Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on Hepatitis B and D Viruses Co-Infection in Egyptian Hemodialysis Patients

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is exceedingly pathogenic, and it ag-gravates the natural viral hepatitis B (HBV) infection by progressing to cirrhosis. Therefore, we aimed to ascertain the incidence, prevalence, and features of hepatitis B and/or D virus co-infection in individuals with renal impairment. A total of 92 renal patients were enrolled in the study between October 2017 and November 2021. liver and kidney functions were assessed, and HBsAg, IgM anti-HDV, and total HDV antibodies were detected to determine HBV/HDV coinfection. We found that HBV/ HDV coinfection is more common in patients with renal failure than in renal insufficiency, furthermore, 26.1% (24 of a total 92) of patients with (HBV) renal failure and 5.4% (5 of a total 92) of individuals with (HBV) renal insufficiency showed antibodies to (HDV). HBV/HDV coinfection resides in rural areas than in urban ones. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is in the normal range while aspartate transaminase (AST), total and direct bilirubin (T Bil), (D Bil), creatinine, uric acid, and urea serum levels and Prothrombin time (PT) were high, and albumin (ALB) was decreased. In addition, the death rate in renal patients infected with virus 19 out of a total of 29 (virus B infection), including 13 co-infections with the virus. It is concluded that among the examined (HBV) & (HDV) renal patients, renal impairment may significantly increase the prevalence and incidence of hepatitis infection due to the weakening of the immune system of pa - tients. If coinfection is not treated this will result in 100% death.
Porous metal implants: processing, properties, and challenges

Porous and functionally graded materials have seen extensive applications in modern biomedical devices—allowing for improved site-specific performance; their appreciable mechanical, corrosive, and biocompatible properties are highly sought after for lightweight and high-strength load-bearing orthopedic and dental implants. Examples of such porous materials are metals, ceramics, and polymers. Although, easy to manufacture and lightweight, porous polymers do not inherently exhibit the required mechanical strength for hard tissue repair or replacement. Alternatively, porous ceramics are brittle and do not possess the required fatigue resistance. On the other hand, porous biocompatible metals have shown tailorable strength, fatigue resistance, and toughness. Thereby, a significant interest in investigating the manufacturing challenges of porous metals has taken place in recent years. Past research has shown that once the advantages of porous metallic structures in the orthopedic implant industry have been realized, their biological and biomechanical compatibility—with the host bone—has been followed up with extensive methodical research. Various manufacturing methods for porous or functionally graded metals are discussed and compared in this review, specifically, how the manufacturing process influences microstructure, graded composition, porosity, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. Most of the studies discussed in this review are related to porous structures for bone implant applications; however, the understanding of these investigations may also be extended to other devices beyond the biomedical field.
Quasiprobability methods in quantum interferometry of ultracold matter

A method of simulating the full quantum field dynamics of multimode, multi-component Bose-Einstein condensates is developed. The truncated Wigner representation is used to obtain a probabilistic theory. The representation is extended to to use a functional calculus and can be applied to quantum fields in the arbitrary number of dimensions. Detailed proofs of the corresponding theorems are given. This approach produces c-number stochastic equations which may be solved using conventional stochastic integration methods, with the limitation that it is only valid for large mode occupation numbers. The equations describe the spatial evolution of spinor components and properly account for nonlinear interactions and losses. Themethod is further used to model several experiments where quantum effects are significant, and cannot be calculated with simpler approximations. It is shown to describe leading quantum corrections accurately, including effects such as phase noise, quantum squeezing, entanglement, and interactions with engineered nonlinear reservoirs. In addition to this approach, other positive phase-space methods are also analysed for sampling highly nonclassical states. In conclusion, the phase-space representations developed in this thesis provide a relatively fast and accurate method of simulating dynamics of large nonlinear quantum systems, such as trapped Bose-Einstein condensates. The required stochastic equations are easily and scalably integrated in parallel. Algorithms for efficient computation on modern graphical processing unit hardware are presented.
Diversity and species composition of lichens across altitudinal range in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Pasaribu N, Atni OK, Siregar JP. 2023. Diversity and species composition of lichens across altitudinal range in the Batang Toru Forest, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2171-2178. West Block of Batang Toru Forest, located in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra is one of the protection forest areas which has uniqueness and high biodiversity, one of them is the lichen. The information regarding the lichen species found in the West Block of Batang Toru Forest Research Station has never been reported. Its various types and distributions are unknown. This study aimed to observe lichen at the Batang Toru Forest Research Area, which was carried out from September 2021 to March 2022. The study was carried out with the exploration method by exploring along the track. From the results of the study, there was a total of 54 species of lichen consisting of 23 families and 38 genera. Based on the types of the thallus, it was found 23 species of lichen classified as foliose, 21 crustose, 4 fruticose, 3 squamulose, and 3 filamentous. The most common lichen family found at the study site was Lobariaceae, with a total of six species. The species collected in this study were mostly found on the bark substrate. This study reveals important information about the variety of lichen species in the West Block of Batang Toru Forest, highlighting the urgent need for further research and conservation efforts to protect this unique and diverse ecosystem.
Optimization of highly efficient random grating thin-film solar cell using modified gravitational search algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm

