Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A correlation between severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, electrocardiography and echocardiography of patients: a prospective observational study

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a disease state characterised by persistent respiratory symptom and airflow limitation which is not fully reversible. It has been reported that patient with COPD has higher mortality due to cardiac disorder. We have designed this study with an aim to evaluate electrocardiography and echocardiography changes in COPD patients and correlate this finding with severity of disease. Method: In present study 60 randomly selected COPD patients were evaluated clinically, echocardiographically, electrocardiographically and pulmonary function test was performed. A careful history of patient was taken regarding demography, symptoms and aggravation factors. Detailed clinical examination of patient was done to know the sign symptom of cardiological and respiratory involvement. Result: In patients with severe COPD 4 (20%) patients have normal ECG, 12 (60%) have P pulmonale, 14 (70%) patients have right ventricular hypertrophy, low voltage complex was found in 6 (30%), RBBB was present in 4 (20%) patients, 12 (60%) have r wave in their electrocardiograph (ECG) and 2 (10%) patients presented with arrhythmia. Conclusions: From our study we can conclude that most of the patients with COPD were in 5 th and 6 th decade of life with male predominance. Patients with moderate airflow obstruction were common than severe obstruction. Cardiovascular changes depend upon the severity of disease.
Spontaneous hybridization and introgression between walleye (Sander vitreus) and sauger (Sander canadensis) in two large reservoirs: Insights from genotyping by sequencing

Anthropogenic activities may facilitate undesirable hybridization and genomic introgression between fish species. Walleye (Sander vitreus) and sauger (Sander canadensis) are economically valuable freshwater species that can spontaneously hybridize in areas of sympatry. Levels of genomic introgression between walleye and sauger may be increased by modifications to waterbodies (e.g., reservoir development) and inadvertent propagation of hybrids in stocking programs. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to examine 217 fish from two large reservoirs with mixed populations of walleye and sauger in Saskatchewan, Canada (Lake Diefenbaker, Tobin Lake). Analyses with 20,038 (r90) and 478 (r100) single nucleotide polymorphisms clearly resolved walleye and sauger, and classified hybrids with high confidence. F1, F2, and multigeneration hybrids were detected in Lake Diefenbaker, indicating potentially high levels of genomic introgression. In contrast, only F1 hybrids were detected in Tobin Lake. Field classification of fish was unreliable; 7% of fish were misidentified based on broad species categories. Important for activities such as brood stock selection, 12 of 173 (7%) fish field identified as pure walleye, and one of 24 (4%) identified as pure sauger were actually hybrids. In addition, two of 15 (13%) field‐identified hybrids were actually pure walleye or sauger. We conclude that hybridization and introgression are occurring in Saskatchewan reservoirs and that caution is warranted when using these populations in stocking programs. GBS offers a powerful and flexible tool for examining hybridization without preidentification of informative loci, eliminating some of the key challenges associated with other marker types.
Corporate Social Responsibility at LUX* Resorts and Hotels: Satisfaction and Loyalty Implications for Employee and Customer Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) remains a hot topic in management. Yet, little is known about how well managers, employees and consumers are responding to CSR initiatives to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Underpinned by well-established theories, this study develops a single integrative model of managers’, employees’ and consumers’ CSR. Data were collected from the LUX* group of resorts and hotels located on three Indian Ocean islands: Mauritius, Reunion and the Maldives. Structural equation modelling was employed. Findings reveal: (1) organizational CSR is positively related to employee social responsibility; (2) organizational CSR is negatively associated with customer social responsibility; (3) employee social responsibility is negatively related to customer social responsibility; (4) employee social responsibility is negatively related to customer delight; (5) customer social responsibility is positively related to customer satisfaction; and (6); customer social responsibility is positively related to customer delight. Strategic CSR initiatives with a multi-stakeholder engagement approach are discussed.
Stabilization of the Mass Absorption Cross Section of Black Carbon for Filter-Based Absorption Photometry by the use of a Heated Inlet

