Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intoxication with Calcium Channel Blockers and Other Highly Protein-Bound Drugs: Why Use MARS? Two Clinical Case Reports

Overdose with calcium channel blockers is often a life-threating condition that is frequently exacerbated by the availability of extended-release preparations with slow drug clearances. In the annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, calcium channel inhibitor overdose is one of the most deadly poisonings. In addition, calcium channel blockers are highly bound to proteins, making them difficult to remove using standard dialysis techniques. We describe two cases of amlodipine overdose that presented with profound circulatory shock and were treated with the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System™ (MARS™). In this regard, the authors reviewed other cases reported in the literature to discuss the rationale for using albumin dialysis techniques in the setting of highly protein-bound drug intoxication.
INTENTION TO USE M-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION SETTINGS

This study focuses on identifying factors influencing intention to use m-learning (learning through mobile devices) in a higher education environment. Using Structural Equation Modeling, supported by the literature on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis et al., 1989), a framework has been proposed, and a cross-sectional survey comprising 402 students from a Brazilian university was used to measure several constructs related to technology acceptance (m-learning). Results indicate, through structural equations modeling analysis, that while significant effects were found for ease of use, compatibility and self-efficacy. Lastly, we conclude that perceptions of short-term usefulness exert the greatest effects on students' intention to use m-learning.
The Impact of National Institutions on Economic Development in Satun (Thailand) and Perlis (Malaysia)

It is widely recognized that a variety of formal and informal institutions could be explanatory variables for patterns in economic activity and economic performances, but there seems to be two analytical gaps with current institutional studies. Firstly, not much attention has been paid to the (potential) interaction of various spatial levels of scale. Secondly, few studies concerning regional institutions deal with countries with a medium or low level of development. The aim of this article is to analyze the impact of national institutions on regional arrangements between the private and the public sector. In addition, an attempt is made to include politics in the analysis. A comparison is carried out of the province of Satun in Southern Thailand and the state of Perlis in Northern Malaysia, two peripheral regions within their respective national space economies. The objectives of this article are structured around three central questions: • What institutional arrangements are in place for cooperation and coordination between the public and private sector in both regions?
CAHRS ) 6-1-2004 Disentangling the Meanings of Diversity and Inclusion

Given the emergence of a new rhetoric in the field of diversity, which replaces the term ‘diversity’ with the term ‘inclusion’, this study comparatively investigates the meanings of diversity and inclusion in organizations. The findings of Study One, which used a qualitative methodology to explore the construct definitions and to derive a measure of attributes to support diversity and inclusion, revealed conceptually distinct definitions. The reliability and factor structure of the scale was evaluated in Study Two and cross-validated in Study Three. The results supported a five-factor model of diversity and inclusion and suggest a distinction between the concepts although the terms may not describe separate types of work environments, but different approaches to diversity management.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A UNIT ELEMENT PLANAR FOLDED DIPOLE END-FIRED ANTENNA FOR AIRCRAFT COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM

Aircraft collision avoidance system is an airborne system which is designed to provide the service as a last defense equipment for avoiding mid-air collisions between aircraft. End-fired antenna is suitable to be used in such airborne systems where low aerodynamic drag is urgently required. An effort to develop such an antenna using dipole elements is presented in this paper. Here a unit element planar folded dipole antenna is presented which radiates in the end-fire direction. Split ring resonators inspired artificial materials are incorporated in the design to improve the directivity performance of the proposed antenna, and those materials are loaded in the same plane of the primary dipole radiator. Here suppression of surface wave in the antenna takes place, which results in gain enhancement and also reduction of side lobes which make radiation pattern better. All these proposed antennas are designed and simulated in CST Microwave Studio (MWS) EM tool which is based on time domain solver. The performance and other antenna characteristics have been explored from the simulation results followed by the antenna fabrication and measurement. Quite good agreement is achieved between the simulated and measured results. Much better performance characteristics make this proposed antenna a good candidate for this application.
Damage by Neochetina Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Induces Resistance in Eichhornia crassipes (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae)