Abstract. A design of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cell (SC) based on one-dimensional subwavelength grating with nonuniform distribution is proposed and optimized using modified hybrid gravitational search algorithm and particle swarm optimization (GSA-PSO). The reported structure consists of nine gratings with different widths, positions, and heights that can enhance the light trapping through the SC. The nonuniform grating positions and geometrical parameters of the proposed design are optimized in terms of absorption, ultimate efficiency, and short circuit current density. The absorption inside the active layer is enhanced by 67.5% over the conventional thin-film SC. Further, the exposed area caused by forward nanotexturing surface is increased. Moreover, the nonuniform grating parameters and distribution support better light absorption than the periodic grating distribution by increasing the optical path length of the incident light through the active layer. Therefore, the suggested SC achieves a broadband absorption improvement. The enhanced absorption in the active layer is reported using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. In addition, the performance of the suggested SC using different active layer materials, i.e., crystalline silicon, a-Si:H, and gallium arsenide is studied. The hydrogenated amorphous silicon-based design shows high ultimate efficiency of 38.73%, short-circuit current density (JSC) of 34.69 mA / cm2, open-circuit voltage of 1.0393 V, and power conversion efficiency of 35.4%. The modified GSA-PSO algorithm shows also high potential for the design and optimization of different types of solar cells.
Counterfactual Explanations for Rankings

Machine learning models have the potential to transform healthcare by enabling the construction of decision support systems. However, a major challenge is the lack of transparency and accountability, as many models do not provide understandable explanations for their recommendations. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods aim to address this challenge by constructing and communicating explanations of how a model works and why it produces a particular output. This can help users evaluate the system and build trust in it, where appropriate. In this paper, we propose a method for explaining the relative rankings of predictions made by an XGBoost model, which involves understanding and comparing multiple predictions together. Our method uses counterfactual examples to show how changing the feature values of an entity can affect its position within the ranking defined by the model. Unlike traditional counterfactual explanations, which aim to find feature value changes that would result in a different predicted class label by meeting a fixed threshold, the proposed approach is unique in that it aims to identify changes that would bring the predictions in line with a dynamic threshold determined by other data items. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in a healthcare triage problem. Our framework for counterfactual explanation provides a powerful tool for understanding the relationships between feature values and model rankings and can help promote trans-parency and accountability in healthcare decision-making and decision support.
Large Bayesian vector auto regressions

This paper shows that vector auto regression (VAR) with Bayesian shrinkage is an appropriate tool for large dynamic models. We build on the results of De Mol and co-workers (2008) and show that, when the degree of shrinkage is set in relation to the cross-sectional dimension, the forecasting performance of small monetary VARs can be improved by adding additional macroeconomic variables and sectoral information. In addition, we show that large VARs with shrinkage produce credible impulse responses and are suitable for structural analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Being happy. The role of personal value priorities in subjective well-being across European countries

The feeling of well-being differs across cultural contexts and can be understood from the perspective of personal value priorities. This study uses a multilevel model with a sample of 324,204 people from 31 European countries and shows that the values conformity, tradition, benevolence, self-direction, and hedonism exert a positive average influence, whereas universalism and power exert a negative average influence on subjective well-being. Comparing similar value-outcome relationships in multiple countries simultaneously reveals that the geographical boundaries of a country strongly influence the kind of role values play, with very different and sometimes opposing effects across countries. The study also considers how subjective well-being is related to the fit of personal value priorities with the prevailing values in the environment. While value incongruency is negatively related to well-being in Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Greece, Lithuania, and Ukraine, it has a positive effect in other countries in the eastern and northern parts of Europe.
Implementation and Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Communities of a Component City in the Philippines

