Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk accepters and problem solvers: managing risk in the masters Highland Games

Abstract Narratives of ageing are often negative, focussing on later life as a period defined by biological decline. A growing population of older adults (Masters athletes) participating in sport challenge these assumptions. Existing research demonstrates how Masters athletes transcend and challenge dominant discourses of ageing and resist enfeeblement. To do so requires a negotiation with risk, pain and injury. Examining these processes in younger athletes developed within the sociology of sport during the 1990s. This literature explored risk-taking sub-cultures across different sports and between genders. Yet an analysis of how older athletes manage risk has hitherto not taken place. In order to expand this corpus of work to Masters athletes, this article provides a case study of the Masters Highland Games. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 19 athletes aged between 40 and 75, two ideal types that describe approaches to risk taking are proposed. Informed by the ideas of Giddens, these ideal types will demonstrate the variety of ways that resistance relates to risk, pain and injury. This case study demonstrates that some Masters athletes share traits identified in research with younger athletes, such as the acceptance of their practice being inherently risky and the act of normalising pain. However, most Masters athletes exhibit a more problem solving approach that adopts various strategies that manage the risks of ageing.
Control strategies for line following applied to robots with nonholonomic constraint

: In this paper the line-following problem for a nonholonomic mobile robot is considered. Two novel control strategies are presented: a Lyapunov-based Control strategy, and a sliding mode control based on quasi-continuous sliding mode Controller for systems with relative degree greater than one. A complete stability analysis for both control strategies is presented. The proposed sliding mode controller matches perfectly with the system, and with a proper sliding surface choice, the line-following can be guaranteed including a speciﬁed line direction. Both strategies are experimentally validated, where the excellent transient performance can be veriﬁed.
New concepts of principal component analysis based on maximum separation of clusters

Abstract It is common to apply dimension reduction techniques like principal component analysis before performing cluster analysis of multivariate data. However, it is not guaranteed that the most useful information for separating different groups is concentrated in the first few principal components. To improve the performance of clustering, a novel nonparametric method is constructed by redefining the principal component based on the linear combination of attributes that maximizes a newly proposed measure of separation of clusters. An efficient dynamic programing algorithm with complexity is described, where n is the number of observations and p is the number of attributes. The applications of the proposed methods are discussed with examples in credit card issuance and privacy protection under randomized multiple response techniques.
The Swedish national quality Registry of Ulcer Treatment (RUT): How can 'RUT' inform outcome measurement for people diagnosed with venous leg ulcers in Australia?

Chronic venous disorders are increasingly being recognised as a health care priority in the Western world. The burden of venous ulceration is growing due to increased prevalence of venous disease, diabetes and obesity. A wide variety of health professional specialities are responsible for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Each discipline may have a different approach to preventing, diagnosing and treating venous disease depending on their practice, experience and training. Best practice treatment of VLUs is a firm compression bandage to aid venous return. Variability in clinical practice and variable quality of care as well as lack of standard guideline implementation and compliance can affect VLU healing outcomes. Monitoring patterns and quality of care for people diagnosed with VLUs with a national quality registry has been shown to improve quality outcomes for people in Sweden. This article outlines the positive healing outcomes from the Swedish Registry of Ulcer Treatment (RUT) and offers some reflections about how this learning can be applied to the Australian setting.
Automated segmentation of the left ventricle from MR cine imaging based on deep learning architecture

Background: Magnetic resonance cine imaging is the accepted standard for cardiac functional assessment. Left ventricular (LV) segmentation plays a key role in volumetric functional quantification of the heart. Conventional manual analysis is time-consuming and observer-dependent. Automated segmentation approaches are needed to improve the clinical workflow of cardiac functional quantification. Recently, deep-learning networks have shown promise for efficient LV segmentation. PURPOSE: The routinely used V-Net is a convolutional network that segments images by passing features from encoder to decoder. In this study, this method was advanced as DenseV-Net by replacing the convolutional block with a densely connected algorithm and dense calculations to alleviate the vanishing-gradient problem, prevent exploding gradients, and to strengthen feature propagation. Thirty patients were scanned with a 3 Tesla MR imager. ECG-free, free-breathing, real-time cines were acquired with a balanced steady-state free precession technique. Linear regression and the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) were performed to evaluate LV segmentation performance of the classic neural networks FCN, UNet, V-Net, and the proposed DenseV-net methods, using manual analysis as the reference. Slice-based LV function was compared among the four methods. Results: Thirty slices from eleven patients were randomly selected (each slice contained 73 images), and the LVs were segmented using manual analysis, UNet, FCN, V-Net, and the proposed DenseV-Net methods. A strong correlation of the left ventricular areas was observed between the proposed DenseV-Net network and manual segmentation (R = 0.92), with a mean DSC of 0.90 ± 0.12. A weaker correlation was found between the routine V-Net, UNet, FCN, and manual segmentation methods (R = 0.77, 0.74, 0.76, respectively) with a lower mean DSC (0.85 ± 0.13, 0.84 ± 0.16, 0.79 ± 0.17, respectively). Additionally, the proposed DenseV-Net method was strongly correlated with the manual analysis in slice-based LV function quantification compared with the state-of-art neural network methods V-Net, UNet, and FCN. Conclusion: The proposed DenseV-Net method outperforms the classic convolutional networks V-Net, UNet, and FCN in automated LV segmentation, providing a novel way for efficient heart functional quantification and the diagnosis of cardiac diseases using cine MRI.
A glide over the Indo-Australian geological maze: repeated transgressions of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines in archdukes, barons and dukes (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae: Adoliadini)

