Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary revascularization

The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (HRQoL) in coronary artery disease(CAD) patients, admitted for rehabilitation within 3 months after an acute coronary event, in relation to treatment strategy [conservative treatment without revascularization (WR), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. Methods: Overall 719 consecutive CAD patients were involved in the study: WR (n=170), PTCA (n=226), CABG (n=323). HRQoL was estimated using the SF-36 questionnaire for total QoL and its two dimensions for physical and mental health [physical and mental component scores (PCS, MCS)]. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the ASEX scale. Results: Significantly higher PCS, MCS and total SF-36, but lower ASEX score, were found in men compared with women. The ASEX score was significantly affected by age. Significantly higher PCS was found in PTCA group compared with that of CABG group. In multivariate analysis a significant positive association was obtained between PCS/MCS and male sex, between regular exercise, hyperlipoproteinemia, and permanent stress. ASEX was significantly positively associated with the age, CHF and non smoking. Conclusion: The results of this study have demonstrated significantly better HRQoL in men, younger CAD patients, patients who underwent PTCA and in patients without self-reported exposition to stress.
Dynamic process of domain switching in ferroelectric films

In this article, a general variational formulation is established for the dynamics of domain switching in ferroelectric thin films. By incorporating the kinetic energy in the Landau free energy expansion, we obtain a second-order time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau evolution equation, which can be used to analyze the frequency-dependent dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the materials. A numerical model is developed to calculate the time-dependent polarization and electric-field distribution during the domain switching process. As an example of practical importance, a ferroelectric film with 180° domain boundaries perpendicular to the film surface is studied. Domain switching is found to proceed in two stages, the initial nucleation and growth of the ferroelectric domain, followed by the expansion of the domain through the sidewise motion of the 180° domain walls, until the spontaneous polarization in the entire electrified area is reversed.
Branching patterns of wave trains in the FPU lattice

We study the existence and branching patterns of wave trains in the one-dimensional infinite Fermi–Pasta–Ulam (FPU) lattice. A wave train Ansatz in this Hamiltonian lattice leads to an advance–delay differential equation on a space of periodic functions, which carries a natural Hamiltonian structure. The existence of wave trains is then studied by means of a Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, leading to a finite-dimensional bifurcation equation with an inherited Hamiltonian structure. While exploring some of the additional symmetries of the FPU lattice, we use invariant theory to find the bifurcation equations describing the branching patterns of wave trains near p : q resonant waves. We show that at such branching points, a generic nonlinearity selects exactly two two-parameter families of mixed-mode wave trains.
Overview of the tax systems and main tax policy issues

South and East Asia are a particularly fast developing world economic areas, and are becoming increasingly more economically integrated. These countries, however, are not homogenous, and are lacking in any supra - national Authority. The total fiscal pressure of South and East Asian countries looks somewhat low when compared to that of countries with a similar per-capita income, pertaining to other economic world areas. However, a smooth Wagner law is confirmed by the data so that fiscal pressure is destined somewhat to increase as growth continues. With regards to similar experiences of developing and transition countries, indirect taxes prevail over direct ones. Low tax wedges on labor improve efficiency, by inducing both the supply and demand of labor. The heavy burden on consumption lessens equity and increases welfare losses. Any further uniform analysis of South and East Asian countries’ tax policy issues would be however quite fruitless. It is far better to consider tax policies issues which rise inside the whole area separately to those more specific to each cluster made up by similar countries. Intra-regional economic integration poses severe challenges to the tax structure in the Asian area. Three tax policy issues seem most problematic: the building of intra-countries’ agreements on reducing trade tariffs; the sequential revenue consequences of reduction in foreign trade taxes; the increasing tax competition for FDI. Intra-countries clusters’ tax policy issues differ from each other. In Japan and in S. Korea different choices have been made regarding the comprehensiveness of the PIT’s basis, whose burden as a consequence ends up being more fairly distributed in S. Korea. The two countries are facing the common problem of an ageing population and consequentially, social contributions, and eventually VAT are being raised. Malaysia’s direct taxes look higher than Thailand’s, but this is only because of the taxation of oil companies. Thailand has adopted VAT, while Malaysia has not changed its traditional sales tax. Both the countries are engaged in the recovery of revenue by improving tax administration. Both in China and in India income tax is small and poorly redistributing. Also, India has just moved from a schedular to a comprehensive tax basis. VAT is well established in China, while it is just arriving in India, as a consequence of a long waited but challenging reform, especially regarding the tax relationships among levels of government. Taxing power is now more centralized in China, but this needs to be corrected in order to avoid a lack of accountability on the part of the provinces.
Alteration of some Biochemical and Haematological Parameters in the Dairy Cows Due to the Intake of Mycotoxin Contaminated Feeds

