Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ion-Exchange Equilibria of Na + / Cu 2 + and Na + / Co 2 + using Clinoptilolite

Abstract— Equilibrium ion-exchange of Na/Cu and Na/Co on clinoptilolite in solution have been determined in order to assess the possibility of using ion-exchange to remove heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater. Clinoptilolite competences as an ion exchanger with respect to Co and Cu was examined to deliberate conceivable application at eliminating metals from aqueous solutions. The open-column method was utilized in the cation exchange procedures with synthetic wastewater solution concentrations of 150ppm, 300ppm and 600ppm. The varied parameters were initial concentration, pH, particle size and clinoptilolite dosage. The maximum recorded metal-removal percentage was 98%, this was achieved by conditioning the clinoptilolite with 0.05M NaCl. Thermodynamic properties using the constant KAB show the preferably bound to the clinoptilolite as compared to sodium cation.
Conventional and Novel Functions of the Exocyst Complex in Plants

Exocyst is an octameric protein complex, conserved across all Eukaryotes. Its role, originally described in yeast, resides in a tethering of the secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane prior to the membrane fusion of the two membranes. Subunits SEC3 and EXO70 are believed to be spatial landmarks for the vesicles delivery. While yeast genome encodes single EXO70, we find dozens of them in land plants (23 in Arabidopsis). This work is focused at a role of the exocyst complex in plant cells. Its first part documents, that exocyst is essential for delivery of the cell wall components, namely pectins, but also for pathogen induced secondary cell wall thickening. Second part reveals an unconventional role of EXO70B1 subunit harboring exocyst subcomplex at an autophagic pathway to the vacuole and raises many questions about plant secretory pathway.
Test of unmanned surface vehicles to conduct remote focal follow studies of a marine predator

We tested the feasibility of using Saildrone unmanned windand solar-powered surface vehicles to conduct remote focal follow studies of northern fur seals Callorhinus ursinus. Using Argos satellite and transmitted GPS locations, the Saildrones followed a fur seal while recording oceanographic conditions and mapping prey abundance and depth distribution using a scientific echo sounder. The Saildrones successfully followed 6 fur seals over 2.4 ± 0.2 d (mean ± SE) and 149.7 ± 16.3 km of the foraging path. Median separation distance between the Saildrone and fur seal path was 0.65 ± 0.1 km and average time separation was 9.9 ± 1.4 h, with minimum time separations ranging from 1.9− 4.9 h. Time and distance separation were a function of both animal behavior and study design. Our results show that Saildrones can approach satellite tracked marine predators from long distances and follow them over extended periods while collecting oceanographic and prey data. These successful focal follows demonstrate that unmanned surface vehicles are a valuable tool for collecting data on fine-scale relationships between marine predators, their prey, and the environment.
STiMULAčNí PArAMeTry rePeTiTiVNí TrANSKrANiáLNí MAgNeTicKé STiMULAce V Léčbě NeUrOPSychiATricKých ONeMOcNěNí – PrOTOKOLy

Repetitivní transkraniální magnetická stimulace patří mezi nověji zaváděné metody v léčbě neuropsychiatrických poruch. Původní práce cílily na léčbu melancholie, auditivních halucinací, psychóz a dodnes je nejčastěji využívána v léčbě afektivních poruch, poruch úzkostného spektra a u tinitu. Recentní práce prokazují její účinnost také u dalších neuropsychiatrických onemocnění. V současné době je středem zájmu a dobře probádanou lokalizací aplikace v oblasti dorsolaterálního prefrontálního kortexu, nicméně přicházejí informace o nově zkoumaných oblastech. V běžně užívaných indikacích je účinek prokazován v porovnání s placebem (sham-stimulace), avšak přesný mechanismus účinku stimulace do této chvíle není zcela objasněn, nicméně intenzivní výzkum probíhá.
Data Dissemination and Use and Provision of Curative and Preventive Tuberculosis Health Care Services in Public Health Institutions in Kisumu County, Kenya

The study sought to determine how data dissemination and use influence provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis healthcare in institutions of public health in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study focused on public health institutions that practices M&E system on provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis healthcare services. The study employed the use of pragmatism paradigm and a descriptive research design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A correlational design was used to test the hypothesis. A sample of 221 respondents was selected from a population of 517 using stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with both open and close ended with Likert type on 1-5 five point scale and interview schedule. Correlational design was used to test the hypothesis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and data presented in frequency tables using means and standard deviations while qualitative data was presented in in narrative statements. Hypothesis was tested using linear regression at 0.05 level of significance to determine the degree and direction of relationships among the thematic area of the study. The reliability of the instruments was obtained using Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.735 for all items meaning that the instruments were reliable. The results showed that data dissemination and use and provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis health care services in public health institutions had [r2=0.186, p<0.05]. The results for quantitative data based on composite mean score of 3.91 and 0.466 standard deviation for this variable respectively. Therefore, data dissemination and use influence provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis healthcare services in public health institutions.
Predictive Maintenance of Technical Faults in Aircrafts