Archdukes, barons, counts, dukes and marquises are forest-dwelling butterflies found in mainland Asia and most islands of the Indo-Australian archipelago west of Wallace’s Line, with only a few species occurring as far east as the Bismarck Archipelago. This pattern is unusual among butterfly groups of the region, which often present more widespread geographical ranges bearing little signature of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines. Using a molecular multimarker matrix, we infer the first dated phylogeny for this clade and estimate its biogeographical history. We recover the Oriental genus Euthalia as polyphyletic, although other genera are monophyletic. The clade originated in continental Indomalaya in the late Oligocene ~24 Mya, when the Indo-Australian archipelago was at one of the most dynamic stages of its orogeny. Multiple independent colonization events towards the Lesser Sunda Islands, Moluccas, Australia and New Guinea suggest the relative permeability of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines to these butterflies. Colonization of Melanesia took place twice, probably before the recent formation of Sulawesi. The study of Indo-Australian Adoliadini provides additional evidence that biogeographical barriers long thought to prevent exchange between the Asian and Australian biotas are, in fact, permeable especially to vagile insect lineages in the region.
Prevalence of alcohol use among high school students, the pattern of consumption and the physical circumstances associated with alcoholism in an urban area of Kerala, India

Background: The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of alcoholism among high school students, the pattern of consumption and the physical circumstances lead them to alcoholism . Methods: This study was done as a cross sectional study in the high schools of Pagappara PHC area which is the urban health training centre attached to Government medical college Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Sample size was calculated based on the prevalence of a previous study conducted in Kottayam district Kerala and estimated as 300. Data was collected using a pre tested questionnaire through interview technique. Data entry was done in SPSS 16 and percentages were calculated to express the results. Results: The prevalence of drinking among the high school students was 21% and 1% of students were regular drinkers. Among those consumed alcohol 38.15 have used it before the age of 10 years. 61.9% started drinking for experimentation and beer was commonly used type (71%) . Conclusions: According to this study 21% of students have consumed alcohol and 1% is regular users of alcohol. Thus, there is a dire need to intervene.
The impact of globalization on the business position of European Union

We are meeting with the term globalization for many years. The globalization process sets in motion goods, services, financial flows, information, through globalization come to the mobility of people, the workforce and globalization is also a power drive to move the whole world. This paper deals with the contribution of globalization to the EU market. The aim is to find out to what extent EU countries are involved in world trade. It also points to the position of the World Trade Organization, which is the only organization connecting the countries of the world, with the aim strengthening of world trade and ensuring its liberalization. We assume that the EU as the largest integration group in the world will play an important role in world trade and that EU countries will be among the top 10 world players. The document contains an analysis of the EU’s position in world trade. The methodology used is based on comparing the export shares of the top 10 world trade countries and assessing how the countries of the EU positioned on the scale in 2018. The discussion deals with assessing the findings and estimating the situation in the future.
Numerical characterisation of the performance of flow rate on a non-contact vortex gripper

On manufacturing industries like semiconductor wafers, Manufacturing of medicine or Food processing industries require repeated handling of clean products such as wafers, Food products, etc. which are needs to be frequently handled and transported. This handling can be further ameliorated by Vortex Grippers. Vortex levitation can achieve Non-Contact handling by blowing air through a tangential nozzle into a vortex cup, thus swirling air flow forms which generates negative pressure. The suction force generated by the vortex is more than enough to keep the workpiece without contact. In the present study, a non-contact handling device called vortex gripper is modified by changing some design parameters. However, when a conical shaped vortex cup is used, a 60% increase in gripper lifting force is achieved with the same air consumption as reported early.
A Novel Medical-Equipment Management System (i MARCS) Based on Hospital Intranet:ｰ In Response to the Fifth Revision of the Medical Care Act ｰ

