Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival and Epidemiologic Trends of Lymphomas in Saudi Arabia: A 10-Year Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The current trends in lymphoma cases from Saudi Arabia and their long-term survival are unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the trends of lymphoma diagnoses and survival from a major tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study included all new cases of lymphoma diagnosed in adults (age ≥18 years) at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2008 to 2018, as identified from the Saudi Cancer Registry. Data on the demographics and clinical characteristics were collected, the survival outcomes were estimated, and multivariate analysis of the overall survival was calculated. Results: A total of 422 patients were included (median age: 46 years). The number new cases of lymphoma diagnosed variably increased over the study period: From 28 (7%) cases in 2009 to 48 (11%) in 2018. The most common lymphoma was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (175; 41%): and extranodal site was GI involvement (33.5%). In terms of survival, 79% were alive at the last follow-up. On multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) for patients aged ≥60 years was 3.44 (95% CI: 2–5.9; P = 0.0000069), adjusted for lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) and disease stage. For advanced-stage disease and high LDH, the HR was 4.2 (95% CI: 1.5-11.8, P = 0.00637) and 0.5 (95% CI: 0.28-0.97; P = 0.04106), respectively. Conclusions: The lymphoma trend in the Saudi Arabian population showed variable increase in cases over the study period, with most patients presenting with advanced-stage disease and at a younger age. The overall survival was comparable with studies from Western countries.
Numerical simulation of oscillatory flow around submarine pipelines

ABSTRACT Kazeminezhad, M.H. , 2013. Numerical simulation of oscillatory flow around submarine pipelines Submarine pipelines, which often installed over seabed without any protection, are widely used to transport products from one location to another. In shallow water regions, the pipelines are affected severely by the wave-induced oscillatory motion. In this study a numerical model is presented to simulate the flow pattern around pipeline exposed to the oscillatory flow. The flow hydrodynamics is described via the solution of the Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes equations with a k-ϵ turbulence closure model. The numerical model is employed to describe the flow pattern, vortex shedding, gap flow prevailed below the pipe and hydrodynamic forces in oscillatory flow condition. Then, the flow velocity in the gap beneath pipe is discussed for different gap to diameter ratios in both unidirectional and oscillatory flow conditions. Results indicated that the k-ϵ turbulence closure model is capable of simulating the vortex shedding behind the pipe in oscillatory flow condition. It is also indicated that for the oscillatory flow case (KC=7, Re=9500), the maximum velocity of the gap flow increases with decreasing the gap between pipe and bed surfaces. By contrast, in the steady current case (Re=9500), the maximum velocity of the gap flow slightly decreases with decreasing the gap. In oscillatory flow conditions, a phase-lag between the gap flow and free-stream flow was found, especially for the small gap ratios. The relative maximum flow velocity between pipe and bed surfaces (umax gap/um) decreases as the Keulegan-Carpenter number increases. According to the obtained results, the maximum velocity of the gap flow in oscillatory flow conditions is higher than that of the steady currents.
Welding Defect Extraction of X-Ray Image Based on Adaptive Morphological Filtering Operator

When mathematic morphological filtering methods are applied on the welding defect extrac-cording to the size of the welding defect.Then the mathematic morphological opening operator is applied on the image to subtract the result from the original image,and the filtering results are reached finally.This method was applied in the extraction of welding defect edge to obtain satisfactory results.
Pengaruh Kinerja Keuangan, Kebijakan Dividen, Dan Kepemilikan Manajerial Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan

This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of financial performance (profitability, liquidity, leverage), dividend policy and managerial ownership on firm value. Manufacturing companies in the consumer goods sub-sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2016-2020 period are the samples in this study. Samples were obtained as many as 9 companies using purposive sampling technique. Multiple linear regression analysis tool. Financial performance is measured using profitability, liquidity, and leverage. The results of the study found that profitability and managerial ownership have an effect on firm value, while liquidity, leverage and dividend policy have no effect on firm value.
Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular function in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention following Tongxinluo treatment

Bying comparing the correlation between three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE) and troponin I (cTn I), three‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction (3D‐LVEF), to explore the 3D‐STE to evaluate the left ventricle of patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following routine treatment with Tongxinluo drugs.
Detection and Classification of Potato Diseases Potato Using a New Convolution Neural Network Architecture

Using machine vision and image processing as a non-destructive and rapid method can play an important role in examining defects of agricultural products, especially potatoes. In this paper, we propose a convolution neural network (CNN) to classify the diseased potato into five classes based on their surface image. We trained and tested the developed CNN using a database of 5000 potato images. We compared the results of potato defect classification based on CNN with the traditional neural network and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The results show that the accuracy of the deep learning method is higher than the Traditional Method. We get 100% and 99% accuracy in some of the classes, respectively.
Re-thinking the coronavirus pandemic as a policy punctuation: COVID-19 as a path-clearing policy accelerator