A key issue for handlers in the air cargo industry is arrival delays due to aircraft maintenance [1]. This maintenance can be planned or unplanned depending on the underlying cause : it can either be a routine check, which usually causes very little delay due to its periodicity and predictable nature, or it can also be an undetected technical failure which manifests itself during the preight check. The latter is formally known as technical delays. With the recent resurgence of arti cial intelligence techniques in decision making, especially in cases such as predictive maintenance [2], the approach followed in this work is to gather delay and maintenance data from a cargo handler in order to train a machine learning classi er that can predict if a ight will su er from an unexpected technical delay or not. In this study, a few typical machine learning techniques are explored and a novel one is also proposed. A new version of the proposed decision tree extension by Ho ait & Schyns [3], which will be referred to as con dence trees, is presented. Provided datasets by the handler are pre-processed for missing data; a subset of the available variables for each ight is selected and another subset of variables is generated based on the information available in the other datasets, such as the number of maintenances performed on the plane before the given ight. Selected machine learning models are then compared on this nal dataset comprised of 41,415 samples using a 75/25 holdout method. Each model's hyper-parameters are ne-tuned using a 5-fold cross-validation technique rst. A comparison of the regular decision trees and the proposed con dence trees highlights the advantages of the latter over the former. More speci cally, it is shown that using con dence trees signi cantly improves the interpretation of the results and thus the decision making process. The nal results of the study show that it is possible to predict aircraft technical delays with a recall of 69.9% using the aforementioned con dence trees model which is the model showing the best results in this context. Although the trained
The changing nature of risk

The crucial change that took place in the 19th century was that accidents became associated with the technological systems that people designed, built, and used as part of work, in the name of progress and civilisation. Suddenly, accidents happened not only because the people involved, today referred to as people at the sharp end, did something wrong or because of an act of nature, but also because a human-made system failed. Furthermore, the failures were no longer simple, such as a scaffolding falling down or a wheel axle breaking. The failures were complex, in the sense that they usually defied the immediate understanding of the people at the sharp end. In short, their knowledge and competence was about how to do their work, and not about how the technology worked or functioned. Before this change happened, people could take reasonable precautions against accidents at work because they understood the tools and artefacts they used sufficiently well. After this change had happened, that was no longer the case.
Modelling of blood flow in a stenotic vessel

The blood flow dynamics of a stenosed, subject-specific, carotid bifurcation are numerically simulated using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence models and direct numerical simulation (DNS). The latter is taken as a term of comparison for the RANS calculations, which include classic two-equations eddy-viscosity models (k− , k−ω) as well as a transitional three-equation model (kT − kL −ω). Pulsatile inlet conditions are based on in vivo ultrasound measurements of blood velocity, the blood is modelled as a Newtonian fluid and the vessel walls are considered rigid. The main purpose of this work is to highlight the problems which arise when classic RANS models are employed in the numerical simulation of such flows. Moreover, the capabilities of the transitional three-equation model for this specific case are assessed through a comparison between the DNS and the RANS simulations. The results demonstrate that the three-equation eddy-viscosity model better predicts the flow in terms of turbulence intensity, pressure temporal evolution and oscillatory shear index (OSI). The DNS points out the transitional or weakly turbulent state of the blood flow, which features velocity and pressure fluctuations in the post-stenotic region of the internal carotid artery (ICA) during systole and laminar flow during diastole.
WIP: Promote Inquiry-Based Linear Algebra Conceptual Learning Using Mobile Devices with Collaborative Augmented Reality (CAR)

—This WIP paper introduces a concept of designing and developing a Collaborative Augmented Reality (CAR) application for educational purposes, especially in linear algebra. The paper presents the on-going project, potential problems, and motivations. The CAR for classroom education not only presents the knowledge using the augmented reality technology, but it also enables interactions through the CAR between the instructor and the students. We believe it will promote greater understanding of the knowledge the students are learning in the classroom.
Acute Kidney Injury in Premature, Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

