Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
River water quality response under hypothetical climate change scenarios in Tunga‐Bhadra river, India

Analysis of climate change impacts on streamflow by perturbing the climate inputs has been a concern for many authors in the past few years, but there are few analyses for the impacts on water quality. To examine the impact of change in climate variables on the water quality parameters, the water quality input variables have to be perturbed. The primary input variables that can be considered for such an analysis are streamflow and water temperature, which are affected by changes in precipitation and air temperature, respectively. Using hypothetical scenarios to represent both greenhouse warming and streamflow changes, the sensitivity of the water quality parameters has been evaluated under conditions of altered river flow and river temperature in this article. Historical data analysis of hydroclimatic variables is carried out, which includes flow duration exceedance percentage (e.g. Q90), single low‐flow indices (e.g. 7Q10, 30Q10) and relationships between climatic variables and surface variables. For the study region of Tunga‐Bhadra river in India, low flows are found to be decreasing and water temperatures are found to be increasing. As a result, there is a reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels found in recent years. Water quality responses of six hypothetical climate change scenarios were simulated by the water quality model, QUAL2K. A simple linear regression relation between air and water temperature is used to generate the scenarios for river water temperature. The results suggest that all the hypothetical climate change scenarios would cause impairment in water quality. It was found that there is a significant decrease in DO levels due to the impact of climate change on temperature and flows, even when the discharges were at safe permissible levels set by pollution control agencies (PCAs). The necessity to improve the standards of PCA and develop adaptation policies for the dischargers to account for climate change is examined through a fuzzy waste load allocation model developed earlier. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Microsurgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation - A Report of 158 Patients with a Mean Follow-up of More Than 32 Years.

STUDY DESIGN Level 3, cohort study OBJECTIVE. : To assess long-term clinical outcome, and rate of reoperation following microsurgical subtotal discectomy (MSD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of discomfort. Studies with more than 25 years of follow-up are rare and the reported rate of clinical success and reoperation are not well understood. METHODS Retrospectively, files with complete documentation of preoperative and postoperative neurological status, process during hospitalization, detailed report of MSD, outpatient visit notes and full contact information of patients who underwent MSD for the treatment of LDH with a minimum follow-up of 25 years were reviewed. Patients were contacted for personal follow-up assessment which included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D, and MacNab criteria, usage of pain medication for leg and back pain, limitations in daily life and repeated procedures at the lumbar spine. RESULTS A total of 355 patients were randomly selected and contacted for final follow-up and 158 patients with a mean follow-up 32 years participated in the study. Clinical success rate was 86.0%; mean ODI was 9% (0-58%), 69.6% of the patients were pain free, 13.9% of patients reported the daily intake of pain medication for back and leg pain. Reoperations were performed in 47 of the patients (29.7%) whereas the rate for recurrent disc herniation at the same level was 8.2%. Reoperation within the first two years after initial MSD had negative influence on clinical success. The preoperative physical working status and gender and working status had no influence on the clinical success. CONCLUSION The MSD is an effective technique to achieve a high rate of patient satisfactory, and high rate of functional recovery. The overall reoperation rate is 30% within 30 years but only 8.2% of the patients underwent reoperation due to recurrent disc herniation at the same level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Adherence to dietary recommendations and colorectal cancer risk: results from two prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND Understanding the association between diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is essential to curbing the epidemic of this cancer. This study prospectively evaluated adherence to the Chinese Food Pagoda (CHFP), and two American Dietary Guidelines: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in association with CRC risk among Chinese adults living in urban Shanghai, China. METHODS Participants included 60 161 men and 72 445 women aged 40-74, from two ongoing population-based prospective cohort studies. Associations between dietary guideline compliance scores and CRC risk were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, with age as time metric, and potential confounders were adjusted. RESULTS We identified 1670 CRC incidence cases (691 males and 979 females) during an average 8.1 years of follow-up for men and 13.4 years for women. CHFP score was inversely associated with risk of CRC, with hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals) of 0.88 (0.77, 1.00), 0.86 (0.75, 0.98) and 0.84 (0.73, 0.96) for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles versus 1st quartile, respectively (Ptrend= 0.01). The inverse association appeared stronger for rectal cancer, individuals at younger age (< 50 years), with a lower BMI (<25 kg/m2) or without any metabolic conditions at baseline, although no multiplicative interactions were noted. No consistent association pattern was observed for the modified DASH score and the modified AHEI-2010. CONCLUSIONS Compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese was associated with reduced risk of CRC among Chinese adults. To maximize health impacts, dietary recommendations need to be tailored for specific populations.
Search for dense molecular gas in two QSO host galaxies (Research Note)