ABSTRACT Induced resistance in invasive plants might influence herbivore performance or preference, and hamper herbivore-based biological control management. Specialist weevils Neochetina eichhorniae Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and N. bruchi Warner (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two herbivores commonly used to control Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), a destructive and widespread invasive plant. However, we do not know whether Neochetina weevils induce resistance in E. crassipes. I report results from excised-leaf bioassay and whole-plant choice experiments testing adult weevil preference and performance in response to previous damage. I found that adult weevil damage induced resistance in E. crassipes, decreasing weevil performance, but simulated damage did not influence weevil performance in a comparable way. Simulated damage did, however, influence weevil preference. This study is the first test for induced resistance to Neochetina weevil herbivory in Eichhornia crassipes.
An application of the turbulent magnetohydrodynamic residual-energy equation model to the solar wind

A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence model incorporating the turbulent MHD residual energy (difference between the kinetic and magnetic energies) is applied to solar-wind turbulence. In the model, the dynamics of the turbulent cross-helicity (cross-correlation between the velocity and magnetic field) and the turbulent MHD residual energy, which are considered to describe the degree of Alfvenicity of the MHD turbulence, are solved simultaneously with the dynamics of the turbulent MHD energy and its dissipation rate. The transition of solar-wind turbulence from the Alfven-wave-like fluctuations near the Sun in the inner heliosphere to the fully developed MHD turbulence in the outer heliosphere is discussed. Magnetic dominance in the solar-wind fluctuations is addressed from the dynamics of the evolution equation of the residual energy. An interpretation of the observed Alfven ratio (ratio of the kinetic to magnetic energies) of ∼0.5 is proposed from the viewpoint of a stationary solution of the turbulence.
Does It Pay to Be Green? A Systematic Overview

Executive Overview The conventional wisdom concerning environmental protection is that it comes at an additional cost imposed on firms, which may erode their global competitiveness. However, during the last decade, this paradigm has been challenged by a number of analysts (e.g., Porter & van der Linde, 1995), who have argued basically that improving a company' environmental performance can lead to better economic or financial performance, and not necessarily to an increase in cost. The aim of this paper is to review empirical evidence of improvement in both environmental and economic or financial performance. We systematically analyze the mechanism involved in each of the following channels of potential revenue increase or cost reduction owing to better environmental practices: (a) better access to certain markets; (b) differentiating products; (c) selling pollution-control technology; (d) risk management and relations with external stakeholders; (e) cost of material, energy, and services; (f) cost of cap.
Rough index theory on spaces of polynomial growth and contractibility

We will show that for a polynomially contractible manifold of bounded geometry and of polynomial volume growth every coarse and rough cohomology class pairs continuously with the K-theory of the uniform Roe algebra. As an application we will discuss non-vanishing of rough index classes of Dirac operators over such manifolds, and we will furthermore get higher-codimensional index obstructions to metrics of positive scalar curvature on closed manifolds with virtually nilpotent fundamental groups. We will give a computation of the homology of (a dense, smooth subalgebra of) the uniform Roe algebra of manifolds of polynomial volume growth.
The Influence of Calibration Curve Construction and Composition on the Accuracy and Precision of Radiocarbon Wiggle-Matching of Tree Rings, Illustrated by Southern Hemisphere Atmospheric Data Sets from AD 1500–1950

This research investigates two factors influencing the ability of tree-ring data to provide accurate 14C calibration information: the fitness and rigor of the statistical model used to combine the data into a curve; and the accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the component 14C data sets. It presents a new Bayesian spline method for calibration curve construction and tests it on extant and new Southern Hemisphere (SH) data sets (also examining their dendrochronology and pretreatment) for the post-Little Ice Age (LIA) interval AD 1500–1950. The new method of construction allows calculation of component data offsets, permitting identification of laboratory and geographic biases. Application of the new method to the 10 suitable SH 14C data sets suggests that individual offset ranges for component data sets appear to be in the region of ± 10 yr. Data sets with individual offsets larger than this need to be carefully assessed before selection for calibration purposes. We identify a potential geographical offset associated with the Southern Ocean (high latitude) Campbell Island data. We test the new methodology for wiggle-matching short tree-ring sequences and use an OxCal simulation to assess the likely precision obtainable by wiggle-matching in the post-LIA interval.
Automatic absolute and relative camera egomotion estimation based on visual features

