Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistics of Ice Loads Measured on Mt Uikku in the Baltic

It is well known that the ice loading process has a clear stochastic nature. The stochastic nature is due to the variation in the ice conditions and in the ice-breaking process of the ship. There are only few statistical models to describe variation of the ice-induced loads. These are typically semi-empirical based at least partly on the full scale measured data. In this paper the short term maximum values of ice-induced loads on a typical cargo ship navigating in ice in the Baltic Sea are analysed. The aim is to relate the main statistical variables such as mean and standard deviation to the prevailing ice conditions. The full scale measurements onboard MT Uikku is the main data base in the study. The hull is instrumented to measure the ice induced loads along the hull. During these measurements three voyages have been carried out and peak values of the ice induced loads have been recorded. The characteristics of the voyages and the prevailing ice conditions are described. The mean and standard deviations of the peak values are related to the maximum ice thickness. The analysis reveals that Weibull distribution gives the best fit to the measured statistical distributions.
THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL CULTURE ON MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN SELECTED NON-WESTERN COUNTRIES

: Decision making is apparently one of the most important functions of managers. This paper attempts to examine the influence of predominantly patriarchal and collectivistic Arab-Islamic culture and hierarchical and collectivistic Japanese culture on management decision making processes. By adopting an integrative approach, carrying out historical analysis and undertaking an extensive review of literature, this study aims to build a comprehensive account of the main features and to explore particularities of decision making styles in the Arab world and Japan. From an academic perspective, this research might improve our understanding of the role played by national culture in management thinking. From a practical perspective, research might result in a better management as it encourages international executives to be aware of differences in decision making styles across various non-Western national cultures.
Tento článek podléhá autorským právům, kopírování a využívání jeho

The objective of this article is to analyze invalid votes under compulsory voting in Peru. I analyzed three Peruvian presidential elections (held in 2006, 2011, and 2016). I investigated the results of these elections at the municipal level, examining the first and second rounds separately. Thus, I created an original dataset that includes 5,478 cases from each round. I used the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models to test theories related to invalid votes. First, I found that the higher the level of development in municipalities, the lower the number of invalid votes in municipalities. Second, I examined a feature of runoff voting and found that the higher the share of votes for eliminated candidates in the first round, the greater the number of invalid votes in the second round. These results suggest that invalid voting is linked to socioeconomic grievances and that electoral abstention under non-compulsory voting transforms into invalid votes in the second round under compulsory voting when voters’ choices are limited. These findings contribute to the current research on invalid voting, electoral systems, and electoral behavior in Peruvian municipalities.
An investigation of the phytochemical richness of fresh Musa paradisiaca L. (plantain) stem juice and its anticonvulsant potential on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-challenged rats

This study was aimed at determining the therapeutic value of fresh Musa paradisiaca L. (MP) stem juice as a potential treatment for epileptic convulsions using a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model in rats. Six groups of albino rats (n = 4) were involved in the study. Group I was treated with normal saline (p.o), while group II was untreated and group III received diazepam (4 mg/kg, p.o). Group IV, V and VI received 50, 75 and 100% v/v oral dose of MP stem juice, respectively). The treatment lasted for 10 days, followed by PTZ (85 mg/kg b.w, i.p) administration 60 min later. Lethality test and phytochemical screening were conducted. The rats were closely watched and meticulously monitored for seizure manifestations/episodes with the aid of a stop watch. From the results, the MP stem juice up to 100% (v/v) was safe in mice and numerous bioactive compounds were found with phenols being the most abundant (9.46 ± 0.03 mg/g), followed by alkaloids (5.54 ± 0.98 mg/g) and �avonoids (4.27 ± 1.23 mg/g). For the seizure manifestation, three intermittent seizures (episodes 1, 2 and 3) were observed and the stem juice (75 and 100% v/v) signi�cantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency periods of episode 1 tonic and clonic seizures. The stem juice at 50% (v/v) delayed the onset of episode 2 seizures for over 10 minutes more than the untreated group. The groups that received 75 and 100% (v/v) of the stem juice did not experience seizures during the episode 2 as seen in episode 1. The standard and the test groups did not experience seizure during the episode 3.
Amodal Intra-class Instance Segmentation: Synthetic Datasets and Benchmark