The epidemiology of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) is not well established, partly due to lack of a consensus definition. Preterm neonates are likely especially vulnerable to AKI. We performed a retrospective review to assess the incidence of and risk factors for AKI in very low-birth-weight (VLBW), premature infants admitted to a level 4 NICU (2006-2007). AKI was classified using a standardized definition based on changes in serum creatinine (SCr). AKI incidence varied inversely with gestational age (GA): 65% (22-25 weeks), 25% (26-28 weeks), 9% (29-32 weeks) as did severity (p < 0.001). Stage 1 AKI was most common in each cohort. Stages 2 and 3 AKI comprised approximately 60% of AKI in the 22- to 25-week cohort but 20% or less in the older cohorts. By univariate analysis, factors associated with AKI included younger GA, lower BW, lower Apgar scores, hypotension, more frequent treatment with nephrotoxic antimicrobials, longer-duration mechanical ventilation, and higher incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment. By multiple logistic regression analysis, only GA, hypotension, PDA, and longer duration of mechanical ventilation were independently associated with AKI. AKI was not independently associated with risk of death. Our study suggests that small increases (≥ 0.3 mg/dL) in SCr occur frequently in premature, VLBW infants, and are associated with increased morbidity but not mortality. AKI incidence and severity were highest in the youngest GA cohort. Understanding the epidemiology, risk factors, and impact of neonatal AKI is crucial as long-term premature infant survival continues to improve.
Application of Precede-Proceed model in health education intervention of breast cancer screening in community women

Background: Using the Precede-Proceed health education model to help women establish behaviors of breast cancer screening. Methods: A total of 520 women from four communities were selected, and they were divided into the Precede-Proceed group (270 cases) and the control group (250 cases) by different communities. According to the baseline survey and assessment results, the Precede-Proceed group conducted breast cancer and screening health education for 12 months. The control group only received the traditional health education. Results: Actually, 266 women were treated in Precede-Proceed group and 240 women in control group in this study. 12 months later, the scores of breast cancer and screening knowledge, attitude and behaviors were significantly increased in the Precede -Proceed group, and significantly higher than those of the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P
The Role of System Trust and Risk Perception in Providing Assets for Collaborative Consumption Schemes

The emergence of the sharing economy has fueled the development of collaborative consumption (CC) schemes around the world. The promise of non-ownership particularly in the peer-to-peer environment makes it attractive for a plethora of users to engage in practices such as carsharing and the rental of private holiday accommodations or tool supply from their peers. Yet while financial and environmental benefits for both users and providers do exist, providers of private goods may be reluctant in many cases to offer their belongings for sharing. This study thus draws on social exchange theory to examine the key role of generalized, barterand money-balanced reciprocity as a pivotal scheme characteristic that predicts the intention of providers to participate in peer-to-peer CC schemes. As such, the findings from two empirical studies provide evidence that consumers are most eager to provide their personal assets against a reciprocal compensation where perceived risk functions as a mediator of the explained effect. Market mediation is also used to show that CC schemes are more attractive to consumers when facilitated by a non-profit market intermediary (vs. a for-profit intermediary), emphasizing the propensity of consumers to escape the market while sharing. A mechanism in which system trust mediates the proposed relationships is therefore suggested.
Mitigation of Voltage Unbalance by DSTATCOM in a Three Phase Four Wire System

This paper presents a Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) that uses a traditional Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) to make source current in phase and sinusoidal in shape w.r. t source voltage, so that unity power factor is achieved at source side. In addition to this, a new concept of single phase synchronous d-q reference frame theory is used for generation of reference signals in a three phase distribution system for compensation of voltage unbalances at the load side. Further, this paper uses a traditional hysteresis controller for generation of switching signals for the Voltage Source Converter (VSC). Moreover, switching of DSTATCOM between Current Controlled Mode(CCM) and Voltage Controlled Mode(VCM) is carried out so that only single DSTATCOM serves the problem for current and voltage related Power Quality problems. Simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment to validate the proposed scheme and results indicate that the unity power factor is achieved during CCM mode and voltages in all the three phases at PCC are maintained at 1 p.u. during VCM mode.
Federated Browser-Based Identity using Email Addresses

In the long battle to simplify and secure Web identity, we believe an eventual solution: (a) is federated from the start, (b) uses email addresses as identiﬁers, (c) encompasses a complete identity stack beyond just an identiﬁer, and (d) is baked into the browser as a primary use case. We show how our prior efforts have led us to this vision, and we discuss the Veriﬁed Email and API to Me web protocols, pillars of our initiative to bring this vision to life by letting web developers simply ask the browser for the user’s email address or other attributes. We brieﬂy describe our pure-JavaScript working implementation. We believe this approach will put users truly in control of their identity using open and convenient technologies, while creating a vibrant landscape of identity providers and relying parties across the assurance spectrum.
Evidence for Sonority-Driven Stress

