Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of a Hand Orthosis for People with Deficiency of the Medial, Radial, and Ulnar Nerves

The reduced mobility in hand is a problem that prevents daily activities such as feeding, bathing, brushing, dressing, grabbing objects, and losing autonomy in everyday situations. The hand disability is mainly due to the deficiency of the ulnar, medial, and radial nerves, which prevents adequate hand movements. In consequence, various assistive technologies are proposed to assist mobility, communication, self-help, and domestic activities. An alternative is the use of active orthosis, which by this proof of concept, the person can perform adequate hand movements. This paper aims to introduce a 3D active orthosis of PLA Plus designed by the Creative Lab in the Universidad Santiago de Cali, which includes an actuator and a low-cost myoelectric signal acquisition system, with two input channels. Finger flexion/extension movements and resting-state were performed. The user’s intention is decoded processing rectified and integrated myoelectric signals. An on-off control algorithm was implemented to generate commands that control orthosis movements. The system is controlled by a person who has a disability due to a C5 and C6 spinal trauma that generated muscular atrophy in the distal level of the hand. Results showed the controlled flexion and extension of the fingers with a good performance. This system assists people with disabilities in the ulnar, medial, and radial nerves to make proper hand movements. The design of the above-mentioned orthosis allows individuals to carry out daily living activities to improve their quality of life.
Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in Urban Habitats

(1) Collared doves Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky) were studied in two industrial areas, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire and Trafford Park, Manchester. Both sites were primarily feeding places, and the birds obtained their food in the form of spillage and stored products from processing factories, mills and warehouses; in these circumstances, the food supply is reasonably constant throughout the year. Data on breeding was also gathered at a semi-rural site at Soham, Cambridgeshire. (2) At Ellesmere Port, collared doves roosted close to food sources. Peak numbers occurred in winter and, during the first four years of the study, tended to increase annually, reflecting increasing food supplies. Following drastic building changes, which affected roosting and feeding areas, the population declined. Adults and juveniles tended to move less than those at Trafford Park, suggesting a fairly stable population. (3) At Trafford Park, collared doves roosted throughout the suburban areas of south-west Manchester in a radius of about 7 km around the main study site. During the six years of the study, peak numbers remained relatively constant, fluctuation being caused mainly through food shortages at subsidiary feeding places or through spillage clearance schemes. In contrast to Ellesmere Port, peak numbers occurred in summer when surplus birds from the surrounding area joined the main feeding flock. (4) Analysis of ringing recoveries by the British Trust for Ornithology reveals that juveniles are more likely than adults to leave places where they were first captured. There was no clear seasonal pattern in the movements but most were towards the north/south-west compass segment. (5) The calculated annual adult and juvenile mortality was 39 and 69% respectively. Shooting probably accounted for most mortality and there was some evidence that the rate increased during the breeding season. (6) Collared doves were in reproductive condition from March to September with maximum gonad size corresponding to the peak period of egg-laying. At Soham, an average 42% hatched with a maximum of 69% in July and August. Egg failure was largely from predation. Overall breeding success was 26% and calculated mean annual productivity was 2.5 young per pair. The seasonal moult begins in March and lasts 9 months with breeding and moulting occurring simultaneously as in other pigeon species. (7) Economic problems of collared doves in a man-made niche are briefly discussed, as is the continued tendency for doves to move in a north-westerly arc. Implications of the retention of a photoperiodic breeding season and of seasonal variations in egg-hatching success are also discussed.
Riding the Populist Wave. Metaphors of Populism and Anti-Populism in the Daily Mail and The Guardian

This paper addresses the construction of the concepts of populism and anti-populism and their metaphorical realisations in British news discourse, and specifically in the Daily Mail and The Guardian, in 2016, a crucial year for populist politics. The analysis of two corpora made of articles from the two newspapers is based on the methodology offered by Corpus Linguistics and Corpus Approach to Critical Metaphor Analysis. The metaphors of populism emerging from the analysis highlight a substantially standardised use of the metaphor POPULISM IS (UPWARD) MOVEMENT, both for populists and anti-populists, but with diverging evaluations. The authors argue that metaphors play a key role in orienting the public perception of populism based on shared modes of understanding social and political life.
The effect of music on the perception of outdoor urban environment

