Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic values of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic values of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) for patients receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). 89 patients receiving PCI from September 2010 to December 2012 were selected as the study subjects. Before PCI surgery, the serum indexes including hs-CRP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, urea and apolipoprotein A were measured. After surgery, the patients were followed up for 3 years. The readmission and death due to cardiovascular diseases were used as the end point events. The corrections of serum indexes with the end point events were analysed. Results showed that, the level of hs-CRP was significantly correlated with cardiovascular readmission and cardiovascular death, respectively (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, hs-CRP was a risk factor for cardiovascular readmission and cardiovascular death (OR was 1.874 and 6.279, respectively; 95% CI was 1.052-2.460 and 4.310-7.521, respectively). hs-CRP is a risk factor for cardiovascular readmission and cardiovascular death after PCI, and it can be used for evaluate the prognosis of patients with PCI.
Comparative Study of Positioning Techniques in Cellular Networks, another Look

Different techniques of positioning users in cellular networks have been studied widely in recent years but there is no proper comparison of them, maybe that is because of their first step of geo-location, i.e., extracting location information parameters, is different and there is no unique simulation environment yet has been applied to them. In this study it is tried to have a new look to these positioning methods and to classify them differently regardless of estimated parameters type. Their classification is based on mathematical algorithms used to find user location in the both area of deterministic and stochastic approaches, these algorithms can then use with the same parameter so comparison between them is rational and possible. Such algorithms divided into three main subclasses, estimation theory based (MUSIC, ESPIRIT), Meta-heuristic (Genetic, PSO, .) and filtering approaches (Kalman, Particle, Grid, MH ). To do the comparison, these methods should be developed according to the network assumptions and the proper simulation in the same environment is applied. The proofs and details of how to apply techniques are presented.
The availability, extent and quality of sustainability reporting by Malaysian listed firms: subsequent to mandatory disclosure

The purpose of this study is to examine the availability, extent and quality of Sustainability Reporting (SR) by Malaysian firms subsequent to the mandatory disclosure. Based on an across-industry sample of 300 firms in 2011, the results indicate that despite the mandatory disclosure, 3% of the sampled firms failed to make such reporting. Furthermore, in both aspects of extent and quality, human-related sustainability engagement, which consists of the workplace and community themes are found to be the favorite themes to be reported. Meanwhile, firms in the infrastructure, finance and plantation industries perform the best of extent and quality of SR, while firms in hotel industry marks the poorest in quality and lowest in extent of SR.
Nonlinear Robust Approaches to Study Stability and Postcritical Behavior of an Aeroelastic Plant

Two approaches to tackle the nonlinear robust stability problem of an aerospace system are compared. The first employs a combination of the describing function method and $\mu $ analysis, while the second makes use of integral quadratic constraints (IQCs). The model analyzed consists of an open-loop wing’s airfoil subject to freeplay and linear time-invariant parametric uncertainties. The key steps entailed by the application of the two methodologies and their main features are critically discussed. Emphasis is put on the available insight on the nonlinear postcritical behavior known as limit cycle oscillation. It is proposed a strategy to apply IQCs, typically used to find absolute stability certificates, in this scenario, based on a restricted sector bound condition for the nonlinearity. Another contribution of this paper is to understand how the conservatism usually associated with the IQCs multipliers selection can be overcome by using information coming from the first approach. Nonlinear time-domain simulations showcase the prowess of these approaches in estimating qualitative trends and quantitative response’s features.
Application of a Feature Selection Method to Nucleosome Data: Accuracy Improvement and Comparison with Other Methods

