Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A three-month physical training program improves cardiovascular autonomic function in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes – a pilot study

Introduction Vascular complications and neuropathy may develop in the presence of metabolic syndrome. The aim of our study was to measure the cardiovascular autonomic function following physical training in patients with metabolic syndrome with and without diabetes. Subjects and methods 56 patients with metabolic syndrome (32 men/24 women, 40 non-diabetic patients (NDMetS)/16 diabetic patients (DMetS) [mean ± SD]: age: 50.35 ± 8.03 vs. 56.8 ± 9.30 years, p=0.023; baseline BMI: 32.2 ± 7.03 vs. 32.8 ± 5.94 kg/m2, p=0.739) were involved in our study. All tests and measurements were carried out before and following a 3-month physical training period. Autonomic function was assessed by means of five standard cardiovascular reflex tests. ECG repolarization parameters, including short-term QT variability and stress-ECG were also measured. Results In the whole population, Valsalva-ratio (VR) and the autonomic score (AS) improved following training (VR: 1.49 ± 0.24 vs. 1.64 ± 0.34, p=0.001; AS: 2.05 ± 1.73 vs. 1.41 ± 1.36, p=0.015) accompanied by the significant decrease of the systolic (150.3 ± 16.12 vs. 134.1 ± 16.67 mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic (90.64 ± 12.8 vs. 82.79 ± 11.1 mmHg, p<0.001) blood pressure. An improvement in VR was detected in NDMetS patients following training (1.51 ± 0.24 vs. 1.67 ± 0.31, p= 0.002). No significant changes could be detected in autonomic tests’ results in the DMetS patient group following training. The applied exercise training program did not lead to significant changes in ECG repolarization. The stress-ECG test in the whole study population yielded a significant increase in the test duration (12.9 ± 3.76 vs. 15.1 ± 2.96 min, p<0.001) and in the test load (10.5 ± 2.78 vs. 11.6 ± 2.39 MET, p<0.001). The load capability improved significantly in both subgroups: 11.1 ± 2.04 vs. 12.1 ± 1.82, (p<0.001) and 9.0 ± 3.64 vs. 10.4 ± 3.05, (p=0.033) in subpopulations of NDMetS and DMetS, respectively. The DMetS patients achieved a significantly lower MET score at baseline (p=0.039) and following training (p=0.044) in comparison to the NDMetS patients. Conclusion The three-month exercise program improved the Valsalva-ratio and the AN score in the MetS patients, that is potentially protective against cardiovascular events. The training had some beneficial effect on blood pressure and the results of the stress-ECG tests in both groups. The absence of significant change in the reflex tests in DMetS group reflects an impaired adaptation compared to the NDMestS group.
Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy for Right Hemispheric Stroke Syndrome Due to Acute Left A1-A2 Junction Thromboembolic Occlusion

Background: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusions has had a dramatic impact on the management of acute ischemic stroke. Extended use of EVT beyond American Heart Association guidelines has been successful in carefully selected cases. Case Report: A 71-year-old male presented to our comprehensive stroke center upon awakening with mild left hemiparesis. He was found to have a chronic occlusion of the right supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery. Angiography demonstrated large vessel occlusion of the contralateral A1-A2 junction that was successfully recanalized. Imaging at 24 hours displayed no evidence of infarct, the patient rapidly improved during hospitalization, and he was discharged on postoperative day 7 with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of zero. Conclusion: We describe successful EVT of a patient presenting with false-localizing symptoms consistent with a right hemispheric acute ischemic stroke secondary to left A1-A2 junction large vessel occlusion. This case demonstrates the importance of a high index of suspicion when evaluating atypical stroke presentations and the effectiveness of EVT in the treatment of distal small-caliber vessels.
Effectiveness of a Strength-Based Intervention into Nursing Education in South Korea