In principle, mass concentrations of black carbon (BC) (M BC) can be estimated by the measurement of the light absorption coefficient of BC. Filter-based methods, which quantify the absorption coefficient (b abs) from the change in transmission through a filter loaded with particles, have been widely used to measure M BC. However, reliable determination of M BC has been very difficult because of the large variability in the mass absorption cross section (C abs), which is the conversion factor from b abs to M BC. Coating of BC by volatile compounds and the co-existence of light-scattering particles contribute to the variability of C abs. In order to overcome this difficulty, volatile aerosol components were removed before collection of BC particles on filters by heating a section of the inlet to 400°C. We made simultaneous measurements of b abs by two types of photometers (Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) and Continuous Soot Monitoring System (COSMOS)) together with M BC by an EC-OC analyzer to determine C abs at 6 locations in Asia. C abs was stable at 10.5 ± 0.7 m2 g −1 at a wavelength of 565 nm for BC strongly impacted by emissions from vehicles and biomass burning. The stable C abs value provides a firm basis for its use in estimating M BC by COSMOS and PSAP with an accuracy of about 10%. For the quantitative interpretation of the ratio of the C abs to the model-calculated C abs*, we measured C abs for mono-disperse nigrosin particles in the laboratory. The C abs/C abs* ratio was 1.4–1.9 at the 100–200 nm diameters, explaining the ratio of 1.8 for ambient BC.
Parallax-Tolerant Image Stitching for Outdoor Scenes

Image stitching aims to obtain a natural panorama without ghosts. This paper proposes a panoramic image stitching method for outdoor scenes. This method gets the new homography matrix by analyzing the spatial distribution of the feature points of the outdoor scene image, and then combines with the local registration to achieve precise registration. In order to generate a more natural panorama, this paper also combines the result of registration with local similarity transformation and seam-cutting processing. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method obtains better performance than other methods in image stitching of outdoor scenes.
Identifying Influential Nodes in Social Networks Based on Social Strength

Identifying influential nodes in social networks is significant in controlling the outbreak of epidemics, conducting advertisements for e-commercial products, predicting popular scientists or papers, and so on. Many methods have been proposed by paying much more attention to the role of nodes, while the social strength between nodes is rarely considered. Especially in unweighted networks, social strength is not explicit information. In this paper, we first characterize the social strength of unweighted networks, and then proposed a LOVital method based on the social strength. Numerical results on the relation network of Weibo dataset and the other datasets from various fields show that LOVital can much more accurately identify influential users.
Concepts in Theoretical Heterogeneous Catalytic Reactivity

Introduction A. General The heart of many commercial catalytic processes involves chemistry on transition metal particles and surfaces. The success in designing active surface ensembles, promoters, and selective poisons is inevitably tied to our knowledge of the fundamental principles which control transition metal surface chemistry. One extreme would be the rigorous description and energetic predictions for each elementary reaction step of an entire catalytic cycle from first-principle theoretical methods. While desirable, this has to date been an unattainable goal due to the limitations in both raw computer (CPU) requirements and the accuracy of the available computational methods. Recent advances in both quantum-chemical methods and computational resources, however, are driving this goal closer to reality. Theoretical treatments of adsorbate-surface interactions have rapidly advanced to the stage where detailed understandings of the governing structural and electronic features are readily available. In.
Procedural and clinical outcomes of type 0 versus type 1 bicuspid aortic valve stenosis treated with transcatheter valve replacement: insights from the BEAT international collaborative registry

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established therapy for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) were generally excluded from randomized trials due to anatomic features that may challenge TAVR (valve morphology, annulus geometry and size and severe calcifications). Nevertheless real-world registries have shown that a consistent number of BAV has been treated with TAVR. Whether BAV phenotype may affect acute or long-term outcomes following TAVR still remains unclear. Evaluate the impact of BAV phenotype on procedural and clinical outcomes after TAVR with new generation valves. Patients included in the BEAT (Balloon vs Self-Expandable valve for the treatment of bicuspid Aortic valve sTenosis) registry were classified according to the BAV phenotype. Procedural and clinical outcomes of type 0 (2 cusps, 1 commissure, no raphe) vs type 1 (1 raphe) BAV are here reported. Primary endpoint was post-procedural device success, according to Valve Academic Research Consortium–2 (VARC-2) criteria. Secondary endpoints included procedural complications, rate of permanent pacemaker (PM) implantation and assessment of clinical outcomes at 30-day and 1-year follow-up. BAV 0 phenotype was present in 25 (7.1%) cases, and BAV 1 in 218 (61.8%). 3 (0.9%) patients with BAV 2 phenotype and 105 (29.8%) patients in whom BAV phenotype was undeterminable were excluded. Baseline characteristics of the two populations were well balanced. Mean STS score tended to be lower in type 0 vs type 1 BAV (3.35% ±1.8 vs 4.5% ± 3.0, p=0.062). Mean transvalvular gradient, aortic valve area (AVA), and left ventricular ejection fraction didn't differ between groups. According to CT findings moderate-severe aortic valve calcifications were less frequently present in type 0 vs type 1 (52% vs 71.1%, p=0.01). TAVR was performed under conscious sedation in most patients (89.7%), no differences were noted in terms of valve type, valve size, pre and postdilation between groups. There was no significant difference in any peri-procedural complication including pericardial tamponade, second valve implantation, valve embolization, annular rupture, aortic dissection, coronary occlusion, conversion to open surgery, and need of PM between groups however VARC-2 success tended to be lower in type 0 BAV versus type 1 (72% vs 86.7%; p=0.07). A higher rate of mean transvalvular gradient>20 mmHg was observed in the type 0 vs type 1 groups (respectively 24% vs 6%, p=0.007), while no differences were reported in the rate of moderate-severe aortic regurgitation. At 30-day and 1-year follow-up we did not find differences in clinical outcomes. Our study confirms the feasibility of TAVR in both type 0 and type 1 BAV, however despite a lower rate of moderate-severe calcifications, a trend toward a lower VARC device success and a higher rate of mean transvalvular gradient >20 mmHg was observed in type 0 vs type 1 BAV. Type of funding source: None
Synthesis and proton conductivity of anhydrous dendritic electrolytes

