Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin, Vitamin D, and lipids in subclinical hypothyroid patients - Do the anti -thyroid autoantibodies titer matters?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the commonest cause of hypothyroidism has been proposed as a risk factor for atherosclerosis independent of thyroid function. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Hashimoto’s thyroiditis validated by their anti-TPO positivity have any effect on hyperlipidemia, Hemoglobin, vitamin D independent of thyroid function in newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid patients (SCH) subjects with TSH < 10μIU/ml. 40 newly diagnosed SCH and 40 healthy euthyroid controls were included in this study. Based on anti-TPO status, the SCH subjects was divided into TPO positive and negative groups. Serum lipid, hemoglobin and vitamin D levels were determined and compared between among the TPO positive and negative SCH subjects. Subjects with and without anti-TPO had significant differences in levels of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and nonHDL cholesterol. In correlation analysis, anti-TPO showed statistically significant association with Hb, LDL and vitamin D. Subclinical hypothyroidism with thyroid autoimmunity is associated with a marginal decrease in hemoglobin and elevation in LDL. Whether this holds, any bearing on promoting cardiovascular risk needs to be considered further
Numerical Computation on Recirculation Flow Structures in Co-Axial Confined Laminar Jets

) has been described as one of the most suitable universal similarity parameters for co-axial confined jets. This work shows that the formation of the recirculation zone is greatly influenced by Reynoldsnumber, and not by Ct alone under laminar flow conditions. If the length scale of the thermo-fluid machinery isdecreased, for example, in micro jet flame combustors, the corresponding Reynolds number, Re, becomes smaller.In the case of Re > 50, the length of the recirculation zone is found proportional to Re number for a fixed value of Ct.In the limit of very small Re number, the recirculation zone disappears, unlike turbulent flow cases.
Localized failure modes in a compactant porous rock

Since dilatancy is generally observed as a precursor to brittle faulting and the development of shear localization, attention has focused on how localized failure develops in a dilatant rock. However, recent geologic observations and reassessment of bifurcation theory have indicated that strain localization may be pervasive in a compactant porous rock. The localized bands can be in shear or in compaction, and oriented at relatively high angles (up to 90°) to the maximum compression direction. Here we report microstructural characterization of the spatial distribution of damage in failed samples which confirms that compaction bands and high‐angle conjugate shears can develop in sandstones with porosities ranging from 13% to 28%. These failure modes are generally associated with stress states in the transitional regime from brittle faulting to cataclastic ductile flow. The laboratory results suggest that these complex localized features can be pervasive in sandstone formations, not just limited to aeolian sandstone in which they were first documented. They may significantly impact the stress field, strain partitioning and fluid transport in sedimentary formations and accretionary prisms. While bifuraction theory provides an useful framework for analyzing the inception of localization, our data rule out a constitutive model that does not account for the activation of multiple damage mechanisms in the transitional regime.
NUMERICAL MODEL SIMULATIONS AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF FLOODING IMPACTS OF AGATON AND SENIANG IN CABADBARAN RIVER BASIN, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

In 2014, heavy to torrential rains brought by tropical storms Agaton and Seniang triggered massive flooding and caused fatalities particularly in Caraga Region in northeastern Mindanao. To better understand and differentiate the impacts of heavy rains brought by these tropical storms to the extent of flooding, we reconstructed the two flooding events through numerical model simulations, and evaluated the differences through geospatial analysis. We focused on the Cabadbaran River Basin (CBR) and adjoining watersheds in Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region as our case study area. Results of the study have some practical implications to climate change impact and mitigation studies on the aspect that studying how the current weather and climate scenarios are affecting us (e.g., in terms of flooding) can help us understand and make necessary preparations for a future weather or climate scenario.
Product Architecture, Organizational Design, and HRM Practices: Comparing Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Firms

This paper examines the relationship between product development and human resource management practices in East Asian firms. Based on a review of preceding studies, we first posit the following three hypotheses: (1) Firms strategically choose their product architecture, taking into account factors such as internal management resources and external product market conditions. (2) Firms strategically choose their organizational design for product development activity reflecting their choice of product architecture. (3) There is a complimentary relationship between the chosen product architecture and the organization of product development on the one hand and human resource (HR) management practices on the other. Next, we present our findings from case studies in Japan, Korea, and China focusing on firms making the same products (cellular phones, liquid crystal televisions, and business information systems), followed by the analysis of data obtained through a questionnaire survey of firms in the manufacturing and software industries in the three countries. The results of both the case studies and the questionnaire survey support the first and second hypotheses. As for the third hypothesis, although we were unable to detect complementarity between the organization of product development and HR management practices, we did find complementarity between product architectures and HR management practices.
Characterization of InGaN/GaN-Based Multi-Quantum Well Distributed Feedback Lasers

