Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E-Participation: Community Involvement Level Related to Different Services of Local Government Unit Officials

Purpose â€“ This paper seeks to answer the level and extent of involvement of the community in the government services to explore how information technologies may work to improve the services to the citizens as an input to e-governance initiative. Method â€“The researchers conducted a series of activities for data gathering, such as interview, focus group discussion and survey. Questionnaires were used to collect data to support the rationality of the study. The study used the descriptive statistics from the gathered data to determine the needs of the community. Specifically, mean scores and standard deviation were computed from the results of different statements per category based on the survey questions. Regression analysis method was used to identify the factors affecting the involvement of the respondents related to the services from the LGU. ANOVA was also used to identify the differences among respondentsâ€™ levels of involvement such as the age group, civil status, and educational attainment. Results â€“ The findings provided justifications to identify factors affecting the involvement of the respondents in LGU services. It also indicated that they have the same level of involvement in terms of sex, civil status, and educational attainment. However, there is a positive association between community involvement and community respondent age group in terms of involvement level. Conclusion â€“ The study showed that there is lack of information dissemination about different services, programs, activities and projects in the community that cause low community involvement. Accessibility to technology of the respondents, dissemination of information to respondents through the web, level of public web applicability of the respondents, and level of assessment on incident report in the community of the respondents are the factors affecting the involvement of the respondents in the different services of local government officials which lead as a basis for creating the e-participation website for local government unit. Recommendations â€“ The use of ICT (information and communication technology) in the Local Government must be applied in a bigger community or group in a barangay; on the other hand, local municipalities must implement the proposed system or e-participation portal to identify the benefits from the delivery of services of the officials. Research Implications â€“ The development of the government services such as e-participation initiatives inevitably need to take into consideration the inclusion of proper information dissemination, crafting of new models of policy formulation, and the formulation of alternative approaches for connecting people to the political process though the ICT. Motivations for community involvement are also important. Future efforts could stress on the community their involvement in changing the local conditions they are not pleased with. Uses of this finding in program/policy development could take a variety of forms.
A Complete Design Procedure of an Aperiodic Multichannel FBG for Astronomical OH Suppression

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have proven to be an effective and efficient solution for suppressing OH lines in near-infrared astronomical spectroscopy. Previous studies have focused on designing and fabricating FBGs for astronomy H band (1.45–1.7 microns), but the OH lines in J band (1.1–1.4 microns) remain unresolved. In this study, we present a full step-by-step design process for FBGs used for OH suppression in astronomical spectroscopy for the first time. This process includes an improved removal method for OH doublets, optimization techniques, and compensation for visibility degradation. We also demonstrate the success of this process by presenting the first ever fabricated FBGs for use in the J band. Our results show that the capability to design and fabricate FBG filters for any wavelength range within the J and H bands has been achieved.
Experimental strategies in the treatment of acute renal failure in sepsis

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Using Electronic Handgrip Dynamometry and Accelerometry to Examine Multiple Aspects of Handgrip Function in Master Endurance Athletes: A Pilot Study

Abstract Klawitter, LA, Hackney, KJ, Christensen, BK, Hamm, JM, Hanson, M, and McGrath, R. Using electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry to examine multiple aspects of handgrip function in master endurance athletes: A Pilot Study. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1777–1782, 2023—Electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry may provide novel opportunities to comprehensively measure muscle function for human performance, especially for master athletes. This investigation sought to determine the multivariate relationships between maximal strength, asymmetry, rate of force development, fatigability, submaximal force control, bimanual coordination, and neuromuscular steadiness to derive one or more handgrip principal components in master-aged endurance athletes. We included n = 31 cyclists and triathletes aged 35–70 years. Maximal strength, asymmetry, rate of force development, fatigability, submaximal force control, bimanual coordination, and neuromuscular steadiness were measured twice on each hand using electronic handgrip dynamometry and accelerometry. The highest performing measures were included in the analyses. A principal component analysis was conducted to derive a new collection of uncorrelated variables from the collected handgrip measurements. Principal components with eigenvalues >1.0 were kept, and individual measures with a factor loading of |>0.40| were retained in each principal component. There were 3 principal components retained with eigenvalues of 2.46, 1.31, and 1.17. The first principal component, “robust strength,” contained maximal strength, rate of force development, submaximal force control, and neuromuscular steadiness. The second principal component, “bilateral synergy,” contained asymmetry and bimanual coordination, whereas the third principal component, “muscle conditioning,” contained fatigability. Principal components 1, 2, and 3 explained 44.0, 31.6, and 24.4% of the variance, respectively. Different dimensions of muscle function emerged from our findings, suggesting the potential of a muscle function battery. Further research examining how these measures are associated with appropriate human performance metrics and lower extremity correlates is warranted.
Interactions inequality-polarization: characterization results