The hepatogenic role of mycotoxins is well-known, but their action on some biochemical and haematological parameters in the dairy cows is yet to be completely clarified. The investigation monitored the modification of blood test values and of some biochemical parameters from the serum and urine of dairy cows reared in small family farms and which consumed feeds contaminated with mycotoxins. Ten blood samples and 10 urine samples were collected and subsequently analysed. The samples were collected from 5 family farms, one in each of the following countied: Dolj, Giurgiu. Ilfov, Călărasi and Galaţi. The blood and urine samples were analysed for their biochemical parameters. The results of the biochemical analyses of the blood and urine samples were correlated with the results of the mycotoxicological analysis of 105 samples of forages collected from the surveyed family dairy farms. The results showed that some biochemical parameters exceeded the normal physiological level, which may be the result of a defence reaction of the organism to the aggressive action of the mycotoxins identified in the forages given to the dairy cows.
Optimal Test for Parameter Instability When the Unstable Process and the Error Distribution are Unknown

This paper proposes asymptotically optimal tests for unsta ble parameter process under the feasible circumstance that the researcher ha s little information about the unstable parameter process and the error distribu tion, and suggests conditions under which the knowledge of those processes does no t provide asymptotic power gains. I first derive a test under known error dist ribution, which is asymptotically equivalent to LR tests for correctly identi fied unstable parameter processes under suitable conditions. The conditions are we ak enough to cover a wide range of unstable processes such as various types of str uctural breaks and time varying parameter processes. The test is then extended to semiparametric models in which the underlying distribution in unknown but t reated as unknown infinite dimensional nuisance parameter. The semiparametr ic t st is adaptive in the sense that its asymptotic power function is equivalent t o the power envelope under known error distribution. Journal of Economic Literature Classification: C12, C14, C22
On the need for pro-poor land administration in disaster risk management

There exists an intensifying and multifaceted relationship between rapid population growth, the increasing occurrence of natural disasters, and demands for land tenure security. Consequently, there is growing agreement on the need to adopt pro-poor land administration approaches, ones that better address the needs of the poor living in disaster prone contexts. Vulnerable communities and exposed lands could benefit from emerging pro-poor land administration, however, thus far, application of the pro-poor mind-set has gained minimal traction in the disaster risk management agenda. Using a research synthesis, existing evidence is analysed and consolidated, and a new inclusive conceptual framework is built; one that illustrates the underutilised potential for pro-poor land administration in disaster risk management. The developed framework explains the interactions between three identified and fundamental global change forces (people, land and disaster) and the three disaster risk drivers (vulnerability, exposure and hazard). The framework illustrates how pro-poor approaches can simultaneously have impacts on both land tenure security and disaster risk management. The conceptual framework is considered a first step toward an implementable strategy for applying pro-poor land administration technologies in the context of disaster risk management. Ultimately, pro-poor land administration should enable the poor to minimise vulnerabilities and disaster risks through an inclusive land tenure security approach to prevent, mitigate, prepare and respond to natural disasters.
Mapping Cognitive Performance in Computer Aided Strategic Planning

Research findings on decision making suggest that many types of decisions are less than optimal and prone to certain biases and errors with potentially serious consequences. This paper outlines the ways in which technology can be applied constructively to assist decision makers making better decisions during strategic planning based on an exploratory study which compares aided vs. unaided performance of SME’s managers. Decision making process has been decomposed into distinct phases to better evaluate the contribution of technology on cognitive aspects of the managerial task. Results suggest that decision support encouraged rationalization of the decision making process especially during the assessment of SWOT's and the evaluation of alternatives phase, leading to an overall increase in decision making effectiveness.
Heat and chill requirements of Fraxinus flowering in Galicia (NW Spain)

Fraxinus pollen data from eight Galician localities (1999-2003), recorded using 7-day Lanzoni VPPS pollen traps, were studied to determine their temporal and spatial distribution. The determination of the chill and heat required to trigger flowering and the start cumulative date were calculated using ten years of pollen data from Ourense. The sum of maximum temperatures from the 55 days before the peak date showed the lowest standard deviation coefficient and the mean quantity of accumulated heat was 741. Temperatures below 0°C and/or rainfall at the beginning of flowering caused a longer period before the peak date was registered. Temperatures recorded in November were very important for chill accumulation and determine the heat requirement needed to trigger Fraxinus flowering in Galicia.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance basil tolerance to salt stress through improved physiological and nutritional status

