Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Non-Clinically Apparent Liver Fibrosis and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Hispanic Patients

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a deadly cardiopulmonary disease with multi-organ involvement including impaired liver function. Liver dysfunction in PAH is poorly understood but significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. Hispanics have a significantly higher prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and evidence of more advanced disease in comparison to other ethnic groups. The clinical impact of NAFLD in Hispanic PAH patients is unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of a validated scoring system, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), to predict the degree of liver fibrosis in a Hispanic PAH population and its relationship to hemodynamics, functional class, and outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of all treatment-naive Hispanic patients with group I World Health Organization (WHO) pulmonary hypertension (PH) at a single academic center between February 2016 and March 2021 was performed. Patients with history of substance or alcohol abuse, non-group I WHO PH, pre-existent liver disease, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, thyroid disease, and warfarin use were excluded from the study. The diagnosis of group I WHO PH was determined by cardiac catheterization after the exclusion of other etiologies. NFS was calculated for each patient and correlated with functional capacity, hemodynamics, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and survival. Results A total of 96 Hispanic patients were included in our study. The median age of patients in our cohort was 49 years (interquartile range: 15) and 69% of our cohort were females. Higher NFSs indicating advanced hepatic fibrosis (F3-F4) were found to correlate with elevated right-sided cardiac filling pressures (r = 0.27, P = 0.03), elevated levels of NT-proBNP (r = 0.32, P = 0.01), lower 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) (r = -0.49, P = 0.001), lower functional capacity (World Health Organization functional class, WHO-FC, r = -0.35, P = 0.051), a higher prevalence of diabetes (21.1% versus 51.9%, P = 0.001), a higher prevalence of risk factors for metabolic syndrome (81.5% versus 65.0%, P = 0.035), and worse 5-year survival rates. Conclusion In Hispanic patients with PAH, NFSs correlate with the degree of right-sided pressure overload. In addition, advanced NFSs were independently associated with lower 5-year survival rates and added prognostic information to other established risk parameters in PAH. This study suggests that screening for liver disease in this vulnerable patient population can aid in earlier detection leading to discussion of lifestyle modifications and possible escalation of PAH-targeted therapies, thus leading to potential improvement in survival rates.
Assessment of DSDs of GPM‐DPR with ground‐based disdrometer at seasonal scale over Gadanki, India

Characteristics of raindrop size distribution (DSD) obtained by Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission dual‐frequency precipitation radar (DPR) are assessed over Gadanki region during southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) monsoon seasons utilizing 2 years (2014–2015) of DSD measurements by an impact‐type disdrometer. The mass weighted mean diameter (Dm in mm) and normalized DSD scaling parameter for concentration (Nw in mm−1 m−3) show pronounced seasonal differences at low to medium rain rates in the disdrometer data, in accordance with the previous studies, but not in the GPM‐DPR data. Similar features are observed every year in disdrometer measurements and over different spatial domains in GPM‐DPR measurements, indicating that sampling mismatch errors are insignificant. The reasons for the absence of seasonal differences in DSDs derived from GPM‐DPR are examined by simulating the reflectivities at Ku‐ and Ka‐bands, utilizing the disdrometer measurements and T‐matrix scattering indices. Results suggest that the Dm and Nw retrieved from single‐frequency and dual‐frequency algorithms utilizing the disdrometer data also show seasonal differences in accordance with the observations with under and overestimation of Dm and Nw, respectively. When compared with the disdrometer, the Dm values retrieved from the GPM‐DPR (official products) are severely underestimated at high rain rates (R > 8 mm h−1) during the SW monsoon season. On the other hand, during low rain rates (R < 8 mm h−1), a slight underestimation (overestimation) of Dm is seen during the SW (NE) monsoon. The mean Nw values retrieved from GPM‐DPR agree poorly with disdrometer data during both the monsoon seasons.
Residual Lung Abnormalities in Survivors of Severe or Critical COVID-19 at One-Year Follow-Up Computed Tomography: A Narrative Review Comparing the European and East Asian Experiences

The literature reports that there was a significant difference in the medical impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic between European and East Asian countries; specifically, the mortality rate of COVID-19 in Europe was significantly higher than that in East Asia. Considering such a difference, our narrative review aimed to compare the prevalence and characteristics of residual lung abnormalities at one-year follow-up computed tomography (CT) after severe or critical COVID-19 in survivors of European and East Asian countries. A literature search was performed to identify articles focusing on the prevalence and characteristics of CT lung abnormalities in survivors of severe or critical COVID-19. Database analysis identified 16 research articles, 9 from Europe and 7 from East Asia (all from China). Our analysis found a higher prevalence of CT lung abnormalities in European than in Chinese studies (82% vs. 52%). While the most prevalent lung abnormalities in Chinese studies were ground-glass opacities (35%), the most prevalent lung abnormalities in European studies were linear (59%) and reticular opacities (55%), followed by bronchiectasis (46%). Although our findings required confirmation, the higher prevalence and severity of lung abnormalities in European than in Chinese survivors of COVID-19 may reflect a greater architectural distortion due to a more severe lung damage.
Factors Influencing Smokeless Tobacco Use in Rural Communities of Bangladesh