Recent literature stresses the multidimensional nature of income distribution. Two of the most relevant components are inequality and polarization. In this paper, we show the restrictions of keeping simultaneously constant these two aspects whenever the distribution of incomes changes. Distributional change could originate from any economic policy or simply from economic growth. Hence, our result implies an effective restriction for policymakers that they cannot avoid and should not ignore. Our proof embodies a general view of polarization that includes the Wolfson and the Esteban and Ray approaches. The paper also develops other links for the case of controlling only one variable and deducing the implications for the other variable.
Single-Glass-Layer Optically Transparent Transmitarray With High Aperture Efficiency and Low Profile at 5G Millimeter-Wave Band

This communication presents a single-glass-layer optically transparent transmitarray (TTA) with high aperture efficiency at millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G band. When designing a transmitarray (TA), the more metal and dielectric layers are used, the easier it is to increase the aperture efficiency. However, if the TTA is designed, the fewer metal and dielectric layers, the more advantageous it is in terms of optical transparency (OT). Therefore, only a single glass layer was chosen to design a TTA with high OT. The novel analysis technique was applied to obtain the theoretical transmission response of the single substrate unit cell (UC) and to obtain impedance information to quickly design UCs by combining circuit analysis. Then, the aperture efficiency was increased using two methods: 1) two types of double resonance UCs were combined and 2) oblique incidence on the UCs on the edge of TA aperture was considered. The designed TA was converted into the TTA, which satisfies the advanced OT guidelines proposed in this communication. The fabricated TTA has a focal length (F) to dimension (D) ratio of 1.2, exhibiting simulated and measured aperture efficiencies of 51.1% and 45.3%.
Rationality of Developing the Protected Mangrove Forests as Ecotourism

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze the rationalities and strategies of developing mangrove forests as ecotourism and its impact on socio-economic transformation. Method: The research was conducted using exploratory qualitative methods with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and document studies. Interviews were conducted with representatives of local governments, tourism agencies, the village head, the local communities, mangrove tourism management groups, local traders, employees, and tourists. The data were analyzed with an interactive model using an inductive approach. Result and conclusion: Based on the analysis, two main rationalities were identified in developing protected mangrove ecotourism; economic potential and environmental conservation of mangroves. In addition, three strategies were carried out to transform protected mangroves into ecotourism; building community awareness, conducting good cooperation across sectors, and strengthening tourism development by making mayoral regulations. Finding implication: The mangrove ecotourism has an impact on collective awareness and encourages the community to preserve mangroves for their economic interests based on the principle of sustainable environmental conservation. Finally, this study confirms that economic rationalities and mangrove conservation as ecotourism objects encourage stakeholders to find sustainable strategies for managing ecotourism-protected mangroves to ensure the realization of a blue economy.
Peak Running Velocity vs. Critical Speed: Which One Is Better to Prescribe Endurance Training to Recreational Runners?

Abstract Figueiredo, DH, Figueiredo, DH, Manoel, FA, and Machado, FA. Peak running velocity vs. critical speed: which one is better to prescribe endurance training to recreational runners? J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1783–1788, 2023—This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of training prescribed by peak running velocity obtained on the track (Vpeak_TR) and their respective time limit (Tlim), as well as by critical speed (CS), on physiological and endurance performance parameters in recreational runners. Twenty-two male runners were distributed into a Vpeak_TR group (GVP) and CS group (GCS) with a predefined program, alternating moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training. Maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), and its respective velocity (vV̇O2max), Vpeak_TR, Tlim at 100% Vpeak_TR, 5-km running performance, CS, and D’ (maximum distance covered above CS) were assessed at pretraining and posttraining period. There was a significant increase from pretraining to posttraining in Vpeak_TR (GVP = 4.5 ± 3.1% vs. GCS = 7.5 ± 4.2%), vV̇O2max (GVP = 3.9 ± 3.8% vs. GCS = 8.6 ± 6.7%), and mean velocity 5-km (GVP = 5.6 ± 3.3% vs. GCS = 7.3 ± 3.5%) and decrease in 5-km time (GVP = −5.1 ± 3.0% vs. GCS = −6.8 ± 3.0%). CS and V̇O2max significantly improved in GCS (9.3 ± 8.4% and 6.0 ± 6.8%, respectively), with no difference for GVP (2.8 ± 5.6% and 1.3 ± 8.4%, respectively). No differences were observed between groups for all variables. These findings give further supports to the notion that both variables obtained on the track are valid tools to prescribed training in recreational runners.
Extended Dissipative Scalable Control for AC Islanded Microgrids