We present a device fabrication technology and measurement results of both optically pumped and electrically injected InGaN/GaN-based distributed feedback (DFB) lasers operated at room temperature. For the optically pumped DFB laser, we demonstrate a complex coupling scheme for the first time, whereas the electrically injected device is based on normal index coupling. Threshold currents as low as 1.1 A were observed in 500 μm long and 10 μm wide devices. The 3 rd order grating providing feedback was defined holographically and dry-etched into the upper waveguiding layer by chemically-assisted ion beam etching. Even when operating these lasers considerably above threshold, a spectrally narrow emission (3.5 A) at wavelengths around 400 nm was seen.
Spin-orbit effects in structural and electronic properties for the solid state of the group-14 elements from carbon to superheavy element 114

Spin-orbit effects approximately scale like ${Z}^{2}$ and therefore become very important in the bonding of the heavier $p$-group elements in the periodic table. Here we show by first-principles density-functional calculations that such effects substantially lower the cohesive energy for solid lead and Uuq (ununquadium, eka-lead, nuclear charge 114), by 2.5 eV/atom for the latter and causing a structural change from face-centered cubic at the scalar relativistic to hexagonal close packed at the spin-orbit coupled level of theory. This implies that unlike lead (cohesive energy ${E}_{coh}=2.02\text{ }\text{eV}/\text{atom}$), Uuq is weakly bound $({E}_{coh}=0.5\text{ }\text{eV}/\text{atom})$, and even less so than solid mercury $({E}_{coh}=0.7\text{ }\text{eV}/\text{atom})$, underpinning the original hypothesis by Pitzer in 1975 [K. Pitzer, J. Chem. Phys. 63, 1033 (1975)] that spin-orbit effects lead to chemical inertness of Uuq.
Discriminating disorder from difference using dynamic assessment with bilingual children

The DAPPLE (Dynamic Assessment of Preschoolers’ Proficiency in Learning English) is currently being developed in response to a clinical need. Children exposed to English as an additional language may be referred to speech and language therapy because their proficiency in English is not the same as their monolingual peers. Some, but not all, of these children are likely to have a core language learning difficulty. Clinicians need to be able to distinguish disorder from difference due to a child’s language learning context. The assessment used a test–teach–test format to examine children’s ability to learn vocabulary, sentence structure and phonology. The assessment, which takes less than 60 minutes to administer, was given to 26 children who were bilingual: 12 currently on a speech and language therapy caseload and 14 children matched for age and socio-economic status who had never been referred to speech and language therapy. The DAPPLE data clearly discriminated the two groups. The caseload group required a greater amount of prompting to identify targeted words in the receptive vocabulary assessment and performed less well in the post-teaching expressive component. For sentence structure, the caseload group required more cues to acquire the targeted clause elements in the teaching phase. The caseload group made more phoneme errors at the initial and final assessments than the controls, and the type of errors made differed. Teaching resulted in greater positive change in percent phonemes correct for the caseload participants. Qualitative analyses of individual children’s performance on the DAPPLE suggested that it has the potential to discriminate core language deficits from difference due to a bilingual language learning context. Future directions for development of the test are considered.
A critical analysis of mental toughness and will to win between throwers and jumpers: a psychological probe.

The present study was conducted to examine the mental toughness and will to win between throwers and jumpers. To obtain data for this study, the investigators had selected forty (N=40) male school level athletes of 16 to 19 years of age group to act as subjects. They were further divided into two groups which includes twenty (n= 20) Throwers and twenty (n=20) Jumpers. The purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the required data. All the subjects, after having been informed about the objective and protocol of the study, gave their consent and volunteered to participate in this study. Mental toughness was measured with questionnaire developed by Goldberg (1998) and Will to win was measured with questionnaire prepared by Kumar and Shukla (1988). It is concluded from the above findings that significant differences were found between throwers and jumpers on the sub-variables i.e. motivation and overall mental toughness. However, no significant differences were noticed regarding the sub variables i.e. reboundability, ability to handle pressure, concentration and confidence. It has been also conclude that insignificant differences were noticed between throwers and sprinters on the variable will to win.
The cost of developing and maintain the monitoring and control software of large ground-based telescopes

