Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of diabetes in Poland in the years 2010–2014

Introduction. Each year diabetes affects larger and larger number of people. Despite this fact, the number of people suffering from diabetes in Poland is not known precisely. In order to assess this prevalence, the thesis aims at assessing the prevalence of diabetes in the years 2010–2014 in the total Polish population by using the databases of the National Health Fund. Material and methods. In the period from 1st January 2010 until 31st December 2014 patients were distinguished according to PESEL (Personal Identification) numbers: 1. for whom health care providers have indicated diabetes-related ICD-10 codes as the main cause of the medical intervention in billing reports; 2. who had got their prescriptions filled for any hypoglycemic agents or for glucose meter test strips. The number of patients recorded as diabetes patients according to the ICD-10 code and the number of patients who had their prescriptions filled for hypoglycemic agents or test strips were assessed. On the basis of these data the prevalence of diabetes (percentage of people with diabetes in a given year or a percentage of people who had got their prescriptions filled for hypoglycemic agents or test strips in relation to the general population) in respective years and an average prevalence rate for respective voivodeships were assessed. Results. The average percentage of people with diabetes in the years 2010–2014 were found to be 4.47% (± 0.09%). This percentage has gradually increased in the consecutive years from 4.39% in 2010 to 4.61% in 2014. The average percentage of people who had got their prescriptions filled for diabetes related medicines or glucose meter test strips amounted to 5.88% in the years 2010–2014. The largest percentage of people with diabetes was in Silesian Voivodeship and amounted to 5.5% (± 0.1%), the second consecutive voivodeship was Łódź with 5.0% (± 0.2%) of people with diabetes and Opole Voivodeship on the third place with 4.9% (0.1%) inhabitants with diabetes. The smallest percentage of people with diabetes was noted in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship — 3.5% (± 0.1%) and Subcarpathian Voivodeship — 3.6% (± 0.2%). Conclusions. 1. Average diabetes prevalence rate in Poland in the years 2010–2014 amounted to 4.47% (the assessment was carried out on the basis of the number of people recorded by the National Health Fund as patients with diabetes) or 5.88% (assessment on the basis of the number of people who got their prescriptions filled for reimbursable hypoglycemic agents or glucose meter test strips). 2. Diabetes prevalence in Poland increases in the consecutive years. 3. Prevalence of diabetes varies among voivodeships. (Clin Diabet 2015; 4, 6: 232–237)
REMOVAL OF PESTICIDES AND DESETHYLATRAZINE ( DEA ) BY NANOFILTRATION : EFFECTS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SOLUTES ON SOLUTE REJECTION

Water resource contamination by pesticides causes a real problem concerning drinking water production. This work is focused on the experimental study of humic acid (Natural Organic Matter, NOM) and nitrate salts (Ca(NO3)2 and NaNO3) influence on pesticide elimination by nanofiltration. For this purpose, two flat sheet nanofiltration membranes, NF (FilmTec Corporation/Dow) and OPMN-K (Vladipor), are tested using at an ambient temperature using laboratory pilot equipment. The applied transmembrane pressure (TMP) varies between 10 bars and 25 bars, while the circulation velocity in the membrane cell remains fixed at 0.45 m s-1. Three pesticides (simazine, atrazine and diuron) and one atrazine metabolite (DEA) are used in simple or multicomponent solutions of a different concentration. That of humic acid is maintained equal to 100 mg/L. It is found that OPMN-K membrane has a lower retention and a permeate flux compared to those of NF one. The results obtained indicate that the presence of organic (humic acid) or inorganic (NaNO3, Ca(CO3)2) matter influences less strongly the retention of atrazine, simazine and DEA, while their influence on diuron retention is more pronounced.
A Novel Crossover-First Differential Evolution Algorithm with Explicitly Tunable Mutation Rates for Evolutionary-Based Global Optimization

Differential Evolution (DE) is currently one of the most popular evolutionary-based global optimization algorithms being simple to understand and implement as well as having fast convergence and robustness across a wide range of problems. Although it is classed as an evolutionary algorithm (EA), its genetic operations are atypical of such classes of algorithms. EAs typically perform crossover followed by mutation where both operations have an explicitly tunable rate of operation. However in DE, the mutation operation is conducted before the crossover operation. Moreover, although DE has a crossover rate, it does not have a mutation rate; rather it mandatorily mutates every gene in its chromosome essentially performing a 100% rate of mutation. Following this line of observation, we proceeded to experiment with a novel version of DE where the crossover and mutation operations are reversed to mimic typical EAs as well as to add in an explicitly tunable mutation rate. We have found that this simple and intuitive yet previously unexplored modification to DE is able to improve its performance, particularly in more complex search spaces with highly non-uniform fitness landscapes. Non-parametric tests show that the improvements are statistically significant
EVALUATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRIC BLOCK ORIENTATION USING QUALITY DESCRIPTORS FROM STATISTICALLY FILTERED TIE POINTS