The fifth revision of the Medical Care Act, which was promulgated in 2007, mandated that every medical institution must adopt a system that ensures security and safety of its medical equipment. In order to comply with this requirement, our hospital has developed, and began using in April 2011, a new Intranet-based Medical Asset/Resource Control System (iMARCS ), which can centrally manage and track information on the entire inventory of the hospital’s medical equipment assets via the hospital intranet. iMARCS allows users to view and check the information and status of each medical device, including safety information, operation manuals and other documentation, maintenance schedule
What drives global B2C E-commerce? An analysis of the effect of ICT access, human resource development and regulatory environment

ABSTRACT This study explores the drivers of Business to Consumer (B2C) electronic commerce (e-commerce) adoption at a global level. The study used a Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework to investigate factors that influence B2C e-commerce adoption. The study relied on archival and cross-sectional data from 135 countries and employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Our findings indicate that B2C E-commerce adoption at the national level is positively influenced by ICT access, political and regulatory environment and human resource development. Our findings show that technological, organisational, and environmental factors (ICT access, political, human resource development and political and regulatory environment) altogether explain 70% of the variance in B2C E-Commerce adoption. Our findings provide a fresh insight into the adoption of B2C e-commerce at the national level. Our study provides some implications for research and practice.
Extract of Ellagitannins starting with Strawberries (Fragaria sp.) and Blackberries (Rubus sp.)

Abstract Characterize the content of phytochemical compounds present in samples of extracts of strawberry (Fragaria sp.) and blackberry (Rubus sp.). The extraction of said compounds was carried out with solutions of polar solvents, such as acetone, ethanol and methanol, using an experimental design with three factors: state of maturity, resting time and temperature. The characterization of these fruits is the beginning of the utilization mainly of ellagitannins to produce ellagic acid. Total phytochemical content was determined by spectrophotometric techniques, for phenolic content it was used Folin-Ciocalteu, for flavonoids it was determined with aluminium chloride, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the methods of DPPH and ABTS+, the bactericidal effect of the extracts was shown for strains of E. coli and S. aureus. The determination of ellagitannins was performed by spectrometry. The influence of the state of maturity on the response variable was evaluated; it was observed that concentration of phytochemicals increases proportionally to maturity stage. The antioxidant activity was evaluated, determining that extracts obtained exhibit 94% - 95% inhibition. The determination of ellagitannins, finding that the highest concentration of ellagitannins was found in a state of green maturity, for strawberries as well as blackberries.
A Study On Individual Investor Investment Pattern Of The Retail Equity Investors In Chennai District

The investors felt very much the effect of introduction of New Economic Policy, 1991.In this situation greater investment opposition and also inexpensive change in perception are the greater challenges to the investors. These changes are due to many factors. The primary objective of this study is to create good speculation and awareness for the country. Demographic factors such as Age, Income, Family hold, Occupation, Family circumstances, Employment Status and Investment conditions such as Choice of Portfolio, Risk Bearing Capacity, and Sources of Information also play a vital role in determining investments. By analyzing these demographic and environmental factors, the study gives an idea how to create investor awareness.
Prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in public restrooms in central Kentucky

Enterococci are complex Gram positive cocci found in the intestines of humans and animals. For over 30 years, Enterococcus has shown increased resistance to vancomycin and other antimicrobials as seen in nosocomial infections in the United States. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in the community was first reported in the United States in 2010, but Europe has seen these organisms in the community for over 20 years. This study examined the prevalence of VRE in public restrooms from three locations in Woodford and Fayette counties in central Kentucky. Restrooms varied in size, location, and user type (male, female or unisex). The public restrooms tested were in a college auditorium, a college student center, a small café, and a hospital. Ninety-eight samples from eight restrooms were collected from surfaces including the door handle exiting the entire restroom, the lock on the stall door, the soap dispenser, the floor of the stall, the sink, the paper towel dispenser, the urinal, and the feminine napkin disposal system. Prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium and VRE was determined. Enterococcus species were identified by conventional biochemical physiologic testing, and vancomycin resistance was determined by the vancomycin agar screen test. VRE was isolated from four out of 98 (4%) of the samples collected. VRE was found on two exit door handles, one soap dispenser, and one feminine napkin disposal system. All of the VRE were found in hospital public (visitors’) restrooms. VRE found in public restrooms may be a place for the possible spread of VRE to community members.
Using Machine Learning and Traditional Statistics to Explore Retention and Knowledge Structure in STEM with an Emphasis on Physics