There are several large ground-based telescopes currently under development such as the SKA and CCAT in radio as well as several 30m-class in the optical. A common challenge that all of these telescopes are facing is estimating the cost of design, construction and maintenance of their required software. This paper will present a cost breakdown of the monitoring and control software packages implemented for ASKAP including the effort spent to develop and maintain the in-house code and the effort saved by using third-party software, such as EPICS. The costing for ASKAP will be compared to those for the monitoring and control software of other large ground-based telescopes such as ALMA and VLT. This comparison will highlight trends and commonalities in the costing and provides a useful guide for costing future telescope control software builds or upgrades and the ongoing maintenance cost.
DESIGN AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DC-DC BOOST AND SINGLE-ENDED PRIMARY-INDUCTANCE CONVERTER CONVERTERS USING SOLAR POWERED MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING ALGORITHMS

This study provides a comprehensive review of the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques applied to Photovoltaic (PV) power system. Also thi s study presents a comparative study between three most fashionable techniques such as Incremental con ductance (Inc) algorithm and Perturb and Observation (P&O) algorithm and fuzzy logic controller. These three techniques have been applied to converters such as Boost and SEPIC for analyzing th e performance in various climatic conditions of PV. The analysis of each technique with converters has been carried out by using MATLAB/simulink software. From the results few comparisons has been made and found that the boost converter with Incremental conductance algorithmic technique offer ed best and optimum results when compared with other techniques. This PV system can supply the max imum power to the load at all times due to which the entire PV system operates with maximum efficiency and produces its maximum power.
Parametric study and computation of seismic performance factors of braced shear panels

By locating a steel shear panel at the intersection point of the X-braces, concentrically or eccentrically braced shear panel (CBFSP and EBFSP) is formed. In this paper, to perform parametric study, 1-story CBFSP and EBFSP models with span length greater or less than height are considered. Using linear static analyses, the effects of size and location of the shear panel on the lateral stiffness of the frame with respect to the moment resisting frame with the same member sections are investigated. Next, for 1- and 3-story models, maximum displacement along with base shear and the ratio between the dissipated energy and input energy are examined under 4 ground motion records. Behavior of the truss elements in cross-strip model for nonlinear dynamic analyses is validated based on a performed experimental program. The findings show that the optimum state is achieved by decreasing size of the shear panel and situating it at the middle of the frame or to some extent upper. Furthermore, in this study, tentative values of the over-strength, deflection amplification and response modification factors, which are estimated by pushover curves, are proposed. Using linear regression, an equation is obtained for estimation of the fundamental period of CBFSP and EBFSP.
A framework for appraising the component of Social capital Erosion (Case study: Labor and Social affair Department of Qom)

Organizations which have higher levels of social capital will benefit more from better and more efficient management. Social capital can discourage individualism, in other words it forms themes and essence of organizations and facilitate organized interaction and cooperation between individuals that will lead to higher productivity of organization. In the absence of social capital, other capitals lose their effectiveness. Without social capital cultural and economic development is difficult. In this study we will examine social capital. So we provide a questionnaire consisting of 23 indicators divided into four components which are organizational trust, partnership and organizational cohesion, organizational citizenship behavior and organizational norms. These indicators and components were distributed between experts and finally were distributed among 54 employees of Labor and Social affair Department of Qom. The results show trust, cohesion and citizenship behavior is low but paying attention to norms and rules has an acceptable condition.
A study of HRV analysis to detect drowsiness states of drivers

In this paper, we described a basis experiment to confirm feasibilities of the methodology and assumption which we proposed in order to detect drowsiness states of driver. We use the HRV as drowsiness parameters of driver. Our approach is based on the assumption that a drowsiness state defines the states after one's eyes shut during 10 minutes.For the experiments, we take's 10 healthy person's PPG signals and analyzed it by using devised system. As the results of HRV analysis, we can see that the LF/HF ratio of drowsiness states are more decreasing trend then that of normal states.
Confident, fearful and hopeless cooks: Findings from the development of a food‐skills initiative

One of the many barriers to a healthier diet in low‐income communities is a presumed lack of practical food skills. This article reports findings from exploratory qualitative research conducted with potential participants in a cooking skills intervention, in low income communities in Scotland. The research found widely varying levels of skill and confidence regarding cooking, supported the need for a community‐based intervention approach, and demonstrated the importance of consumer research to inform the content of interventions. Challenges the view that low income communities lack skills, suggesting that food skills should be defined more broadly than “cooking from scratch”. Other barriers to healthy eating, such as poverty, food access and taste preferences, remain important.
Smart Brain Interaction Systems for Office Access and Control in Smart City Context