Context. The HCN(1-0) rotational line transition traces the dense (n H2 > 10 4 cm -3 ) fraction of the molecular gas typically located in starforming (SF) regions. In addition, an abnormally high HCN/CO line ratio close to AGNs may indicate then conditions of an X-ray-dominated region. Observed correlations between the CO-, HCN-, and FIR luminosities in nearby non-active, starburst, and low-luminosity active galaxies represent the physical connection between star formation and molecular gas as its fuel. HCN(1-0) has hardly been investigated in nearby high-luminosity AGN within this context. Aims. The aim of this study is to compare the HCN luminosity with published CO and IR luminosities to investigate the role of SF in the observed QSO host galaxies. Methods. We used the IRAM 30 m for the first time to search for the HCN(1-0) transition in two standard QSO host galaxies at z ∼ 0.1. Results. Our upper limits on L HCN agree with the known correlations and do not show strong excess abundance or excitation of the HCN due to the luminous active quasar nucleus. The starburst origin of the far-infrared luminosity in the observed QSO hosts cannot be proven unambiguously by the upper limits. We found that the IR/FIR ratio indicates independently of L IR if a significant amount of AGN heated dust is present.
Performance of Creatinine Clearance and Estimated GFR in Assessing Kidney Function in Living Donor Candidates

Background. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) assessment is a key aspect in the evaluation of living kidney donor candidates; however, data on performance of commonly used methods are limited. Methods. We examined 769 living kidney donor candidates with 24-hour urine collections assessed as accurate by comparing measured creatinine excretion rate (CER) to CER estimated using a 4-variable equation previously developed and validated using robust methodology. Results. Of all collections, 42.6% would have been deemed inaccurate, mostly under-collections, using the conventional weight- and gender-based CER estimation. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) overestimated 125I-iothalamate GFR (iGFR), estimated GFR (eGFR), underestimated iGFR, and their average [Avg (CrCl and eGFR)] essentially eliminated the GFR bias (median bias = +2.2, −5.4, and −1.0 mL/min/1.73 m,2 respectively; P < 0.001). This held true for all subgroups except blacks, where all 3 measures overestimated iGFR. Avg (CrCl and eGFR) also offered modestly improved accuracy compared with CrCl alone, as measured by the proportion of values falling within 10% (50.7% versus 45.3%; P = 0.009) and 30% of iGFR (94.5% versus 89.3%; P < 0.001). Conclusions. When measured GFR is unavailable, the Avg (CrCl and eGFR) provides a better estimate of kidney function in kidney donor candidates than either measure alone, although in blacks the estimates are neither better nor worse.
Some effects of globalization on manufacturing practice

Globalization is a fundamental and much discussed phenomenon of our days’ economic development. This paper discusses its consequences in manufacturing, using the example of the Hungarian economy, where multinationals and other foreign companies play a key role. First the general nature of globalization and its effects in Hungary are discussed. Then data from two international surveys are used to characterize manufacturing practice, comparing three groups of companies: multinationals, other foreign-owned and local companies. The consequences illustrate the important role of multinationals in bringing new technologies and managerial techniques to the country, giving an example for beneficial effects of globalization.
Working with school-refusing young people in Tower Hamlets, London

This study looks at the local context, describing quantitative data from a subset of young people seen within the inner London Tower Hamlets Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) that are extremely socially withdrawn and unable to attend mainstream education. The core aim of this research was to examine the views of professionals who work with and for these young people. Qualitative group interviews were used to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of these young people, what might contribute to their withdrawal from school and what needs to be done to help them reintegrate. Professionals reported that these young people were highly complex in terms of their needs and presentation and that there is a lack of clarity around what causes these young people to withdraw. They agreed that a more intensive multilayered intervention was required to meet their needs. Interventions that include gradual socialization, parental involvement and which address the role of technology were indicated. However, more research is needed to clarify how to effectively intervene.
Absenteeism in Apprenticeships: What Role Do Works Councils Play?