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of salinity on some physio-biochemical traits in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars with contrasting salt stress tolerance and to determine the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in ameliorating the salt stress in plant. Salt stress (250 mM NaCl) reduced the colonization potential of AMF and inhibited photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll and carotenoids in plant tissue. AMF inoculated plants contained higher level of cholorphyll pigments. Salt stressed plants showed increased lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD). Plants inoculated with AMF showed lower lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, the content of lipids, proline, and soluble sugars in basil plants was improved with AMF inoculation. AMF inoculation reduced accumulation of Na + and improved nutrient acquisition. In conclusion, AMF were capable to reduce oxidative stress via supporting of the antioxidant system. Salt tolerant cultivar showed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and accumulation of osmolytes.
Novel Compact Three-Way Filtering Power Divider Using Net-Type Resonators

In this paper, we present a novel compact three- way power divider with bandpass responses. The proposed power divider utilizes folded net-type resonators to realize dual functions of filtering and power splitting as well as compact size. Equal power ratio with low magnitude imbalance is achieved due to the highly symmetric struc- ture. For demonstration, an experimental three way filter- ing power divider is implemented. Good filtering and power division characteristics are observed in the meas- ured results of the circuit. The area of the circuits is 14.5 mm × 21.9 mm or 0.16 �� g× 0.24 �� g, where the �� g is the guided wavelength of the center frequency at 2.1 GHz.
Possible interaction between lameness, fertility, some minerals, and vitamin E in dairy cows

Fifty-six cows that became lame within 60 d postpartum and 157 healthy cows (controls) were used in the study. The results from the following variables were analysed: calving to the first service interval, calving to conception interval, conception rate at the first service, and overall conception rate. Lameness was associated with a statistically significant 9 d increase in the interval from calving to the first service. In the lame cows, the interval from calving to conception was by 27 d longer (P<0.05) than those in the control cows. The conception rate at the first service was 41.4% (control - 54.6%). The serum vitamin E concentration was lower in the cows with lameness than that in the control cows: 2.31±0.24 µg/mL versus 2.44±0.12 µg/mL. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The serum P concentration in the lame cows (4.56±0.24 mg/dL) was significantly different from that in the controls (5.35±0.16 mg/dL). The mean Zn concentration was significantly lower one in the cows with lameness (57.81±3.8 µg/dL) compared with the control cows (85.51±6.01 µg/dL). These results suggest that there is a possible interaction between lameness, fertility, and serum P and Zn concentrations in dairy cows.
Wildlife and forest management measures significantly impact red deer population density

Red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) is in many parts of the world ecologically important and highly popular game species. Its population densities and environmental impacts largely depend on habitat suitability, which in turn is under strong influence of humans. Wildlife management intentionally improves habitat suitability, while forestry’s impacts on red deer are mostly unintentional. In both disciplines the full extent of these impacts is poorly understood. To better understand habitat use and improve management of red deer, we studied the impacts of multiple environmental and historical factors, mostly anthropogenic, on red deer spatial distribution in Slovenia. We found that the probability of red deer presence and population density are higher close to locations of historic (> 100 years ago) red deer reintroduction sites and in large continuous forest complexes. The finding is important for forecasting future red deer distribution and population dynamics. Population density is also positively dependent on proximity to supplemental feeding sites, the proportion of spruce stands in pole-stage and the share of forest young growth, which is important for preventing unwanted impacts of red deer on forest. The approach used by this study and its results are also useful for improving habitat ranking of hunting grounds, which some countries use in wildlife management planning.
Gestational Age and Pregnancy Outcomes

Some of the important pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery, growth restriction and low birth weight (LBW) infant, stillbirth, and some long-term chronic diseases vary by race and ethnicity but also tend to be associated with gestational age of the infant at birth. In the United States, during the last 25–30 years, the rate of low birth weight has increased, as has the rate of preterm delivery among both whites and blacks. Examination of causes for these secular trends has focused mainly on changes in the distribution of maternal age, race, and certain psychosocial factors. However, gestational age at birth is associated with most of these pregnancy outcomes, particularly infant mortality, certain morbidities, birth weight, and preterm birth. In this chapter, the association between ges- tational age and some significant pregnancy outcomes will be discussed.
Observations on the behaviour of the smoky mouse Pseudomys fumeus (Rodentia: Muridae).

