Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevation of Plasma Malondialdehyde Levels Associated with The Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between plasma MDA and the severity of coronary artery disease in CAD patients. A total of 159 newly diagnosed CAD patients were enrolled in the study with an average age of 65.5 ± 11.3 years old and 63% were male. Participants underwent an investigation of blood biochemistry and plasma MDA before the measurement of coronary artery angiography. They were then divided into four groups as control (non-CAD), single vessel disease (SVD), double vessel disease (DVD), and triple vessel disease (TVD) groups. The results showed high plasma MDA levels were observed in SVD, DVD, and TVD patients (1.64 ± 0.56, 2.32 ± 0.57, 2.52 ± 0.76, respectively) when compared with the control group (1.44 ± 0.54, P < 0.001). Interestingly, plasma MDA was associated with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.183, P = 0.024), total cholesterol (r = 0.231, P = 0.004), triglyceride levels (r = 0.269, P < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol levels (r = -0.221, P = 0.006), and LDL-cholesterol levels (r = 0.164, P = 0.044). ROC analysis was performed using both control and CAD patients as subjects. The cut-off for plasma MDA was 1.624 ? mol/L with 83.6% sensitivity and 28.0% specificity. The findings of this research showed that plasma MDA levels were associated with the severity of CAD.
Effects of Raman scattering on the water‐leaving radiance

The contribution of Raman scattering to the water-leaving radiance is examined using Monte Carlo simulations. Exit angle information is retained, allowing a comparison of different satellite viewing directions. Chlorophyll values of 0.0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg Chl m−3 are simulated. Little directional variability is found, with the exception of the direct solar backscatter direction. The wavelength variability is greatest for low chlorophyll concentrations and is negligible for 1.0 mg Chl m−3. At 550 nm the Raman contribution ranges from approximately 18% of the total water-leaving radiance for pure water to 3% for 1.0 mg Chl m−3. At 440 nm the range is from 6% to 2%, indicating that Raman scattering will impact radiance ratios for ocean color satellite algorithms.
THE HOUSING CONDITIONS IN BRAZILIAN URBAN AREAS DURING THE 1990s

The objective of this article is to characterize the housing conditions in Brazilian urban areas during the 1990s, based upon housing and urban indicators derived from the 1992-1999 IBGE National Household Surveys (PNAD) microdata. The paper intends to be useful as a first attempt to systematize and analyze the available information on housing in Brazil, as a cornerstone to discuss the major trends and problems of the Brazilian housing sector, in order to subsidize the formulation of public policies and programs of housing and urban development. Section 2 discusses the main characteristics of housing that justify governmental intervention in housing markets. Section 3 depicts the housing conditions in Brazilian urban areas, emphasizing the housing situation of the poor and other vulnerable groups. Section 4 analyzes the main housing problems in Brazil, such as slums formation, tenure insecurity and housing and urban infrastructure deficits. Finally, section 5 presents the conclusions and suggestions for a future research agenda on housing in Brazil, urging for better targeting and integration between the housing policy and the macroeconomic and other sectorial and social policies of the government, at the federal, state and local levels. O objetivo deste trabalho e caracterizar as condicoes de moradia nas areas urbanas brasileiras durante a decada de 1990, com base em indicadores habitacionais e de desenvolvimento urbano construidos a partir dos microdados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicilios (Pnad) do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE) para o periodo 1992-1999. Este texto pretende ser util como um primeiro esforco de sistematizacao da informacao existente no que diz respeito a habitacao no Brasil, como ponto de partida para discutir as tendencias e os principais problemas do setor habitacional, com vistas a fornecer subsidios para a formulacao de politicas e programas nas areas de habitacao e de desenvolvimento urbano. A secao 2 discute as principais caracteristicas do bem habitacao que justificam a intervencao do governo nos mercados habitacionais. A secao 3 mostra as condicoes de habitacao nas areas urbanas brasileiras, destacando as condicoes de moradia dos pobres e de outros grupos vulneraveis. A secao 4 analisa os principais problemas habitacionais brasileiros, tais como formacao de favelas, informalidade da habitacao, falta de seguranca na posse e deficits de habitacao e de servicos urbanos, entre outros. Finalmente, a secao 5 apresenta as principais conclusoes e sugestoes para uma futura agenda de pesquisa em Habitacao no Brasil, mostrando a necessidade de uma melhor focalizacao e integracao entre as politicas habitacionais, macroeconomicas e outras politicas setoriais e sociais do governo no nivel federal, no estadual e no municipal.
Dual-Antigen Subunit Vaccine Nanoparticles for Scrub Typhus

Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative pathogen of scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease prevalent in the Asia–Pacific region that is spread to people through chigger bites. Despite the emerging threat, there is no currently available vaccine against O. tsutsugamushi. Here, we developed dual-antigen subunit vaccine nanoparticles using recombinant 47 kD and 56 kD proteins, which are immunogenic outer membrane antigens of O. tsutsugamushi. The biocompatible protein vaccine nanoparticles were formed via desolvation of r56 or r47E antigens with acetone, coating with an additional layer of the 56 kD protein, and stabilization with reducible homobifunctional DTSSP and heterobifunctional SDAD crosslinkers. The dual-antigen subunit vaccine nanoparticles significantly improved antigen-specific antibody responses in vaccinated mice. Most importantly, the dual-antigen nanoparticles coated with an additional layer of the 56 kD protein were markedly more immunogenic than soluble antigens or single-antigen nanoparticles in the context of cellular immune responses. Given the significance of cellular immune responses for protection against O. tsutsugamushi, these results demonstrate the potent immunogenicity of dual-layered antigen nanoparticles and their potential as a promising strategy for developing vaccines against scrub typhus.
Considerable Model–Data Mismatch in Temperature over China during the Mid-Holocene: Results of PMIP Simulations

Using the experiments undertaken by 36 climate models participating in the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project (PMIP), this study examines annual and seasonal surface temperatures over China during the mid-Holocene. Compared to the present or preindustrial climate, 35 out of the 36 PMIP models reproduced colder-than-baseline annual temperature, with an average cooling of 0.4 K, during that period. Seasonal temperature change followed closely the change in incoming solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere over China during the mid-Holocene. Temperature was reduced (elevated) in boreal winter and spring (summer) in all of the PMIP models, with an average of 1.4 K (1.0 K) at the national scale. Colder (warmer)-than-baseline temperatures were derived from 14 of the 16 atmosphere-only (18 of the 20 coupled) models during the mid-Holocene boreal autumn. Interactive ocean was found to lead to a warming effect on annual (0.3 K), boreal winter (0.5 K), and boreal autumn (0.7 K) temperatures, with reference to the atmosphere-only models. Interactive vegetation had little impact in terms of six pairs of coupled models with and without vegetation effects. The above results are in stark contrast to warmer-than-present annual and winter climate conditions as derived from multiproxy data for the mid-Holocene. Coupled models generally perform better than atmosphere-only models.
Shallow subsurface mapping by electromagnetic sounding in the 300 kHz to 30 MHz range: Model studies and prototype system assessment

A new instrument designed for frequency‐domain sounding in the depth range 0–10 m uses short coil spacings of 5 m or less and a frequency range of 300 kHz to 30 MHz. In this frequency range, both conduction currents (controlled by electrical conductivity) and displacement currents (controlled by dielectric permittivity) are important. Several surface electromagnetic survey systems commonly used (generally with frequencies less than 60 kHz) are unsuitable for detailed investigation of the upper 5 m of the earth or, as with ground‐penetrating radar, are most effective in relatively resistive environments. Most computer programs written for interpretation of data acquired with the low‐frequency systems neglect displacement currents, and are thus unsuited for accurate high‐frequency modeling and interpretation. New forward and inverse computer programs are described that include displacement currents in layered‐earth models. The computer programs and this new instrument are used to evaluate the effectiveness .
Psychometric Properties of a New Mexican Optimism Scale: Ethnopsychological Approach

Background: In this paper, a Mexican Optimism Scale was constructed to investigate and estimate psychometric properties (reliability and validity based on the measurement model). The convergent validity and validity criterion were evaluated for a sample of young Mexicans. Methods: The scale was presented to 848 Mexican young people aged between 17 and 30 years from three different regions of Mexico. The scale was reduced to 20 items on the basis of CFA and analyses of internal consistency. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested a three-factor structure of optimism: affective resources, positive vision and hope. The data provided evidence for convergent validity with positive affect, negative affect and coping. Additionally, males scored higher on affective resources and positive vision than females. Finally, the results support the reliability of the instrument. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the Mexican Optimism Scale proved to be highly acceptable and allow for a novel assessment of optimism from an ethnopsychological perspective. Validity, reliability and invariance were determined, as well as percentiles for the practical use of the scale. This scale may be of crucial importance for future research on optimism and health.
Assessment of contaminant concentrations and transport pathways in rural Alaska communities' solid waste and wastewater sites