The automatic estimation of a cameras position based on visual measurements is a general problem in the field of computer vision. Based on the estimated cameras trajectory it is possible to solve common tasks, such as Visual Odometry (VO) in the field of mobile robotics or the automatic reconstruction of an observed scene, based on classical Structure-from-Motion (SfM) techniques. The general procedure of camera egomotion estimation is always based on visual feature tracking and subsequent Perspective-n-Point (PnP) camera pose determination. This article evaluates recent algorithms for camera egomotion estimation based on point feature correspondences for their applicability in VO applications. These algorithms use methods based on 2D/2D and 3D/2D correspondences and are assessed in experimental evaluations employing synthetic data sets. It was found that the accuracy of the evaluated techniques is predominantly influenced by the number of correspondences and underlying motion patterns. Additional routines such as outlier handling and key frame detection were found to be mandatory for real-world application.
Hygroscopic growth and water uptake kinetics of two-phase aerosol particles consisting of ammonium sulfate, adipic and humic acid mixtures

The hygroscopic growth of solid aerosol particles consisting of mixtures of ammonium sulfate and either adipic acid or Aldrich humic acid sodium salt was characterized with a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer and an electrodynamic balance. In particular, the time required for the aerosol particle phase and the surrounding water vapor to reach equilibrium at high relative humidity (RH) was investigated. Depending on the chemical composition of the particles, residence times of > 40 s were required to reach equilibrium at 85% RH, yielding up to a 7% reduction in the measured hygroscopic growth factors from measurements at 4 s residence time compared to measurements at equilibrium. We suggest that the solid organic compound, when present as the dominant component, encloses the water-soluble inorganic salt in veins and cavities, resulting in the observed slow water uptake. Comparison with predictions from the Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson relation shows enhanced water uptake of the mixed particles. This is explained with the presence of the salt solution in veins resulting in a negative curvature of the solution meniscus at the opening of the vein. In conclusion, it is important for studies of mixtures of water soluble compounds with insoluble material to allow for sufficient residence time at the specified humidity to reach equilibrium before the hygroscopicity measurements. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Coupled biogeochemical cycles: eutrophication and hypoxia in temperate estuaries and coastal marine ecosystems

Nutrient fluxes to coastal areas have risen in recent decades, leading to widespread hypoxia and other ecological damage, particularly from nitrogen (N). Several factors make N more limiting in estuaries and coastal waters than in lakes: desorption (release) of phosphorus (P) bound to clay as salinity increases, lack of planktonic N fixation in most coastal ecosystems, and flux of relatively P-rich, N-poor waters from coastal oceans into estuaries. During eutrophication, biogeochemical feedbacks further increase the supply of N and P, but decrease availability of silica - conditions that can favor the formation and persistence of harmful algal blooms. Given sufficient N inputs, estuaries and coastal marine ecosystems can be driven to P limitation. This switch contributes to greater far-field N pollution; that is, the N moves further and contributes to eutrophication at greater distances. The physical oceanography (extent of stratification, residence time, and so forth) of coastal systems determines their sensitivity to hypoxia, and recent changes in physics have made some ecosystems more sensitive to hypoxia. Coastal hypoxia contributes to ocean acidification, which harms calcifying organisms such as mollusks and some crustaceans. (Less)
What Emotions and Free Associations Characterize Different Musical Styles

Bisesi, Parncutt, & Friberg (2011) extended Director Musices (DM) a software package for automatic rendering of expressive performance (Friberg et al., 2006) that relates the expressive features of a performance not only to global or intermediate structural properties, but also to local events (grouping, metrical, melodic and harmonic accents). Friberg & Bisesi (2013) applied the new rule system to model stylistic variations corresponding to different historical periods and styles in piano music. In this project, we extend pDM a pure data system for real-time expressive control of music performance (Friberg, 2006) by adjusting algorithmic formulations inspired by a theory of musical accents and by introducing new gestural interfaces based on qualitative data. First, different presets corresponding to different stylistic conventions and interpretations are implemented in DM, and corresponding sound files are generated and recorded. Second, we ask 20 participants (10 musicians and 10 amateurs) to rate the character of the performances on rating scales depending on a previous categorization involving emotions and free associations (Bisesi, Bodinger, & Parncutt, in progress). Terms involve basic and complex emotions, and free associations such as static/dynamic and living/non-living things. Results will be used to map music expression into multidimensional spaces of emotions and free associations, and to develop new gestural interfaces in pDM.
Exploring the links between talent philosophies and talent management in service organizations