Purpose This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of strength-based interventions integrated into the nursing education. Materials and Methods The participants were 259 baccalaureate nursing students in South Korea. Over 15 weeks, strength-based intervention was integrated into the regular nursing curriculum. Stress, resilience, and well-being of the participants were measured before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using a linear mixed model via the SPSS statistics 21.0. program. Results There was a negative weak association between stress and well-being and between stress and resilience (r = −0.164, p = 0.009 and r = −0.138, p = 0.029, respectively) and a positive moderate association between well-being and resilience (r = 0.561, p<0.001). After adjusting the covariates, the interaction of group*time for stress and resilience were significant after the intervention, reflecting a higher status of stress and improved resilience. (p= 0.046 and 0.030 respectively). Conclusion Integrating strength-based interventions into the nursing curriculum was effective in improving the mental health of Korean nursing students. Future research is needed to identify various ways of applying positive psychology to the nursing education.
Stabilization of Double Inverted Pendulum Systems Based on Hierarchical Sliding Mode Control Techniques

The double rotary inverted pendulum (DRIP) system belongs to the class of under-actuated mechanical systems, and it is a highly nonlinear, unstable, and benchmark system to test the different control techniques. This paper successfully designed the nonlinear hierarchical sliding mode control (HSMC) techniques to stabilize the DRIP system. We compare the performance of these techniques numerically with each other and with the previously designed control technique. We propose an aggregated HSMC technique as it has a much shorter stabilization time than other designed techniques.
Microbiome of Free-Living Amoebae (FLA) Isolated from Fresh Organic Produce: Potential Risk to Consumers?

In response to growing global interest in organic agriculture, this study delves into the microbial landscape of organically grown raw produce with a focus on food safety. Vegetables that are consumed raw are potential vehicles for the transmission of any type of microorganism capable of causing human disease. Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa found in many ecosystems and can serve as hosts to pathogenic bacteria. So far, data regarding the FLA bacterial microbiome in fresh produce remain scarce and are non-existent for those of organic origin. Thus, the aim of this preliminary work is to characterize the microbiome of FLA in commonly consumed raw vegetables to know their possible implications for consumers. A total of 40 organic cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and strawberry samples were analyzed. FLA were found in all samples, and their bacterial microbiome was obtained via amplicon sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform and pair-end protocol. Acanthamoeba spp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis were identified via qPCR in 65.0% and 25.0% of the samples, respectively. Regarding the bacterial microbiome of FLA, the most abundant genera were Pseudomonas (1.8–17.8%) and Flavobacterium (1.7–12.6%). Bacteria not previously related to FLA, such as Prosthecobacter or Cellvibrio, are described in this work. Importantly, several bacterial genera found within the FLA microbiome were identified as potential human pathogens, including Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Arcobacter, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium, Salmonella and Legionella. This is the first work in which FLA microbiome isolated from organic products has been characterized, underscoring the significance of understanding FLA’s role as carriers of pathogenic bacteria in the context of organic food safety.
Macroinfaunal assemblages in sandy seabeds of San Blas
(SE Tenerife, Canary Islands, NE Atlantic Ocean)

The infaunal communities of C. nodosa meadows shelter most of the biodiversity associated with these seabeds. We studied macroinfaunal assemblages of a C. nodosa meadow from a locality on the south-east coast of Tenerife. Macroinfaunal assemblages were clearly dominated by crustaceans. The amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis and the tanaid Apseudes talpa were the most dominant taxa in studied stations. Macrofaunal assemblage showed important variations in terms of abundances and diversity, even at the same station. Variations in measured environmental variables (e.g. granulometry) are the main factor to explain these differences in macrofaunal assemblages.
Observer-Based Sliding Mode Control for T–S Fuzzy Descriptor Systems With Time Delay