Abstract. Due to the increasing number of low-cost sensors, widely accessible on the market, and because of the supposed granted correctness of the semi-automatic workflow for 3D reconstruction, highly implemented in the recent commercial software, more and more users operate nowadays without following the rigorousness of classical photogrammetric methods. This behaviour often naively leads to 3D products that lacks metric quality assessment. This paper proposes and analyses an approach that gives the users the possibility to preserve the trustworthiness of the metric information inherent in the 3D model, without sacrificing the automation offered by modern photogrammetry software. At the beginning, the importance of Data Quality Assessment is outlined, together with some recall of photogrammetry best practices. With the purpose of guiding the user through a correct pipeline for a certified 3D model reconstruction, an operative workflow is proposed, focusing on the first part of the object reconstruction steps (tie-points extraction, camera calibration, and relative orientation). A new GUI (Graphical User Interface) developed for the open source MicMac suite is then presented, and a sample dataset is used for the evaluation of the photogrammetric block orientation using statistically obtained quality descriptors. The results and the future directions are then presented and discussed.
Retention as a Function of the Quality of Learner Support in Open and Distance Learning : Students ’ Perceptions at the Zimbabwe

Student retention is critically linked to the quality of service in open and distance learning (odl). Peterson (1997) points out that students will form favourable perceptions regarding the quality of their experience and decide to persist. Student retention could therefore be viewed as a function of the learners’ perception of the quality of service and support. Low student retention rates have a negative impact on the perception of the institution. It is, therefore, pertinent to enhance the student retention rate in odl. The study used tinto’s model of student retention as a theoretical base which underpins the need to satisfy students’ social and educational needs in order to retain them. The study is a descriptive survey utilising multistage purposive sampling in order to include students across faculties and regions. The questionnaire and in-depth interviews were the methods of data collection. The results indicated that, student retention was affected by a fees’ prizing policy that did not take into consideration the students’ ability to pay and lack of timely supply of learning materials. It would appear that students’ retention as a function of the affordability factor, was affected by the negative macro-economic environment existent in zimbabwe at the time of the study.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment: A Study on Bangladesh

Foreign direct investment (FDI) enables a capital-poor country like Bangladesh to build up capital, avoid the threat of unemployment, develop productive capacity, involve local labor and help integrate the domestic economy with the global economy. Bangladesh’s investment incentives and regulations for FDI are sometimes found competitive with those offered by other countries. Rapid industrialization is essential in Bangladesh to keep pace with its development needs. But the low rate of Investment hampers the expected industrialization process. Foreign aids and grants had been serving to bridge the gap. The main focus of this paper is to reveal the determinants of FDI. This is a qualitative study and is based on secondary data. Author tried to find out the main determinants of FDI in Bangladesh. Actually there is no widely accepted set of variables that can be regarded as the “true” determinants of FDI. This study focused on ten determinants of FDI in Bangladesh which are determinant: 1- market size, determinant: 2- economic environment, determinant: 3- growth, determinant: 4- trade performance, determinant: 5- competitiveness, determinant: 6- labor Costs and productivity, determinant: 7- infrastructure, determinant: 8- political risk, determinant: 9- tax, and determinant: 10- regulatory policies. Author also found out that there are some problems faced by the foreign direct investor and tried to give some suggestions to overcome these problems from the perspective of Bangladesh. Keywords: Determinants, Foreign Direct Investor (FDI), Board of Investment (BOI), Developing countries, Bangladesh.
Estimation for a family of skew scale-mixture distributions

A family of scale-mixture of epsilon Birnbaum-Saunders (SEBS) distributions is introduced and studied. This new family is based on the epsilon-skew-normal (ESN) distribution and provides more flexibility in terms of skewness and kurtosis (heavy tails). We discuss some of its probabilistic and inferential properties. We perform maximum likelihood estimation by the use of EM algorithm and then evaluate the performance of the estimators through a Monte Carlo simulation study. A bias-reduction method is suggested for reducing the bias of some estimators. Finally, the analysis of two data sets is performed for illustrative purposes.
The Neura-Feat Powered Exoskeleton; Design and Control

Currently between 250,000 and 500,000 people globally suffer a life-changing spinal cord injury (SCI) each year increasing both the morbidity and mortality of those afflicted [1]. The design of robotic exoskeletons to support, protect and enable movement of disabled individuals have been developed for the past 35 years [2]. However, the successful design of a human like exoskeleton which act smoothly based on the person brian orders without external inputs still is a challenge. This paper presents the design of the Neuro-Feat exoskeleton which uses the brain signals through a brain computer interface to control the exoskeleton actions. The goal of this project is to help SCI people with a reliable, helpful and affordable exoskeleton help them in tackling daily life challenges without relying on others. The design requirements and the challenges for Neura-Feat evaluation comply with the regulations of the Cybathlon competition on 2020 in Zurich.
Effects of proprioception training on knee joint position sense in male soccer athletes