Waste management is a worldwide issue other than climate change and global warming. In the ASEAN, there is an extraordinary increase in solid waste traced to urbanization, industrial development, and economic growth. While the Philippines enacted the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, local governments passed the Environment Code. This study determined the extent of implementation of the city ordinance on solid waste management of communities in terms of the variables assessed by a sample size of 67 implementers and 384 residents identified by stratified random sampling. It also investigated the challenges encountered by the respondents in the implementation. Likewise, the differences were determined according to the geographical location of coastal, upland, and lowlands and when respondents were grouped according to designation. Using descriptive analysis, the results revealed that, as a whole, implementation of the provisions of the city ordinance is, to a great extent, with waste generation as the highest while handling and on-site storage the lowest, but several challenges were encountered. The comparative analysis revealed no significant difference in the extent of implementation when respondents were grouped according to designation in all areas except waste disposal. However, there was a significant difference when communities were grouped by geographical location, with lowland residents rating higher than the rest. Three groups of challenges emerged from the study: administrative, procedural, and policy issues.
On the noise optimization of resonant MEMS sensors utilizing vibration mode localization

In this letter, we experimentally demonstrate the existence of an optimal operating region in a resonant microelectromechanical systems sensor utilizing the principle of vibration mode localization, to achieve ultra-high resolution amplitude ratio measurements. We have shown analytically that the coupling strength and stiffness mismatch between the two resonators are primary parameters that influence the resolution of the amplitude ratio measurements within such a sensor. Using this optimization strategy, a minimum noise spectral density equivalent to 16 ppb/Hz1∕2 in terms of normalized stiffness perturbation is experimentally demonstrated. This is by far the best resolution achieved in this type of sensor. These results can be used to aid the design of future high resolution sensor employing mode localization.In this letter, we experimentally demonstrate the existence of an optimal operating region in a resonant microelectromechanical systems sensor utilizing the principle of vibration mode localization, to achieve ultra-high resolution amplitude ratio measurements. We have shown analytically that the coupling strength and stiffness mismatch between the two resonators are primary parameters that influence the resolution of the amplitude ratio measurements within such a sensor. Using this optimization strategy, a minimum noise spectral density equivalent to 16 ppb/Hz1∕2 in terms of normalized stiffness perturbation is experimentally demonstrated. This is by far the best resolution achieved in this type of sensor. These results can be used to aid the design of future high resolution sensor employing mode localization.
A Systematic Analysis of Non-accidental Visual-Spatial Properties in Chinese Brand Names and Their Esthetic Associations

Abstract Despite the vast and growing body of literature on brand naming, most theories and principles were developed in Western markets and based on Western languages, and therefore have limited application in a Chinese-speaking context. Building on the psychogeometric theory, this study systematically examined the role of non-accidental visual-spatial properties of ‘symmetry’ and ‘closure’ in Chinese brand names. A content analysis of 15,065 newly registered Chinese brands was first conducted to reveal the pattern of visual spatial properties in Chinese brand names. This is followed by a survey study of 760 non-Chinese speaking participants about their perceptions of the visual spatial properties of the Chinese brand names. It was found that Chinese brand names utilized a high proportion of symmetry but a low proportion of closure, with their distributions varying significantly across product categories. The survey results further indicate that Chinese brand names possessing these two visual properties triggered specific esthetic associations and were believed to be more appropriate for certain product categories. These findings are useful for new brands seeking visual-spatial cues with which to positively influence consumers’ perceptual processing and judgments.
Metric and Topological Entropy Bounds for Optimal Coding of Stochastic Dynamical Systems

We consider the problem of optimal zero-delay coding and estimation of a stochastic dynamical system over a noisy communication channel under three estimation criteria concerned with the low-distortion regime. The criteria considered are (i) a strong and (ii) a weak form of almost sure stability of the estimation error as well as (ii) asymptotic quadratic stability in expectation. For all three objectives, we derive lower bounds on the smallest channel capacity $C_0$ above which the objective can be achieved with an arbitrarily small error. We first obtain bounds through a dynamical systems approach by constructing an infinite-dimensional dynamical system and relating the capacity with the topological and the metric entropy of this system. We also consider information-theoretic and probability-theoretic approaches to address the different criteria. Finally, we prove that a memoryless noisy channel in general constitutes no obstruction to asymptotic almost sure state estimation with arbitrarily small errors, when there is no noise in the system. The results provide new solution methods for the criteria introduced (e.g., standard information-theoretic bounds cannot be applied for some of the criteria) and establish further connections between dynamical systems, networked control, and information theory, especially in the context of nonlinear stochastic systems.
Hierarchical nanostructure of CrCoNi film underlying its remarkable mechanical strength