We argue that there is no adequate evidence for ‘sonority-driven stress’, building on Shih (2018a,b), and disagreeing with Kenstowicz (1997), de Lacy (2002a, 2004, 2006), and others. More precisely, we argue that there is no phonological mechanism that induces metrical structure to deviate from its default position for reasons that involve the direct interaction of segmental sonority and foot form. After reviewing the history of sonority-driven stress theory, we identify two broad issues with extant evidence: the lack of methodological reliability, and misattribution of cause. We argue that impressionistic descriptions of sonority-driven stress are not reliable, in the technical sense of evidentiary validity. We further argue that apparent sonority-sensitivity in foot form is a side-effect of either allophony or minor syllable behavior.
Are there Relationships between the VDR-FokI Polymorphism and Vitamin D and the Insulin Resistance in Non-melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) Patients? A Protocol for Case-control Studies

Background and Objectives: Evidence indicate relationships between the sunlight exposure, vitamin D status and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been linked to metabolic changes in insulin resistance and various cancers. The purpose of this study is to investigate relationships between the sunlight exposure and the NMSC risk. Furthermore, relationships between the VDR FokI polymorphism and vitamin D status and the insulin resistance in NMSC patients will be assessed. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case-control study is designed. Participants are randomly categorized into case and control groups. Eligible patients are adults who meet the inclusion criteria with verified diagnosis of NMSC with signed informed consents. Totally, 73 NMSC diagnosed cases and 72 healthy controls are recruited and their sunlight exposure data and genetic information are collected via interviews and high-resolution melting (HRM), respectively. Conclusions: There are controversial reports on the relevance of sunlight exposure to non-melanoma skin cancer risk due to the dual effect of UVB radiation on promoting vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin and increasing DNA damage leading to skin cancer. Results of this study provide data on how much sunlight exposure includes beneficial health effects with no skin cancer risks. Vitamin D status may affect risks of insulin resistance-linked diseases such as cancers. Findings will contribute to the current knowledge of the roles of vitamin D, insulin resistance and FokI polymorphism in skin cancer development.
Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane block versus Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Block for Pain Relief in Children Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been described as an effective technique to reduce postoperative pain intensity. Also, Caudal analgesia with local analgesics is effective but is often short-lived and associated with an undesired motor blockade and other complications. Objective: This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study aimed to compare the effectiveness of analgesia by using ultrasound guidance for TAP block and caudal analgesia in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled study included 60 children aged between 2 to 6 years, scheduled for elective lower abdominal surgery. Group A (n=20) received an ultrasound TAB block. Group B (n=20) received ultrasound-guided caudal block Group C (n=20) who was the controlled group received conventional analgesia. The intraoperative assessment included HR, systolic, diastolic and mean BP, need for rescue analgesia postoperative pain scores and parent satisfaction Results: No significant difference between all groups regarding demographic data, type and duration of surgery and intraoperative hemodynamic values. The control group had the highest number of patients and doses needed for rescue analgesia while TAB showed the lowest. The TAB group patient showed the highest degree of parent satisfaction than the other two groups. Conclusions: The study showed that TAB and Caudal block effective in postoperative pain-relieving in lower abdominal surgery in children however patients who received TAB block required less postoperative rescue analgesia with a better impact on pain scores than caudal block TAB show better parent satisfaction and earlier home discharge.
Serum parameters and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. SYNTAX (SX) score is a useful index that scores lesion severity during coronary angiography (CA) and can predict the patient’s outcome. Recent studies have associated a number of serum parameters with SX score, including platelet volume, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Objectives: We aimed to study the SX score in association with various serum parameters to find a valuable parameter for prediction of CAD severity. Patients and Methods: This study consisted of 363 patients referred to Heshmat hospital (Rasht) from March 2016 to October 2016 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Serum laboratory parameters were measured after 12 hours of fasting. Severity of CAD was evaluated during CA by SX score. The associations were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression model. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.68±11.03 years; since 26.2% of cases had severe, 43% had moderate, and 30.8% had mild CAD. Comparing to mild CAD, the multivariate adjusted model showed higher significant odds of severe CAD for one elevation of platelets (odds ratio [OR] =2.18 (95% CI: 1.35-3.50), white blood cells (WBCs) (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.35) RDW (red cell distribution width), (OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.08-2.35) and serum creatinine (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.63). Conclusion: Plasma platelets, WBC and RDW and also serum creatinine were all independently correlated with severity of CAD.