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of proprioception training program on knee joint position sense in male soccer athletes. Reproduction of knee joint angle by a passive (by the examiner) - active (by the subjects) positioning was employed to measure joint position sense. Thirty male athletes (N=30) were participated in this study from Sports Science faculty at Mutah University whom registered in soccer course for Fall semester 2013/2014. The researcher used the non-dominant as an experimental limb and underwent proprioceptive training program and dominant as a control limb. The researcher used paired-sample and independent-samples-t- Test to analyse the absolute angles score of present study. Results indicated that there was a significant difference of reproduction of the knee joint angle before and after intervention training for the non-dominant limb and a significant difference between dominant and non-dominant limb after intervention training program, (p ≤ 0.05). It was suggested that using a proprioception training program may have a direct impact in decreasing knee joint injuries in male soccer athletes. Key words : proprioception, joint position sense, reproduce joint angle, male soccer athletes, training program.
Open Innovation and New Business Creation Hotel LEGOLAND

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Why Is Interest Rate Spread High in Fiji?: Results from a Preliminary Study

Interest rate spreads (IRS) have been observed to be relatively high in the Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) when compared to the ones prevailing in developed countries. The chief reason behind high IRS in PICs has been argued to be the presence of high intermediation costs, reflecting the weaknesses and inadequacies of their financial sectors. Despite the ongoing financial sector reforms, which are aimed at enhancing competition, the spread, instead of narrowing down, has been either stagnant or growing. This paper examines the factors behind the high IRS spread in Fiji. Based on data released under the mandatory annual disclosure statements of commercial banks required under the Banking Act 1995, the paper examines the trends of IRS from 1999 to 2002, and advances reasons for the high spread.
A novel approach to improve the efficiency of national rural employment scheme employees using WBASN

Health monitoring of human being can be done using implant or wearable sensors. Making use of these sensors to form a network are aptly called as Wireless Body Area Sensor Networks (WBASN). Better performance and energy saving can be accomplished in a challenging way in this type of network. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in India provides employment for people in rural areas. This involves more intense physical work in the open environment. People involved in this work tend to feel fatigue if they work for prolonged duration. We have conducted experiments in several scenarios to determine the stamina level of employed people and proposed ways to provide how man power can be efficiently improved by giving optimal break time and energy supplement drinks to improve the stamina level. Moreover energy of sensors may be efficiently improved by compressing the data before transmitting them to servers by suitable algorithm as discussed in our paper.
Why do I love you Vaatelainaamo? Analysis of motivations, barriers and opportunities in a Finnish service for sharing clothes

Abstract Services for sharing are the next challenge in Economy as they configure promising sustainable solutions. This paper presents research on a Finnish service for sharing clothes, aiming to understand factors that could increase the adoption of consumer practices in the Sharing Economy, especially for those products of mass consumption and consumer identity. The research has its foundation on the interpretative paradigm and on the phenomenological study, using questionnaires and “Love & Hate Letters” as research techniques. Among the results, we highlight motivations for both choosing and keeping use of the service, as well as factors that damage the relationship of users with it. Hence, we claim that services for sharing should promote a sense of belonging, which is the fundamental factor for users to love the service even though some aspects can be improved. Thus, designing for the next economy is to design for belonging.
Factorial Connections in the Organizational Innovation : Proposed Systematization

In order to accomplish its innovational objectives, a company needs an optimal allocation of resources based on the appropriate mix of creativity and innovation factor s. A multitude of theories, philosophies and approa ches exists in the field of creativity and innovation (CRIN). The star ting point of our study is the hypothesis of a crit i al mass for each innovational factor and for the whole aggregate; a second hypothesis states the existence of a critica l mixture of organizational creativity and innovation factors. Our aim is to explore and systemize the arguments f or the theoretical validation of these hypotheses a nd to propose a concrete manner of estimation for the costs and rem un rations of innovational factors for an organizat ion. We use the previous studies of Amabile (1998), Bouchard and Bo se (2006), Ford (1993), Woodman, Sawyer and Grifin (1993), Nahapiet, and Ghoshal (1998), Lucy Lu (2008), Yuan Li, Yongbin Zhao, and Yi Liu (2006), Ming-Ten Tsai, and Shuang-Shii Chuang (2009), among others, for the co nceptual bases of organizational innovation and inn ovational paradigm. The study has, as main stages: identification of ex g nous variables of creativity and innovation, ana lysis of each identified factor, identification of each factor’s effects (endogenous variables of our analysis), pro posed coherent system of factors, as a function of cause-effect ty pe, identification of key action variables for the organization, building possible relations for the estimation of c sts and remunerations. From methodological point o f view, we used a deductive approach, as well as abductive (intuiti onal) ones. The complete system of organizational i novation factors includes predispositional variables (sensat ion, uniqueness, and capability), situational varia bles (personal change, needs, dissatisfaction and inadequacies) an d decisional variables (individual autonomy, person al commitment, control through resources and motivation). The iden tifi d matrix could be used by an organization in o rder to establish the appropriate innovational strategy.
Luminescence Efficiency of Gd 2 O 2 S : Eu Powder Phosphors as X-ray to Light Converter