A CrCoNi medium entropy alloy thin film is fabricated using magnetron sputtering. It exhibits a unique hierarchical nanostructure, featuring (1) a high density of planar defects (mostly stacking faults plus a small number of twin boundaries), (2) a dual-phase configuration (a mix of face-centred-cubic and hexagonal-close-packed), and (3) vertically aligned, textured nanocolumns, each with a width of ∼100 nm. The hierarchical nanostructure in this study is original, especially for its dual phase combination, since the bulk CrCoNi medium entropy alloy generally presents a single phase face-centred-cubic structure. The CrCoNi film shows a hardness quadruple that of its face-centred-cubic structured counterpart. The formation and its role of the hierarchical nanostructure in producing such mechanical strength are discussed.A CrCoNi medium entropy alloy thin film is fabricated using magnetron sputtering. It exhibits a unique hierarchical nanostructure, featuring (1) a high density of planar defects (mostly stacking faults plus a small number of twin boundaries), (2) a dual-phase configuration (a mix of face-centred-cubic and hexagonal-close-packed), and (3) vertically aligned, textured nanocolumns, each with a width of ∼100 nm. The hierarchical nanostructure in this study is original, especially for its dual phase combination, since the bulk CrCoNi medium entropy alloy generally presents a single phase face-centred-cubic structure. The CrCoNi film shows a hardness quadruple that of its face-centred-cubic structured counterpart. The formation and its role of the hierarchical nanostructure in producing such mechanical strength are discussed.
Growth Performance Comparison of Sex Reversed Oreochromis Macrochir (Boulenger, 1912), Oreochromis Andersonii (Castelnau, 1861) and Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Juveniles Under Pond Culture

A study was carried out at the National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre, Fish Farm, to evaluate the effect of 17α-Methyltestosterone on the growth performance of fry of Oreochromis andersonii, Oreochromis macrochir and Oreochromis niloticus raised for a period of ninety day. The first 21 days, the fry (0.04g±0.001) across all treatments were fed on commercial feed incorporated with 17α-Methyltestosterone for the purpose of achieving sex reversal to all males and were held in 1m x 1m x 1.3 mhapas installed in a 400 m2 semi concrete pond, at a stocking density of 250 fry per hapa and replicated three times in a completely randomized design. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the final weight gain among the species of O. andersonii (1.8240±0.067g), O. macrochir (2.6830±0.3220g) and O. niloticus (2.3960±0.2230g). The Body weight gain (g), Specific growth rates (SGR) and Apparent feed conversion ratios didn’t significantly differ (P>0.05) among the treatments. There were also no significant differences (P>0.05) in the Final standard lengths (mm) at termination which ranged from 32.485±0.8600 to 37.5330±2.9320 whose stocking mean length ranged from 9.58±0.41 mm to 10.17±0.31 mm. Survival rates (%) ranged from 97.00±0.5774 to 99.00±1.000 and did not significantly differ (P>0.05) among treatments. These results indicate that the effect of 17α-Methyltestosterone on the growth of fry of the three species produce similar result. The present study demonstrates that each species can substitute the other and still produce similar results, hence a farmer having a wider choice.
Does altruistic impact investment decision? evidence from Indonesia

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altruistic and egoistic as behavioral variables on socially responsible investment decision. This paper also investigates the aspects that investors consider the most in making decisions.Method - A total of 108 sample respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The criteria used are capital market study group students who have at least one ethical stock in their portfolio. Conjoint and regression analysis were involved to conduct the research.Result - The results showed that the investment attributes that investors prioritize are industry focus followed by return and risk. Furthermore, the most preferred industry focus is ‘sustainable asset’ followed by ‘no focus’ and ‘arms and defense’. Investment preferences in sustainable assets are based on the altruistic value of investors. Altruism has been shown to have a significant positive effect on investors' decisions to invest their funds in stock which belong to socially responsible investment. On the other hand, the egoistic value has a significant negative effect on the decision to invest in socially responsible investment.Implication - By looking at the research result, companies as stock issuers may consider to create or make their stock sustainable. This research would be beneficial for investment analysts or consultants in providing advice for their clients.Originality - This research uses altruistic and egoistic variables as psychological variables in investment decisions. In addition to using behavioral finance, it also involves value-belief-norm theory to explain the phenomena and discuss altruistic value in Islam perspective.
Contributions to Customer Satisfaction from Product Quality, Promotion and Price

This study tries to examine how product attributes like quality, advertising, and price affect consumer pleasure. People who live in Central Jakarta and use the Shopee app to make purchases make up the study's demographic. For the 100-sample sample employed in this review, non-probability sampling with a purposive examining technique will be used. Utilizing Google forms to disseminate questionnaires, the primary data was collected. The Multiple Linear Regression Test method, the Classical Assumptions Analysis approach, the Pearson Product Moment test, and Cronbach Alpha statistics were used in this study to examine the validity and reliability. to evaluate the theory utilizing IBM SPSS version 26. The findings indicated that Customer Satisfaction is influenced by the variable Product Quality.