Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive Flexibility, Response Inhibition, and Selective Attention in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background & Aims:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of disability with cognitive impairments. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) on cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, and selective attention in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: The current quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest plot and a control group was conducted on 32 patients in the Urmia MS Society, Iran. They were selected through the purposive sampling method and were divided into intervention (n=16) and control groups (n=16) by the simple random method. The patients in the intervention group participated in the cognitive rehabilitation for 12 sessions, individually. The scores of cognitive flexibility were obtained by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), selective attention by the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and the response inhibition by Go/No-go task. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (repeated measures analysis of variance). Results: The results of the current study showed a significant preservation error in the interaction between group and time (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the error of committing (p<0.05). Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in the responses of inhibition scores at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up between the two groups. Thus, significant differences observed in cognitive flexibility and selective attention at follow-up and post-test in intervention and control groups. Conclusion: Cognitive rehabilitation is likely to affect cognitive flexibility and selective attention in patients with MS.
Rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: Results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial evaluating primary efficacy and safety at twenty-four weeks.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with rituximab plus methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had an inadequate response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapies and to explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rituximab in this population. METHODS We evaluated primary efficacy and safety at 24 weeks in patients enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Efficacy of Rituximab in RA (REFLEX) Trial, a 2-year, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study of rituximab therapy. Patients with active RA and an inadequate response to 1 or more anti-TNF agents were randomized to receive intravenous rituximab (1 course, consisting of 2 infusions of 1,000 mg each) or placebo, both with background MTX. The primary efficacy end point was a response on the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20) at 24 weeks. Secondary end points were responses on the ACR50 and ACR70 improvement criteria, the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria at 24 weeks. Additional end points included scores on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index (DI), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) instruments, as well as Genant-modified Sharp radiographic scores at 24 weeks. RESULTS Patients assigned to placebo (n = 209) and rituximab (n = 311) had active, longstanding RA. At week 24, significantly more (P < 0.0001) rituximab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients demonstrated ACR20 (51% versus 18%), ACR50 (27% versus 5%), and ACR70 (12% versus 1%) responses and moderate-to-good EULAR responses (65% versus 22%). All ACR response parameters were significantly improved in rituximab-treated patients, who also had clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue, disability, and health-related quality of life (demonstrated by FACIT-F, HAQ DI, and SF-36 scores, respectively) and showed a trend toward less progression in radiographic end points. Rituximab depleted peripheral CD20+ B cells, but the mean immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA) remained within normal ranges. Most adverse events occurred with the first rituximab infusion and were of mild-to-moderate severity. The rate of serious infections was 5.2 per 100 patient-years in the rituximab group and 3.7 per 100 patient-years in the placebo group. CONCLUSION At 24 weeks, a single course of rituximab with concomitant MTX therapy provided significant and clinically meaningful improvements in disease activity in patients with active, longstanding RA who had an inadequate response to 1 or more anti-TNF therapies.
How Do Elements Really Factor in Rings of Integers

Most undergraduate level abstract algebra texts use Z[ √ −5] as an example of an integral domain which is not a unique factorization domain (or UFD) by exhibiting two distinct irreducible factorizations of a nonzero element. But such a brief example, which requires merely an understanding of basic norms, only scratches the surface of how elements actually factor in this ring of algebraic integers. We offer here an interactive framework which shows that while Z[ √ −5] is not a UFD, it does satisfy a slightly weaker factorization condition, known as half-factoriality. The arguments involved revolve around the Fundamental Theorem of Ideal Theory in algebraic number fields. Dedicated to David F. Anderson on the occasion of his retirement.
The impact of SME sustainability practices and performance on economic growth from a managerial perspective: Some modeling considerations and empirical analysis results

The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between social, environmental and operational practices and performance with financial performance, focusing on smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We seek to establish a relationship between the sustainability and the financial performance of SMEs in terms of economic development, as expressed by the indicators of turnover and business growth. A dataset derived from 119 British, French as well as Indian firms is utilized and links between sustainability and the financial performance of SMEs are examined. Bayesian regression modeling was chosen and a model comparison approach followed in order to assess the robustness of the results to the specific choice of analysis with respect to the shape of the dependent variable's distribution. Overall findings indicate robust regression results especially for the highly significant covariates, but caution should be exercised when interpreting the borderline results. A significant positive association between certain items of sustainability and firms’ financial performance is identified as we found that different indicators of sustainability display associations with the two economic indicators and adoption of the former may influence SME performance.
Review of Series – Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle using PI / PD / PID Controller 1