This article joins with others in this special issue to examine the evolution of our understanding of how the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic impacted policy ideas and routines across a wide variety of sectors of government activity. Did policy ideas and routines transform as a result of the pandemic or were they merely a continuation of the status quo ante? If they did transform, are the transformations temporary in nature or likely to lead to significant, deep and permanent reform to existing policy paths and trajectories? As this article sets out, the literature on policy punctuations has evolved and helps us understand the impact of COVID-19 on policy-making but tends to conflate several distinct aspects of path trajectories and deviations under the general concept of “critical junctures” which muddy reflections and findings. Once the different possible types of punctuations have been clarified, however, the result is a set of concepts related to path creation and disruption—especially that of “path clearing”—which are better able to provide an explanation of the kinds of policy change to be expected to result from the impact of events such as the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.
The Role of Triazole and Glucose Moieties in Alkali Metal Cation Complexation by Lower-Rim Tertiary-Amide Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The binding of alkali metal cations with two tertiary-amide lower-rim calix[4]arenes was studied in methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile in order to explore the role of triazole and glucose functionalities in the coordination reactions. The standard thermodynamic complexation parameters were determined microcalorimetrically and spectrophotometrically. On the basis of receptor dissolution enthalpies and the literature data, the enthalpies for transfer of reactants and products between the solvents were calculated. The solvent inclusion within a calixarene hydrophobic basket was explored by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy. Classical molecular dynamics of the calixarene ligands and their complexes were carried out as well. The affinity of receptors for cations in methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide was quite similar, irrespective of whether they contained glucose subunits or not. This indicated that sugar moieties did not participate or influence the cation binding. All studied reactions were enthalpically controlled. The peak affinity of receptors for sodium cation was noticed in all complexation media. The complex stabilities were the highest in acetonitrile, followed by methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide. The solubilities of receptors were greatly affected by the presence of sugar subunits. The medium effect on the affinities of calixarene derivatives towards cations was thoroughly discussed regarding the structural properties and solvation abilities of the investigated solvents.
Association between Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Lower-Limb Functional Performance and Sport Injury: A Systematic Review of Prospective Cohort Studies

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry in lower-limb functional performance has been associated with increased risk of sport injury; however, findings are not always consistent. Purpose: To conduct a systematic review on whether inter-limb asymmetry in lower-limb functional performance can predict sport injury. Methods: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SportDiscus) were systematically searched for prospective cohort studies reporting the association between inter-limb asymmetry in lower-limb functional performance and sport injury. Results: A total of 28 prospective cohort studies were included in the analyses. Collectively, the findings were highly inconsistent, and a clear statement on the association between each asymmetry and sport injury was difficult. Conclusions: Highly inconsistent findings make it difficult to create clear recommendations on the relationship between the inter-limb asymmetry in lower-limb functional performance (power, muscle flexibility, and dynamic balance) and sport injury. The influence of potential factors (selection of tests/parameters, participant characteristics, definition of injury, and ways of calculating asymmetry) should be considered when using previous findings.
The effects of prompts-based argumentation scaffolds on peer-led interactive argumentation

The main focus of this study was to determine whether prompts-based argumentation scaffolds (PAS) would result in improvement of students’ argumentation in a peer-led argumentation context. The study also examined the effects of PAS on students’ reasoning performance and their feelings of group community. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: a) no prompts, b) cognitive prompts, and c) socio-cognitive prompts. As designed, the sociocognitive prompts resulted in a significantly greater amount of socio-emotionally enhanced strategy use. With regard to argument behaviors, students in all three conditions made a considerable number of opposing arguments, which could be attributed to the task design of the study. More important, the socio-cognitive prompts condition resulted in a statistically significant greater number of substantial agreeing arguments. As expected, students in the scaffolded conditions performed better in terms of overall argumentation than students in the control condition. This difference, however, was not statistically significant. Contrary to expectation, students in the socio-cognitive prompts condition did not successfully justify their positions within the framework of others’ views in the individual reasoning performance test. Lastly, the socio-cognitive prompts did not result in significantly stronger feelings of group community, although students in this condition reported slightly stronger feelings of group community than their counterparts.
Polymer coating with gradient‐dispersed dielectric nanoparticles for enhanced daytime radiative cooling

