Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Level With Clinical and Endoscopic Parameters in Decompensated Chronic Liver Disease

Background: The amount of liver fibrosis usually correlates with portal pressure, which is measured as the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). The fact that portal pressure significantly decreases after treatment may increase cirrhotic patients' long-term survival suggests that measuring HVPG may offer specific information for outcome prediction. The study thus seeks to determine the relationship between the level of the HVPG and endoscopic and clinical parameters in decompensated chronic liver disease (CLD). Methodology: Thirty patients with CLD were studied and subjected to serum creatinine, total bilirubin, serum sodium, serum albumin, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), esophagogastroduodenoscopy (upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy), and transjugular or transfemoral catheterization for HVPG measurement, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score were calculated. Results: The results indicates a strong positive connection between MELD and HVPG, which is statistically significant (r=0.754; p<0.001). Similarly, CTP and HVPG also exhibit a significant positive association (r=0.793; p<0.001) suggesting a link between the severity of liver disease. Additionally, the moderate positive correlation for encephalopathy has a significant value (r=0.584; p=0.001), while the weak positive correlations for serum bilirubin, INR, and HVPG have non-significant values (r=0.244; p=0.194, and r=0.375; p=0.041, respectively). A strong negative connection between serum albumin and HVPG was also found (r=0.546; p=0.005) suggesting a relationship between worsening liver function. Conclusion: In patients with decompensated CLD, the severity of the CLD as measured by the CTP and MELD score corresponds with HVPG, and higher HVPG associated with severe CLD and severe ascites, large varices, and variceal hemorrhage. Higher HVPG in cirrhotic patients also suggests the existence of sequelae, such as varices, severe ascites, and severe hepatic encephalopathy, although HVPG has little bearing on the underlying cause.
Magmatic and tectonic controls on the evolution of oceanic magma chambers at slow-spreading ridges: Perspectives from ophiolitic and continental layered intrusions

Oceanic lithosphere formed at slow-spreading ridges shows pronounced lateral and vertical variations in crustal thickness and architecture as a result of a complex interplay between magmatic and tectonic processes. Emplacement of magma at slow-spreading centers is dominantly controlled by injection of sills, dikes, and ephemeral chambers. The internal evolution of such magma reservoirs is controlled by processes similar to those inferred to dominate the evolution of magma chambers at fast-spreading ridges. Magma chambers crystallize and undergo differentiation along their margins and floors by forming crystal-mush zones. Such zones solidify by compaction and vertical melt migration and by recycling of magma into the main reservoir. Compaction and plastic flow in the crystal mush result in banding and foliation and intensify preexisting modal layering and lamination. The presence of thick crystal-mush zones and their solidification by compaction and interstitial melt migration are common features of many continental, ophiolitic, and oceanic magma chambers. The magma-chamber development at slow-spreading centers, such as the Southwest Indian Ridge, may significantly be affected by tectonic uplift and withdrawal of the bulk of magma from the melt chambers. These processes collectively may result in cessation of compaction and a high concentration of trapped interstitial liquid in the partially solidified gabbro mush near the former segregation and crystallization front. This interstitial trapped liquid will crystallize to form evolved ferrogabbros partially as a result of lateral migration and syn- and post-tectonic channeled melt movement into uplift-induced pressure-release zones. Such fossil compaction profiles are not commonly recognized from layered gabbros of stable continental cratons and margins, but may be expected to occur more commonly in ophiolitic complexes. In general, magma-chamber processes that operate to develop gabbroic complexes at slow-spreading ridges are similar in many respects to those inferred from continental layered intrusions and from gabbros in fossil oceanic crust as preserved in ophiolites.
Impression management in bankruptcy: An analysis of the narratives in listed companies

Managers tend to use opportunistically corporate narrative disclosure when financial performance is poor. However, there is little research on impression management in situations of extreme distress, such as bankruptcy. This paper analyzes ten textual characteristics of corporate reports at two moments in time, the last year just before entering the legal bankruptcy procedure (sick year) and five years earlier (healthy year). Specifically, it investigates the management reports of all bankrupt listed companies in Spain from 2005 to 2019. Our findings near bankruptcy only show behavior that may be compatible with impression management in relation to length and positive language. Litigation risk associated with bankruptcy may condition managers’ attitudes to using narratives in a self-serving manner. Our results are also robust if we only test the most financially distressed bankrupt companies. This paper contributes to the understanding of impression management in companies in conditions of extreme financial distress. Los directivos suelen utilizar la información narrativa de forma oportunista cuando el desempeño empresarial es deficiente. Sin embargo, hay pocas investigaciones sobre estas prácticas de impression management en situaciones de extrema dificultad, como en concurso de acreedores. Este trabajo analiza diez características textuales de la información financiera en dos momentos de tiempo, el último año justo antes de entrar en concurso de acreedores (año enfermo) y cinco años antes (año sano). En concreto, se investigan los informes de gestión de todas las empresas cotizadas en concurso de acreedores en España desde 2005 hasta 2019. Los resultados, en el año antes de entrar en concurso, únicamente muestran un comportamiento que puede ser compatible con prácticas de impression management en el caso de la extensión del documento y del lenguaje positivo. El riesgo de litigio asociado al concurso de acreedores puede condicionar la actitud de los directivos a la hora de utilizar la información narrativa de forma sesgada. Los resultados también son robustos si sólo se analizan las empresas en concurso que se encuentran en una peor situación financiera. Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión de las prácticas de impression management en condiciones de extrema dificultad financiera.
Maximum permissible technological parameters of frame-filling filters