Smokeless tobacco, SLT is a tobacco product used for chewing, sniffing, placing between teeth and gum. The situation and tradition of SLT use, influential personal and socio-cultural factors and awareness about harmful effect were observed from 552 SLT users using a semi-structured questionnaire for comparative analysis. Rural communities were selected in 2-districts where tobacco is cultivated traditionally (Kushtia) and tobacco is not cultivated (Khulna). Respondents’ mean age was 48.6±14.4 and about half without any formal education. Most of the respondents (92%) use SLT daily and among them three-fourths were the user of zarda followed by gul and sadapata. More number of respondents in Khulna use gul (27.9%) than Kushtia (20.7%), reversely sadapata is used more in Kushtia (22.1%) compared to Khulna (11.9%). Almost half of the respondent’s (45.7%) parents and wives (41.7% and 32.6% respectively) were more likely to use SLT in Kushtia (37.0%) than in Khulna (30.0%). Only 13.0% of the respondents were influenced to intake SLT by their family members. The reasons behind consuming SLT as mentioned by the respondents in Khulna are to reduce depression (32.7%), remove mouth odor (27.7%) and control vomiting (19.8%). Irrespective of the locations, almost half of the respondents (47.3%) were influenced by social factors such as peer group (79.3%) and gossiping partners (64.4%). It was also noted that, 95.8% of the respondents offer SLT to the guests during the wedding ceremony. A good portion of the respondents (84.6%) believe that SLT has harmful effects as they got such information from product cover (31.7%), medical professionals (23.6%) and television (14.1%). About 40% of the respondents believe that cancer may be caused by regular consumption of SLT, though yet they use SLT for the remedy from toothache and gum pain (31.9%), on peer pressure (28.6%) and for amusement only (10.1%). It could be concluded that, the use of SLT in the study areas is at an alarming level which should be noticed by the concerned authority to control the promotional activities and to imposing restrictions on the availability of SLT as traditional items. South Asian J. Agric. , Vol. 9, No.1&2, 2022-‘23: 11-21
Statistical match reports of the 2022 volleyball World Championship in the context of network analysis with Gephi

Background and Study Aim. Modern volleyball teams participating in tournaments provide extensive statistical data about their actions. These data are available for analysis and represent a valuable source for assessing the potential and future success of both individual athletes and teams as a whole. In this context, tools such as Gephi become particularly valuable for visualizing and analyzing events at high-level tournaments. Our study aims to create and analyze network models of interaction among men's volleyball teams during the qualifying matches of the 2022 World Championship using the Gephi software. Materials and Methods. For the research, data were obtained from a volleyball statistics website renowned for its extensive database. The study centered on Group C, comprising the teams: Poland, USA, Mexico, and Bulgaria. Data from six matches were extracted into Microsoft Excel tables and then converted into CSV format. The data from these tables were processed using the PyCharm programming environment and Python code. Visualization and analysis of the data were conducted using Gephi. Results. The results of the data processing highlight the professional expertise of the teams. The average values for all primary metrics underscore the teams' proficiency in executing fundamental actions at an elevated level. Eigenvector centrality helps determine the significance of nodes in the graph. The graph's density is 0.601, suggesting a relatively dense network of connections within the team. This indicates that volleyball players frequently engage with one another and share information on the court. Such extensive interaction can lead to enhanced coordination and efficiency in team actions. The parameter ε has a value of 1.0E-4, denoting high computational precision. The average interaction degree among volleyball players stands at 46.244. This measure denotes the interaction intensity among team members, hinting at the overall court activity. The modularity measure is 0.483, which signals the structural organization of the graph rooted in modularity. The graph comprises 5 modular communities, hinting at shared characteristics and cohesion among players within these groups. The HITS (Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search) metric assesses the node significance in the graph in terms of hubs and authorities. High HITS values pinpoint pivotal players acting as hubs, signifying their numerous connections with fellow teammates. Such players are crucial for facilitating information flow and coordination within the squad. Conclusions. Utilizing statistical match reports in volleyball, combined with the Gephi software, offers a deeper insight into the dynamics of player interactions. This aids in pinpointing key players, refining team strategies, and enhancing court coordination. Coaches are advised to leverage these tools for an in-depth evaluation of gameplay instances and to make informed decisions. Network analysis methodologies might soon be indispensable tools in the contemporary coaching toolkit.
DEPARTURE OF MALE OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES (LEPIDOCHELYS OLIVACEA) FROM A NEARSHORE BREEDING GROUND

