucose. Admission glucose in Group A showed a positive correlation with the patients’ age (r = 0.318; p < 0.005) and gender (it was higher in men – R = 0.415; p < 0.05), while in Group B a positive correlation was found between admission glucose and BMI (r = = 0.294; p < 0.05). Admission glucose in Group 3 showed a positive correlation with LVEF (r = 0.451; p < 0.005). Conclusions. Admission glucose level in patients with STEMI does not reveal the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Moreover, in patients with type 2 diabetes/IGT, admission glucose level does not correlate with LVEF in the early phase of myocardial infarction (Adv Clin Exp Med 2011, 20, 1, 57–64).
Bioremediation of heavy metals from aquatic environment through microbial processes: A potential role for probiotics?

Heavy metals can cause disastrous effects on any living organisms. Probiotics have the ability to reduce metal toxicity. Bioremediation of polluted waters using these bacteria could be an alternative to conventional remediation methods. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize heavy metal resistant probiotics. Soil samples were collected for the isolation of probiotics. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization was performed for the isolates. In addition, a preliminary heavy metal minimum inhibitory concentration test was done followed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) analysis analysis. Four Enterococci (BT1, BT2, MC1, and MC2) and Bacillus acidiproducens (SM1 and SM2) were isolated. Moreover, all the isolates demonstrated probiotic characteristics. BT1 and BT2 were able to tolerate mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) but they demonstrated poor Hg removal abilities (0.75-1.42%). MC1 and MC2 isolates could grow in medium supplemented with Cd, Pb, and Cr, respectively. MC1 showed the highest level of Pb removal (43.00% ± 0.776%) and Cd removal (46.19% ± 7.651%) from broth media. Yet, SM1 and SM2 isolates tolerated only Pb and Cr. SM2 had the ability to remove the highest amount of Cr (43.06% ± 7.991%). These reasonable heavy metal removal abilities could be further studied for efficient use in bioremediation.
ACUTE AND SUB-CHRONIC ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF CLINACANTHUS NUTANS IN MICE

Background: Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) Lindau (family Acanthaceae) is a shrub widely cultivated in the South East Asia region, including Malaysia. It has been traditionally used for treatment of various ailments including pain-mediated diseases. Various pharmacological activities of C. nutans have been reported except for its pain-relieving activity. This study was performed to evaluate the acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of the methanol extract of Clinacanthus nutans (MECN) in male and female mice. Methods: In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg kg-1 of body weight MECN was administered orally, and was monitored for 14 consecutive days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the MECN was administered orally at doses of 50, 500, and 2500 mg kg-1 day-1 for 28 days. Results: Results showed that there were no clinical signs of toxicity, mortality and body weight changes in both acute and subchronic toxicity studies. There were no significant differences in relative organ weight, haematological parameters, and biochemical parameters; except for the creatinine level, which indicated significant (p
Narrative and severe mental illness: what place do stories have in an evidence-based world?

“Once the patient's biography becomes part of the care, the possibility that therapy will dehumanise the patient, stripping him of what is unique to his illness experience becomes much less likely” ([Kleinman, 1988][1]). “The loss of story making and telling has its impact on failure to care
Contribution to the Channel Path Loss and Time-Dispersion Characterization in an Office Environment at 26 GHz

In this paper, path loss and time-dispersion results of the propagation channel in a typical office environment are reported. The results were derived from a channel measurement campaign carried out at 26 GHz in line-of-sight (LOS) and obstructed-LOS (OLOS) conditions. The parameters of both the floating-intercept (FI) and close-in (CI) free space reference distance path loss models were derived using the minimum-mean-squared-error (MMSE). The time-dispersion characteristics of the propagation channel were analyzed through the root-mean-squared (rms) delay-spread and the coherence bandwidth. The results reported here provide better knowledge of the propagation channel features and can be also used to design and evaluate the performance of the next fifth-generation (5G) networks in indoor office environments at the potential 26 GHz frequency band.
Towards 99mTc- and Re-Based Multifunctional Silica Platforms for Theranostic Applications