This paper examines the problem of observer-based sliding mode control designs for a class of descriptor Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time delay and uncertainties. Specifically, based on the detailed discussions on the existence conditions, a reduced-order robust observer is designed first where the influences of the uncertainties are totally removed. Second, by choosing appropriate coordinate transformations and matrix decompositions, an actual and a virtual sliding mode variables are constructed, and an observer-based sliding mode controller is developed to handle the uncertainties such that the virtual sliding mode surface can be reached and maintained in a finite time, whereas the actual sliding mode variable approaches to zeros asymptotically. And then, we prove that the system asymptotic stability can be guaranteed after the virtual sliding mode surface has been reached or the actual sliding mode variable approached to zero. In addition, the existence conditions for both the observer and the sliding mode controller are given in strict linear matrix inequality forms. Finally, a simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Integration and Implementation Strategies for AI Algorithm Deployment with Smart Routing Rules and Workflow Management

This paper reviews the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in the healthcare industry, focusing on computer vision applications for medical imaging, and how interoperability and enterprise-grade scalability can be used to address these challenges. The complex nature of healthcare workflows, intricacies in managing large and secure medical imaging data, and the absence of standardized frameworks for AI development pose significant barriers and require a new paradigm to address them. The role of interoperability is examined in this paper as a crucial factor in connecting disparate applications within healthcare workflows. Standards such as DICOM, Health Level 7 (HL7), and Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) are highlighted as foundational for common imaging workflows. A specific focus is placed on the role of DICOM gateways, with Smart Routing Rules and Workflow Management leading transformational efforts in this area. To drive enterprise scalability, new tools are needed. Project MONAI, established in 2019, is introduced as an initiative aiming to redefine the development of medical AI applications. The MONAI Deploy App SDK, a component of Project MONAI, is identified as a key tool in simplifying the packaging and deployment process, enabling repeatable, scalable, and standardized deployment patterns for AI applications. The abstract underscores the potential impact of successful AI adoption in healthcare, offering physicians both life-saving and time-saving insights and driving efficiencies in radiology department workflows. The collaborative efforts between academia and industry, are emphasized as essential for advancing the adoption of healthcare AI solutions.
TransJakarta Service Evaluation in Controlling COVID-19 Transmission Using Twitter Sentiment Analysis

This study attempted to understand passenger perception of using public transport by utilizing Twitter data about the services of the TransJakarta Busway. Tweets were the main data source to capture users’ responses toward these services. Users’ perceptions were analyzed by sentiment analysis using a naïve Bayes algorithm. Furthermore, content analysis was used to inform improvements in service maintenance. The findings showed that the pandemic had a major impact on TransJakarta services, from a decrease in users, route closures, and fleet reductions to changes in user behavior. Most Tweets were negative regarding (1) poor bus frequency, leading to long queues and passenger overcrowding at bus stops and inside buses; (2) failure to maintain social distancing measures; (3) frequent violations of the 50% bus capacity reduction during peak hours, and showing a lack of consideration in measuring demand size during peak hours; (4) staff’s weak control of implementing the health protocol exacerbated poor services. This study suggests service improvement based on peak hour demand analysis to offset the implications of a 50% capacity restriction by providing proper bus frequencies and headway arrangements considerable enough to avoid crowding, followed by optimal monitoring of health protocol by staff. Tweet data may inform poor management in controlling the transmission of COVID-19 on public transportation. Hence, using Twitter data could replace conventional data collection methods like user interviews. Beneficial information from Tweet data can be captured at relatively low costs. Therefore, it may aid the evaluation of PPKM policy implementation to create more resilient public transportation during pandemics.
Study of plasma characteristics of hollow cathode in glow discharge