This paper examines the influence of works councils on apprentices’ absence from the workplace in Germany. The analysis draws on merged administrative and survey data that includes information about the cumulated days apprentices are absent from work due to sickness reasons. On average, apprentices report sick on nine working days per year, whereas strong differences exist with respect to the training occupation and firmsize. Regression results imply that the existence of a works council in a firm significantly reduces apprentices’ absence. The results suggest that works councils effectively exercise their legally anchored ‘voice’ function in the German apprenticeship system.
Quality assessment criteria: psychometric properties of measurement tools for cancer related fatigue

Abstract Background: Fatigue is a common and distressing cancer symptom that negatively affects the quality of life. Many scales have been developed to assess cancer-related fatigue. The properties of the scales vary in terms of dimensionality, reliability, validity, length and method of administration. Insufficient of psychometric properties may affect the accuracy of scales findings, that may lead result obtained questionable. The main objective of this review was to conduct a quality assessment of the psychometric properties of cancer-related fatigue scales to identify appropriate scales that could be used in research and clinical practice. Method: A systematic search was carried out to identify validated scales that measure cancer-related fatigue. Five databases were searched: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library. This review was conducted following the PRISMA and Terwee et al.’s quality assessment guidelines to evaluate the psychometric properties of the studies. Result: Seventy-one different studies published between 1970 and 2018 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five scales were identified. Of these, eighteen were multidimensional and seven were uni-dimensional, containing between 4 and 72 items. Reliability and/or validity information was missing for many scales. Four scales met the quality assessment criteria and were reported as the most appropriate for measuring fatigue in cancer patients. Conclusion: Further psychometric testing is required for other scales. Developing a universally-defined tool kit for the assessment of cancer-related fatigue may help clarify the concept of fatigue and promote a systematic approach to fatigue measurement.
TECHNICAL SYSTEMS DESIGN BY COMBINATORIAL OPTIMIZATION CHOICE OF ELEMENTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES DESIGN

The design process of the real technical systems sometimes needs a proper choice of their elements and/or subsystems. As a result of world globalisation and technolo­ gies development sets of standard (but with different parameters, quality and price) technical elements are available to choose from. The main idea developed in the current paper is to use sets of ready to use elements and modules by making some flexible intelligent choice reflecting different preliminary requirements to the designed system. The optimization combinatorial choice of the technical system elements de­ creases costs for the "trials and errors" choosing and for the multiple prototypes building and testing. The proposed approach is illustrated on the night vision devices design and some of its experimental numerical results are shown.
Different Activation of TRAF4 and TRAF6 in In�a��ator� �o�e� Di�ea�e

In recent years, interests combining the exploration of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) and TRAF6 in immune cells and transgenic mice are emerging. Although it has been found that TRAF4 and TRAF6 share the same TRAF binding sites, comprehensive study of TRAF4 and TRAF6 in in�ammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still lacking. is paper shows similar and different expression patterns of TRAF4 and TRAF6 in patients with IBD. e results indicate that TRAF4 and TRAF6 are overexpressed in IBD. TRAF4 and TRAF6 play different roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. Moreover, TRAF4 may be an indicator of endoscopic disease activity of UC and TRAF6 preactivation can be detected in nonin�amed colonic segments.
The Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Thai Banks

The aim of this study is to examine the determinants of the capital structure of Thai banks. The data spans a ten year period from 1999 – 2008. The differentiation point of this study is that, whereas most studies on capital structure focus predominantly on internal bank variables, this study, in addition to internal variables includes market-based risk variables. A range of market-based default and value at risk variables were considered which were then narrowed down to improve the model. Fixed effects panel data analysis is employed, with both market and book leverage used as dependent variables. The Thai bank study is benchmarked to Japanese and Malaysian banks. The study found that the significance of the market-based variables is greater for market leverage than for book leverage. The results can assist regulators and banks in understanding the impact of different market and internal variables on capital. Keyword: Capital structure, Distance to default, Conditional value at risk, Panel data analysis
Zinc-based metal–organic frameworks as nontoxic and biodegradable platforms for biomedical applications: review study