Over the past decade, the term “smart cities” has been worldwide priority for city plan‐ ning by governments. Planning smart cities implies identifying key drivers for trans‐ forming into more convenient, comfortable, and safer life. This requires equipping the cities with appropriate smart technologies and infrastructure. Smart infrastructure is a key component in planning smart cities: smart places, transportation, health and educa‐ tion systems. Smart offices present the concept of workplaces that respond to user’s needs and allow less commitment to routine tasks. Smart offices solutions enable employees to change status of the surrounding environment upon the change of user’s preferences using the changes in the user’s biometrics measures. Meanwhile, smart office access and control through brain signals is quite recent concept. Hence, smart offices provide access and services availability at each moment using smart personal identification (PI) interfaces that responds only to the personal thoughts/preferences issued by the office employee not any other person. Hence, authentication and control systems could benefit from the biometrics. Yet these systems are facing efficiency and accessibility challenges in terms of unimodality. This chapter addresses those problems and proposes a prototype for multimodal biometric person identification control system for smart office access and control as a solution.
Extreme Processing Conditions Applied in Selection of Different Microorganisms Utilized as Compost Enhancers

Present study included isolation of microorganisms during the mesophilic stage of composting and their reuse in compost mixture to enhance organic matter degradation. Effect of microorganism addition on compost degradation was investigated in the presence of microorganisms obtained by isolation from a miniscule composting system. Effects of water addition and time of mixing were applied as extreme composting conditions. Isolates were obtained from these systems and inoculated to determine the most resistant microorganisms. 16S rRNA sequencing of selected strains indicated the presence of Escherichia , Enterococcus and Streptomyces genus. These microorganisms were added to a large-scale compost mixture to accelerate degradation of organic matter. Results indicated 20 and 38% decreases of organic matter in the sole utilization of Streptomyces sp. K1P07 and ternary utilization at the end of 14 days. Escherichia and Enterococcus inhibited degradation in the case of binary utilization. Isolation of microorganisms from the original flora of the compost mixture had accelerated composting due to interaction among themselves. Member of Actinomycetes, in particular, was shown to be effective even in the case of sole utilization. Higher amounts of biomass-oriented wastes could be removed since composting would be terminated in shorter times with the use of these microorganisms.
Do Japanese Capital Markets Respond to the Publication of Corporate Social Responsibility Reports

As of November 2010, Japan was recorded as the third largest country in the number of CSR reports registered on Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) website. This paper attempts to examine the reaction of Japan’s capital market toward CSR reports by conducting an event study on 96 publication events of CSR reports. The positive value of the average abnormal returns during the event period over 2005-2010 represents a favorable reaction toward the publication of CSR reports. The statistical significance of the event study was supported by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.
Phenolic compounds, carotenoids and antioxidant activity in five tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars

In this study we examined the antioxidants content (polyphenols and carotenoids) and the total hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) antioxidant activity of red (cv. Shiren and Red Pear), yellow (cv. Yellow Pear-shaped), pale yellow (cv. Snowball) and black (cv. Black Trifele) ripe tomato fruits. For each studied cultivars, the HAA was higher than the LAA. The correlation between antioxidants (polyphenols and carotenoids) and TEAC values (HAA and LAA) was also estimated and the only significative correlation was obtained between rutin and TEAC-HAA. Statistical analysis shows significative differences in antioxidants content (especially for lycopene and β-carotene) between the analyzed tomato cultivars.
Gravity resistance in plants.

Gravity resistance is a response that enables the plants to develop against the gravitational force. We have analyzed the nature and mechanisms of gravity resistance using both hypergravity conditions produced by centrifugation and microgravity conditions in space. As the final step of gravity resistance, plants develop a short and thick body and increase the cell wall rigidity in response to the magnitude of the gravitational force. Prompt reorientation of cortical microtubules is involved in the modification of body shape. The regulation of the cell wall rigidity is brought about by modification of the metabolisms of anti-gravitational cell wall polysaccharides and changes in the pH of cell wall fluid. Plants may perceive the gravitational force independently of the direction of stimuli by mechanoreceptors on the plasma membrane in gravity resistance. The development of gravity resistance may serve an important function in the transition of plant ancestors from an aquatic environment to a terrestrial environment. ©2010 Jpn. Soc. Biol. Sci. Space; Article ID: 102403010