Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lower MPV Can Independently Predict Erectile Dysfunction in T2DM

Objectives: To find out the frequency of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients and the association between erectile dysfunction and various clinical and laboratory parameters such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetes control, and cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects and methods: 91 type 2 diabetic patients were screened for erectile dysfunction. Clinical data were collected and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), heart rate, duration of diabetes and diabetes complications mainly peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Laboratory data included testosterone, pituitary gonadotropins, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, complete blood count (CBC), serum creatinine and lipid profile. Associations of testosterone and erectile dysfunction with various clinical and biochemical parameters were studied. Results: Erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 56% of our patients. No significant difference in total testosterone level, LH, FSH or Prolactin level between patients with and those without erectile dysfunction. Patients with peripheral diabetic Neuropathy were significantly at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) [p=0.008]. High HbA1c, Low MPV and low MCH were significant and independent predictors for ED (p= 0.033, 0.033, 0.004 respectively, OR= 1.651, 5.562, 9.524 respectively). Testosterone level was negatively and significantly associated with BMI, heart rate and RDW (p= <0.005, 0.047, 0.028 respectively). Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction is very common among type 2 diabetic patients. It is strongly and directly associated with peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) so, questionnaire and patient examination for PDN and further interrogation of patients complaining of PDN for erectile dysfunction (ED) is of utmost significance. This disorder can be easily predicted by the low MPV and low MCV which are found to be independent predictors in our study population. ED in T2DM is not related to serum testosterone level. Proper control of blood glucose and reaching the target HbA1c can protect diabetic patients from development of such disorder as HbA1c is also found to be a significant independent predictor of it.
Visualization of stratified flows aro und a vertical plate: laboratory experiment and numerical simulation

On the basis of the fundamental system, which includes equations of continuity, momentum, and substance transfer with a linearized equation of state, methods of experimental and numerical study are developed for visualizing the flow perturbation fields generated by uniform horizontal movement of a vertical plate in a stratified medium. The stratified flows were visualized in the laboratory tank by the high-sensitive and high-resolution Schlieren instrument Iab-458 at the stand ‘laboratory Mobile Tank’ of the unique research facility ‘hPC IPMech raS’ and numerically calculated within the frame of the open source CfD utility OpenfOaM using computing resources of cluster systems and supercomputers. both the computation results and the laboratory visualization data show that a vertical plate uniformly moving in a stratified fluid generates flow patterns which contain complex systems of internal waves, including upstream, attached and short ones, and thin interfaces, such as ligaments, formed due to the combined influence of the stratification and dissipation effects. Increase in the velocity of the plate movement leads to an essential restructuring of the wake flow past the plate, where typical vortex elements, such as vortex dipoles and ‘vortex bubbles’, are formed in the divergence zones of the phase surfaces of internal waves. all the flow structural components evolve and actively interact with each other and with the free stream. The observation and calculation results are in a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with each other.
A Design to Visualize Cellphone Communication Log in an Interesting Way ?

Cellphone communication log contains plenty of temporal information which can highly reﬂect a person’s daily routine and social relationships. This paper proposes a novel visualization design to help discover and visually understand the information in an interesting way. Otherwise from prior time-oriented visualizations, our design visualizes detailed temporal information of each call item with a Hollow Spiral Model, simultaneously presents the overview information based on each contact in center of the hollow spiral; retinal variables like color, shape, location and size are artfully utilized to present some additional information. We implement a tool named TelogViz, which enriches our design with a series of interactions including ﬁltering, highlighting, connecting and searching. Case studies demonstrate the e ↵ ectiveness of our scheme that can discover several useful and surprising patterns hidden in the original dataset.
Educational Data Mining: A state-of-the-art survey on tools and techniques used in EDM

Over the last decade, limitless data is generating in the field of education. To process this huge raw data, enormous potential is required beyond the manual and time consuming tasks.With the span of time, analytics and data mining is used to extract useful information from large data repositories. Educational Data Mining (EDM) exploits statistical, machine learning and data mining in the domain of education to analyze and predict the educational data using various approaches. EDM seeks to use online modes of learning to better understand learners and their learning, and develop computational approaches to analyze the facts and figures so as to benefit learners. Various machine learning algorithms and research tools are used in Educational Data Mining for analysis and prediction on different types of educational data. This paper presents a survey of applications and tools used in Educational Data Mining. Also, it presents detailed review of current trends in EDM where techniques and results of recent work done in this field are compared.
Application of design mixture and desirability function in the optimization of pharmaco-technical parameters of macrogols-based suppositories