Waste management practices currently employed in many rural Alaska communities are potentially contributing to human and environmental health impacts, and this problem may be exacerbated with the anticipated warming climate. For rural communities, factors that contribute to insufficient waste management practices include climate and environmental conditions, limitation of federal and state capital funding for construction, and the continuing financial burden associated with providing adequate operations and maintenance. As a response, federal regulatory exemptions are granted for construction and design of solid waste sites and limited state regulations are in place for wastewater discharge criteria. Due to the absence of proper site assessment and monitoring, very little is known about the fate and transport of point source pollutants arising from these wastewater and solid waste sites. Moreover, these fate and transport processes may be susceptible to changes resulting from human activity or a warming climate. Thus, this knowledge gap associated with waste-related pollutants in rural Alaska could obscure potential threats to human and environmental health by concealing impacts to freshwater systems. This research was intended to achieve a better understanding of rural Alaska waste leachate compositions by evaluating contaminant prevalence and diversity, quantifying contaminant concentration levels, and evaluating their potential migration into nearby freshwater systems. Over the course of three years, waste sites at five rural Alaska communities were sampled and tested for heavy metals, organic constituents, and microbial indicator organisms. The purpose of the analysis was to evaluate the impact of waste sites on soil, surface, and subsurface waters in the vicinity of the sites. The resulting findings are assembled into three chapters describing 1) the assessment of heavy metal leachate in rural Alaska solid waste sites, 2) the identification of new emerging organic pollutants in rural Alaska waste sites, and 3) the partitioning and transport behavior of pathogen indicator organisms in cold regions. The research outcome of E.coli and Enterococcus sp. were observed in waste impacted water and soil samples, heavy metal migration into nearby freshwaters, and pharmaceuticals, phthalates, and benzotriazole in waste impacted water samples. The research findings highlight the need to apply state regulations to remove potentially hazardous components from rural Alaska wastewater and municipal solid waste streams. Additionally, there is a need to establish effective solid waste and wastewater leachate monitoring and assessment strategies for active and closed rural Alaska waste sites.
Lean-Based Design and Analysis of a Continuous Improvement Engineering Approach for Jordanian Land Transport Industry

For an open, competitive, and lean economy, especially in industrialized development nations like Jordan, competitiveness, efficiency, and low global transportation costs are crucial. It is vital to address these concerns to sustain lean transportation services. This paper intends to present a lean-based analysis of a continuous improvement approach for Jordanian land transport industry, the aim behind that is to improve the overall effectiveness of the Jordanian land transportation sector. The research uses the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) as a lean tool to fill the knowledge gap between theory and practice and to shed light on the continual improvements of Jordan's land transportation sector. Five of the largest land transportation companies have provided data, which has been gathered using primary and secondary data sources. Managers, drivers, and operations officers are polled using a 65-question Five-Point-Likert survey. The research looks at how the cost of transportation, customer satisfaction, safety, management emphasis, travel time, and driving abilities affect overall effectiveness. Operations, technical, and managerial efficiency are the metrics used to evaluate efficiency. Eight hypotheses between three efficiency measures and six independent variables are brought up. Correlations, tolerance tests, and Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) multicollinearity tests validate and confirm the findings. The research identifies significant barriers impeding the effectiveness of Jordan's land transportation industry and seeks to close the gap between theory and practice. Future research plans to investigate how other Jordanian service sectors measure their efficiency because the developed approach is useful and applicable.
REMOTE SENSING METHODS TO CLASSIFY A DESERT WETLAND

The Cienega de Santa Clara is a 5600 ha, anthropogenic wetland in the delta of the Colorado River in Mexico. It is the inadvertent creation of the disposal of brackish agricultural waste water from the U.S. into the intertidal zone of the river delta in Mexico, but has become an internationally important wetland for resident and migratory water birds. The marsh is dominated by Typha domengensis with Phragmites australis as a sub-dominant species in shallower marsh areas. The most important factor controlling vegetation density was fire. The second significant (P < 0.01) factor controlling NDVI was flow rate of agricultural drain water from the U.S. into the marsh. Reduced summer flows in 2001 due to canal repairs, and in 2010 during the YDP test run, produced the two lowest NDVI values of the time series from 2000 to 2011 (P < 0.05). Salinity is a further determinant of vegetation dynamics as determined by greenhouse experiments, but was nearly constant over the period 2000 to 2011, so it was not a significant variable in regression analyses. Evapotranspiration (ET) and other water balance components were measured in Cienega de Santa Clara; we used a remote sensing algorithm to estimate ET from meteorological data and Enhanced Vegetation Index values from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) sensors on the Terra satellite. We used Landsat NDVI imagery from 1978-2011 to determine the area and intensity of vegetation and to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) to construct a water balance. Remote sensing data was supplemented with hydrological data, site surveys and literature citations. The vegetated area increased from 1978 to 1995 and has been constant at about
Global CO2 emission from volcanic lakes