Images of realistic scenes often contain intra-class objects that are heavily occluded from each other, making the amodal perception task that requires parsing the occluded parts of the objects challenging. Although important for downstream tasks such as robotic grasping systems, the lack of large-scale amodal datasets with detailed annotations makes it difficult to model intra-class occlusions explicitly. This paper introduces two new amodal datasets for image amodal completion tasks, which contain a total of over 267K images of intra-class occlusion scenarios, annotated with multiple masks, amodal bounding boxes, dual order relations and full appearance for instances and background. We also present a point-supervised scheme with layer priors for amodal instance segmentation specifically designed for intra-class occlusion scenarios 1 . Experiments show that our weakly supervised approach outperforms the SOTA fully supervised methods, while our layer priors de-sign exhibits remarkable performance improvements in the case of intra-class occlusion in both synthetic and real images.
Survival and Malignant Transformation of Pineal Parenchymal Tumors: A 30-Year Retrospective Analysis in a Single-Institution

Background This study aims to elucidate clinical features, therapeutic strategies, and prognosis of pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT) by analyzing a 30-year dataset of a single institution. Methods We reviewed data from 43 patients diagnosed with PPT at Seoul National University Hospital between 1990 and 2020. We performed survival analyses and assessed prognostic factors. Results The cohort included 10 patients with pineocytoma (PC), 13 with pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation (PPTID), and 20 with pineoblastoma (PB). Most patients presented with hydrocephalus at diagnosis. Most patients underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy, with some undergoing additional resection after diagnosis confirmation. Radiotherapy was administered with a high prevalence of gamma knife radiosurgery for PC and PPTID, and craniospinal irradiation for PB. Chemotherapy was essential in the treatment of grade 3 PPTID and PB. The 5-year progression-free survival rates for PC, grade 2 PPTID, grade 3 PPTID, and PB were 100%, 83.3%, 0%, and 40%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival rates were 100%, 100%, 40%, and 55%, respectively. High-grade tumor histology was associated with lower survival rates. Significant prognostic factors varied among tumor types, with World Health Organization (WHO) grade and leptomeningeal seeding (LMS) for PPTID, and the extent of resection and LMS for PB. Three patients experienced malignant transformations. Conclusion This study underscores the prognostic significance of WHO grades in PPT. It is necessary to provide specific treatment according to tumor grade. Grade 3 PPTID showed a poor prognosis. Potential LMS and malignant transformations necessitate aggressive multimodal treatment and close-interval screening.
Permian non-marine bivalves of the Falkland Islands and their palaeoenvironmental significance

Simões, M.G. , Quaglio, F. , Warren, L. , Anelli, L.E. , Stone, P., Riccomini, C. , Grohmann, C.H. & Chamani, M.A.C. December 2012. Permian non-marine bivalves of the Falkland Islands and their palaeoenvironmental significance. Alcheringa 36, 543–554. ISSN 0311-5518. We describe the occurrence of non-marine bivalves in exposures of the Middle Permian (Capitanian) Brenton Loch Formation on the southern shore of Choiseul Sound, East Falklands. The bivalves are associated with ichnofossils and were collected from a bed in the upper part of the formation, within a 25 cm thick interval of dark siltstones and mudstones with planar lamination, overlain by massive sandstones. The shells are articulated, with the valves either splayed open or closed. At the top of the succession, mudstone beds nearly 1.5 m above the bivalve-bearing layers yielded well-preserved Glossopteris sp. cf. G. communis leaf fossils. The closed articulated condition of some shells indicates preservation under high sedimentation rates with low residence time of bioclasts at the sediment/water interface. However, the presence of specimens with splayed shells is usually correlated to the slow decay of the shell ligament in oxygen-deficient bottom waters. The presence of complete carbonized leaves of Glossopteris associated with the bivalve-bearing levels also suggests a possibly dysoxic-anoxic bottom environment. Overall, our data suggest that the bivalves were preserved by abrupt burial, possibly by distal sediment flows into a Brenton Loch lake, and may represent autochthonous to parautochthonous fossil accumulations. The shells resemble those of anthracosiids and are herein assigned to Palaeanodonta sp. aff. P. dubia, a species also found in the Permian succession of the Karoo Basin, South Africa. Our results confirm that (a) the true distributions in space and time of all Permian non-marine (freshwater) bivalves are not yet well known, and (b) there is no evidence for marine conditions in the upper part of the Brenton Loch Formation.
Rate of Full Hepatitis B Vaccination and its Associated Factors among Medical Workers in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Jinja District, Eastern Uganda