In binary classification problem, data of feature vectors with binary labels are prepared in general. However, today it is well known that using all the features for discrimination does not always the best way to achieve the highest accuracy in prediction. Feature selection is a technique to find a subset of features with the highest accuracy by eliminating features harmful in prediction. Among various methods proposed, in this study we used a method which can be divided in two steps. Firstly, along the ranked features f1,…,fn based on Gini index, the feature subsets {f1},{f1,f2},. ,{f1,…,fn} are tested by SVM with RBF kernel. Secondary, variants of the best feature subset found in the first step are tested in the same way. In the application to the prediction of nucleosome occupancy and modification from genome subsequence, the method achieved a small but assured improvement from the previous study. In addition, observed ranking of features revealed some relationships between features and categories of nucleosome datasets. Finally, the method was compared with other promising methods and outperformed them.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Haemonchus contortus in Sheep in Khartoum State, the Sudan

A cross sectional study was conducted from June to August 2013 in Khartoum state to estimate the prevalence of Haemonchus contortus eggs in sheep feces and to investigate potential risk factors associated with them. Floatation technique, modified McMaster technique, and fecal incubation were used for identification of the egg of the parasite, egg count, and larval identification. The overall prevalence of H. contortus eggs was 12.1% with a 95% CI ranging from 7.97 to 16.23 while by risk factor category a prevalence that ranged from 3.7% to 22.2% (95% CI from -1.33 to 41.40) was reported. Furthermore, no significant statistical variances were observed at p-value ≤0.05 among the different categories of the risk factor except amid the different age groups, animals that produced normal and soft feces, and the animals that were given anthelmintics and that were not. Breed (x=11.2, p-value=0.004), age group (x=15.7, p-value=0.001), feces consistency (x=27.1, p-value=0.001), way of raising (x=6.7, p-value=0.009), and use of anthelmintics (x =12.2, p-value=0.001) were associated with detection of H. contortus eggs in the univariate analysis. All these factor were also significant in the multivariate analysis with odds of being Floatation test-positive for H. contortus eggs. It can be concluded that this bloodsucker parasite was prevalent in a low percentage in Khartoum and use of anthelmintics was a protective factor. Therefore, the use anthelmintics by sheep farmers from period to period is recommended as a prophylactic measure.
KAPITÁLOVÁ PRIMERANOSŤ A EFEKTÍVNOSŤ VYBRANÝCH BANKOVÝCH SEKTOROV EURÓPSKEJ ÚNIE

Financial crisis mentioned on importance of monitoring and observance of condition for regulation of banking activities. One of the regulation areas is the area of regulatory capital determination. By reason of regulation, the efficiency of banks and banking sectors are influenced too. Therefore the aim of this paper is to monitor, if there exist the relation between capital adequacy and efficiency measured by input oriented DEA models in banking sector of EU countries. The analysis was realised by testing of hypothesis. The result was the rejection of null hypothesis points to the fact, that none of used indicators of capital adequacy is able to record trend of efficiency in the banking sector in 2009. Therefore there exist differences between trend of efficiency and trend of capital adequacy that confirms also results of correlation analysis pointing to the fact, that there does exist only low and negative correlation between trends of controlled variables (efficiency vs. capital adequacy). Úvod Finančná kríza poukázala na dôležitosť sledovania a dodržiavania podmienok regulácie podnikania bánk. Jednou z oblastí regulácie je aj oblasť stanovenia výšky regulatórneho kapitálu banky, ktorá je riešená prostredníctvom koncepcie kapitálovej primeranosti. Z dôvodu regulácie dochádza určitým spôsobom aj k ovplyvňovaniu efektívnosti samotných bánk, a teda aj efektívnosti jednotlivých bankových sektorov. V modernej spoločnosti existujú mnohé metódy merania efektívnosti, ktoré vychádzajú buď z tradičného prístupu,
An Implementation and Evaluation of Progressive Authentication Using Multiple Level Pattern Locks

This paper presents a possible implementation of progressive authentication using the Android pattern lock. Our key idea is to use one pattern for two access levels to the device; an abridged pattern is used to access generic applications and a second, extended and higher-complexity pattern is used less frequently to access more sensitive applications. We conducted a user study of 89 participants and a consecutive user survey on those participants to investigate the usability of such a pattern scheme. Data from our prototype showed that for unlocking lowsecurity applications the median unlock times for users of the multiple pattern scheme and conventional pattern scheme were 2824 ms and 5589 ms respectively, and the distributions in the two groups differed significantly (Mann-Whitney U test, p-value less than 0.05, two-tailed). From our user survey, we did not find statistically significant differences between the two groups for their qualitative responses regarding usability and security (t-test, p-value greater than 0.05, two-tailed), but the groups did not differ by more than one satisfaction rating at 90% confidence.
Tamon Asonuma und Christoph Trebesch: Sovereign Debt Restructurings: Preemptive or Post-Default