In this study, an innovative extended dissipative scalable control approach is proposed for monitoring islanded microgrids (ImGs), which has the advantage of flexibility for adding and removing distributed generation units (DGUs). Firstly, an arbitrary topology is developed in order to circumvent the connected constraints of subsystems in previous results. Secondly, the impact of subsystem indexing on total subsystem communications is investigated during the execution of scalable control algorithms, and an optimizable cost function is created to determine the cost related to subsystem indexing. Then, by using Lyapunov stability theory, several sufficient conditions under the subsystem-level are established to ensure the studied system are globally exponentially stable with the desired extended dissipative performance, which can guarantee that when adding DGUs in ImGs, only directly connected controller gains needed to be designed, and when removing DGUs in ImGs, no controller gains needed to be redesigned, that is, plug-and-play performance is achieved. Finally, the considered ImGs containing three DGUs and a numerical example are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Comparative genome analysis of the freshwater fungus Filosporella fistucella indicates potential for plant-litter degradation at cold temperatures

Abstract Freshwater fungi play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter of leaf litter in rivers and streams. They also possess the necessary mechanisms to endure lower temperatures caused by habitat and weather variations. This includes the production of cold-active enzymes and antifreeze proteins. To better understand the physiological activities of freshwater fungi in their natural environment, different methods are being applied, and genome sequencing is one in the spotlight. In our study, we sequenced the first genome of the freshwater fungus Filosporella fistucella (45.7 Mb) and compared the genome with the evolutionary close-related species Tricladium varicosporioides (48.2 Mb). The genomes were annotated using the carbohydrate-active enzyme database where we then filtered for leaf-litter degradation-related enzymes (cellulase, hemicellulase, laccase, pectinase, cutinase, amylase, xylanase, and xyloglucanase). Those enzymes were analyzed for antifreeze properties using a machine-learning approach. We discovered that F. fistucella has more enzymes to participate in the breakdown of sugar, leaf, and wood than T. varicosporioides (855 and 719, respectively). Filosporella fistucella shows a larger set of enzymes capable of resisting cold temperatures than T. varicosporioides (75 and 66, respectively). Our findings indicate that in comparison with T. varicosporioides, F. fistucella has a greater capacity for aquatic growth, adaptability to freshwater environments, and resistance to low temperatures.
Adaptive sliding mode control based on fuzzy logic for hybrid smart microgrid energy management system