This paper deals with the increasing oil price and mounting environment concerns, cleaner and sustainable energy solutions have been demanded. At present transportation constitutes a large portion of the energy consumed and pollution created. One of the efficient solutions is the existence of vehicle that works on both fuel energy and electrical energy with optimized performance.HEV with different structures such as series, parallel, series parallel has been studied so far. HEV is consists of mainly two design elements mechanical and electrical. Mechanical design part includes ICE Car Dynamics while Electrical part includes Controller Design and Electrical Subsystem. This dissertation work especially focuses on the controller design of HEV. HEV control section includes four different rudiments to be controlled. These are engine speed controller generator controller motor controller and battery controller. This paper considered design of proportional integral (PI), proportional derivative (PD), proportional integral derivative (PID)for analysis of engine, motor and generator performance This leads to the development of component models of the physical system such as the power distribution system and mechanical driveline. In this paper work design of electrical part i.e. control design and ESS design has been carried out. The designed SPHEV has been analyzed with the step change accelerator profile for the PI, PD, PID using performance measures such as rise time settling time peak time and peak overshoot.
Stochastic path tracing on consumer graphics cards

We present a path tracer using the GPU of a consumers graphics card to render images. It is implemented in Java and GLSL using GroIMP as modelling platform and runtime environment. The path tracer is capable of rendering primitives like sphere, cone, cylinder, box, plane and parallelogram. Procedurally generated materials as well as textures can be applied to those objects. The resulting image is rendered in HDR (high dynamic range).
Assessing alpha and beta taxonomy in eupelmid wasps : determinants of the probability of describing good species and synonyms

We analysed the status of the taxonomical knowledge on Afrotropical and Palaearctic Eupelmidae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea), by assessing the historical accumulation of valid new species and synonyms through time, as well as the factors that have determined the process of description of good species and synonyms in these regions. The species accumulation curves for valid species names show that a significant proportion of the taxa remains to be described in both areas. On the contrary, the historical accumulation of synonymic names seems to reach an asymptote in both areas, although the proportion of synonyms compared with the total number of names is higher in the Palaearctic region. We assessed factors influencing the probability of a species being discovered and the probability of being described several times under different names. Both probabilities seem to be affected by the same factors. Distribution range size and geographical location of taxa affect both the processes of discovering good species and producing synonyms in either region. Models using all these predictors explain (1) 36% and 40% of the variance in the year of description of valid names for the Afrotropical and Palaearctic regions respectively, and (2) 56% and 40% of the variation in the number of synonyms per valid species in these two areas. For the species with available information, trophic specialization is also a significant determinant of these probabilities. However, its effect is also accounted for by geographical range size, which can thus be used as a surrogate of the ecological correlates of discovery and redundant description probabilities. In general, the ecologically generalist, widely distributed and early described taxa living in northern and western areas of both regions have been subject of redundant description more times. Further, taxonomical effort is needed in the south and east of the Palaearctic, as well as in the whole of the Afrotropics, where additional effort in a revision of Eupelmid systematics is needed.
What if mass storage were free?

This paper investigates how database systems would be designed and used under the limiting-case assumption that mass storage is free. It is argued that free mass storage would free database systems from the limitations and problems caused by conventional deletion techniques. A non-deletion strategy would significantly simplify database systems and their operation, as well as increase their functionality and availability. Consideration of this limiting case helps shed light on a more realistic argument: if the cost of mass storage were low enough, then deletion would become undesirable. It is also argued that the often labor-intensive costs and time delays involved in archival and retrieval of older data can be minimized if a single technology were available with low-cost on-line storage and a low-cost archival media with long shelf life. Optical discs promise to come one to two orders of magnitude closer to the limiting case of free mass storage than ever before. Other features of optical discs include improved reliability and a single technology for both on-line and archival storage with a long shelf life. Because of these features and because of (not in spite of) their non-deletion limitation, it is argued that optical discs fit the requirements of database systems better than magnetic discs and tapes.
Multiphysics simulations of carrier transport and electrodynamics in two-dimensional electron systems

We present a multiphysics numerical technique and use it for simulating carrier dynamics under electromagnetic excitation in supported two-dimensional electronic systems. The technique combines ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) for carrier transport with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) for electrodynamics and molecular dynamics (MD) for short-range Coulomb interactions among particles. We explain the important criteria required for coupling the constituent methods and demonstrate the use of this coupled EMC/FDTD/MD technique by calculating the room-temperature dc and ac conductivity of graphene supported on SiO2.
Sex Ratio Imbalances in Asia : An Ongoing