In order to further investigate the conditions and the coupling mechanisms for generating the hollow cathode effect (HCE) for the process optimization in the field of surface modification, the plasma distribution and density in single glow and double glow hollow cathode discharge (HCD) were explored by experiments and simulations based on the two-dimensional fluid model. Additionally, we investigated the effects of the key parameters on the plasma density, the electron temperature and the potential field during the HCD. The experimental and simulation results showed that the high plasma density is owing to the HCE in the hollow cathode. It is found that there is a critical pore diameter for generating HCE, which is approximately the sum of the thickness of the plasma sheath and four times the electron-neutral mean free path in the single glow discharge while twice thickness of the plasma sheath and four times the electron-neutral mean free path in the double glow discharge. The HCE in the double glow discharge can be observed when the ignition voltage that the source cathode voltage be 250 V greater than the workpiece cathode voltage can be met while the PD value is about 1.5 ∼ 3.8 Torr ⋅ mm. Consequently, we believe that our investigation on the plasma characteristics of hollow cathode in glow discharge will contribute to the development of the more optimal processing parameters for the application of the glow plasma discharge phenomena.
Guidelines for the development of small and medium enterprises into high-value markets

This study aimed to explore the approaches for transforming Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into high-value markets, focusing on constructing a structural equation model of guidelines for the development of small and medium enterprises into high-value markets. The conceptual research framework consisted of one exogenous latent variable, the Value Discovery element, combined with the four endogenous latent variables, Value Development, Value Communication, Value Distribution, and Value Experiences. The study utilized mixed-methodology research, including qualitative research through in-depth interviews with nine experts, a focus group discussion with 11 successful entrepreneurs, and quantitative research through a survey of 500 SMEs in Thailand. The results revealed that SMEs operating in high-value markets are divided into tangible and intangible products, representing 250 respondents from each group. The five elements of the guidelines for the development of small and medium enterprises into high-value markets were found to be of high importance both overall and in each element. The developed SEM model was consistent with the empirical data of five elements with 27 observed variable factors. Furthermore, the hypothesis test results for analyzing the causal influence between latent variables in the SEM model revealed that all six hypotheses were supported at the 0.001 level of statistical significance. The value of the study is beneficial for SMEs who target to do business in high-value markets and can improve their competitiveness, develop unique value propositions, and provide better customer experiences.
Types of Land Degradation in Bhutan

There is a growing global awareness that land degradation is as much a threat to environmental well–being as more obvious forms of damage, such as air and water pollution (e.g. Greenland & Szalbocs, 1994; Conacher, 2001). Although the source of land degradation is usually local, its effects often stretch for considerable distances from the source site. It can impact large areas and many people. Governments, NGO’s and community groups therefore have the right and duty to be concerned, and to intervene and assist where needed.
Validation of an automated kriging-based methodology to calibrate PSO parameters: application to parametric optimization of truss structures

For years, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm has been widely studied and many improved versions have been developed: from the swarm's topologies to the addition of new parameters, including machine learning approaches. However, the tuning of the fundamental PSO parameters has been less studied, but may lead to significant improvements on the convergence accuracy of PSO. This paper aims to develop an automated methodology to calibrate PSO parameters for a given optimization problem. The process is based on the kriging estimation of the best combination of PSO parameters. In this way, the Automated Tuning parameter Calibration (ATpC) methodology gives the optimal PSO setup for each considered problem in order to lead to a better convergence accuracy. The proposed ATpC methodology is applied to parametric optimization of truss structures. ATpC methodology performance is assessed by comparison of two different PSO setups usually used in the literature. The numerical results show that the ATpC methodology allows to significantly improve the convergence accuracy of PSO.
Moderating Effect of Self-Efficacy on Cognitive, Emotional and Social Intelligence towards Work Engagement in Service Sector

The world is witnessing a shift in industrialized nations' economies towards the service sector. Particularly in Malaysia, service sector has gone through profound and rapid changes in the last few years. Due to this reason, new management practices need to be studied and employed for better employee engagement. This study aims to examine the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between cognitive, emotional and social intelligence towards employee’s work engagement in the service sector in Malaysia. The Partial Least Square method is employed to study the link. The findings indicate that self-efficacy moderates the relationship between emotional intelligence towards work engagement. Nevertheless, contrary to the claims of scholars, the study finds no evidence of any moderation effect of self-efficacy on the relationships between cognitive and social intelligence towards work engagement. Limitation and suggestion for the future research are also discussed.
The Mountain Arapesh