ABSTRACT In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode controller (ASMC) based on fuzzy logic is applied to control hybrid smart microgrid power systems under uncertainty. The chattering effects can occur if not adjusted properly due to the sliding mode amplitude control law. The approximation of the ASMC law function is performed by Fuzzy logic, and chattering effects are reduced through a low pass filter. The Lyapunov theory proves the stability of the control system and is also applied to stabilise the system’s control mechanism. The hybrid micro-grid system operation, which consists of distribution generation, loads, PWM IGBT inverter and low pass filter, is simulated using MATLAB 2017b. The reference speed is compared with the hybrid microgrid real speed, which was 1.0 p.u. and gradually controlled through ASMC-fuzzy until the speed desired is achieved for power supply stability. A comparison of results between the simulated ASMC-Fuzzy and PI controller indicated a drastic reduction of THD, which satisfies the required ‘below 5% THD level according to IEEE 1547 standard’ required for operation.
Impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes of twin gestation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on outcomes of twin gestations is not clear. We aimed to collate data via this meta-analysis to examine how HDP alters maternal and neonatal outcomes of twin gestations. Methods Studies comparing pregnancy outcomes of twin gestations based on HDP and published on the databases of PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase between 1 January 2000 to 20 March 2023 were eligible for inclusion. Results Twelve studies were included. A cumulative of 355,129 twin gestations were analyzed in the current meta-analysis. The pooled analysis found that the presence of HDP increases the risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.86 95% CI: 1.36, 2.55 I2 = 99%) and cesarean section in twin gestations (OR: 1.36 95% CI: 1.20, 1.54 I2 = 89%). Meta-analysis showed a significantly increased risk of low birth weight (OR: 1.30 95% CI: 1.10, 1.55 I2 = 97%), small for gestational age (OR: 1.30 95% CI: 1.09, 1.55 I2 = 96%) and neonatal intensive care unit admissions (OR: 1.77 95% CI: 1.43, 2.20 I2 = 76%) with HDP in twin gestations. There was no difference in the incidence of 5-min Apgar scores <7 (OR: 1.07 95% CI: 0.87, 1.38 I2 = 79%) but a lower risk of neonatal death (OR: 0.39 95% CI: 0.25, 0.61 I2 = 62%) with HDP. Conclusion HDP increases the risk of preterm birth, cesarean sections, low birth weight, SGA, and NICU admission in twin gestations. Contrastingly, the risk of neonatal death is reduced with HDP. Further studies are needed to corroborate the current results. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42023407725).
Self-Perceived Social Support of Patients with Chronic Skin Diseases in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Chronic skin diseases have been recognised as having a detrimental effect on patients’ social functions. Objectives: To assess the perceived social support in patients with chronic skin disease and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2019 on patients with skin diseases taking treatment at Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Patients of both sexes aged above 18 years undergoing treatment for a skin disease in ACH for more than 3 months (chronic skin disease) were recruited by simple random sampling, and a total of 249 patients returned completed questionnaires. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information about the background and disease characteristics of the patients and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The software package IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp., was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics were used for patient characteristics, and perceived social support was analysed according to specific scoring criteria. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to find out the association of background and disease variables with the perceived social support. Correlation analysis was used to find the relationship of social support with the age of the patient. All associations were considered significant at p < 0.05. Result: The mean age of the study group was 36.52 ± 14.22 years. The majority of the patients were females (71.1%). Atopic dermatitis was the most common skin disease reported, with 22.1% of all patients suffering from it. Mean scores of perceived social support score were low globally (24.97 ± 12.31), as well as in the three dimensions of significant other (7.75 ± 4.14), friends (7.90 ± 4.59), and family support (9.40 ± 5.48). A significant difference in social support was perceived by patients with a disease duration of 3 months to 1 year and those with papulo-squamous skin disease as compared to acne. The presence of skin disease in a second-degree relative indicated a higher level of social support perception and had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.194, p = 0.002) with the age of the patient. Conclusion: Saudi patients with chronic skin disease have low social support. Some important insights into the functioning of social support were suggested by the study finding, which pointed to the significant effect of disease duration, type of disease, and presence of disease in second-degree relatives on the perception of social support in patients with a variety of chronic skin diseases. Qualitative exploratory and prospective research could help in understanding this aspect of psychosocial health in a better way and help to provide solutions.
Nutritional Support for Liver Diseases

The liver is a key organ that is responsible for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and the absorption and storage of micronutrients. Unfortunately, the prevalence of chronic liver diseases at various stages of advancement in the world population is significant. Due to the physiological function of the liver, its dysfunction can lead to malnutrition and sarcopenia, and the patient’s nutritional status is an important prognostic factor. This review discusses key issues related to the diet therapy of patients with chronic liver diseases, as well as those qualified for liver transplantation and in the postoperative period.
Increasing awareness and empathy among university students through immersive exercises - testing of the virtual reality application: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND This paper presents an overview of a pilot study focused on testing the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) exercises, within extended reality experiences, in increasing awareness and empathy among university students towards pregnant women, elderly people, people in wheelchairs, and people with some sort of sight impairment. The extended reality experience was designed to simulate various scenarios that reflect the experiences of people from diverse backgrounds, to promote a better understanding of different perspectives and social issues related to some of the challenges tackled by people whose limitations are many times overlooked. MATERIAL AND METHODS A design-based research methodology was applied and qualitative and quantitative data were collected in samples of 20 students from 3 countries. RESULTS Overall, the results suggest that immersive VR applications can be an effective tool in increasing awareness and empathy among higher education students. The use of VR technology can create a sense of presence and immersion that allows students to experience situations that they may not have encountered otherwise. The results attained with the immersive experiences have provided evidence that these solutions can foster a greater understanding of different perspectives and promote empathy towards individuals from diverse backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS Ongoing research correlated with the Mixed Reality on Universal Design's Secret Service (Mr. UD) project results is already expanding on these findings by testing the effectiveness of VR applications in different contexts and with larger and more diverse samples. Additionally, the research conducted has provided relevant evidence that suggests that VR applications and their inclusion in training programs may help promote behavior change and reduce prejudice and discrimination towards marginalized groups. Med Pr. 2023;74(3):187-97.