Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient-specific CFD simulation of aerodynamics for nasal pathology: a combined computational and experimental study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop and verify a personalised approach for simulating the aerodynamic flow patterns using patient-specific data of a severe form of nasal obstruction during inspiration. The reconstruction of the 3D geometry of the nasal cavity based on the computer images of a patient diagnosed with the unilateral nasal valve collapse and S-shaped septum deviation was used to perform the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of airflow. A comparative study of the airflow with standard data (SD) and personal input data (PD) of mass flow rate was carried out. In both cases, the air streamlines went straight along the lower and middle nasal passages on the non-deviated septum side. The peak velocity increased in two cavities, mostly on the septum deviation side, while the peak pressure inversely dropped. With personal data, the peak velocity and pressure values varied greatly in different parts of the nasal cavity, depending on the particular local anatomy. In a patient with unilateral nasal valve collapse and S-shaped septum deviation, the use of personal data does not have an impact on the streamline’s direction, longitudinal velocity, and pressure distributions but it significantly changed the local velocity and pressure in the nasal cavity.
Population abundance, structure and movements of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus 1758) based on capture-recapture data in a Venice Lagoon wetland area, Italy

A freshwater turtle monitoring programme along the inland margins of the Venice lagoon was initiated in 2019 in collaboration with the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF-Italy). From a total of 336 European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) captured and marked, 97 freshwater turtles were recaptured at least once (28.9% return rate) providing important information on population size, structure and movements of mature individuals within the study area. The population size was estimated with capture-recapture method (Capture-Mark-Recapture-CMR) at 1009.4 ± 365.2 pond turtles, with a mean density of 252.3 ± 91.3 ind. /ha. The analysis of the movements showed that the average distance covered intra-water bodies was: 146.79 ± 117.08 m for females and 125.43 ± 112.34 m for males. A total of 17 E. orbicularis (eight females and nine males) out of 97 turtles changed the water body during the study period from April to early September. Only a female freshwater turtle migrated in all three study sites, being recaptured 1502.32 m from the tagging site. The percentage of captures was significantly higher in two canals than in the brackish lake habitat. Further research should address spatial distribution at a finer scale to evaluate the preferential habitat for threatened E. orbicularis populations in a transitional water system as the lagoon.
Delirium in a Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Report from a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Bangkok

Objective: Delirium is a common problem in critical care. Its prevalence in the unit varies, depending upon the severity of the illness and the diagnostic methods. Currently, the CAM-ICU is a diagnostic tool with good diagnostic accuracy. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes of delirium in our unit by using the CAM-ICU.Methods: Our prospective cohort study included all patients admitted to the hospital’s medical ICU from August to December 2013. Patients with psychosis and/or in a coma (RAAS<-3) were excluded. We assessed delirium by using the CAM-ICU within the first 24 hours of admission and then serially, every 48 hours until discharge. Factors associated with this condition and patients’ outcomes were also explored.Results: A total of 74 patients were included. Of these, 43% were male, 40% had sepsis, and 81% were mechanically ventilated. Twenty-eight patients (38%) had delirium upon admission. The delirium patients were older and had a higher percentage of dementia. Univariate analysis revealed that dementia, anemia, acute metabolic acidosis, and the use of mechanical ventilation were associated with the occurrence of delirium, and, for age > 70 years, anemia and metabolic acidosis remained significant on multivariate analysis. Delirium was significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization (>30days), with OR = 4.84 (p=0.009), and with increased mortality, with OR = 25.0 (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study confirmed that delirium was common in the medical ICU and was associated with poor outcomes. Importantly, associated factors with delirium in our study appeared to be modifiable. Further study on early management and prevention of those risk factors is crucial.
Assessment of Cow Dung Pellets as a Renewable Solid Fuel in Direct Combustion Technologies

Recently, biomass application as a renewable energy source is increasing worldwide. However, its availability differs in dependence on the location and climate, therefore, agricultural residues as cow dung (CD) are being considered to supply heat and/or power installation. This paper aims at a wide evaluation of CD fuel properties and its prospect to apply in the form of pellets to direct combustion installations. Therefore, the proximate, ultimate composition and calorific value were analyzed, then pelletization and combustion tests were performed, and the ash characteristics were tested. It was found that CD is a promising source of bioenergy in terms of LHV (16.34 MJ·kg−1), carbon (44.24%), and fixed carbon (18.33%) content. During pelletization, CD showed high compaction properties and at a moisture content of 18%,and the received pellets’ bulk density reached ca. 470 kg·m−3 with kinetic durability of 98.7%. While combustion, in a fixed grate 25 kW boiler, high emissions of CO, SO2, NO, and HCl were observed. The future energy sector might be based on biomass and this work shows a novel approach of CD pellets as a potential source of renewable energy available wherever cattle production is located.
Capital Incentives and Adequacy for Securitizations