Between 1990 and 1993, adult male olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were captured at their breeding ground, in the Gulf of Papagayo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We attached radio (VHF) and satellite (UHF) transmitters to 11 reproductively active males (as verified by serum testosterone measurements and laparoscopy) to monitor their movements in and from the breeding ground. Telemetered males departed the Gulf of Papagayo by late September, which coincided with a notable decrease in the number of males that we observed in the breeding ground and with the mid-season peak in the number of females emerging to lay eggs at Nancite Beach. We suggest that males of L. olivacea depart nearshore breeding grounds at mid-season because most of the females already have mated.
Plant Population Density and N Rate Influence the Growth and Seed Producibility of Intermediate Maturing Maize Parental Line at Sub-humid Agro-Ecology of Western Oromia, Ethiopia

At the study location of Bako National Maize Research Center, the experiment was carried out on BKL004 maize inbred line in 2019 to 2021 cropping season. The goal of this experiment was to determine an optimum plant population density and N rate on the BKL004 maize parental line. The experiment had two factors: five levels of plant population densities (44,444, 53,333, 66,666, 88,888 and 133,333 plants ha -1 ) and four levels of nitrogen (111, 157, 203, and 249 kg ha -1 ). The experiment included a total of twenty treatments (4*5) that were distributed in a factorial arrangement using an RCBD design. Each treatment was repeated three times. Different BKL004 maize parental line growth, phonological, and yield characteristics were gathered. Also, partial budget analysis were done to identify the most profitability treatment. Plant population density exerted a significant (p<0.05) effect on plant height, ear height, girth, days to 50% female flowering and seed yield. The tallest plant and ear height were recorded at plant population density of 133,333 plants ha -1 with average plant and ear height of 146.50 cm and 61.32 cm respectively. The maximum girth (17.47) was obtained at 53, 333 plant population ha -1 . The highest plant population density extends the appearance of 50% days to silking by 91.72 days. The highest seed yield (3307 kg ha -1 ) was recoded at plant population of 133,333 plants ha -1 , followed by seed yield recorded at plant population of 88,888 plants ha -1 . N at the rate of 249 kg ha -1 with 133,333 plants ha -1 was the most economically profitable than all the other treatments, followed by economic return obtained at 88,888 plants ha -1 with 157 kg ha -1 of N rate. However, as plant population affect the size of seed it may affect the seed germination and seedling vigor. Thus, 88.888 plants ha -1 with 157 kg ha -1 N rate was recommended for seed producer.
Evaluation of geostationary satellite observations and the development of a 1–2 h prediction model for future storm intensity

A study was conducted to gain insights into the use of geostationary satellite‐based indicators for characterizing and identifying growing cumulus clouds that evolve into severe weather producing convective storms. Eleven convective initiation (CI), 41 cloud top temperature–effective radius (T‐re), and 9 additional fields were formed for 340 growing cumulus clouds that were manually tracked for 2 h and checked for association with severe weather to 2–3 h into the future. The geostationary satellite data were at 5 min resolution from Meteosat‐8 on six convectively active days in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The study's goals were to determine which satellite fields are useful to forecasting severe storms and to form a simple model for predicting future storm intensity. The CI fields were applied on 3 × 3 pixel regions, and the T‐re fields were analyzed on 9 × 9 and 51 × 51 pixel domains (needed when forming T‐re vertical profiles). Of the 340 growing cumulus clouds examined, 34 were later associated with severe weather (using European Severe Weather Database reports), with the remaining being nonsevere storms. Using a multivariate analysis, transforming predictors into their empirical posterior probability, and maximizing the Peirce skill score, the best predictors were T1451 (51 × 51 pixel T, where re exceeds 14 µm), TG9 (9 × 9 pixel glaciation T surrounding a growing cloud), and ReBRTG51 (51 × 51 pixel re at the breakpoint T in the T‐re profile). Rapid cloud growth prior to severe storm formation leads to delayed particle growth, colder temperatures of the first 14 µm particles, and lower TG values.
Measuring Job Performance through Leadership with the Mediating Effect of Emotional Intelligence