Abstract Development of biomedical systems for controllable drug delivery systems and construction of biosensors is imperative to reduce side effects of common treatment techniques and enhance the therapeutic efficacy. To address this issue, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as hybrid porous polymeric structures have attracted worldwide attention due to their unprecedented opportunities in vast range of applications in diverse fields including chemistry, biological, and medicinal science as gas storage/separation, sensing, and drug delivery systems. Recently, biomedical application has become an interesting and promising issue for development and usage of multi-functional MOFs. Flexible chemical composition and versatile porous structure of MOFs enable the engineering and enhancement of their medical formulation and functionality as practical carriers for whether therapeutic or imaging agents. One important point in this domain is the efficient delivery of drugs in the body using nontoxic and biodegradable carriers. This review brings together the literatures that addressing the biomedical applications of Zinc-based MOFs (i.e. as drug delivery systems or nontoxic agent in matter of therapeutic applications) to present recent achievements in this interesting field.
Serological Assessment of the Quality of Wound Healing Processes in Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by continuous mucosal damage and ongoing wound healing of the intestines. The fibrinolytic system is involved in early parts of the wound healing process. Fibrin is a key mediator of primary blood clot formation and is formed by cross-linking of fibrinogen. To gain insights into the dynamics of wound healing in CD patients we investigated the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin by the pro-peptide FPA, the amount of factor XIII cross-linked fibrin and total fibrin clot. METHODS Serum samples of 35 CD patients, 15 non-inflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD) patients and 39 age-matched healthy controls were analyzed for three novel neo-epitope markers: D-fragment and D-dimer, reflecting the degradation of total fibrin clot and factor XIII cross-linked fibrin, as well as FPA, reflecting synthesis of fibrin. RESULTS Crohn's disease patients had a significantly lower D-dimer level (p=0.0001) compared to healthy controls. Crohn's disease and non-IBD patients had a significantly higher level of FPA (p<0.0001) and D-fragment/D-dimer ratio (p<0.0001 and p=0.02). FPA, D-dimer and D-fragment/D-dimer ratio could distinguish CD patients from healthy controls with area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI 0.83-0.97), 0.78 (95% CI 0.67-0.87) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.75-0.93), respectively. CONCLUSION Wound healing parameters were clearly changed in CD patients. FPA levels were higher in CD patients as compared to healthy controls, indicating more ongoing wound healing. D-dimer levels were lower in CD patients than in healthy controls, indicating impaired wound healing due to poor quality of factor XIII cross-linked fibrin and clot resolution.
Yoga as a therapeutic tool in autism: A detailed review

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting systems of the body and behavior. Its growth rate is approximately 3% in children. This review was undertaken to search and critically analyze the literature about musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological function, and behavioral outcomes of yoga interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This systematic review has four-stage screening process and rigorous critical appraisal, which resulted in the inclusion of 36 studies. As a result, in children with autism spectrum disorder with (i) the presence of muscle weakness: yoga may decrease sympathetic activity and autonomic arousal and thereby improve handgrip strength (HGS); (ii) lowered cardiac vagal tone and elevated sympathetic tone, resulting in autonomic abnormalities including impaired language, attention, and cognition: yoga reduces blood pressure and improves attention without sympathetic activation; (iii) slower reaction times and greater standard deviations: Pranayama practice enhances central processing ability; and (iv) sensory processing issues with behavior regulations give rise to the presence of repetitive behaviors: yoga improves sensory integration, motor imitations, communications, and their own thoughts and behaviors related to physical, social, and emotional well-being. Hence, this review of clinical studies suggests that approach built on yoga intervention is worth pursuing. Desired outcomes include reduction of autism rate and improved quality of life.
Unexpected concomitant pituitary adenoma and suprasellar meningioma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract We report a case of a 75-year-old patient with hypopituitarism, bitemporal visual field deficits and a parasellar mass on pituitary MRI. During surgery, suspicion was raised that a non-functioning pituitary adenoma was accompanied by an abutting diaphragm sellae meningioma, which was confirmed at pathological examination. In retrospect, the initial MRI suggested two separate tumours on the basis of differing densities but this distinction was not seen on the last preoperative MRI.
Vibrational states of hexagonal ZnO doped with Co

Vibrational density of states of 12.5% cobalt doped bulk hexagonal ZnO has been studied using the density functional theory method. It has been shown that introduction of cobalt into ZnO leads to appearance of additional vibrational modes with their frequencies dependent on the relative positions of cobalt atoms. The magnetic and vibrational properties have been studied in highly Co-doped ZnO samples that are characterized by a high possibility of metal clusters formation.
A Liquidity Motivated Algorithm for Discerning Trade Direction

Most exchanges do not report trade direction thus researchers and traders must deduce whether a trade is buyer or seller initiated since this information is required to evaluate models of bid-ask spread components and to understand the market for immediacy. Algorithms that assign trade direction based on the proximity to bid or ask quotes are easily implemented but ignore information readily discernable from orders, changes in the quoted depth and subsequent price movements. Using the New York Stock Exchange Trades, Orders and Quotes database, systematic biases in existing trade direction algorithms are documented that can be rectified by recognizing that the impact on liquidity is the fundamental characteristic underlying order placement. Although this liquidity-based method is difficult to implement, it more closely captures the actual behavior of market participants.