Sovereign debt restructurings can be implemented preemptively prior to a payment default. We code a comprehensive new dataset and find that preemptive restructurings (i) are frequent (38% of all deals 1978-2010), (ii) have lower haircuts, (iii) are quicker to negotiate, and (iv) see lower output losses. To rationalize these stylized facts, we build a quantitative sovereign debt model that incorporates preemptive and post-default renegotiations. The model improves the fit with the data and explains the sovereign’s optimal choice: preemptive restructurings occur when default risk is high ex-ante, while defaults occur after unexpected bad shocks. Empirical evidence supports these predictions. JEL Classification Codes: F34, F41, H63
SIMULATION DESIGN AND TESTING OF A DIELECTRIC EMBEDDED TAPERED SLOT UWB ANTENNA FOR BREAST CANCER DETECTION

A distortion-less ultra-wideband tapered slot antenna is designed to achieve wide band impedance matching and high gain without requiring coupling liquids. The antenna is embedded in a suitable dielectric material for compact size and performance improvement. The near-field test is simulated by placing several field probes near the antenna to plot the radiation pattern and polarization isolation. The antenna exhibits a highly directive pattern and polarization isolation in near field. The time domain antenna distortion is tested by calculating the fidelity and group delay. The results show low distortion and also show the importance of covering the antenna by dielectric layers for bandwidth increment and distortion reduction. To evaluate the antenna performance in breast cancer detection, three breast phantoms are imaged by using the raster scan imaging method. Two approaches are proposed to detect tumors without the need of breast background data. The approaches based on the effect of the tumor on transmission and reflection parameters on the frequency band allowed for medical applications. The obtained images show the antenna to be a strong candidate for breast imaging as well as in tumor detection for different scenarios that include complex multi-layer phantom and small tumor.
A Gene Encoding Scots Pine Antimicrobial Protein Sp-AMP2 (PR-19) Confers Increased Tolerance against Botrytis cinerea in Transgenic Tobacco

Both the establishment of sustainable forestry practices and the improvement of commercially grown trees require better understanding of mechanisms used by forest trees to combat microbial pathogens. We investigated the contribution of a gene encoding Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) antimicrobial protein Sp-AMP2 (PR-19) to the host defenses to evaluate the potential of Sp-AMP genes as molecular markers for resistance breeding. We developed transgenic tobacco plants expressing the Sp-AMP2 gene. Transgenic plants showed a reduction in the size of lesions caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea. In order to investigate Sp-AMP2 gene expression level, four transgenic lines were tested in comparison to control and non-transgenic plants. No Sp-AMP2 transcripts were observed in any of the control and non-transgenic plants tested. The transcript of Sp-AMP2 was abundantly present in all transgenic lines. Sp-AMP2 was induced highly in response to the B. cinerea infection at 3 d.p.i. This study provides an insight into the role of Sp-AMP2 and its functional and ecological significance in the regulation of plant–pathogen interactions.
De Garengeot hernia - Uncommon cause of a right groin pain