The aim of this study is to measure the effect of leadership on job performance through the mediating role of emotional intelligence. Primary data were collected from 530 Pakistani private hospital employees. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. SMART PLS 4.0 software was used to draw the results from the data. Statistical techniques like, bootstrapping through process were used to explore the results and to test the hypotheses from the collected data. The results of this study revealed that leadership has a positive impact on job performance of employees in private hospitals of Pakistan. Further, bootstrapping analysis revealed that emotional intelligence mediates the positive effect of leadership on job performance in health sector. The study highlights that leadership is not only effective or applicable in western countries only, but it is also very effective in Pakistan. The most prominent limitation of this study is that the data were gathered from a single source. This may occur common method variance. Cross-sectional approach is also one of the limitations of this study. In health sector, leadership can enhance the job performance of the employees through the mediating role of emotional intelligence. Proper and meaningful training should be given to organizational leaders in hospitals with specific focus on leadership skills in improving emotional intelligence and job performance. The research studies on measuring the role of leadership on job performance through the mediating role of emotional intelligence are very limited. Little investigations are available on the leadership and its role in health sector especially in Pakistan. This study clarifies the role of leadership in enhancing job performance of the health care employees through the existence of the emotional intelligence. No study tested this model with three theories. This study makes a theoretical contribution by integrating three relevant theories; Campbell's theory of job performance, Goleman's mixed model theory, leadership theory.
Integrative or instrumental Incentives? Non-Welsh- Speaking Parents and Welsh-Medium Education in the Rhymni Valley, South Wales

The linguistic resurgence of the Welsh language in Wales can largely be attributed to the success of Welsh-medium education. The demand for Welsh-medium education, especially in predominantly non-Welsh-speaking areas of South Wales, is greater than ever. Welsh-medium education is at the very epicentre of the National Assembly for Wales' vision to create "a truly bilingual Wales" (WAG 2003, 1). This paper examines parental educational incentives, asking why non-Welsh-speaking parents choose Welsh-medium education for their children in the Rhymni Valley, South Wales, a post-industrial locality where the social use of Welsh is comparatively low. Qualitative research methods were drawn upon; in-depth interviews were conducted to gather information from parents from the meithrin (Welsh-medium nursery), 1 primary and secondary school sectors. The main parental incentives were cultural, educational, economic and personal. The findings of this study indicate that parents in the Rhymni Valley emphasised integrative incentives such as culture and nationhood whereas the conclusions of past studies have tended to emphasise instrumental incentives such as increased social mobility and economic prestige.
Generation and Characterization of ORF55/ORF57-Deleted Recombinant Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 Mutants with Chimeric Capsid Protein Gene of Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus

Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) is a pathogen that causes significant losses to the global aquaculture industry due to mass mortality in crucian carp and goldfish. This study demonstrates that the ORF55/ORF57 deletion mutants CyHV-2-Δ55-CP and CyHV-2-Δ57-CP obtained through homologous recombination replicate effectively within the caudal fin of Carassius auratus gibelio (GiCF) cells and exhibit morphologies similar to the CyHV-2 wild-type strain. Both mutants demonstrated a decrease in virulence, with CyHV-2-Δ57-CP exhibiting a more significant reduction. This serves as a reference for the subsequent development of recombinant attenuated vaccines against CyHV-2. Additionally, both mutants expressed the inserted RGNNV-CP (capsid protein of Redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus) fusion protein gene, and inoculation with CyHV-2-Δ57-CP-infected GiCF cell lysates elicited an antibody response in the grouper. These results indicate that, while ORF55 and ORF57 genes of CyHV-2 are not required for viral replication in vitro, they do play a role in virulence in vivo. Additionally, expression of foreign protein in CyHV-2 suggests that the fully attenuated mutant of CyHV-2 could potentially function as a viral vector for developing subunit vaccines or multivalent recombinant attenuated vaccines.
Sixteen Novel Mycoviruses Containing Positive Single-Stranded RNA, Double-Stranded RNA, and Negative Single-Stranded RNA Genomes Co-Infect a Single Strain of Rhizoctonia zeae

In the present study, sixteen novel RNA mycoviruses co-infecting a single strain of Rhizoctonia zeae (strain D40) were identified and molecularly characterized using metatranscriptome sequencing combined with a method for rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The fungal strain was isolated from diseased seedlings of sugar beet with damping-off symptoms. Based on genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the sixteen mycoviruses associated with strain D40 contained three genome types with nine distinct lineages, including positive single-stranded RNA (Hypoviridae, Yadokariviridae, Botourmiaviridae, and Gammaflexiviridae), double-stranded RNA (Phlegiviridae, Megabirnaviridae, Megatotiviridae, and Yadonushiviridae), and negative single-stranded RNA (Tulasviridae), suggesting a complex composition of a mycoviral community in this single strain of R. zeae (strain D40). Full genome sequences of six novel mycoviruses and the nearly full-length sequences of the remaining ten novel mycoviruses were obtained. Furthermore, seven of these sixteen mycoviruses were confirmed to assemble virus particles present in the R. zeae strain D40. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed study of mycoviruses infecting R. zeae.