Relevance. Wastewater of knitting industry contains various types of dyes, synthetic surfactants, mineral salts and suspended solids in values requiring deep cleaning. It is advisable to carry out deep cleaning of these drains on non-pressure filters, which do not require large expenses and are easy to operate. We gave preference to frame-filling filters. First of all, it allows significant increase in filtration rate, and its two layers with different fractions of filter materials significantly contributes to differentiated purification of wastewater from suspended solids of various sizes. Aim. To determine the maximum permissible values of technological parameters of the frame-filling filters operation (filtration rate and duration of the filter cycle) at which high filtration effect is provided through a highly porous material-crushed expanded clay. Objects. Wastewaters of the knitting industry and the effluents of the cotton and textile industries that are similar in their composition of pollution, as well as the identical effluents of some other branches of light industry. Methods. The experimental method was used on a laboratory frame-filling filter installation. The expanded clay used was obtained by the method of swelling low-melting clays and clay rocks during their rapid firing, followed by crushing to the state of sand. In general, the proposed technological methods are justified by those comparative and generalizing methods that can improve frame-filling filter operation. Results and conclusions. Based on the results of the conducted research, the following conclusions can be drawn: Pronounced intergranular porosity (on average 1.6 times greater than that of quartz sand) allows expanded clay granules passing through a significant amount of waste water at relatively high filtration speeds (20–22 m h) and retain up to 70% of suspended solids The duration of the filter cycle when using crushed expanded clay is at least 1.5 times longer than when using quartz sand Due to the greater difference in the average coefficients of the shape of the filtering materials, more complete regeneration of filtering properties of crushed expanded clay compared to quartz sand is provided 2–3 minutes earlier, regardless of the initial concentration of suspended substances. The filtering properties of crushed expanded clay during deep wastewater treatment of the knitted production with the main concentrated pollution indicators (color intensity, BODfull, COD and surfactants) practically do not concede the quartz sand properties. Besides, crushed expanded clay is much cheaper than quartz sand; it can be used on an equal footing with quartz sand for deep cleaning of low-turbidity and slightly colored industrial wastewater.
Composite Islamic Finance Index: A performance base measure of Islamic Financial Sector of Pakistan

Islamic indices are now paramount to Islamic Finance because they specify how Islamic investors evaluate the financial markets and the spectrum of financial instruments available for investment. This research created Pakistan's first-ever Islamic Finance Index (IFI). It incorporates a total of five variables, including IBFIN (Islamic Banks Financing), IBINV (Islamic Banks Investment), IBROA (Islamic Banks Return on Assets), IBROE (Islamic Bank's Return on Equity), and TCPBT (Takaful Companies Profit Before Tax) regarding Islamic insurance. Annual data from 2005 to 2022 was incorporated. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to create this index, and various diagnostics were applied. The results revealed that Pakistan's Islamic finance industry gradually increased from 2005 and peaked in 2020, then declined slightly during COVID-19 but is on track to rise again from the third quarter of 2021 till now. The study's final results divulged that Pakistan's Islamic financial industry was not severely affected and was strong enough to survive during COVID-19 rather than collapse. This study is precious in serving policymakers, financial analysts, and potential investors in understanding the performance of Pakistan's overall Islamic finance industry.
Alternative to myrobolan rootstock for apricot cultivation.