For approximately eight months during 1931-1932, anthropologist Margaret Mead lived with and studied the Mountain Arapesh-a segment of the population of the East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. She found a culture based on simplicity, sensitivity, and cooperation. In contrast to the aggressive Arapesh who lived on the plains, both the men and the women of the mountain settlements were found to be, in Mead's word, maternal. The Mountain Arapesh exhibited qualities that many might consider feminine: they were, in general, passive, affectionate, and peaceloving. Though Mead partially explains the male's "femininity" as being due to the type of nourishment available to the Arapesh, she maintains social conditioning to be a factor in the type of lifestyle led by both sexes. Mead's study encapsulates all aspects of the Arapesh culture. She discusses betrothal and marriage customs, sexuality, gender roles, diet, religion, arts, agriculture, and rites of passage. In possibly a portent for the breakdown of traditional roles and beliefs in the latter part of the twentieth century, Mead discusses the purpose of rites of passage in maintaining societal values and social control. Mead also discovered that both male and female parents took an active role in raising their children. Furthermore, it was found that there were few conflicts over property: the Arapesh, having no concept of land ownership, maintained a peaceful existence with each other. In his new introduction to The Mountain Arapesh, Paul B. Roscoe assesses the importance of Mead's work in light of modern anthropological and ethnographic research, as well as how it fits into her own canon of writings. Roscoe discusses findings he culled from a trip to Papua New Guinea in 1991 to clarify some ambiguities in Mead's work. His travels also served to help reconstruct what had happened to the Arapesh since Mead's historic visit in the early 1930s.
Birnbaum Importance Measure for Reliability Systems With Dependent Components

Component importance measures are relevant to improve the system design and to develop optimal replacement policies. Birnbaum's importance measure is one of the most relevant measures. If the components are (stochastically) independent, this measure can be defined using several equivalent expressions. However, in many practical situations, the independence assumption is unrealistic. It also turns out that in the case of dependent components, different Birnbaum's measure definitions lead to different concepts. In this paper, we extend Birnbaum's importance measure to the case of dependent components in a way allowing us to obtain relevant properties including connections and comparisons with other measures proposed and studied recently. The dependence is modeled through copulas and the new measure is based on the contribution of the component to the system reliability.
Hydrothermal pretreatment of poultry litter for biogas production

ABSTRACT Hydrothermal pretreatment (HPT) allows the solubilization of the hemicellulose, leading to increased biodegradability for microorganisms. This paper presents a study based on the evaluation of the variables time (12 to 60 min), temperature (80 to 200°C), and solid/liquid ratio (4 to 8 g mL-1) for the HPT (autohydrolysis) of synthetic poultry litter (rice straw: poultry manure 1:5) using the Doehlert matrix. Twelve HPT conditions followed by anaerobic digestion were evaluated with a focus on methane production. Firstly, tests were conducted to evaluate biogas production in a single stage in a single reactor, where both the acidogenic and methanogenic phases occur. Subsequently, tests were conducted to evaluate biogas production in a two-stage, consisting of separating hydrogen and methane production phases. The best performance of the biochemical potential of methane was the conditions 6 (24 min, 120 °C, and solid-liquid ratio = 4) in a single stage and 3 (48 min, 160 °C, and SLR = 8) in a two-stage, producing 255.6 and 277.6 NmL CH4gVS-1, respectively. Using the desirability criteria, two hydrothermal pretreatment (HPT) conditions were evidenced/ condition 1 in two stages (12 min, 80 °C, and SLR = 4)- (D1-2S) and condition two in two stages (12 min, 98 °C, and SLR = 4) - (D2-2S) showed high methane production, 248.9 and 249.3NmL CH4∙gVS-1, respectively.