The objective of this work is to (i) study the effect of variations in the proportions of four Macrogols on the pharmaco-technical characteristics of suppositories, (ii) define the optimal formula for a suppository with immediate effect; maximum disintegration and a minimum of hardness as defined in the European Pharmacopoeia. The lattice design mixture has been proposed as an optimization technique, the formulation factors are presented by the proportions of PEG 400 (X1), PEG 600 (X2), PEG 4000 (X3) and PEG 6000 (X4) and the response variables are (i) the disintegration time (Y1) (ii) the hardness (Y2). The second-degree empirical model was postulated to model the variations of the two response variables using the least-squares method. The selected model explained about 67% and 84% of the variation for Y1 and Y2, respectively. All four factors had significant effects on the properties of the suppository. Interactions negatively affected both responses. The numerical desirability method gave the following optimal formula: PEG400 (28.71334 %); PEG600 (24.23773%), PEG4000 (35.00944%) and PEG6000 (12.03949%) for a disintegration of 25.839 (+/-2.3) min and hardness =2147.321 (+/- 50) g.
EEQRPI-MRP: A Quality of Service Based Interference Aware Multipath Routing Protocol for MANETs

Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) are widely preferred nowadays due to its ability to connect nodes without specific infrastructure which would be a boon to adverse communication devices. Most researchers work is hard to suggest efficient multipath routing protocols. The proposed work is extended from interference-aware expected transmission time routing (IAEETR) with multipath routing. This paper proposes a standard multipath routing protocol named Energy Efficient Quality of Service Routing Scheme to Predict Interference-Multipath Routing Protocol (EEQRPI-MRP) to attain better quality of service in terms of: energy consumption, packet delivery ratio, packet drop, end to end delay and throughput. The proposed multipath routing protocol is compared with other existing protocols such as: Ad-hoc On Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Near Optimal Radio Interference Aware Multipath routing Protocol (NICE-MRP), Efficient Stable Disjoint Multipath Routing Protocol (ESDMR) and Interference Aware Expected Transmission Time Routing (IAEETR). The efficiency of the proposed protocol is evaluated using NS2 simulator. The result shows 58% improvement in predicting optimized routing path and 65% improvement in interference avoidance compared to existing approaches.
The effects of phytohormone application on metabolite profile and the feeding of chewing, piercing-sucking and cell-content herbivores: a study in Jacobaea vulgaris and Jacobaea aquatica

Inducible defences are common strategies in plants. In a previous study methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application on the roots did not increase the total pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) concentration while the PA composition was shifted from less toxic senecionine-like PAs to more toxic erucifoline-like PAs. Here, we analyse whether levels of primary and secondary metabolites are influenced by MeJA and salicylic acid (SA) application. Furthermore, we tested whether herbivores with different feeding modes were affected by application of these phytohormones. We used Jacobaea vulgaris and Jacobaea aquatica as plant species and the chewing caterpillar Mamestra brassicae, the cell-content feeder leafminer Liriomyza trifolii and the piercing-sucking thrips Frankliniella occidentalis as herbivores. PCA analysis showed a clear distinction between the metabolome of MeJA treated, SA treated and control plants. Both phytohormone applications led to significant changes in bins (compounds) of the 1H-NMR spectrum. More bins were up-regulated than down-regulated after MeJA treatment while the reverse was true for the SA treatment. We found significant less feeding damage of M. brassicae and L. trifolii in plants treated by MeJA while no significant difference was found between control and SA treated plants in both plant species. SA treatment rendered J. aquatica more resistant to thrips. Because the concentration of many bins changed, it is difficult to identify the bins that are related to resistance. For thrips resistance we could combine available data for thrips silver damage and NMR analysis for a segregation F2 population of a cross between J. vulgaris and J. aquatica and identified NMR bins that were positively or negatively correlated with thrips resistance. We then checked whether or not these bins were down-regulated or up-regulated after SA treatment in J. aquatica. This analysis led to three candidate compounds related to susceptibility (sucrose, glucose and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-DCQA)) and three compounds related to resistance (citric acid, threonine and alanine). The positive effects of sucrose, glucose and 3,5-DCQA and the negative effects of citric acid on thrips survival were confirmed by results of unpublished mortality bioassay done previously in our research group. Literature data showed that β-alanine was positively correlated to thrips mortality.
A mathematical model for personnel task assignment problem and an application for banking sector