This study examined aspects of behaviour in a captive colony of smoky mice, Pseudomys fumeus, over a two year period. Wherever possible behaviours observed in the captive population are compared to data collected in a study of a wild population in south-eastern New South Wales. This paper provides the first recorded observations of behavior in this species. Both captive and wild populations of P. fumeus display strictly nocturnal circadian activity rhythms. In the captive study, P. fumeus were found to exhibit social interactions similar to some previously studied Pseudomys species. However, in the wild, the species was found to communally nest during the breeding season, behaviour not observed in other Pseudomys from similar habitats. P. fumeus in captivity can have more than two litters in one breeding season which suggests that their reproductive parameters are more flexible than previous studies of wild populations have shown. Field data indicate that post-partum oestrus can occur in this species, and that gestation lasts for approximately 30 days, although these observations are based on a small sample.
Stellar evolution, GRB and their hosts

We compute the GRB rates in dierent types of galaxies by performing a population synthesis using the \Scenario Machine" code in the framework of merging binary relativistic stars model. Our model predicts that 1=3 of GRB should occur in elliptical galaxies, and this fraction should increase with the redshift. This fraction is comparable with the observed fraction of GRB without (detectable) X-ray afterglows.
The exploratory behavior scale: assessing young visitors' hands-on behavior in science museums

In this paper, we introduce the Exploratory Behavior Scale (EBS), a quantitative measure of young children's interactivity. More specifically, the EBS is developed from the psychological literature on exploration and play and measures the extent to which preschoolers explore their physical environment. A practical application of the EBS in a science museum is given. The described study was directed at optimizing parent guidance to improve preschoolers' exploration of exhibits in science center NEMO. In Experiment 1, we investigated which adult coaching style resulted in the highest level of exploratory behavior at two exhibits. In Experiment 2, we investigated whether informing parents about an effective way of coaching influenced preschoolers' exploratory behavior at two exhibits. The results of the study demonstrate the added value of the EBS in visitor behavior research: compared to existing global measures of visitor interactivity; the EBS adds information about the quality of the hands-on behavior. Compared to existing detailed measures of visitor interactivity, the EBS has the advantage of being applicable in different museum settings and enabling comparisons between exhibits or exhibitions. In addition, the EBS allows for quantification of unanticipated behavior. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed94:794–809, 2010
A Study on the Effect of Cervical Conization on the pregnancy and Cervical Length after Pregnancy of Patients with High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Distributed under creative commons license 4.0 Volume 1; Issue 3 1 A Study on the Effect of Cervical Conization on the pregnancy and Cervical Length after Pregnancy of Patients with High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Cai Rui1 Zhang Yi1 He Lina1 Li Yun2 Wang Hong2 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changan Xi'an hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710016, China 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Shaanxi, Xi'an 710061, China
Production of the first transgenic cassava in Africa via direct shoot organogenesis from friable embryogenic calli and germination of maturing somatic embryos

The impact of cassava transformation technologies for agricultural development in Africa will depend largely on how successfully these capabilities are transferred and adapted to the African environment and local needs. Here we report on the first successful establishment of cassava regeneration and transformation capacity in Africa via organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis and friable embryogenic callus (FEC). As a prerequisite for genetic engineering, we evaluated six African cassava genotypes for the ability of a) induction of FEC b) hygromycin sensitivity and c) T-DNA integration potential by different Agrobacterium strains. FEC was induced in genotypes TMS 60444, TME 1 and TMS 91/02327. Potential tissues for FEC formation were induced in TMS 91/02324, TME 12 and TME 13. Pure and proliferating FEC was obtained and maintained only in TMS 60444. FEC growth and shoot organogenesis were completely suppressed when hygromycin was used at a concentration of 20 mg/l in all tissue types and genotypes. With somatic cotyledons, statistically significant differences (p0.05) were observed between Agrobacterium strains and genotypes with respect to T-DNA transfer efficiency. Using somatic cotyledons, TME 8 was found to be the most amenable to transformation with maximum blue spots per GUS-positive explants, and Agrobacterium GV3101 proved to be superior to EHA105, LBA4404, and AGl-1 for T-DNA transfer based on transient assays with a reporter gene (GUS). With FEC, Agrobacterium LBA4404 was superior to other strains. This study also identified EHA105 as a new vir helper strain to recover transgenic cassava plants. PCR and Southern hybridization of genomic DNA of the hygromycin-resistant cassava plants to a hpt probe confirmed the integration of hpt with integration events varying between 1 and 2 insertions. The benefit of combining the FEC and shoot organogenesis systems for recovering transgenic cassava plants is described. The contributions of this report to enhancing the development and deployment of genetic engineering of cassava for agricultural biotechnology development in Africa are discussed.
Adaptivity condition as the extended Reinforcement Learning for MANETs

To design adaptive protocols for MANET, techniques from the field of artificial intelligence have been adopted. It is evidnet that the efficiency feature is incremental as the bandwidth and energy are scarce resources in MANETs. Moreover, adaptivity is crucial to achieve the routing task correctly in presence of varying network conditions in terms of mobility, links quality and traffic load. In our study we have used the extended application of Reinforcement Learning (RL) technique to achieve adaptive routing in MANETs.