This volume seeks to provide a more concrete discussion of the social impact of and responses to demographic change.1 Research so far has often found it more expedient to rely on global theories linking high sex ratios to various strands of social disruption (Poston et al. 2011; Hudson and den Boer 2004). Yet these doomsday scenarios are rarely reflected in field-based studies. The chapters in this volume indeed provided little to feed headlines on marriage crisis, rape or trafficking beyond the routine expressions of ordinary gender violence that have long been part of patriarchal settings. They describe in minute detail the mechanisms through which tensions in marriage markets convert into growing psychological anxieties and social marginalization in local rural and urban parts of both China and India. They also show us resources deployed by individuals and families to reverse the demographic odds through bold innovations and normative change. When even archetypal patriarchal institutions such as the Khap Panchayats of northwestern India prove willing to revise their tenets in the face of marital imbalances, a new avenue of deep institutional transformations seems possible (Larsen and Kaur 2013). We can easily restate the actual issue addressed in this book as the following: what do numbers do to social organizations? We already know a lot about sex ratio imbalances at birth in the world, and we are aware of the extreme form of gender bias they manifest (UNFPA 2012). We already have a clear sense of what institutions can do to demographic numbers and, more precisely, how patriarchy can skew the sex ratio at birth. We still do not know exactly how numbers will in their turn
Study of Efficient Protocol for Secured VANET With Distributed Networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) enable vehicles to communicate with each other but require efficient and robust routing protocols for their success. In this paper, exploit the infrastructure of roadside units (RSUs) to efficiently and reliably route packets in VANETs. Proposed system operates by using vehicles to carry and forward messages from a source vehicle to a nearby RSU and, if needed, route these messages through the RSU network and, finally send them from an RSU to the destination vehicle. Proposed system is mostly critical for users who are far apart and want to communicate using their vehicles onboard units.
Quality Factor Maximization Through Dynamic Balancing of Tuning Fork Resonator

This paper presents a method of dynamically balancing tuning fork microresonators, enabling maximization of quality factor (Q-factor) in structures with imperfections. Nonsymmetric tuning of stiffness in a coupled 2-DOF resonator is completed through the use of the negative electrostatic spring effect. This variable stiffness is shown to be able to adjust the reaction forces of the structure at the anchors, effectively balancing any spring imperfections caused by fabrication imperfections. Balancing the structure through stiffness matching minimizes the loss of energy through the substrate and maximizes Q-factor of the device's antiphase mode. The approach is experimentally demonstrated using a vacuum packaged microelectromechanical tuning fork resonator with operational frequency of 2.2 kHz and antiphase Q-factor of 0.6 million. By electrostatically tuning the reaction force at the anchors caused by fabrication imperfections, anchor loss can be suppressed, increasing the Q-factor to above 0.8 million. The experimentally validated analytical model of substrate dissipation is confirmed to be applicable to Q-factor tuning in antiphase driven resonators and gyroscopes.
A NOVEL ALGORITHM FOR IMPROVE HANDOVER DECISION IN HETEROGENEOUS WIRELESS NETWORKS

Sending a huge amount of information among various network position through the network links based on the networks traffic capability and data rate. Usually, a mobile device may be mobility to realize the processes of vertical handover. The utilize of a single standard may reason service intermission, an unstable network pregnancy and an inactive vertical handover. In this paper, it proposed a novel algorithm to improve vertical handover decision based on use decision trees to classify handover and effectiveness, correction rate among them. The algorithm consists of two technology interfaces: Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE). It also proposed a new mechanisms based on different prioritizations to support handover decision. The simulation results show which the three kinds of decision systems better than the traditional network decision system whence handover number probability and the handover failure probability. Furthermore, it is observed which the network priority handover decision system makes better findings compared to the equal priority and the mobile priority handover decision system. Lastly, the simulation findings are validated over the investigative model.
Comprehensive and innovative techniques for liver transplantation in rats: a surgical guide.