De Garengeot hernia is described as the appendix vermiformis in a femoral hernia sac. It is a very rare disease with difficulties in diagnosis and therapy. Most patients present with a painful swelling in the right groin. Open and laparoscopic surgery is described. We present the case of a de Garengeot hernia and laparoscopic appendectomy with simultaneous transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and a review of the literature. *Correspondence to: Maximilian Anheier, Senior Physician of the Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Protestant Hospital Bethesda Mönchengladbach Ludwig-Weber-Straße 15, 41061 Mönchengladbach, Germany, Tel: 02161 981-2250; Fax: 02161 981-2260; E-mail: Maximilian.Anheier@ mg.johanniter-kliniken.de Received: May 21, 2018; Accepted: May 29, 2018; Published: June 04, 2018 Introduction De Garengeot hernia is described as the presence of the appendix within a femoral hernia. It was first described by French surgeon Rene Jaques de Garengeot in 1731. Incidence is reported with 0,8 – 1 %, simultaneous acute appendicitis with 0,08 – 0,5 % [1]. Since 1960 less than 100 cases are reported [2]. Diagnosis of a de Garengeot hernia is difficult. Most patients present with a painful swelling in the right groin [5]. Laboratory investigation shows most often leukocytosis. Ultrasound and CT investigation can show a strangulated femoral hernia [7]. Typical features of acute appendicitis are not often present and diagnosis is often made intraoperatively [9]. The treatment of a de Garengeot hernia is emergency surgery. Open appendectomy and hernia repair with or without mesh and also laparoscopic approaches are described. Because de Garengeot hernia is a rare entity there is no standard treatment. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman with de Garengeot hernia and laparoscopic appendectomy with simultaneous transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and a review of the literature.
Overexpression of miR-30a attenuates neuropathic pain by targeting SOCS1 in rats with chronic constriction injury

Objectives: To explore the impact of miR-30a on neuropathic pain and associated mechanism. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to bilateral chronic constriction injury (bCCI) group, sham group, and control group (ten in each group). Expression of miR-30a and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 were determined by quantitative real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Then another 40 rats were induced model of bCCI and were randomly assigned to overexpression of miR-30a group and its control group, silencing of SOCS1 group and its control group using recombinant lentivirusvectors. The expression of miR-30a and SOCS1 after lentivirus transduction was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The rats in the four groups were assessed by neurobehavioral tests (mechanical hyperalgesia testing, thermal preference testing (TPT), and acetone testing) before surgery and at days 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. Results: The level of miR-30a was significantly decreased in the bCCI group than that in the sham group and control group, but the level of SOCS1 was significantly increased (P< 0.05). Besides, SOCS1 was a target gene of miR-30a and was negatively regulated by miR-30a. The mechanical shrinkage threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal thermal latencies (PWTL) were significantly increased,while the frequency was significantly decreased in the overexpression of miR-30a group and knockout of SOCS1 group than those in their corresponding control groups (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-30a attenuates neuropathic pain maybe by targeting SOCS1.
Time-resolved multi-channel optical system for assessment of brain oxygenation and perfusion by monitoring of diffuse reflectance and fluorescence

Time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy is an optical technique which can be applied in tissue oxygenation assessment. In the last decade this method is extensively tested as a potential clinical tool for noninvasive human brain function monitoring and imaging. In the present paper we show construction of an instrument which allows for: (i) estimation of changes in brain tissue oxygenation using two-wavelength spectroscopy approach and (ii) brain perfusion assessment with the use of single-wavelength reflectometry or fluorescence measurements combined with ICG-bolus tracking. A signal processing algorithm based on statistical moments of measured distributions of times of flight of photons is implemented. This data analysis method allows for separation of signals originating from extra- and intracerebral tissue compartments. In this paper we present compact and easily reconfigurable system which can be applied in different types of time-resolved experiments: two-wavelength measurements at 687 and 832 nm, single wavelength reflectance measurements at 760 nm (which is at maximum of ICG absorption spectrum) or fluorescence measurements with excitation at 760 nm. Details of the instrument construction and results of its technical tests are shown. Furthermore, results of in-vivo measurements obtained for various modes of operation of the system are presented.
The relationship between quality approaches and their impact on portuguese companies´ quality performance