Taking advantage of the radiation properties of 99mTc and 186/188Re and the photophysical characteristics of the {M(CO)3}+ moiety (M = Re), we developed a multifunctional silica platform with the theranostic pair 99mTc/Re with high potential for (nano)medical applications. Starting with a general screening to evaluate the most suitable mesoporous silica construct and the development of appropriate chelate systems, multifunctional mesoporous silica microparticles (SBA-15) were synthesized. These particles act as a model towards the synthesis of the corresponding nanoconstructs. The particles can be modified at the external surface with a targeting function and labeled with the {M(CO)3}+ moiety (M = 99mTc, Re) at the pore surface. Thus, a silica platform is realized, whose bioprofile is not altered by the loaded modalities. The described synthetic procedures can be applied to establish a target-specific theranostic nanoplatform, which enables the combination of fluorescence and radio imaging, with the possibility of radio- and chemotherapy.
How to Lead the Board of Directors to a Sustainable Development of Business with the CSR Committees

The sustainable development of business requires adjustments in corporate governance to assure the economic, social and environmental aspects of a firm’s responsibility are managed according to the triple bottom line approach. For this purpose, the board of directors can establish devoted corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees to reduce a company’s exposure to responsibility failures. By means of a quantitative analysis on listed firms on FTSE MIB and STAR markets of the Italian Stock Exchange and embracing different theories this paper aims at finding the potential influence of external (soft law and socio-environmental industry risk) and internal (firm size and ownership structure) factors on the presence of CSR committees. This study contributes to the existing literature about sustainability in business, recommends to directors to not underestimate the risk of ‘strategic unsustainability’, and offers to regulators significant food for thought to improve the contribution to sustainable development by companies.
Chapter 1

The amygdala is a major neural structure engaged in coding the emotional content of multi-modal signals. Processing emotional cues and using this information to mediate behavioural responses are two essential aspects of human–environment interaction. The focus of this chapter is on the role of the amygdala in processing the emotional meaning of auditory stimuli. Two major classes of sounds are discussed: external sounds in the environment (urban soundscapes) and internalised ̳phantom‘ sounds (tinnitus). Auditory perception has been studied using single sound source clips, or acoustically richer, more naturalistic soundscape recordings. Typically, brain imaging studies of emotionally evocative sounds have focused on examining unpleasant or aversive singlesource sounds relative to neutral sounds. Reports of an amygdalar response to pleasant sounds are less consistent. One recent study sought to report the neural basis of a cognitive response to a wide range of natural urban soundscapes using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Results indicate that soundscapes evoking a positive or negative emotional response resulted in a pattern of neural activity, including the amygdala. This work is discussed in relation to the importance of the amygdala in processing the external acoustic environment. The amygdala also plays a role in processing subjective ̳phantom‘ sounds and has been proposed in models of tinnitus to account for the emotional distress that can occur for some sufferers. Recent evidence points to the involvement of limbic regions,  Corresponding author: Professor Deborah A. Hall, NIHR National Biomedical Research Unit in Hearing, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham, NG1 5DU. Email: deborah.hall@nottingham.ac. uk  Amy Irwin: School of Psychology, William Guild Building, Room G36, Kings College, Old Aberdeen, AB24 3FX. Email: a.irwin@abdn.ac. uk. Phillip E. Gander is now at The University of Iowa, Neurology, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242-1182. Email: phillip-gander@uiowa.edu No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted commercially in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services. Amy Irwin, Phillip E. Gander, and Deborah A. Hall 256 particularly the amygdala, in tinnitus pathogenesis. Preliminary results from an ongoing fMRI study on the involvement of the amygdala in tinnitus are presented and discussed in relation to theories about the emotional aspects of the condition. The final section of this chapter discusses the technical constraints inherent in utilising fMRI to measure brain activity in both the amygdala and auditory cortex, with the aim of aiding future research in this area.
Nutritional status of under five children in urban slums of Bareilly.