PurposeIn line with recent trends in the human resource management literature that address talented employees and their management, the purpose of this paper is to examine the associations between talent philosophies (innate/developable and exclusive/inclusive) and the way talent is identified and assessed in the context of service organisations.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was administered in shipping companies located in Greece and 125 questionnaires suitable for further use were collected. Moreover, the measurement instruments of the constructs under examination were adopted from relevant studies in the literature. Finally, the data were analysed through exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings showed that the different talent philosophies impact upon the way talent is managed (i.e. identified and assessed). Specifically it was found that managers who adopt mainly innate and exclusive talent philosophies tend to rely more on their first impressions in the identification of talent and to focus in a greater extent on their personal judgment rather than standardized procedures in talent assessment.Originality/valueDespite the increased academic voices on exploring the concepts of talent and talent management in the context of business organisations, the field is still lacking empirical evidence. Therefore, this study contributes to the limited empirical studies on talent issues and provides evidence on the links between the dominant talent philosophies and the way talent is identified and assessed in organisations.
Cyber Weapons. Intelligent Malware for Targeted Attacks

Resumen En este artı́culo se muestra un análisis sobre el malware denominado Amenaza Persistente Avanzada o APT, el cual se es clasificado por autoridades internacionales, como una de las primeras ciberarmas que puede comprometer seriamente las infraestructuras crı́ticas de una nación. Esto se debe en gran parte, a nuevos desarrollos de sistemas intrusivos más avanzados, que incorporan tecnologı́as y algoritmos dinámicos, que buscan integrar la inteligencia artificial y los algoritmos genéticos, entre otros, para hacer más complejos y completos los programas a la hora de efectuar un escaneo de los protocolos de red y/o registros, robo de información, espionaje o ataques dirigidos, donde el sigilo y la furtividad son factores clave para ello, haciéndolos indetectables, y cuya permanencia puede ser indefinida al interior de un sistema informático o red. Dicho esto, las diversas técnicas de ataque de este tipo de malware, pone entre dicho las barreras y sistemas de protección actuales, tanto lógicas como fı́sicas. Además, con la futura incorporación de algoritmos neuro-evolutivos en su código fuente, las herramientas, protocolos y polı́ticas de seguridad de la información van a requerir ser revaluadas prontamente. Abstract In this article, we present an analysis of malware known as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), which has been classified by international authorities as one of the first cyber weapons that can seriously compromise a nation’s critical infrastructures. This is due in large part to the new developments of more intrusive systems, incorporating dynamic technologies and algorithms, which seek to integrate artificial intelligence and genetic algorithms, among others, to make the programs much more complex and complete at the time to perform a scan of network protocols and/or registers, information theft, espionage or targeted attacks, where secrecy and stealth are key factors for this, making them undetectable, and whose permanence can be indefinite within a computer system or network. That said, the different techniques of attack of this type of malware, between said the current barriers and systems of protection, -logical and physical, -and also, with the future incorporation of neuroevolutionary algorithms in their source code, the tools, protocols and information security policies are going to require re-evaluation very soon.
Patient Narratives: health Journalists’ reflections, Dilemmas and Criticism of a Compelling Journalistic tool

Media stories of health and illness are omnipresent. The plethora of available health stories not only inform and educate, they invite us to engage, identify and act, thereby priming basic feelings of fear, hope, identification and a sense of justice. In recent decades, the patient narrative based on the personal experience of individual patients, has come to represent a recognizable genre across hybrid media and popular culture. Patient narratives are rhetorically powerful, but the patients themselves may be in a vulnerable state and in need of particular carefulness. For the 12 health reporters and editors interviewed for this chapter, exposing individual patient stories raises different ethical challenges than using professional sources, potentially altering the balance between professional empathy, involvement and distance. The chapter illuminates the professional dilemmas, ethical considerations and critical reflections that the health reporters experience in their use of personal patient stories as cases and journalistic tools.
Analysis and simulation of a MMCC-SSBC converter

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the most versatile type of energy storage. With an increasing share of renewable energy, they could prove to be essential to provide the much needed flexibility. The MMCC-SSBC might be the most suitable converter for modern BESS. It is modular, and allows for an individualized treatment of the connected battery modules. The main objective of this thesis is to develop a tool which simulates the behavior of a MMCC-SSBC converter. This objective is fulfilled by the core deliverable of the thesis: a Matlab implementation of a dynamic model of the converter. As a secondary objective, this thesis aims to demonstrate the usefulness of this tool. It applies the tool to a specific use case, and analyzes three key characteristics based on the simulations: efficiency, power quality and reliability. This leads to some concise design guidelines, and continued operation under a battery short-circuit fault.