Using Machine Learning and Traditional Statistics to Explore Retention and Knowledge Structure in STEM with and emphasis on Physics Cabot A. Zabriskie Retention of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students is a serious problem as STEM graduation rates continue to lag the growing demand for the skills taught by these degree programs. Critical to fixing this “leaky pipeline” is investment in improving retention in the first two years of college study and increasing and maintaining the interest of K-12 students in STEM. This thesis will address this in three parts. The first is through evaluation of conceptual tests used to evaluate course improvements to determine the structure student knowledge measured by them. The second part uses machine learning to construct early warning models of student failure in introductory physics courses to aid instructors in better targeting of interventions. The final part assesses the effectiveness of the Pulsar Search Collaboratory, an authentic science experience for middle and high school students, at encouraging K-12 students to pursue STEM degrees.
ORIGINAL PAPER Identification of specific causes of unexplained heart failure with the use of endomyocardial biopsy

Cardiomyopathies are defined as a heart muscle disease of unknown origin. Identification of specific causes of the disease may influence on management and prognosis of the patients. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of endomyocardial biopsy in patients with unexplained heart failure. Artyku3 oryginalny/Original paper
Coulrophobia: An investigation of clinical features

Background Coulrophobia refers to fear or disgust elicited by clowns, or images of clowns, and may be accompanied by significant distress. The medical literature on sociodemographic and clinical features of coulrophobia is, however, sparse. Aim This study aimed to investigate coulrophobia sociodemographic and clinical features in an online support group. Setting A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to an online support group for coulrophobia. Methods Members of the online coulrophobia support group received a link to a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on sociodemographic and clinical features, including fear-related and disgust-related symptoms, and included DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for specific phobia. Results Of the 95 survey respondents, 79 were female respondents (mean age: 39.8 ± 12.6 years), with the mean age of onset 9 ± 6.1 years. Coulrophobia symptoms were associated with significant psychological distress and with impaired social functioning. About 7.4% of respondents reported severe anxiety with panic attacks. Comorbid disorders included major depressive disorder (9.5%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (5.3%) and panic disorder (3.2%). Individuals with fear-related symptoms were more likely to fulfil DSM-5 criteria for specific phobia. Conclusion Coulrophobia is a phenomenon that warrants clinical attention, given its association with significant comorbidity, psychological distress and impaired functioning. Several sociodemographic and clinical features are consistent with a diagnosis of specific phobia, although future work employing clinician-administered diagnostic tools is needed to consolidate and extend the findings here.
Cidade, modos de ver e de fazer vitalidade urbana no dia a dia

Este artigo trata de relações entre processos de apropriação espacial, vitalidade e morfologia urbana. Apoia-se em estudos empíricos e encontra fundamentação teórica em autores clássicos e contemporâneos de diferentes escolas.Procedimentos de análise urbana tendem a decompor o objeto cidade em categorias segundo uma das disciplinas urbanas - geografia, história, sociologia, antropologia, urbanismo, etc. Cada um destaca o que quer enxergar e minimiza ou anula o restante considerado irrelevante à perspectiva da disciplina que professa. Entende-se, para efeito deste texto, que processos de apropriação do espaço público urbano são mais generosos - uma vez disparados reconhecem múltiplas dimensões do espaço urbano e as agregam, quando o ambiente institucional assim o permite, na constituição, temporária ou consolidada, de atrativos formadores de ‘aconchegos urbanos’ - configurações morfológicas que nos apoiam, com mais ou menos fruição, pela vitalidade local que produzem. Estas constituem o foco deste artigo ilustrado por estudos empíricos que contemplam apropriações espaciais que se mostraram importantes para os locais onde foram praticados e, assim, se mantém. A análise destaca e questiona o aspecto transgressor identificado nas iniciativas materializadas, em um dado momento, nas apropriações espaciais formadoras da vitalidade urbana e finaliza apontando aspectos não contemplados por aquelas categorias.
Micronodular lung pattern – Differential diagnosis

Poster: "ESTI 2015 / P-0074 / Micronodular lung pattern – Differential diagnosis" by: "P. Ninitas1, F. Marinho2, P. Campos3, I. Tavora1; 1Lisbon/PT, 2Funchal/PT, 3Cascais/PT"