Background: Various studies from urban slums of India have shown a high burden of malnutrition among the under-five children. Studies regarding factors leading to malnutrition are required to study the problem in depth and formulate better health policies. Objectives: To find out the pattern of malnutrition and identify the different variables which affect the nutritional status among the under five children of urban slums of Bareilly district. Methods: The cross sectional study was carried out in selected urban slums of Bareilly district Uttar Pradesh. Mothers of under five children were interviewed regarding sociodemographic characteristics. Antropometric measurements was done to assess the nutritional status of under five children by structured questionnaire. Results: Out of the 166 under five children surveyed 110 (66.3%) were malnourished. Nearly 32.5% 16.9% 8.4% and 8.4% were suffering from grade I II III and IV malnutrition respectively. Malnutrition increased significantly with the increase in age and was slightly more prevalent among the boys. Malnutrition was slightly higher amongst those having mixed diet belonging to nuclear families living in semipucca houses using water from well and handpump and using public latrines. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was high among under five children of the slum areas.
Source terms from two-phase flow in long pipelines following an accidental breach

Pressure-liquefied gases are routinely transported along pipelines many kilometres in length. The possibility of an accidental breach of such a pipe line forms a potentially severe hazard, which may l ead to a large dispersion source term or more directly to a fire or explosion. Models of flows in long pipelines exist which are complicated (relying on a full CFD solution of time dependent Reynolds equations), or applicable only t o gases, or applicable (explicitly or implicitly) o nly to simple thermodynamics and relatively small pressure drops. One of the substances of interest is ethylene, with a critical temperature around 10 Celsius, and whic h may be pumped along pipes at pressures approaching 100 Bar. We have therefore derived a mathematical two phase flow model, which admits an appropriate therm odynamic description and is formulated in such a wa y that no thermodynamic singularities appear at the c ritical point. Furthermore it is constructed with out recourse to any simplifying assumptions which might become less accurate at large pressure drops, and covers both choked and unchoked flow conditions. I t therefore applies to any fluid which boils signif icantly below ambient temperature. Nevertheless it is a si mple, explicit, and transparent integral model invo lving clear physical assumptions. It leads to prediction s f the evolution of the pressure and temperature at the outlet and at the upstream end of the pipe and of t he mass flow rate out of the breach, which depend o n no free parameters. Computationally it requires only a knowledge of a few thermodynamic properties of t he substance involved, and the ability to do explicit definite integrals for example by Simpson's rule. We show that the model fits experimental data on pr opane releases from a 100m pipe breached suddenly a t one end (the Shell "Isle of Grain" trials) at least well as more complicated models. In summary th is paper presents a new model including all relevant p hysics, but which is simple and requires little CPU time. It can be used routinely by engineers for practical situations.
Television Exposure and Internet Use: Their Relationship to Political Tolerance in Egyptian Society

Drawing on a survey of 450 Egyptians aged 18 to 70 representing different socio-economic categories and different geographical regions, this study compared the effects of television exposure and Internet use on political tolerance in Egyptian society, taking into account other social, political and psychological variables. The study also investigated the targets of intolerance and how they differed among different groups. The findings shed light on the importance of TV exposure in promoting political tolerance, in addition to the significant negative effects of threat perception and religiosity. There were no significant differences in levels of political tolerance between respondents with different demographic characteristics. The implications of the findings are discussed.
The Association Between Alcohol Consumption and the Selected Heart Disease Among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study (JHS)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and selected heart diseases [Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Myocardial Infarction (MI) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF)]. Methods: Analysis was performed on 5301 individuals in the JHS baseline examination 2000 -2004 to identify relationships between alcohol consumption and selected heart disease in African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study. Binary logistic regression modelling was used to compute the odds ratios for each type of heart disease outcome under investigation. Results: Participants who drank < 1 drink per week got CHD 0.645 times less often than those who drank > 14 drinks per week. Participants who drank < 1 drink per week got MI 0.605 times less often than those who drank > 14 drinks per week. Those who drank 1-7 drinks per week got MI 0.966 times less often than those who drank >14 drinks per week. Those who drank 8-14 drinks per week got MI 0.346 times less often than those who drank > 14 drinks per week. Conclusions: The odds of having CHD are reduced with the reduction in drinking. Participants who drink less than 1 drink of alcohol per week have a significantly reduced risk of having two of the outcome measures of interest (CHD and MI). AF was eliminated from the analysis because of the few numbers of African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study who were diagnosed with the disease.
A user study on a new Super-Wizard of Oz platform explored in a long-distance survey context