Water soluble PEG cored dendritic hexa-acid which comprises peripheral carboxylic acidic groups were prepared via nucleophilic substitution reactions. Novel anhydrous proton conducting electrolytes were prepared by incorporation of the heterocyclic protogenic solvent imidazole (Im) into PEG cored dendritic hexa acid, (PEG-HA), at several molar ratios of Im to-COOH units of PEG-HA. The complexation of PEG-HA and Im was illustrated by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The materials are thermally stable up to 150 °C as evidenced by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results verified that the organic electrolytes are homogeneous and amorphous. The proton conductivities were characterized by means of AC impedance spectroscopy and a maximum conductivity of 1 × 10−3 S/cm was measured at 120 °C in the anhydrous state.
Real-Time Pricing Scheme in Smart Grid Considering Time Preference: Game Theoretic Approach

Unbalanced power demand across time slots causes overload in a specific time zone. Various studies have proved that this can be mitigated through smart grid and price policy, but research on time preference is insufficient. This study proposed a real-time pricing model on a smart grid through a two-stage Stackelberg game model based on a utility function that reflects the user’s time preference. In the first step, the suppliers determine the profit-maximizing price, and then, the users decide the electricity usage schedule according to the given price. Nash equilibrium and comparative analysis of the proposed game explain the relationship between time preference, price, and usage. Additionally, a Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated the effect of the change in time preference distribution. The experimental results confirmed that the proposed real-time pricing method lowers peak-to-average ratio (PAR) and increases overall social welfare. This study is meaningful in that it presents a pricing method that considers both users’ and suppliers’ strategies with time preference. It is expected that the proposed method would contribute to a reduction in the need for additional power generation facilities through efficient operation of the smart grid.
Band-Aids and Kisses Can’t Fix It: Mothers’ and Daughters’ Perceptions of Non-Death Loss and Boundary Ambiguity

The goal of this study was to explore middle aged mothers’ and young adult daughters’ perceptions of the impact of non-death loss. This qualitative study explored perceptions of loss and boundary ambiguity of 24 mother-daughter dyads through individual interviews. All mothers and daughters described losses such as illness, the daughters’ launching, and dissolution of relationships that impacted the mother-daughter relationship. Comparison of mothers’ and daughters’ descriptions of the impacts of loss revealed convergence and divergence in their descriptions of associated levels of boundary ambiguity. Although experiences of loss do seem to be a universal human experience, perceptions regarding the impact of loss on both the individual and the mother-daughter dyad vary greatly.
Fixed points for pressure calibration above 100 kbars related to semiconductor‐metal transitions

Pressures assigned to the semiconductor‐metal transitions in ZnTe, ZnS, GaAs, and GaP have been determined by detecting the electrical resistance change of the semiconductors while the lattice parameter of standard material NaCl was simultaneously measured with x‐ray diffraction techniques. A pressure vessel of the split‐octahedron type and various pressure‐transmitting media have been employed. Pressures were estimated according to the equation of state for NaCl proposed by Decker. The transition pressures, 1296 kbars for ZnTe, 1557 kbars for ZnS, 1888 kbars for GaAs, and 25310 kbars for GaP, constitute fixed points for pressure calibration above 100 kbars at room temperature.
Compaction of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and Stevia Rebaudiana Food Powders

This study has been conducted to evaluate the suitability of sweet potato and Stevia powders as tablets in terms of their compaction behavior and mechanical strength in comparison to an established pharmaceutical binder; microcrystalline cellulose. The results indicated that the behavior of the material during compression, namely, the plastic and elastic deformations influences the final tablet mechanical strength. Relatively high plastic deformation of a material during compression enhances the contact area for interparticulate bonding, thus, producing a mechanically strong tablet. It was observed that the compaction of stevia powder produces a mechanically stronger tablet in comparison to the sweet potato tablet.
Gamification of query-driven knowledge sharing systems