The aim of the present study was to examine the performance of the Gd2O2S:Eu powder scintillator for use in medical imaging applications. For this purpose various scintillator screens with coating thicknesses 33.1, 46.4, 63.1, 78.3 and 139.8 mg/cm were prepared in our laboratory by sedimentation of Gd2O2S:Eu powder on silica substrates. Quantum Detection Efficiency (QDE) and Energy Absorption Efficiency (EAE) were evaluated. Light emission efficiency and optical emission spectra of the screens were measured under X-ray excitation using X-ray tube voltages (50–140 kVp) employed in X-ray radiography. Spectral compatibility with various optical photon detectors (photodiodes, photocathodes, charge coupled devices, films) were determined using emission spectrum data. Gd2O2S:Eu showed peak emission in the wavelength range 620–630 nm. The 139.8 mg/cm phosphor screen appeared with the maximum light emission efficiency. Due to its reddish emission spectrum, Gd2O2S:Eu showed excellent compatibility with the sensitivity of many currently used photodetectors and could be considered for application in X-ray imaging especially in various digital detectors.
On the Formalization of Continuous-Time Markov Chains in HOL

Continuous-time Markov chain has been extensively applied to model diverse real-world systems. The analysis of these systems has been conducted using conventional simulation technique and computer algebra systems, more recently, probabilistic model checking. However, these methods either cannot guarantee accurate analysis or are not scalable due to the unacceptable computation consumption. As a complemental technique, theorem proving is proposed to reason about continuous-time Markov chain using HOL theorem proving. To our best knowledge, the formalization of continuous-time Markov chain has not been found in any theorem prover. In this report, we provide the idea on the formal de? nition of continuous-time Markov chain and two of its formally verified properties as the first step to formalize the continuous-time Markov chain theory. Also, we present the next step and the predict the potential challenges in the formalization process. Finally, a certain of applications are listed to be targeted using the formalized continuous-time Markov chain.
Comparative Analysis of Procrastination and Stress Indicators among Accountants

Relevance of the problem under consideration stemmed from the negative consequences of influence of procrastination phenomenon on professional activity of a person, reduction of personal productivity, work capacity and success, which manifests itself in acute emotional experience of personal failure and dissatisfaction of a person’s own work results in a professional environment. The scientific work is focused on disclosure of relationship of procrastination phenomenon and stress among financial sector professionals, since specific features of their work lie in the unequal distribution of their working objects during a working month, which is connected with the reporting stages. The leading method to investigate the problem is psychological monitoring, a questionnaire and psychological testing to identify and study the theoretical and methodological approaches to assessment of the severity level of procrastination phenomenon and stress among accountants and carry out the comparative analysis of the indicators. Materials of the article are of practical value for consulting psychologists, managers and senior officials of PAO “Rostelecom” ready for studying and implementation of the remedial and preventive program to reduce procrastination level among workers in the accounting, and also to prevent their stress.
Serum Interleukin-6 Concentration Associated with Response to Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Introduction: Egypt has the highest prevalence of (HCV) in the world. Interleukin 6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that increased in chronic hepatitis C patients. IL-6 was suggested by several studies to play a major role in response to HCV therapy Aim: The aim of this work was to assess the possible role of IL-6 on response status of patients with HCV during treatment. Also we try to use IL-6 as a predictive factor for response in patients with chronic HCV. Patients and Methods: Serum concentrations of Interleukin 6 (IL6) was measured before and after treatment using a commercially available Quantikine enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in fifty seven patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with sofosbuvir and simeprevir for 3 months. Results: The Mean values of IL6 level in responders and non-responders were 272.96 and 230.5 pg/mL respectively. IL-6 levels decrease significantly after treatment in SVR. the best cut-off point for IL6 was 233 pg/mL with a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 75% and a positive predictive value of 97.2%, negative predictive value of 16.7%. Conclusion: Virological response during HCV therapy was associated with decrease in IL-6 level.