The choice of apricot rootstock is first determined by the soil conditions; the adaptation to particular soil conditions being crucial for tree survival. Additionally, growers could be interested in low-vigour rootstocks for better vigour control and fruit quality. In Switzerland, apricots are traditionally cultivated on Myrobolan, which is too vigorous for high soil fertility and, thus, not adapted for high-density planting. Therefore, an enlarged vigour range is needed in order to produce high quality fruits. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different rootstocks on survival and agronomic performances of the cultivar Luizet. A trial with ten different rootstocks was carried out in 1992 in the conditions of central Valais (Switzerland). Trees were traditionally trained as free-standing multiple leader (5.0 m x 3.5 m; 571 trees/ha). The rootstocks were selected according to their compatibility with light-sandy soil, slightly limestone (pH 7.6) and to cover the largest vigour range. From the 3 rd to the 12 th year, vigour evolution (trunk cross-area), productivity, yield as well as fruit size were determined. Citation, Rubira and Jaspi showed a vigour reduction of 35 to 45% compared to Myrobolan, while GF655-2, W61, Pixy and Torinel showed a decrease of 15 to 25%. GF43 and Myrabolan were of similar vigour and Julior showed a 20% higher vigour. The productivity was increased by 30% for Citation and reduced by 3%, 4% and 33% for Jaspi, Torinel and Julior, respectively. These four rootstocks induced a better fruit weight compared to Myrobolan. High decline rate has been observed with GF655-2, W 61, Pixy and Rubira; therefore, these selections cannot be recommended in our conditions. On the contrary, Citation is promising where densification requires dwarfing rootstocks. Torinel is a good alternative to traditional Myrobolan, inducing a slight vigour reduction and better fruit size, and Julior could be useful where hillside situation or poor soil fertility require stronger vigour.
The Influence of Digital Literacy and Digital Leadership Mediated by Employee Motivation on the Performance of East Java Province Government ASN Employees

The increasingly rapid development of technology has led to an increase in people's needs for fast and maximum service. This causes the East Java Provincial Government through the State Civil Apparatus as public servants to be required to have good Digital Literacy and optimize digital leadership which has an impact on Work Motivation and Performance. The aim of the research is to analyze the influence of Digital Literacy and Digital Leadership on Performance through Work Motivation. Quantitative type research conducted at the East Java Provincial Government. The research population was 199 ASN of the East Java Provincial Government, using the Slovin method to determine the research sample, resulting in a total sample of 133 people. The data collection technique uses an online questionnaire via Google Form. Data analysis techniques use SEM AMOS and Sobel Test. The research results prove that Digital Literacy and Digital Leadership have a significant effect on Employee Motivation and ASN Performance. Apart from that, Employee Motivation is able to mediate the relationship between Digital Literacy and Leadership on ASN Performance
Icariin Improves Stress Resistance and Extends Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans through hsf-1 and daf-2-Driven Hormesis

Aging presents an increasingly significant challenge globally, driven by the growing proportion of individuals aged 60 and older. Currently, there is substantial research interest in pro-longevity interventions that target pivotal signaling pathways, aiming not only to extend lifespan but also to enhance healthspan. One particularly promising approach involves inducing a hormetic response through the utilization of natural compounds defined as hormetins. Various studies have introduced the flavonoid icariin as beneficial for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. To validate its potential pro-longevity properties, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an experimental platform. The accumulated results suggest that icariin extends the lifespan of C. elegans through modulation of the DAF-2, corresponding to the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in humans. Additionally, we identified increased resistance to heat and oxidative stress, modulation of lipid metabolism, improved late-life healthspan, and an extended lifespan upon icariin treatment. Consequently, a model mechanism of action was provided for icariin that involves the modulation of various players within the stress-response network. Collectively, the obtained data reveal that icariin is a potential hormetic agent with geroprotective properties that merits future developments.
Utilization of Waste Natural Fibers Mixed with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bicomponent Fiber: Incorporating Kapok and Cattail Fibers for Nonwoven Medical Textile Applications

Disposable surgical gowns are usually made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers that do not naturally decompose, impacting the environment. A promising approach to diminish the environmental impact of disposable gowns involves utilizing natural fibers and/or bio-based synthetic fibers. In this study, composite webs from polylactic acid (PLA) bicomponent fiber and natural fibers, cattail and kapok fibers, were prepared using the hot press method. Only the sheath region of the PLA bicomponent fiber melted, acting as an adhesive that enhanced the strength and reduced the thickness of the composite web compared with its state before hot pressing. The mechanical and physical properties of these composite webs were evaluated. Composite webs created from kapok fibers displayed a creamy yellowish-white color, while those made from cattail fibers showed a light yellowish-brown color. Additionally, the addition of natural fibers endowed the composite webs with hydrophobic properties. The maximum natural fiber content, at a ratio of 30:70 (natural fiber to PLA fiber), can be incorporated while maintaining proper water vapor permeability and mechanical properties. This nonwoven material presents an alternative with the potential to replace petroleum-based surgical gowns.
Rare Earth Deposits of Africa