Recent research on the link between quality management practices and organization performance, however, often finds contradictory outcomes. That is, quality procedures may not consistently result in a positive or favorable organizational outcome (Foster 2007; Kaynak 2003; Montes, Jover, and Fernandez 2003; Zu, 2009). Jabnoun et al., 2003 concluded that although quality management practices have been implemented by many organizations all over the world, such implementations have often failed. Recent studies, underline the importance of causal relations between quality management practices (Cua et al. 2001; Sousa and Voss, 2002 and Kaynak, 2003). Many authors suggested a positive association between TQM practices and organizational performance (Anderson et al., 1995; Flynn et al., 1995a; Mohrman et al., 1995; Choi and Eboch, 1998; Terziovski and Samson, 1999; Cua et al., 2001; Douglas and Judge, 2001; Kaynak, 2003). However, conflicting reports have been published regarding the effectiveness of TQM programs. Researchers have postulated various reasons for this perplexing outcome, with several researchers suggesting the need to develop more comprehensive models to explain the process by which quality management links to organization performance (Montes, Jover, and Fernandez 2003; Naor et al. 2008; Pinho 2008). In this paper, a conceptual model is presented which reflects the relationship between QMPs and their impact in Portuguese companies’ performance.
Different ingestion patterns of 13C-labeled bacteria and algae by deep-sea benthic foraminifera

Benthic foraminiferal food sources were examined in the central part of Sagami Bay, Japan (water depth 1450 m) based on an in situ feeding experiment with 13 C-labeled food materials. In this study, 3 different 13 C-labeled food materials were used: the unicellular marine algae Dunaliella tertiolecta, the marine diatom Chaetoceros sociale, and the marine bacterium Vibrio algi- nolyticus. The first two are representatives of phytodetritus and the third of organic matter produced in the sediments. Each type of food material was injected into a series of in situ culture cores and incubated for up to 21 d. We observed that some benthic foraminiferal species selectively ingested 13 C-labeled algae from the sedimentary organic matter. On the other hand, benthic foraminifera ingested 13 C-labeled bacteria unselectively from sedimentary organic matter. Total benthic forami- nifera assimilated 8.8 mg C m -2 d -1 of sedimentary organic matter without phytodetritus assimilation. Based on the assimilation rates estimated in this experiment, we recognized 3 types of feeding strat- egy among deep-sea benthic foraminifera in Sagami Bay. There are those that ingest (1) fresh phyto- detritus selectively (phytophagous species: Uvigerina akitaensis, Bolivina spissa, Bolivina pacifica); (2) fresh phytodetritus selectively but sedimentary organic matter as well when phytodetritus is absent (seasonal-phytophagous species: Bulimina aculeata, Textularia kattegatensis, Globobulimina affinis); and (3) sedimentary organic matter at random (deposit feeders: Cyclammina cancellata, Chilostomella ovoidea). These different types of carbon utilization should be considered not only for understanding modern ecosystems on the deep-sea floor but also for paleoceanographic reconstruc- tions using the abundance and distribution, or isotopic composition, of benthic foraminifera.
Assessment of Psychological Stress among Female Police Personnel in Kerala .

Background: Policing has been described as a most stressful occupation and traditionally dominated by males, however more females are entering the police workforce and increased numbers of women are becoming police officers. In policing job, female police face stresses caused by their minority status within the department. High level of stress related problems are encountered in this population, because of personal risk of exposure, violence, and day to day involvement in traumatic incidents. Objectives: To assess the psychological stress level among the Police women (PW) in Kerala. Methods: The perceived stress scale (PSS) was simultaneously administered to 75 available PW of both constable and officers, between 21-60 years of age from randomly selected police stations in the three district of Kerala. Result: In PW, those who are working for more than 12 hours in a day experienced significantly (P< 0.05) more stress (21.4 ± 3.40) than the 6 12 hours workers (17.98± 2.64). At the same time PW with gender inequality has significantly (P< 0.05) experienced high stress (27.82±3.52) than the others without any gender issue (19.5± 4.38). Conclusion: This study provides an understanding on the perceived psychosocial stress level of female police personnel in kerala, and Gender inequality present in their work, mainly due to their minority in the department. Exploratory studies or other studies are needed to determine the extent of difference between male and female police.