Hepatitis stands for “inflammation of the liver” and five types of viruses can cause viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus that only can infect humans and today 240 million people are infected by chronic HBV in the world. The infectious agent in HBV is transmitted with body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, semen, saliva, and mucous membranes. This study was carried out to determine the rate of full hepatitis B vaccination and its associated factors among medical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja District, Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design using unbiased descriptive qualitative and quantitative approaches was done to determine the rate of full hepatitis B vaccination and its associated factors among medical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja District, Eastern Uganda. A sample of 245 medical workers was recruited for the study. Majority 125(51.0%) were aged 18-35 years, 109(44.5%) were Basoga by tribe, many 92(37.6%) were catholic, many 105(43.8%) were of diploma level of education, and lastly majority 157(64.1%) were married. Only 22 (9.0%) adhered to hepatitis B vaccination i.e. got all 3 doses while 223(91%) did not adhere i.e. get the 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccination. It was found that none of the socio-demographic factors has a p-value less than 0.2. Thus, no sociodemographic factor proceeded to the multivariate analysis. The study found that family support, friends support and partner support had a p-value less than 0.2. Thus, proceeded for multivariate analysis showed family support and partner support were significantly related to full hepatitis B vaccination. Participants who were supported by their partners were 24.55 times more likely to complete the hepatitis B vaccination dose compared to those not supported by their partners. Finally, participants who were not supported by their families were 2% less likely to complete the hepatitis B vaccination dose compared to those supported by their families. The rate of full Hepatitis B vaccination was established to be low (only 9.0% adhered to full vaccination against Hepatitis B ) while a substantial number of respondents (91% did not adhere to full Hepatitis B vaccination as per the guidelines) among medical workers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. This reflects a potential danger to medical workers who could accidentally acquire HBV infection. Therefore, the study drew recommendations that the vaccination policy on HBV should be strengthened and implemented, and follow-up strategies for those vaccinated to ensure full dose completion. There is a need to increase the availability of personal protective gear and usage by health workers for protection during contact with patients. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Vaccination, Inflammation, Liver disease, medical workers, Family support.
Hydro‐mechanical response of Opalinus Clay during excavation works – a synopsis from the Mont Terri URL

Indurated clay formations are under consideration as potential host rock formations for the disposal of radioactive waste in several countries. The favourable features of such formations for deep geological repositories include an excellent hydraulic barrier function, high capacity for dissolved radionuclide retention and considerable self‐sealing potential. The development of a brittle fracture network (excavation‐induced damage zone, EDZ) around underground structures during construction and operation cannot however be avoided. To assess the impact of the EDZ on long‐term safety of the repository, a detailed structural inventory of the fracture network and the relevant hydro‐mechanical phenomena and processes during excavation and the subsequent operation phase is required. This then forms the geomechanical basis for the development of conceptual and numerical models of the EDZ. Here we present some empirical and experimental evidence from the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (URL), summarizing the key phenomena and processes associated with the creation and evolution of an EDZ in the Opalinus Clay. In particular, the significance of rock mass anisotropy is highlighted, both as a likely origin for far‐reaching pore fluid pressure changes and as a controlling factor in EDZ development during the excavation process.
Smiling and Laughter in Naturally Occurring Dyadic Interactions: Relationship to Conversation, Body Contacts, and Displacement Activities

Although research suggests that different types of smiles have different meaning, and possibly different functions, observational evidence to support that claim is relatively rare. The present study reports ethological observations on the frequency of smiling and laughter during naturally occurring dyadic interactions taking place in bars and cafés. Smiles were classified along two dimensions: spontaneous/deliberate and open/closed. Younger individuals displayed more laughter, spontaneous smiles and open smiles. People tended to smile more to individuals of their own sex and this was particularly salient for closed smiles, which appeared at significantly higher rates in male dyads. Different forms of smiles and laughter also varied with the behavioural context, characterized in this study by conversation time, displacement activities, and body contacts. The present findings also suggest that laughter plays a role in regulating partners’ speech. This article supports the assumption that different forms of smiles have different functions in social relationships: Open and spontaneous smiles could be related to affiliation/bondings; whereas closed and deliberate smiles could be related to the regulation of status-based social interactions. The relationship between smiling and laughter is also discussed.
Evaluation of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Fournier’s Gangrene