ABSTRACT For organisations utilising big data platforms, knowledge sharing helps spread contextualised information of data, increases efficiencies and reduces the cost of lost knowledge when employees leave. Query-Driven Knowledge Sharing Systems (QKSS) partially automate knowledge sharing in analytics teams by building context into data, enabling the reuse of complex queries. Although QKSS can improve knowledge sharing, encouraging reuse behaviour is a significant issue for adoption. This paper analyses the applicability of gamification for improving knowledge reuse in QKSS. In collaboration with a Sydney-based data analytics firm, we recruited professional data analysts to participate in an experiment. The recruited analysts were asked to complete Structured Query Language tasks using either the firm's QKSS platform or a gamified version which included a small number of gamified elements designed to increase the likelihood of query reuse. The results demonstrate the positive impact of gamification on query reuse and the efficiency of tasks.
Planar Dual Polarized Metasurface Array for Microwave Energy Harvesting

The design of a dual polarized metasurface collector based on the metamaterial full absorption concept for electromagnetic energy harvesting is introduced. Unlike previous metamaterial absorber designs, here the power absorbed is mostly dissipated across a resistive load rather than within the dielectric substrate. This is achieved by channeling the absorbed power to an optimal resistive load through a via hole. The simulation results show that a power absorption efficiency of 98% is achieved at an operating frequency of 2 GHz for a single unit cell. A super unit cell consisting of four cells with alternating vias was also designed to produce a dual polarized metasurface. The simulation results yielded a radiation to AC efficiency of around 98% for each polarization.
ÇEVRE KİRLİLİĞİ İLE MAKROEKONOMİK BELİRLEYİCİLERİ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ: SEÇİLMİŞ ÜLKELER İÇİN BİR PANEL VERİ ANALİZİ

Environment, the main source of the welfare of societies, has become an important threat to welfare today. The effectiveness of the measures to be taken for "qualified environment”, included in the list of basic needs, depends on the definition of the relationship between environmental pollution and macroeconomic variables. In this study, for the 1995-2016 period, the relationship between the environmental pollution and macroeconomic variables affecting the environmental pollution in Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, Britain and Turkey was analyzed by panel data method. The environmental pollution variable has been calculated through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by considering gases ( CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O , NH 3 , NMVOC, CO and NO x ) causing air pollution. Explanatory variables are per capita income, foreign direct investments, human development index and environmental taxes. According to the Pedroni co-integration test, variables are co-integrated in the long run. Pedroni FMOLS and DOLS results show that the increase in human development index in the long term significantly reduces environmental pollution. While environmental taxes have no effect according to FMOLS, DOLS results indicate that environmental taxes increase environmental pollution. Therefore, it is possible to say that the development of environmental awareness in societies will have stronger effects on environmental pollution than authoritarian practices such as taxes.
The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease among primary care patients in Poland: results from the LIPIDOGRAM2015 study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease and CV risk factors among Polish patients. METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional study, LIPIDOGRAM2015, was carried out in Poland in the 4th quarter of 2015 and 1st and 2nd quarters of 2016; 438 primary care physicians enrolled 13,724 adult patients that sought medical care in primary health care practices. RESULTS Nearly 19% of men and approximately 12% of women had cardiovascular disease (CVD). Over 60% of the recruited patients had hypertension (HTN), >80% had dyslipidaemia and <15% of patients were diagnosed with diabetes (DM). All of these disorders were more frequent in men. In 80% of patients the waist circumference exceed norm for the European population. Less than half of the patients were current smokers or had smoked in the past. Patients with CVD had significantly higher blood pressure and glucose levels but lower low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors among patients in Poland is high. CVD is more common in men than in women. The most common CV risk factors are excess waist circumference, dyslipidaemia and HTN. Family physicians should conduct activities to prevent, diagnose early and treat CVD in the primary health care population.
Distribution law of the percolation threshold in one-dimensional bond problems

A one-dimensional lattice percolation model is constructed for the bond problem at flowing along non-nearest neighbors. Arbitrary parameters were taken (percolation radius, number of nodes in a one-dimensional lattice and number of experiments). Based on original algorithms operating on a computer faster than standard ones, the values of the percolation threshold were obtained with the corresponding error. Based on these data, the hypothesis about the normal distribution of the percolation threshold is tested. Using Pearson’s criterion it was shown for the first time that there is no reason to reject this hypothesis for one-dimensional problems of bonds and sites with an arbitrary percolation radius.