Polymeric coatings with randomly distributed dielectric nanoparticles have attracted intensive attention in the passive daytime radiative cooling application. Here, we propose a modified Monte – Carlo method for investigating the spectral response and cooling performance of polymer coating with gradient-dispersed nanoparticles. Using this method, we carry out a quantitative analysis on the solar reflectance, infrared emittance and cooling power of four categories of gradient structures. It is shown that the gradient profile of particle distribution at the near-surface region has a significant influence on the overall performance of the coatings. Compared to a randomly distributed structure, the downward size-gradient structure exhibits superiority in both solar reflectance and cooling power. The presented gradient design, also applicable to porous structures, provides an effective and universal strategy for significantly improving the cooling performance of radiative cooling coatings.
Dynamics Modelling and Control of a Novel Fuel Metering Valve Actuated by Two Binary-Coded Digital Valve Arrays

A fuel metering valve actuated by two binary-coded digital valve arrays (BDVAs) is proposed to improve the reliability of conventional fuel metering valves piloted by a servo valve. The design concept of this configuration is obtained from the structural characteristics of the dual nozzle-flapper and the flow regulation method of the digital hydraulic technology. The structure and working principle of the fuel metering valve are presented. Then, a mathematical model of the entire valve is developed for dynamic analysis. Subsequently, the mechanism of the transient flow uncertainty of the BDVA is revealed through simulation to determine the fluctuation in the velocity of the fuel metering valve. Furthermore, step response indicates that the delay time of the fuel metering valve is within 4.1 ms. Finally, to improve the position tracking accuracy of the fuel metering valve, a velocity feedforward proportional-integral controller with pulse code modulation is proposed. A series of comparative analyses indicate that compared with those of the velocity feedforward controller, the average and standard deviation of the position error for the proposed controller are reduced by 78 and 72.7%, respectively. The results prove the feasibility of the proposed valve and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
A Survey on Analog-to-Digital Converter Integrated Circuits for Miniaturized High Resolution Ultrasonic Imaging System

As traditional ultrasonic imaging systems (UIS) are expensive, bulky, and power-consuming, miniaturized and portable UIS have been developed and widely utilized in the biomedical field. The performance of integrated circuits (ICs) in portable UIS obviously affects the effectiveness and quality of ultrasonic imaging. In the ICs for UIS, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used to complete the conversion of the analog echo signal received by the analog front end into digital for further processing by a digital signal processing (DSP) or microcontroller unit (MCU). The accuracy and speed of the ADC determine the precision and efficiency of UIS. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically review and summarize the characteristics of different types of ADCs for UIS, which can provide valuable guidance to design and fabricate high-performance ADC for miniaturized high resolution UIS. In this paper, the architecture and performance of ADC for UIS, including successive approximation register (SAR) ADC, sigma-delta (Σ-∆) ADC, pipelined ADC, and hybrid ADC, have been systematically introduced. In addition, comparisons and discussions of different types of ADCs are presented. Finally, this paper is summarized, and presents the challenges and prospects of ADC ICs for miniaturized high resolution UIS.
Healthy Status Evaluation of Diesel Engine and Its Method

The idea of the health status valuation of the diesel engine is put forward. Based on a mass of on-board testing data, the corresponding relation between the correlation dimension and the diesel engine health status is computed and analyzed. Health degree—the quantitative parameter description of the diesel engine health status is presented in combination with motor hours. After being verified, the diesel engine health status expressed by the health degree is consistent with other character parameters such as vibration intensity, accelerating time, decelerating time and fuel consumption,and this indicates it is possible to evaluate the diesel engine health status with health degree.
Structural basis of Nrd1–Nab3 heterodimerization

The NMR structure of an Nrd1–Nab3 chimera describes the structural bases of Nrd1/Nab3 heterodimerization. Nrd1 embraces a bundle of helices in Nab3, building a large interface. Key mutations at that interface compromise cell fitness. Heterodimerization of RNA binding proteins Nrd1 and Nab3 is essential to communicate the RNA recognition in the nascent transcript with the Nrd1 recognition of the Ser5-phosphorylated Rbp1 C-terminal domain in RNA polymerase II. The structure of a Nrd1–Nab3 chimera reveals the basis of heterodimerization, filling a missing gap in knowledge of this system. The free form of the Nrd1 interaction domain of Nab3 (NRID) forms a multi-state three-helix bundle that is clamped in a single conformation upon complex formation with the Nab3 interaction domain of Nrd1 (NAID). The latter domain forms two long helices that wrap around NRID, resulting in an extensive protein–protein interface that would explain the highly favorable free energy of heterodimerization. Mutagenesis of some conserved hydrophobic residues involved in the heterodimerization leads to temperature-sensitive phenotypes, revealing the importance of this interaction in yeast cell fitness. The Nrd1–Nab3 structure resembles the previously reported Rna14/Rna15 heterodimer structure, which is part of the poly(A)-dependent termination pathway, suggesting that both machineries use similar structural solutions despite they share little sequence homology and are potentially evolutionary divergent.
Old volatility - ARCH effects in 19th century consol data