SWoOZ is a new super Wizard of Oz (WoZ) research platform developed to study human-robot interaction (HRI) and mediated human-human interaction. A humanoid robot is used as a proxy between two humans. An experimenter is bound with this proxy and fully controls its head motion with his own movements (live and free of attached sensors). Manipulations can be applied to any motion leaving the rest of the dynamics untouched. This paper presents preliminary results of a user study aiming at evaluating the platform’s usability, efficiency and likability. The experimental scenario consists of a realistic long-distance survey conducted by a researcher who interviews Japanese participants on cultural topics (non-deceptive WoZ). The study addresses the possible effects of the remote user's previous experience with robotics (naive vs. non-naive) on the participants’ evaluation of the platform.
Is the model “loans-plus-savings” better for microfinance in ECA? A PSM comparison

Microfinance institutions are gradually evolving into multiservice organizations offering not only loans but also savings, and other financial and non-financial services. Both in practice and in academic writing, savings is gaining interest in microfinance programs, and is becoming a significant part of MFIs’ service portfolio. The current evolution of microfinance leads the MFIs to diversify their portfolios to better meet their clients’ needs as well as to benefit from economies of scope. We contribute to the literature aimed at identifying how combining credit with savings affects outreach and sustainability in microfinance institutions (MFIs). We apply the propensity score matching (PSM) method as well as its augmented dose response version to compare the performance of loans-plus-savings MFIs to that of lending-only in a sample of 710 observations from Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA). We use new panel data from MFIs operating in the ECA region during the 2005 -2009 period. Owing to our unique capital structure data, we control for the use of subsidized capital, which related work ignores while recent evidence points to tradeoffs between subsidies and savings (Cozarenco et al., 2016). We find that financial performance and breadth of outreach are positively associated with savings mobilization, while the evidence on depth of outreach points to a possible mission drift. In the light of the ongoing debate on the “mission drift” (Armendariz and Szafarz, 2011) which creates new forms of exclusion, this question is important for policymakers, practitioners and scholars. We also note that in most countries in the region, only regulated financial institutions are allowed to mobilize savings, suggesting difficulties in overcoming entry barriers to becoming deposit-collecting MFI. We contribute to the literature by using PSM approach to establish if in the ECA region savings collection by MFIs improves financial sustainability and credit outreach and thus strengthens the case for continuing the trend toward commercialization that is taking place across the industry. Another major contribution is our ability to control for the role of subsidy, which has not been previously considered. The empirical results clearly show advantages (better financial results and breadth of outreaches) and disadvantages (mission drift since depth of outreach suffers) for a sample of MFIs in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. Further research could use a larger sample of institutions from different regions of the world or a worldwide sample of MFIs for which the capital structure variables including subsidies (donations, nonconventional loans, in-kind payments, subsidized interest loans etc). Further research could also recognize the diversity of the savings products. Moreover, since other work has found that around 25 percent of MFIs experience diseconomies of scope, largely stemming from environmental factors, more research is needed to understand the role of microfinance regulations.
Late-Spring Severe Blizzard Events over Eastern Romania: A Conceptual Model of Development

In this paper, the mechanism and model-representation of a late-spring severe blizzard event on eastern Romania are studied. The mechanism relies on the coupled contribution of the tropospheric ageostrophic circulations associated to jet streaks. These circulations: (1) interact under local and regional forcing (sea surface temperature, topography and latent heat) and (2) feedback on enhancing an upper-level jet’s secondary streak, leading to a persistent, severe event. The enhanced secondary jet streak appears only for developing systems that lead to extreme impact, as shown by 40 years of knowledge of late-spring severe blizzards over the area. It is shown that actual regional high-resolution models are able to represent the occurrence and the mechanism of late-spring severe blizzard events, thus increasing the confidence on their ability to represent current and future climate extreme variability. Understanding the preconditioning of dynamic and thermodynamic processes indicated by this analysis could be useful in supporting the operational forecast analysis.