Music may modify the impression of a visual environment. Most studies have explored the effect of music on the perception of various service settings, but the effect of music on the perception of outdoor environments has not yet been adequately explored. Music may make an environment more pleasant and enhance the relaxation effect of outdoor recreational activities. This study investigated the effect of music on the evaluation of urban built and urban natural environments. The participants (N = 94) were asked to evaluate five environments in terms of spatio-cognitive and emotional dimensions while listening to music. Two types of music were selected: music with a fast tempo and music with a slow tempo. In contrast with a previous study by Yamasaki, Yamada & Laukka (2015), our experiment revealed that there was only a slight and not significant influence of music on the evaluation of the environment. The effect of music was mediated by the liking of music, but only in the dimensions of Pleasant and Mystery. The environmental features of the evaluated locations had a stronger effect than music on the evaluation of the environments. Environments with natural elements were perceived as more pleasant, interesting, coherent, and mysterious than urban built environments regardless of the music. It is suggested that the intensity of music may be an important factor in addition to the research methodology, individual variables, and cultural differences.
Physical properties of RE 3 TMSb 5 ( RE = La

Single crystals of RE3TMSb5 (RE = La, Ce; TM = Ti, Zr, Hf) have been grown by Sn flux and characterized by magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the title compounds crystallize into the hexagonal Hf5Sn3Cu-type structure (P63/mcm). The physical property measurements for Ce-containing compounds clearly indicate an antiferromagnetic ordering around 5 K. The effective magnetic moment estimated from magnetic susceptibility measurements is close to the theoretical value, indicating the 4f -electrons of Ce3+ ions are well localized. Magnetization isotherms at T = 2 K show anisotropic behaviour between H ‖ ab and H ‖ c. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity follows a typical Kondo lattice behavior associated with thermal population of crystalline electric field (CEF) levels. The specific heat measurement for Ce-containing compounds reveals a large Cm/T value at low temperatures, which is much bigger than that of La-containing samples. At high temperatures, the CEF energy level scheme is analyzed by fitting to the Schottky peak observed in specific heat, from which the energy level splitting between the three doublet states are found to be 165 and 380 K for all three Ce-containing samples. The resistivity measurements for all La-containing samples indicate an anomalous broad peak structure at high temperatures. We also investigate the previously reported superconductivity observed in La3TiSb5 and Ce3TiSb5 below 4 K. Our resistivity and specific heat measurements show that the superconductivity is not an intrinsic property of the single crystals, and is attributed to residual Sn flux.
Prognostic value of log odds of positive lymph nodes in node-positive lung squamous cell carcinoma patients after surgery: a SEER population-based study

Background Log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) is a novel and promising ratio-based lymph node (LN) staging system in many malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of LODDS, and comprehensively compare the prognostic predictive performance of LODDS with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N classification, number of positive lymph node (NPLN), and lymph node ratio (LNR) among node-positive lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients after surgery. Methods We identified 2,561 patients with N1/N2 stage SCC diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. X-tile analysis was used to calculate the optimal cut-off value for each staging system. Univariable and Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association of cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) with N, NPLN, LNR, and LODDS, separately, and integrally. Moreover, linear trend χ2 score, likelihood ratio (LR) test, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Harrell concordance index (C-index) were adopted as criteria for assessing the predictive ability of each model. Results The optimal cut-off values for NPLN, LNR, and LODDS were 3, 0.28, and −0.37, respectively. N, NPLN, LNR, and LODDS were identified as independent prognostic predictors for CSS and OS in patients with SCC when each of them was incorporated into multivariable Cox model separately. Additionally, LODDS had the higher linear trend χ2 score, higher LR χ2 test score, lower AIC, and higher C-index compared to the other three systems. Moreover, a combination of N, NPLN, and LODDS was superior to any staging system alone for predicting prognosis. Conclusions LODDS showed better predictive performance than N, NPLN, and LNR among patients with node-positive SCC after surgery. A combination of LODDS and the current AJCC TNM classification has the potential for becoming a better staging method to more precisely predicting prognosis.
Determinants of Bank Stability in Indonesia

This study aims to analyse the determinant of banks’ stability in Indonesia, which is very important to ensure that the country’s banking system could be more effective in supporting transmission of monetary policy and more resilient in facing financial crisis. To achieve the objective, this study collected a comprehensive dataset from 94 banks in Indonesia, covering both conventional and Islamic banks, during September 2015 - June 2019 period. The data is subsequently analysed by employing dynamic panel data model. The results show that the main factors that positively influenced banks’ stability in Indonesia are exchange rate, financial inclusion, asset returns, and credit/financing growth. However, interest rates are found to be negatively influenced the stability. The findings are expected to provide insights for policy makers and market players in ensuring that the banks’ stability could be well maintained in Indonesia. The results are also hoped to enrich literature in economics and banking, particularly in emerging markets like Indonesia. JEL Classification : G21. How to Cite: Kasri, R. A. , & Azzahra, C. (2020). Determinants of Bank Stability in Indonesia. Signifikan: Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi , 9 (2), 153-166. doi: http://doi.org/10.15408/sjie.v9i2. 15598.
Protective effect of Coenzyme Q10 against gentamicin induced acute renal failure in mice