Efficient planning and management of the workforce resources is one of the most essential requirements for the companies operating in the service sector. For banks, a large number of transactions coming to Central Operations Department from the branches or directly from the customers and their aim is to provide the best operational service with the highest efficiency with the limited workforce resources in the departments. In this study, a real assignment problem was discussed and the problem was considered as Generalized Assignment Problem. For the solution of the problem, related algorithms were listed and examined in the literature survey section. Then, a two-step method is proposed. First step prioritizes the task coming to the system by considering the customer types, service level agreement (SLA) times, cut-off times, task type. In the second step, a multi-objective mathematical model was developed to assign task to employee groups. A preference based optimization method called Linear Physical Programming (LPP) is used to solve the model. Afterward, proposed model was tested on real banking data. For all the tests, GAMS was used as a solver. Results show that proposed model gave better results compared with current situation. With the proposed solution method, the workloads of the profile groups working above their capacity were transferred to other profile groups with idle capacity. Thus, the capacity utilization rates of the profile groups were more balanced and the minimum capacity utilization rate was calculated as 41%.
ReviewHypovitaminosis D and Aging: Is There a Role in Muscle and Brain Health?Patrizia D’Amelio 1

The older-adult population is constantly increasing, hence aging and mechanisms leading to aging are a topic raising increasing interest. Hypovitaminosis D is common amongst old patients and has been proposed as causative of several chronic diseases. Here we review the role of hypovitaminosis D and vitamin D supplementation in sarcopenia and dementia, from bench to bedside.
A scoping systematic review of factors influencing evidence-based practice implementation in nursing

Internationally, nurses are required to deliver care that is underpinned by sound evidence. However, available evidence suggests that the delivery of evidence-based practice is difficult due to multifaceted problems inherent in healthcare settings. This scoping review aimed to examine factors influencing evidence-based practice in nursing, to identify existing gaps requiring further inquiry. It is a scoping systematic literature search of major electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, EbscoH, Embase, ASSIA, Science Direct, Nursing index, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for review. The PRISMA approach was utilised in retrieving articles which were critically appraised. Findings were qualitatively synthesised using constant comparative approach. Findings were collated and summarised thematically. Outcomes were categorised into four broad themes as well as four subthemes. The scoping review identified dearth of studies utilising qualitative approaches, particularly in the low and middle income countries. Consistent with previous findings, this review exposes the difficulties associated with implementing evidence-based practice. There is need to examine the influence of power dynamics on evidence-based practice implementation in nursing.
A Hamiltonian decomposition for fast interior-point solvers in model predictive control

Optimal decision-making tools are essential in industry to achieve high performance. One of these tools is Model Predictive Control (MPC), which is an advanced control technique that generates an action that affects the controlled variables, while satisfying the process’ operational constraints. At the core of the MPC algorithm lies an optimization problem that is solved by a numerical method at every sample time. New demand for more self-contained modular processes has seen MPC embedded in small-scale platforms. This has prompted a need for custom-made numerical methods that help to efficiently run the computationally demanding optimization algorithms. In this paper, we propose two approaches that factorize the Newton system of the interior-point method (IPM) based on the two-point boundary-value (TPBV) problem structure, rarely explored in MPC. Exploiting the Hamiltonian form of the augmented system, we derive an incomplete LU factorization. A direct method is available to compute the solution of the system using a forward substitution of a series of matrices. An iterative method is also available. We propose a preconditioned Krylov method that converges within a small number of iterations only depending on the number of states.
Positive Transgressive Segregation in Intervarietal Crosses of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and their Micropropagation

Three advanced oriental tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) lines, derived from cross between three commercial cultivars tobacco and selected by their positive transgressive traits, are described. Transgressive segregation by agronomically significant quantitative traits such as plant height, number of leaves, vegetation period (time to maturity) and yield/plant was observed. Content of nicotine, reducing sugars, and total nitrogen was determined in the leaves. Compared to the better parent, the yield per 1000 m exceeded over 18.92% (Line 44), 30.81% (Line 58/2) and 56.76% (Line 59), respectively. In field conditions, the all three lines presented combined disease resistances to Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), black shank disease (Phitophtora parasitika var. nicotianae) and downy mildew (Peronospora tabacina). Based on these results, we inferred that the transgressive selection can be used for development of valuable lines of interest of tobacco breeding. An effective micropropagation protocol of the transgressive tobacco lines was developed. As initial explants were used in vitro 30 days germinated seedling. The highest propagation rate was recorded on MS medium containing 1.0 mg L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.1 mg L Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) after three weeks of culture. The plants were successfully rooted in 1⁄2 MS medium containing 0.1 mg L Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA). The developed efficient simple protocol in the study could be used for obtaining of plants for breeding programs of N. tabacum. The studied lines may be released as new varieties or used to produce improved tobacco hybrids.
Efficacy of Some Compounds for Controlling Peach Fruit Fly Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) Larvae