This paper analyzes the capital incentives and adequacy of financial institutions for asset portfolio securitizations. The empirical analysis is based on US securitization rating and impairment data. The paper finds that regulatory capital rules for securitizations may be insufficient to cover implied losses during economic downturns such as the Global Financial Crisis. In addition, the rating process of securitizations provides capital arbitrage incentives for financial institutions and may further reduce regulatory capital requirements. These policy-relevant findings assume that the ratings assigned by rating agencies are correct and can be used to build a test for the ability of Basel capital regulations to cover downturn losses.
Crop Establishment and Weed Control Options for Sustaining Dry Direct Seeded Rice Production in Eastern India

Dry direct seeded rice (DSR) has emerged as an economically viable alternative to puddled transplanted rice to address emerging constraints of labor and water scarcity and the rising cost of cultivation. However, wide adoption of DSR is seriously constrained by weed management trade-off. Therefore, the availability of effective weed control options is critical for the success and wide-scale adoption of DSR. A field study was conducted at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, India, in the dry seasons of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate the performance of three crop establishment methods and five weed control practices on weed management, productivity, profitability and energetics of dry DSR. The results demonstrated that weed density and weed dry weight was lower in drill seeding than broadcast seeding by 26–36% and manual line-seeding by 16–24%, respectively, at 30 and 60 days after crop emergence (DAE). Among herbicides, post-emergence application (17 DAE) of azimsulfuron was most effective in controlling weeds compared to early post application of bispyribac-sodium and bensulfuron-methyl+pretilachlor. Weed competition in the weedy check treatment resulted 58% reduction in rice yield. Among establishment methods, drill-seeding was most profitable with US $ 685 ha−1 higher net income than broadcast seeding primarily due to higher yield. Among weed control treatments, azimsulfuron was most profitable resulting in US $ 160 and 736 ha−1 higher net income than weed free and weedy check, respectively. The specific energy was lowest for drill seeding among establishment method and azimsulfuron among weed control practices, suggesting lowest energy consumed in producing per unit of grain yield.
A Computational Model for Tail Undulation and Fluid Transport in the Giant Larvacean

Flexible propulsors are ubiquitous in aquatic and flying organisms and are of great interest for bioinspired engineering. However, many animal models, especially those found in the deep sea, remain inaccessible to direct observation in the laboratory. We address this challenge by conducting an integrative study of the giant larvacean, an invertebrate swimmer and “fluid pump” of the mesopelagic zone. We demonstrate a workflow involving deep sea robots, advanced imaging tools, and numerical modeling to assess the kinematics and resulting fluid transport of the larvacean’s beating tail. A computational model of the tail was developed to simulate the local fluid environment and the tail kinematics using embedded passive (elastic) and active (muscular) material properties. The model examines how varying the extent of muscular activation affects the resulting kinematics and fluid transport rates. We find that muscle activation in two-thirds of the tail’s length, which corresponds to the observed kinematics in giant larvaceans, generates a greater average downstream flow speed than other designs with the same power input. Our results suggest that the active and passive material properties of the larvacean tail are tuned to produce efficient fluid transport for swimming and feeding, as well as provide new insight into the role of flexibility in biological propulsors.
Effect of Supplementing Inclusion of Grounded Acacia Albida pods with Sesame Cake on Feed Intake and Body Weight Change of Abergelle goats

The experiment was conducted to evaluate supplemental value of inclusion of grounded acacia albida pods and sesame cake on intake and body weight changeusing twenty intact Abergelle goats with initial body weight (BW) of 11.2 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD). Randomized complete block design having 5 blocks were involved. Treatments were natural pasture hay fed ad libitum (T1) or with 105 sesame cake (SC) + 105 AAp g/day (T2), 84 SC + 126 AAp g/day (T3) and 63 (SC) + 147 Acacia albida pods (AAp) g/day (T4). The CP content of the AAp, SC and hay was 17.7%, 38.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Goats in T1 consumed higher (P 0.05) with both T2 and T4. Average daily gains were 5.55 (loosing), 80.0, 71.1 and 63.3g/day respectively for T1, T2, T3 and T4.
The shifting subjectification of the ‘widening participation’ student