Introduction Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), including Fournier's gangrene (FG), are severe polymicrobial bacterial infections characterized by rapidly spreading inflammation and tissue necrosis. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing and conventional dressing in patients with FG. Materials and methods A prospective study was conducted from December 2020 to May 2022, including patients with clinical features suggestive of FG. Patients were divided into two groups: conventional dressing and VAC dressing. Relevant clinical data, including age, duration of hospital stay, wound status, Fournier's gangrene severity index (FGSI) scores, sepsis markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and procalcitonin), and pain assessment, were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 84 patients were included in the study, with 42 patients in each group. The mean age was 57.48 ± 15.74 years in the conventional dressing group and 50.83 ± 13.95 years in the VAC dressing group. VAC dressing was associated with a significantly shorter duration of hospital stay (8.14 ± 3.13 days) compared to conventional dressing (11.36 ± 4.75 days). The average time taken for wound closure was significantly reduced in the VAC dressing group (63 ± 14.81 days) compared to the conventional dressing group (112.56 ± 13.82 days). FGSI scores showed significant improvement after debridement in both groups, with lower scores in the VAC dressing group at discharge. Sepsis markers such as CRP and serum procalcitonin exhibited a significant decrease after VAC application. Discussion The study demonstrates that VAC therapy is associated with better clinical outcomes in FG, including reduced duration of hospital stay, faster wound closure, improved FGSI scores, decreased sepsis markers, and reduced pain. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the advantages of VAC therapy over conventional dressing methods. Conclusion VAC therapy provides significant benefits in the management of FG, leading to improved clinical outcomes and patient quality of life. It offers advantages such as shorter hospital stays, faster wound closure, and reduced sepsis markers. The application of VAC dressing should be considered a valuable treatment modality for FG.
Incidence of Diarrhea and Contributing Factors in Nakaloke Town Council, Eastern Uganda, among Children Below 5 Years of Age

Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in children, with 3.2 million deaths in low and middle-income countries in 2013 due to infectious diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diarrhea and identify risk factors among children under five years old in Nakaloke Town Council, Mbale District, Uganda. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 parent or caretaker/children pairs between April 3rd and 12th, 2020. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaires and analyzed using Univariate analysis and modified Poisson regression. The mean age of the study participants was 32.74 months, and the prevalence of diarrhea in the two weeks preceding the study was 36.00%. Maternal and childhood-related factors independently associated with diarrhea included a child's age of ≥45 months, a birth order of 2 versus 1, non-vaccination against Rotavirus, and maternal secondary education versus illiteracy. Water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors included drinking water from unprotected wall springs and having no handwashing facility beside the toilet. Keywords: Diarrhea diseases, Infectious diseases, Drinking water, Sanitation, Hygiene.
Evaluating the Suitability of the Plantaris Tendon for Sports Trauma Reconstruction and a Predictive Model of Tendon Length Based on Height and Leg Length

This study evaluates the suitability of the plantaris tendon (PT) as a tendon graft donor for sports trauma reconstruction and proposes a predictive model for estimating PT length by using an individual’s height and leg length. Anatomical dissection of 50 cadavers (32 males and 18 females) yielded precise measurements of PT length and width while also recording height and leg length. Among the lower limbs, 89% were suitable for at least one recommended graft suitability criterion. In addition, PT length exhibited robust positive correlations with height and leg length. Predictive equations were established for estimating the PT length based on leg length and height with consistency across sexes and sides: PT length = 0.605 + 0.396 × leg length (r = 0.721) and PT length = 1.480 + 0.193 × height (r = 0.626). This study underscores the grafting potential of the PT, providing a predictive tool that can aid surgeons in addressing tendon graft challenges within sports trauma scenarios.
The Necessity of New Versions of Bilateral Trade Balances and COVID-19: The Nonlinear ARDL Approach for the USA and Japan

This study aims to reveal the need to reformulate new forms of Bilateral Trade Balances (BTBs) for a country rather than a traditional BTB. This is because the traditional BTB ratio, based on total exports and defined as the total exports/total imports ratio, cannot classify and quantify a BTB based on its economic impact content. It fails to classify because countries also export goods already imported (denotes re-export) besides exporting their domestic goods produced within the country (denotes domestic export). It also fails to quantify because, while domestic goods undergo a value-added process within a country, re-exported goods do not. In this context, for the first time, this study attempts to reformulate/reinvestigate new forms of BTBs as production-related BTB, based on domestic export and non-production-related BTB, based on re-export for the USA with Japan. Empirical findings confirm the necessity and cruciality of the proposed methodology in this study. JEL Codes: F10, F14
The analysis of performance test results of Polish Landrace pigs from Bydgoszcz breeding area.

Statistical analysis covered the results of performance test of 33 290 Polish Landrace (PL) pigs, (15 760 young boars and 17 530 gilts) tested in 1995-2001 in the activity region of Regional Animal Breeding Centre (Bydgoszcz breeding area), covering Kujawy-Pomorze Province. From 1995 till 2001 meat content of carcass increased in young boars and gilts by 2.9 and 3.3 per cent points, respectively. Selection index was the highest in pigs tested in 1999 (120.2 points in young boars and 122.2 points in gilts) while the lowest in 1995 differring from year 1999 by 13.4 points in young boars and by 16.5 points in gilts. Results of performance test showed the effective improvement of Polish Landrace breed in Bydgoszcz breeding area.