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are a group of chemicallycoherent elements that are critical to a wide range of modern high technology applications and the critical strategic role of REE to the economic development of the U.S.A. , European Union and Japan has been recognised. China holds a near monopoly over the supply of REE and REE products-accounting for around 95% of the global supply in 2010. These factors triggered a rush to discover REE deposits and develop REE production outside of China. At the beginning of 2015 there were 11 advanced REE projects on the African continent-projects on which formally defined resources had been published. This review represents the first compilation of the geology, style of mineralisation, size and character of these REE resources drawing on reports in the public domain.
Svx Peptidases of Phytopathogenic Pectolytic Bacteria: Structural, Catalytic and Phytoimmune Properties

Svx proteins are virulence factors secreted by phytopathogenic bacteria of the Pectobacterium genus into the host plant cell wall. Svx-encoding genes are present in almost all species of the soft rot Pectobacteriaceae (Pectobacterium and Dickeya genera). The Svx of P. atrosepticum (Pba) has been shown to be a gluzincin metallopeptidase that presumably targets plant extensins, proteins that contribute to plant cell wall rigidity and participate in cell signaling. However, the particular “output” of the Pba Svx action in terms of plant-pathogen interactions and plant immune responses remained unknown. The Svx proteins are largely unexplored in Dickeya species, even though some of them have genes encoding two Svx homologs. Therefore, our study aims to compare the structural and catalytic properties of the Svx proteins of Pba and D. solani (Dso) and to test the phytoimmune properties of these proteins. Two assayed Dso Svx proteins, similar to Pba Svx, were gluzincin metallopeptidases with conservative tertiary structures. The two domains of the Svx proteins form electronegative clefts where the active centers of the peptidase domains are located. All three assayed Svx proteins possessed phytoimmunosuppressory properties and induced ethylene-mediated plant susceptible responses that play a decisive role in Pba-caused disease.
Seismic reliability assessment of multi-storey R/C frames

The reliability of a regular multi-storey R/C frame designed to the Eurocodes for the medium ductility class is assessed. The adopted methodology considers random member capacity and interstorey drift, different spatial distribution scenarios and several failure criteria for both the serviceability and ultimate limit states. The uncertainty in the seismic input is accounted for by means of a small set of real accelerograms covering a wide range of seismic parameters, verified to give very similar results as those obtained using larger sets. The vulnerability curves obtained describe the probability of attaining a particular limit state given an earthquake of a particular intensity. These are consequently convoluted with appropriate seismic hazard curves for the derivation of the unconditional probability of failure for a given design lifetime. Adequate safety margins are found to exist for the ULS, whereas for the SLS these vary significantly depending on the criterion used to define the attainment of this state. Furthermore, the ULS results are used for an assessment of the EC8 behaviour factor.
Phylogenetics and biogeography of Australian subterranean Parabathynellidae.

8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 10 CHAPTER I: General Introduction . 13 Introduction to subterranean environments . 14 Biogeography of subterranean fauna . 15 Conservation importance and management of stygofauna . 16 The use of molecular data to inform conservation management . 17 Parabathynellidae – an example of stygofaunal biodiversity . 20 Systematics and classification of parabathynellids . 22 Parabathynellid biogeography . 24 Project aims . 25 References . 26 CHAPTER II: What lies beneath: molecular phylogenetics and ancestral state reconstruction of the ancient subterranean Australian Parabathynellidae (Syncarida, Crustacea) . 34 Abstract . 37. 37 Introduction . 37 Methods . 40 Sampling . 40 Criteria for assessing new species and genera . 40 Sequencing protocols . 46 Sequence analysis . 47 Ancestral state reconstruction . 47 Results . 49 Phylogenetic analysis . 49 Phylogenetic relationships . 50 Genetic divergences . 53 Ancestral state analysis . 54
Providing a Landslide Susceptibility Map in Nancheng County, China, by Implementing Support Vector Machines

The main objective of the present study was to apply a Support Vector Machine for the construction of a landslide susceptibility map in the Nancheng area, China. The analysis was based on a database of 224 sites that was classified into non-landslide and landslide areas. Eight geo – environmental variables were analyzed, namely: lithology, soil, slope, aspect, elevation, topographic wetness index, distance to rivers and distance to faults. The database, 224 sites were separated into a training dataset (70%) and a validation dataset (30%). The validation of the outcomes was achieved using statistical evaluation measures, the receiving operating characteristic and the area under the prediction rate curves. In order to question the predictive performance of the Support Vector Machine, a Naive Bayes classifier was also utilized, in its predictive accuracy was estimated. The analysis showed that the Support Vector Machine identified correctly 89.70% of the instances during the validation, followed by the Naive Bayes model (86.78%).