In this chapter, we focus on the emotional dimensions of widening participation (WP) that are often obscured through much activity and evaluation surrounding National Collaborative Outreach Programmes (NCOPs). We consider, using data collected with young people, what focusing on their affective worlds or emotional states might reveal about current and future imaginings of the ‘potential’ higher education (HE) student, as well as the current state of play within the practices of WP. This draws from our experience leading regional research and evaluation of Phase 1 of the Office for Students-funded UK-wide NCOP, which ran from January 2017 to July 2019. In this chapter, we draw predominantly on insight from qualitative learner data generated through individual and group interviews with 83 young people aged between 11 and 18, carried out as part of a larger mixed methods data set. We argue that the targeting of geo-demographic measures, and the surrounding socio-economic and policy climate risks obscuring the persistence of more pervasive forces against HE progression beyond the individual or community levels.
Cultural relativity in consumers' rates of adoption of artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a cost-efficient innovation that challenges customers’ consumption patterns and fears of uncertainty. This study assesses whether the likelihood that consumers adopt AI in banking services depends on tastes across different cultures. We propose a culturally-augmented Arrow-Bilir-Sorensen model to assess the propensity that consumers use AI. Analyses of a unique ING Bank dataset encompassing 11,000 respondents from eleven countries reveal that success rates for the diffusion of robo-advisory financial services in retail banking vary substantially due to the cultural boundedness of choice. This bias seems to be associated with social capital rather than the fear of novelty.
Exploring EFL learners’ perspectives on using Kahoot as a game-based student response system

ABSTRACT Student response systems (SRS) have been used to provide teachers with immediate feedback on learners’ performance to understand their weaknesses and strengths. This exploratory study is aimed at focusing on both distractive and facilitative aspects of using SRS in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes to assess learners’ understanding of grammar lessons. Eighty university students majored in English language and literature attended a grammar course accompanied by Kahoot, a free online game-based application as an SRS. Students’ perspectives about positive and negative aspects of the application were explored prior and subsequent to its implementation through open-ended surveys and interviews. In addition, their classes were observed for more in-depth information. The results revealed that despite its positive features, most of the students were not willing to take part in this game-based application. They mentioned the Internet connection problems, the high pace of the game, its competitive nature and the lack of detailed explanation after the game as the main reasons for their unwillingness toward using this application in the classroom, which made most of the learners demotivated and distracted. The implications for teachers are also discussed.
The mechanism of electropolymerization of nickel(II) salen type complexes

Ni(II) complexes with (±)-trans-N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine ([Ni(salcn)]), and its methyl ([Ni(salcn(Me))]) and tert-butyl ([Ni(salcn(Bu))]) derivatives have been synthesized. Anodic electropolymerization has been used to form electrodes modified by polymer films. FTIR and FTIR ATR methods showed that the obtained films consist of polymers of phenyl–phenyl type. The structure of poly[Ni(salcn)] is built with 1,2,4- and 1,2,3,5-substituted chains. A three-step process of the oxidation of the complexes and their films has been ascertained on the basis of cyclic voltammetry measurements. Furthermore we have also detected the oxidized species which probably serve as intermediates for polymer formation. The influence of the substituent in the phenolate moiety on the type of reaction after which the dimerization and polymerization reaction occurs has been evidenced. Furthermore the substituent dependence on the stability of the phenoxyl radical complex and the Ni(II)-phenoxonium cation has been noticed. For the [Ni(salcn(Bu))] complex, an additional electropolymerization step – the adsorption of the reagent on the electrode surface – has been observed.
Peer-to-Peer Dining: A Motivation Study

This study examined tourist motivations to determine whether peer-to-peer dining is a new, pursuable tourism product. A two-stage analysis of semistructured interview data from 28 individuals yielded three push dimensions (i.e., seeking variety, gaining authentic experience, and enhancing social circle) and six pull dimensions (i.e., food items, atmosphere, relationship with the host, value, service quality, and type of food), which were linked by word-of-mouth and publicity for peer-to-peer dining. Several motivational differences identified between participation in the sharing economy and in conventional dining have suggested that peer-to-peer dining reflects a novel product in food tourism. Interestingly, findings also suggested that tourists perceive local and overseas peer-to-peer dining services differently. This research contributes to the existing literature on the sharing economy and bears practical implications for food destination development and branding.
Determinants of food insecurity among elderly people: findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey

Abstract Food insecurity among elderly people is a major public health concern due to its association with several health conditions. Despite growing research and implementation of diverse income-based policy measures, food insecurity among elderly people remains a major policy issue in Canada. Additional research could inform food policy beyond strategies that target improving the financial resources of elderly people. Drawing data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 24,930), we explored the correlates of food insecurity among older adults using negative log-log logistic regression techniques. Our findings show that certain categories of elderly people are more prone to food insecurity. These segments include seniors who are visible minorities (OR = 1.29, p < 0.01), live alone (OR = 1.13, p < 0.05), have a very weak sense of community belonging (OR = 1.40, p < 0.001), in poor physical health (OR = 1.20, p < 0.01), and those in lower age and income categories. These findings corroborate previous studies that demonstrate that food insecurity among elderly people is a complex phenomenon influenced by diverse socio-economic factors. In Canada, food security policies targeted at elderly people have largely prioritised poverty alleviation through income support programmes. While these programmes can improve the purchasing power of elderly people, they may not be sufficient in ensuring food security. There is a need to embrace and further investigate an integrated approach that pays attention to other contextual socio-economic dynamics.
Leveraging STARA competencies and green creativity to boost green organisational innovative evidence: A praxis for sustainable development

Radical technological advancements and the relentless progression of climate change compel organisations to ensure their workforce consistently exercise their creativity toward innovative green initiatives. These endeavours are essential to achieve the United Nations' (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). To do so, organisations require competencies fundamental to smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms (STARA). STARA competencies are relevant for leaders to bolster green organisational innovative evidence (GOIE). GOIE can help to attract potential investors keen on advancing the UN's SDG agenda on environmental sustainability. However, eclipsed by a volatile environment, and despite the green innovation potential of several manufacturing organisations, investors are reluctant to invest and commit funds without evidence of green innovation. We therefore, investigate how leader STARA competence (LSC), green creativity components (task motivation, creativity skills and expertise) and environmental dynamism can aid organisations to boost their GOIE. Our key findings are as follows: (a) though green task motivation shows a stronger association with green creativity skills, LSC has a large influence on green creativity skills; (b) green creativity skills exert a strong influence on GOIE while also playing a competitive and complimentary mediating role in our model and (c) environmental dynamism is negatively associated with green creativity skills and GOIE. Furthermore, to validate indirect ( v ) effects size in mediation analysis, we propose a new and more approachable benchmark for v effect size estimations. Organisational and environmental policy implications are discussed.
Econometric Analysis of Total Factor Productivity in India

This article attempts to investigate the potential relationship and significance of various determinants of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in India for the 1980–2016 time period. Specifically, this is achieved in two stages. In the first, the standard growth accounting approach is used to measure the changes in TFP. Then, the main model for establishing the determinants of TFP growth is estimated using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. Our results suggest that inflation and financial development have a statistically positive impact on TFP. Foreign direct investment, imports, and capital formation are found to have a positive but insignificant impact on the TFP. On the other hand, exports, government size, and natural calamities have a statistically negative impact on TFP. Therefore, in order to accelerate the TFP, governments and policymakers need to design and implement policies to increase financial access to the private sector, while maintaining price stability; exports of high-value products; and increased economic integration in the global economy to benefit from foreign investment flows, which brings in new technology. JEL Classification: O4, O40, O47
Effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength of PAEKs to composite resin

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of surface treatment techniques on the shear bond strength (SBS) of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers to composite resin. Eighty-eight rectangular (7 × 7×2 mm) specimens were prepared for each polymer and randomly divided into eight groups (n = 11): untreated (Cnt); treated with non-thermal plasma (Pls); etched with 98% sulfuric acid (Sa); tribochemical silica-coated with Cojet (Tb30); tribochemical silica-coated with Rocatec Plus (Tb110); 98% sulfuric acid + plasma (Sa_Pls); Cojet + plasma (Tb30_Pls); Rocatec Plus + plasma (Tb110_Pls). One specimen from each group was randomly selected for scanning electron microscope analysis. After the bonding agent and an opaquer were applied, composite resin cylinders were built on the specimens. SBS test was performed after water storage, and data were statistically analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05). The failure-modes were examined. 2-way ANOVA showed that the surface treatment and its interaction between polymer type were significant on SBS values (p < 0.001). Among the PEEK groups, Group Sa (22.55 ± 2.01 MPa) showed the highest SBS value, but no significant difference was observed between Group Tb30, Group Sa_Pls, and Group Tb30_Pls (p > 0.05). Within the PEKK groups, Group Tb30_Pls (22.33 ± 1.19 MPa) showed the highest SBS value, but no significant difference was observed between Group Tb30 and Group Tb110_Pls (p > 0.05). Surface treatments with non-thermal plasma, 98% sulfuric acid and tribochemical silica-coating on PEEK and PEKK increase the bond strength with composite resin. Between the PEEK and PEKK polymers, tested surface treatment effects were significantly different except for the tribochemical silica-coating.