Gentamicin is an antibiotic whose clinical use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an effective antioxidant and used for therapy of a number of diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of CoQ10 against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Thirty five adult male mice were used in this study and were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of seven animals as follows: group I: normal control; group II: treated with CoQ10 (30 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days); group III: treated with gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day, i.p. for 14 days); group IV: treated with CoQ10 and gentamicin for 14 days; group V: treated with gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) i.p. for 14 days, after that the animals were given CoQ10 (30 mg/kg/day) orally for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected and serum was separated for the estimation of serum creatinine and urea. Then the mice were sacrificed and kidneys were removed for histopathological study. The biochemical results showed that Coenzyme Q10 administration with gentamicin injections significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine when compared with gentamicin group. Light microscopic examination of the renal tissues from gentamicin-treated mice revealed severe histopathological changes, whereas specimens obtained from CoQ10 treated mice revealed only mild changes. Conclusion: It appears that CoQ10 has some protective role against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management Emerald Article: European Foundation for Quality Management Business Excellence Model: An integrative review and research agenda

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of the research topics and methodologies used in the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Business Excellence Model studies, as well as to suggest a future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach – An integrative literature review methodology was used to explore the diversity of studies being conducted concerning the EFQM model. Findings – Results of the review indicate that the majority of papers are focused on too few research topics (e.g. performance measurement) with limited methodologies (e.g. case study). Research limitations/implications – The paper enables researchers and practitioners to recognize the missing avenues of current studies and how these avenues could be improved. It provides ideas to stimulate researchers to take divergent and multiple methodological facts. It will be helpful to enhance both the quality and volume of the EFQM model studies. Originality/value – This paper identifies the current status of the EFQM model studies in terms of research topic and methodological issues. KeywordsEuropean Foundation for Quality Management, Business Excellence Model, Quality awards, Self assessment Paper type Research paper Introduction The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Business Excellence Model is widely recognized as a representative theory to improve traditional total quality management (TQM) by expanding the narrow quality-oriented concept into a holistic management concept. The EFQM model, an integrative business system, covers all management activities composed of input, process, and output (Black and Crumley, 1997; Seghezzi, 2001). From this theoretical perspective, the evolution of the EFQM model inquiry should be based on various research topics and methodologies in order to cover a wide span of management areas. Despite the key issue related to the employment of research topics and instruments, examining current papers indicates that studies of the EFQM model have not addressed these concerns. Unfortunately, researchers made little effort to identify the current status of the field and propose future research areas. We argue that current studies on the EFQM model have missed the model’s fundamental premise: emphasizing comprehensive exploration and implementation. A number of papers, for instance, have been focused on limited research topics, namely performance measurement and the EFQM model’s paradigm (e.g. Bititci, 1995). Moreover, a dominant design for the research methodologies has The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight. com/0265-671X.htm
Influence of Prohexadione-calcium on Photosynthetic and yield parameters in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L).

Basmati rice cultivars grow taller due to longer internodes but possess shallow rooting system and are thus prone to lodging during panicle development that may reduce yield and efficiency of mechanical harvesting. The main objective of the study was to make use of Prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) to reduce internode elongation to avoid lodging without negatively affecting its yield potential. A field experiment was conducted on three cultivars of basmati rice (Punjab Basmati 2, Punjab Basmati 3 and Pusa Basmati 1121) with treatment allotted in split plot design and foliar application of Pro-Ca @5,10 and 20mg/l were sprayed at vegetative and anthesis stage. Yield contributing parameters (grain yield and plant height) were recorded at maturity. Pro-Ca had promoted the formation of total chlorophyll and carotenoid content in leaves at vegetative and anthesis stages. Plant height significantly decreased in Pro-Ca treated plants and subsequently decreased with increase in the concentration. Pro-Ca treated sets had significant increase in number of spikes/plant and grain/m2. Pro-Ca (20ppm) hindered gibberellins formation reducing plant height in selected basmati rice cultivars, though had positive effect on photosynthetic rate and yield.
A COARSE-TO-FINE BAND REGISTRATION FRAMEWORK FOR MULTI/HYPERSPECTRAL REMOTE SENSING IMAGES CONSIDERING CLOUD INFLUENCE