Engle's autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH) model has been used successfully to model volatility in modern financial data. Here the returns on 3% Consols traded on the London market from 1821 to 1860 are examined for timevarying conditional heteroscedasticity. The series contains over 10,000 daily price changes. The analysis produces strong evidence for persistent ARCH effects in the data. Structural changes in the model and periods of increased volatility can be linked to important political and historical events.
The Potentially Protective Effects of Anti-Lipid, Hypoglycemic, and Anti-Hypertensive Agents for Perioperative Mortality in Geriatric Group

Background Great efforts were made to collect information and identify risk factors in predicting post-anesthetic mortality. In this study, we use national health insurance data base, including medications, underlying comorbidities and surgical factors to assess the relationship between these factors and mortality after surgery. Methods This is a retrospective, population based study. The study population who underwent general anesthesia (GA) were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2013. We classified the study patients into 4 major comparison groups by surgical procedures, including major organ transplantation (heart, liver, lung, kidney, or pancreas), CV surgery, major neurosurgery, and others according to the diagnostic codes of the international classification of diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. We proposed a logistic regression model with valuable variables which can significantly predicts the post-anesthesia mortality. We also designed different models for 4 subgroups according the results. Results A total of 833,685 subjects were included in this study, and the most common comorbidity was hypertension. Age was an important determinant associated with post-operation mortality among different surgical types. Perioperative prescription could reduce risks of operation. The prediction model based on the preliminary training group also performed well in the validation group (AUROC=0.8753 for in-hospital mortality; AUROC= 0.8767 for 30-days mortality). A reliable predicting model can help anesthesiologists to decide the anesthesia method or monitors, as well as helping physicians to take care of their patients after operation. Conclusions While GA is commonly used for the majority of the patients undergoing operations, the prediction model that we proposed from this nationwide study could identify the predictors for post-operation mortality. The potentially protective effects of anti-lipid, hypoglycemic, and anti-hypertensive agents were encouraging in geriatric preoperative group. It is expected that applying this prediction model and prescription into clinical practice could improve surgical risk stratification and further improve patient outcomes. Trial registration The protocol of this study was approved by the National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee (Trial Registration 201411078RINC). Informed consent was waived by the National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee due to the retrospective and anonymous nature of the claims data.
Innate stimulation of B cells ex vivo enhances antibody secretion and identifies tumour-reactive antibodies from cancer patients

Abstract Human B cells and their expressed antibodies are crucial in conferring immune protection. Identifying pathogen-specific antibodies following infection is possible due to enhanced humoral immunity against well-described molecules on the pathogen surface. However, screening for cancer-reactive antibodies remains challenging since target antigens are often not identified a priori and the frequency of circulating B cells recognizing cancer cells is likely very low. We investigated whether combined ex vivo culture of human B cells with three innate stimuli, interleukin-17 (IL-17), B-cell activation factor (BAFF), and the toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) agonist DNA motif CpG ODN 2006 (CpG), each known to activate B cells through different signalling pathways, promote cell activation, proliferation, and antibody production. Combined IL-17+BAFF+CpG prolonged B-cell survival and increased proliferation compared with single stimuli. IL-17+BAFF+CpG triggered higher IgG secretion, likely by activating differentiated, memory and class-switched CD19+CD20+CD27+IgD- B cells. Regardless of anti-FOLR antibody seropositive status, IL-17+BAFF+CpG combined with a monovalent tumour-associated antigen (folate receptor alpha [FOLR]) led to secreted antibodies recognizing the antigen and the antigen-expressing IGROV1 cancer cells. In a seropositive individual, FOLR stimulation favoured class-switched memory B-cell precursors (CD27-CD38-IgD-), class-switched memory B cells and anti-FOLR antibody production, while IL-17+BAFF+CpG combined with FOLR, promoted class-switched memory B-cell precursors and antibody-secreting (CD138+IgD-) plasma cells. Furthermore, IL-17+BAFF+CpG stimulation of peripheral blood B cells from patients with melanoma revealed tumour cell-reactive antibodies in culture supernatants. These findings suggest that innate signals stimulate B-cell survival and antibody production and may help identify low-frequency antigen-reactive humoral responses.