The global CO 2 discharge from subaerial volcanism has been estimated at ~300 Mt yr –1 . However, estimates of CO 2 emissions from volcanic lakes have not been considered. In order to improve this information, extensive research on CO 2 emissions of volcanic lakes worldwide has been performed. The observed normalized average CO 2 emission rates increase from alkaline (5.5 t km –2 d –1 ), to neutral (201.2 t km –2 d –1 ), to acid (614.2 t km –2 d –1 ) in volcanic lakes. Taking into account (1) normalized CO 2 emission rates, (2) the number of volcanic lakes in the world (~769), and (3) the fraction and average areas of the investigated alkaline, neutral, and acid volcanic lakes, the estimated global CO 2 emission from volcanic lakes is 117 ± 19 Mt yr –1 , with 94 ± 17 Mt yr –1 as deep-seated CO 2 . This study highlights the importance of a revision of the actual global CO 2 discharge from subaerial volcanism.
Upper-crustal structure of the Benevento area (southern Italy): fault heterogeneities and potential for large earthquakes

SUMMARY The Benevento region is part of the southern Apennines seismogenic belt, which experienced large destructive seismic events both in historical and in recent times. The study area lies at the northern end of the Irpinia fault, which ruptured in 1980 with a Ms= 6.9 normal faulting event, which caused about 3000 casualties. The aims of this paper are to image lateral heterogeneities in the upper crust of the Benevento region, and to try to identify the fault segments that are expected to generate such large earthquakes. This work is motivated by the recognition that lithological heterogeneities along major fault zones, inferred from velocity anomalies, reflect the presence of fault patches that behave differently during large rupture episodes. In this paper, we define the crustal structure of the Benevento region by using the background seismicity recorded during 1991 and 1992 by a local seismic array. These data offer a unique opportunity to investigate the presence of structural discontinuities of a major seismogenic zone before the occurrence of the next large earthquake. The main result that we obtained is the delineation of two NW-trending high-velocity zones (HVZs) in the upper crust beneath the Matese limestone massif. These high velocities are interpreted as high-strength regions that extend for 30-40 km down to at least 12 km depth. The correspondence of these HVZs with the maximum intensity regions of historical earthquakes (1688 AD, 1805 AD) suggests that these anomalies delineate the extent of two fault segments of the southern Apenninic belt capable of generating M= 6.5−7 earthquakes. The lateral offset observed between the two segments from tomographic results and isoseismal areas is possibly related to transverse right-lateral faults.
A study of opportunities for improved rural pig farming in Western Kenya: feeding, productivity, marketing and public health

An integrated study to investigate rural pig farming practices was conducted in selected sub­ locations of Busia and Kakamega Districts, Western Kenya from June 2006 to October 2008. Six Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted in Kakamega District before beginning farm visits. A total of 288 pig farms were visited three times in the course of the study period. Data on pig management and feeding were gathered using questionnaires administered in facc-to-facc interviews. Pigs were weighed and length and girth body measurements were taken using tape measures (cm). Pigs were tested for Cysticercus cellulosae cysts using the lingual palpation. Two sets of training workshops were conducted after the initial farm visit. Discussions during the FGD were taped, transcribed and translated from Swahili to English. Data were analyzed qualitatively using MaxQDA software; analyses involved identifying common themes. Women were responsible for the care of pigs while men played a key role in the selling Pigs were the easiest animals to sell because they do not need to be transported to the market since buyers come to the farms. Poor market channels, poor breeds, inadequate government support, inadequate animal health support, diseases, and cultural and religious differences were some of the challenges identified during the discussions. From the study it was found that more women (69 %; 512 / 735) than men were interviewed during the farm visits. The interviewees’ age distributions were: <30 yrs 34 % (250 / 735); 30 50 yrs 44 % (327 / 735) and >50 yrs (23 %; 158 / 735). Only 2 % (12 / 735) of the respondents had completed college education and approximately half (54 %; 400 / 735) were Catholics Farmers owned on average 2.33 (±2.01) acres of land; this ranged from 0.12510 acres. The mean
Comparison of Knowledge Retention in Face-To-Face and Online English Language Learning for Adults

Online education has become increasingly important in recent years. With the development of technology more pedagogical methods can be applied online, thus increasing the diversity of learning experiences for learners and teaching opportunities for educators. Considering the benefits of online education such as accessibility, convenience, the possibility of differentiation and personalization, it is important to evaluate the feasibility of wider implementation of this learning modality. This is especially significant in adult education, as adult learners are self-motivated and potentially have developed self-directed learning competence – both essential for successful learning online. However, adults often experience time-related constraints so online may be the only learning modality available for some of them. There are ongoing and extensive discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of face-to-face and online learning. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between a course modality and knowledge retention as one of the important aspects of learning effectiveness. The data is gathered from two demographically similar cohorts of adult students who took an English language course of the same volume and content either online or face-to-face. The results show no statistically significant difference in knowledge retention between these modalities. However, there is an indication of better knowledge retention in writing after an online course.