Abstract. Band registration is one of the most critical steps in the production of multi/hyperspectral images and determines the accuracy of applications directly. Because of the characteristics of imaging devices in some multi/hyperspectral satellites, there may be a time difference between bands during push-broom imaging, which leads to displacements of moving clouds with respect to the ground. And a large number of feature points may gather around cloud contours due to the high contrast and rich texture, resulting in building a transformation more suitable for moving clouds and making ground objects ghosted and blurred. This brings a big challenge for registration methods based on feature extraction and matching. In this paper, we propose a novel coarse-to-fine band registration framework for multi/hyperspectral images containing moving clouds. In the coarse registration stage, a cloud mask is generated by grayscale stretching, morphology and other operations. Based on this mask, a coarse matching of cloud-free regions is performed to eliminate large misalignment between bands. In the refinement stage, low-rank analysis and RASL (Robust Alignment by Sparse and Low-rank decomposition) are used to optimize the rank of coarse results to achieve fine registration between bands. After experiments on a total of 102 images (83 cloudy images and 19 cloud-free images with all 32 bands) from Zhuhai-1 hyperspectral satellite, our method can achieve a registration accuracy of 0.6 pixels in cloudy images, 0.41 pixels in cloud-free images, which is enough for subsequent applications.
ASSESSING VARIABLES AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL DISTRESS OF STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES IN INDONESIA (EMPIRICAL STUDY IN NON-FINANCIAL SECTOR)

The financial distress of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has become the main focus of numerous researchers due to the ongoing financial burden on the state and their inability to secure independent funding. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variables that affect the financial distress of SOEs in Indonesia that have received government subsidies. This research is a quantitative study conducted using secondary data collected from the Indonesian Stock Exchange, from a total of 19 SOEs from 2014 to 2017. The analysis found that investment (X2INV), leverage (X3LEV), cash flow from operating (X4CFO), and firm size (X5SIZE) have a significant negative effect on financial distress in SOEs. It means that increases in these variables will reduce the potential for corporate financial distress. While the independent working capital (X1WC) variable has no significant effect on financial distress, because it is temporary and has a dynamic change, so it is unable to show its influence on financial distress. SOE’s management that receives government subsidies can increase the amount of profitable investment to increase marginal revenue, thereby reducing financial distress. Higher leverage can reduce the level of financial distress, indicating that management uses debt to finance projects that generate higher marginal revenue than marginal costs. This condition has an impact on increasing operating cash flow. The higher the operating cash flow will reduce financial distress.
A modified spectral conjugate gradient method for solving unconstrained minimization problems

The development a modified spectral conjugate gradient method for solving unconstrained minimization problem is considered in this paper. A new Conjugate (update) parameter is obtained by the idea of Dai-Kou's technique for generating conjugate parameters. A new spectral parameter is also presented based on quasi-Newton direction and quasi-Newton condition. Under the strong Wolfe line search, the proposed method is proved to be globally convergent. Numerical results showed that the algorithm takes lesser number of iteration to obtain the minimum of a given function compared to the method Loannis and Panagiotis’s spectral CGM [36] (LP for short), Birgin and Martinez’s spectral CGM [2] (BM for short), and Jinbao, Qian, Xianzhen, Youfang and Jianghua’s spectral CGM [31] ( JQXYJ for short). We hereby recommend this method for the solution of both linear and Non-linear Unconstrained optimization problem. Keywords: Unconstrained minimization problem, Spectral conjugate gradient method, Global convergence, numerical results.
Implementasi Prototyping dalam Perancangan Sistem Informasi Sekolah Desa Pendar Foundation Yogyakarta

Abstrak— Sekolah Desa merupakan sebuah kegiatan pembelajaran nonformal yang didirikan oleh organisasi sosial bernama Pendar Foundation Yogyakarta, bergerak di bidang pendidikan. Sekolah Desa didirikan untuk anak golongan menengah ke bawah dengan tujuan meminimalisir terjadinya kesenjangan sosial di bidang pendidikan. Dalam melaksanakan program Sekolah Desa, Pendar Foundation memiliki berbagai permasalahan. Masalah utama yang dihadapi yaitu pendataan masih dilakukan secara manual dengan sistem kertas sehingga menimbulkan ketidakefektifan dalam pengelolaan data. Oleh karena itu, dibutuhkan sebuah solusi berupa perancangan sistem informasi pendataan yang dapat membantu Pendar Foundation dalam melakukan pendataan Sekolah Desa. Dalam penelitian ini, analisis dan perancangan yang dilakukan menggunakan metode prototyping. Pengembang dan pengguna bersama-sama mendefinisikan kekurangan sistem yang sedang dipakai dan mendiskusikan seluruh spesifikasi sistem yang akan dibangun. Berangkat dari proses listen to customer dan berujung pada test drive mockup, penelitian ini menghasilkan keluhan, analisis kebutuhan dan harapan pengguna, use case diagram sistem, rancangan antarmuka serta hasil testing rancangan antarmuka yang telah dibuat. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat mempermudah kinerja Pendar Foundation dalam melakukan pendataan Sekolah Desa.