AIM To investigate our learning curves of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats and the most important factor for successful surgery. METHODS We describe the surgical procedures for our rat OLT model, and determined the operator learning curves. The various factors that contributed to successful surgery were determined. The most important surgical factors were evaluated between successful and unsuccessful surgeries. RESULTS Learning curve data indicated that 50 cases were required for operator training to start a study. Operative time, blood loss, warm ischemic time, anhepatic phase, unstable systemic hemodynamic state, and body temperature after surgery significantly affected surgery success by univariate analysis, while the anhepatic phase was the most critical factor for success by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION OLT in rats is the only liver transplantation model that provides clinically relevant and reliable results. Shortened anhepatic phase is key to success in this model.
Influence of Type of Rearing, Slaughter Age and Sex on Fattening Rabbit: II. Meat Quality

The influence of type of rearing, slaughter age and sex on meat quality was investigated on fattening rabbits housed indoors in “bicellular” cages or outdoors in “colony” cages and slaughtered at 90 or 120 days of age. Longissimus lumborum muscles resulted from 34 chilled reference carcasses were excised and analysed for colour, pH, water holding capacity, moisture, protein and intramuscular fat. Type of rearing and age at slaughter affected the main qualitative traits of meat, whereas sex did not show any significant differences. However, in most of the variables significative interaction was found between “type of rearing × slaughtering age”. Open-air rearing in colony cage showed a marked influence on the qualitative characteristics of meat only in rabbits slaughtered at 120 days of age. Compared to same aged rabbits which are housed indoors in bicellular cages, the animals reared open-air have produced meats leaner (intramuscular fat: 1.22 vs. 2.03 %; P≤0.01), paler (L* values: 52.5 vs. 46.2; P≤0.01) and with lower pH (5.54 vs. 5.76; P≤0.01).
Effect of Testosterone Loading on the Kinetic of Faecal Testosterone Excretion in Mallards

Intestinal passage time of coloured fodder and testosterone turnover were examined by faecal steroid analysis in mallards in the reproductive and postrefractory period. In the latter, the discharge of coloured fodder began 36 minutes after ingestion in males, and 56 minutes in females. During reproduction the discharge began 93 minutes and 112 minutes after ingestion in males and females, respectively. Total passage time was similar in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes. After intraperitoneal testosterone injection, faecal samples were collected for 8 hours and testosterone levels were measured using RIA. In the postrefractory period, 1–2 hours after testosterone loading a strong increase of faecal testosterone content developed in males, meanwhile a slighter testosterone peak appeared in females. During reproduction testosterone excretion began 1.5–2 hours after injection in both sexes but in females its increase was smaller. The duration of response to testosterone loading was 5 hours in both periods and both sexes. Intensive excretion after T loading appeared earlier in males than in females, but total passage time finished at the same time: 5 hours after loading. The character of testosterone excretion was corresponding to the passage of fodder-chimus-faeces in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes.
Chapter 7 Arthritis / Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, chronic, and degenerative disease that adversely affects the quality of life of individuals. Depending on the individual’s symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, basic and instrumental daily life activities are restricted, and par‐ ticipation of life is adversely affected. Occupational therapy interventions for rheumatoid arthritis rehabilitation include self‐management programs (e.g., arthritis self‐manage‐ ment program, bone up on arthritis, self‐management arthritis treatment physical activ‐ ity), splinting techniques for rheumatoid arthritis, and vocational rehabilitation. In this chapter, updated information about these approaches is brought together and presented to the reader.
Hand factor ablation causes defective left ventricular chamber development and compromised adult cardiac function

Coordinated cardiomyocyte growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis are essential for heart formation. We demonstrate that the bHLH transcription factors Hand1 and Hand2 play critical regulatory roles for left ventricle (LV) cardiomyocyte proliferation and morphogenesis. Using an LV-specific Cre allele (Hand1LV-Cre), we ablate Hand1-lineage cardiomyocytes, revealing that DTA-mediated cardiomyocyte death results in a hypoplastic LV by E10.5. Once Hand1-linage cells are removed from the LV, and Hand1 expression is switched off, embryonic hearts recover by E16.5. In contrast, conditional LV loss-of-function of both Hand1 and Hand2 results in aberrant trabeculation and thickened compact zone myocardium resulting from enhanced proliferation and a breakdown of compact zone/trabecular/ventricular septal identity. Surviving Hand1;Hand2 mutants display diminished cardiac function that is rescued by concurrent ablation of Hand-null cardiomyocytes. Collectively, we conclude that, within a mixed cardiomyocyte population, removal of defective myocardium and replacement with healthy endogenous cardiomyocytes may provide an effective strategy for cardiac repair.