The present study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of Syotin 25% (Pyrethroid) Solar (petroleum product) or diesel fuel and plant ash to Bactrocera. zonata (Saunders), full grown larvae in three different soil types sandy, clay and mixed soil (mixture of sandy and clay (1:1) by volume), and the effect of different soil depths and types on the emergence rate of B. zonata pupae. The results proved that, Solar in sandy soil recorded the highest mean of mortality 71.044% followed by Syotin in clay soil recording 68.89% and there is no significant differences in means of mortality for Syotin and Solar in all soil types while there is a significance in means of mortality for ash treatments. Syotin recorded the lowest LC50 value 0.925 ml/L while Solar recorded the lowest LC90 value 8.541 ml/l. , comparing the efficacy of the three compounds on the mean percentage of mortality regardless to the soil type. Syotin cause the highest mean of mortality 60.9% followed by Solar recorded 55.2%. There is no effect of the type of soil used on the mean percentage of mortality. The highest rate of emerged flies was obtained at the lowest soil depth. At 16 cm depth no emergence was observed in dry clay soil while 3.33% emergence was observed in dry mixed soil at 14 and 16 cm depth. The results cleared that soil's type and depth of burying pupae has an influence of the rate of emergence of B. zonata adults.
Renewable energy, water, and environmental degradation: A global panel data approach

Climate change and changing climatic patterns are posing a threat to the sustainability of life on earth. Climate change is attributed to the accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the atmosphere representing environmental degradation. This study explores the links of renewable energy, water withdrawal, and economic growth with environmental degradation and provides empirical evidence using the panel data of 166 countries over the period 1990-2017. The study used panel data techniques and reported the results obtained from Pooled OLS, Random Effects, Fixed Effects estimations and 2 Stage Least Square(2SLS). The results support the role of renewable energy in environmental mitigation whereas water withdrawal contributes to emissions. Furthermore, results support the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). Empirical evidence also suggests the positive role of solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectricity in environmental improvement. The sensitivity analysis also confirms the robustness of empirical findings. The sensitivity analysis also indicates the validity of Nshaped EKC. The study provides useful insights into the role played by renewable energy in environmental mitigation and water withdrawal in increasing emissions which help to promote the consumption and production of renewable energy and increase its share in the energy mix for environmental mitigation.
SERVICE QUALITY OF MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

International student enrolments make a vital economic contribution to higher educational institutions (HEIs). Because of the importance of international students to HEIs, a number of studies have emerged examining the subject of international students in relation to their living experiences, attitudes and behaviour. However, very few studies have examined international students’ overall satisfaction with their university experience. The objective of this paper is to examine international student satisfaction and behavioural intention within a Malaysian HEIs. A conceptual framework is presented that provides an explanation of the linkage among international students’ satisfaction with six service factors in Malaysian universities, overall satisfaction to university and behavioural intentions (e.g. intention to spread positive word of mouth about their university to others, intention to re-enrol with their university and willingness to recommend their university to others). Implication of the study to management of Malaysian HEIs and overall conclusion are also presented at the end of the paper.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF TURKISH AIRSPACE BY USING GIS

In parallel with the rapid growth in Turkish air transportation, air traffic density and congestion of Turkish airspace have been increasing in recent years. The aim of this study is to examine the structural features and the capacity of Turkish airspace. In this context, the map of Turkish airspace containing sector boundaries, routes and waypoints is digitized and transferred to the GIS environment. The real traffic data of Turkish airspace for a period of two peak hours in heavy traffic during August 2007 was provided by the General Directorate of Turkish Airports. Analysis results indicate that the traffic density of Turkish airspace is accumulative especially in certain sectors. The results obtained from the analyses were compared with the existing sector structure of Turkish airspace and some suggestions related to capacity problems are provided. These suggestions can also be used for the strategic planning of airspace.