Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary Patterns of Persons with Chronic Conditions in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population

Background: Chronic conditions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and respective data on dietary patterns remain scant. The present study aimed to investigate dietary patterns and identify sociodemographic factors associated with Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores within a multi-ethnic population with various chronic conditions. Method: The present study utilised data from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on diabetes study in Singapore – a nationwide survey conducted to track the knowledge, attitudes, and practices pertaining to diabetes. The study analysed data collected from a sample of 2,895 Singapore residents, with information from the sociodemographic section, DASH diet screener, and the modified version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 3.0 checklist of chronic medical conditions. Results: Respondents with no chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 18.5 (±4.6), those with one chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 19.2 (±4.8), and those with two or more chronic conditions had a mean DASH score of 19.8 (±5.2). Overall, the older age groups [35– 49 years (B = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23 – 2.33, p <0.001), 50–64 years (B = 2.86, 95% CI: 22.24 – 3.47, p <0.001) and 65 years and above (B = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.73 – 4.17, p <0.001)], Indians (B = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.09 – 2.98, p <0.001) reported better diet quality, while males (B = -1.50, 95% CI: -1.87 – -1.14, p <0.001) reported poorer diet quality versus females. Conclusion: Overall, respondents with two or more chronic conditions reported better quality of diet while the sociodemographic factors of age, gender and ethnicity demonstrated a consistent pattern in correlating with diet quality, consistent with the extant literature. Results provide further insights for policymakers to refine ongoing efforts in relation to healthy dietary practices for Singapore.
A Self-defense Network against Terrorism and Crime: Evidence from Peru

ABSTRACT According to prevailing evidence, self-enforcing agreements do not scale up. In self-governing societies, small groups are able to provide order and security when the group is small; but when groups are larger, collective action seems to be more efficient if undertaken by state-like institutions. However, an effective provision of national security may result from a bottom-up development of rules and institutions. This paper covers a case in which thousands of peasants built multicommunity partnerships that scaled up to produce public goods with no central direction. The organizational patterns of these peasant partnerships resulted in a vast rural movement that played a decisive role in defeating crime and terrorism in Peru between 1980 and 2000. The intergroup interactions reflected a polycentric order that served to discover the boundaries of the new jurisdictions.
First experiments with a water-jet plasma X-ray source driven by the novel high-power–high-repetition rate L1 Allegra laser at ELI Beamlines

An upgraded version of the water-jet plasma X-ray source suitable for handling the 100 W power of the driving 1 kHz optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) L1 Allegra laser system has been installed and commissioned at ELI Beamlines. Hard X-ray generation with the L1 Allegra laser is demonstrated for the first time.
Emniyet Kilidi Üretim Hattının Simülasyon Kullanılarak İncelenmesi

As in large-scale companies, business process management is extremely important in medium and small-scale enterprises that outsource to these companies. In order for these enterprises to maintain their existence and provide competitive advantage today, they need to examine their production processes, carry out actions to increase output and, as a result, realize product delivery times in a shorter time. Reducing the manufacturing cycle time will allow for an increase in the market shares and production capacities of contract manufacturers. In order to obtain these advantages, they need to analyze the existing production systems in detail and manage the system well. In this study, it has been tried to determine the faults and delays that occur in the production and assembly processes of the safety lock in a company that makes contract manufacturing for the safety and security systems sector. The process was simulated from entering the raw material to exiting as the final product, and the effect of all stations on the output of the system was examined, and bottlenecks were identified. As a result of the study, it was concluded that with some changes made on the system, the amount of output can be increased and the delays can be reduced.
A Capacitor Voltage Regulation Method for Non-redundant Cascaded H-bridge Converters

An innovative hybrid modulation strategy is proposed in this paper for floating capacitor voltage balance in the asymmetrical cascaded H-Bridge incerter. Here, sinusoidal pulse width modulation(SPWM) is added into conventional level shifted carrier pulse width modulation(LSPWM) in a proper proportion for capacitor voltage balancing. Using theoretical analysis, the stable region of the proposed strategy is derived. The validity of the proposed method is verified by simulation results.
An approach for selecting countermeasures against harmful information based on uncertainty management

Currently, one of the big problems in the Internet is the counteraction against the spread of harmful information. The paper considers models, algorithms and a common technique for choosing measures to counter harmful information, based on an assessment of the semantic content of information objects under conditions of uncertainty. Methods of processing incomplete, contradictory and fuzzy knowledge are used. Two cases of the algorithm implementation to eliminate the uncertainties in the assessment and categorization of the semantic content of information objects are analyzed. The first case is focused on processing fuzzy data. The second case is based on using an artificial neural network. An experimental evaluation of the proposed technique have shown that the use of both cases makes it possible to eliminate uncertainties of any type and, thereby, to increase the efficiency of choosing measures to counter harmful information
Nonstructural Versus Structural Bone Grafting for Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Lumbar Tuberculosis by a Single Posterior Approach

Background Many types of bone grafting have been reported for successful use in the treatment of lumbar spinal tuberculosis. However, none-structural bone grafting has rarely been studied. This study was aimed to identify the clinical efficacy of nonstructural with structural bone graft for interbody fusion in the surgical treatment of single segment lumbar tuberculosis after one stage posterior debridement.Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with nonstructural (n=27) and structural (n=22) bone grafting after single-stage posterior debridement and instrumentation for lumbar tuberculosis with at least 24 months of follow-up. Plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, and health-related outcomes (e.g., Visual Analog Scale for back pain, the Oswestry Disability Index) were collected and analyzed before and after surgery. Results Both nonstructural and structural bone grafting were associated with significant improvements in the life quality parameters, the laboratory tests, and the Cobb angle of local kyphosis. A slight loss of Cobb angle correction was observed in two groups. Nonstructural bone grafting exhibited the advantages of less operation duration, blood loss and lower bone fusion rate compared with structural bone grafting. There were three complications in the nonstructural bone grafting and four complications in the structural bone grafting group, with no significant difference between two groups.Conclusions In conclusion, nonstructural bone grafting can achieve comparable interbody fusion to structural bone grafting but has less surgical trauma and simpler surgical procedure than structural bone grafting in the treatment of single segment lumbar tuberculosis after one stage posterior debridement and pedicle screws fixation.
Supplier Encroachment, Information Sharing, and Channel Structure in Online Retail Platforms

In this study, we develop a game‐theoretic model to study the encroachment and information sharing decisions in a supply chain with a manufacturer selling through an online retail platform. In the base model, the manufacturer decides whether to encroach or not by selling through an agency channel, in addition to an existing reselling channel, at the same platform, who decides whether or not to share information with the manufacturer. We fully characterize the equilibrium decisions and show how they depend on the commission rate of the agency channel, channel substitutability, and information accuracy. Our analysis unfolds a novel wholesale price effect that extends related results in the literature. We also show that encroachment and information sharing are complementary, and therefore managers should not ignore the impact of one decision on the other decision even when the latter is not a primary motivation of the former. We study several model extensions to obtain additional insights and show that the major findings of the base model are robust and remain mostly valid when some modeling assumptions are changed.
Investigation on Misclassification of Pedestrians as Poles by Simulation

High-precision self-localization is one of the most important capabilities of automated vehicles. Not only accuracy but also localization robustness are crucial for self-driving vehicles in urban environments. The localization robustness decreases by misclassifications of landmarks and therefore false matches between dynamic objects and static landmarks listed in an a priori map. Here we show in the CARLA simulation environment, that the usage of semantic information prevents misclassifications of pedestrians as poles and so increases robustness in urban scenarios. In a simulated scenario of a road intersection pedestrians misclassified without semantic information could be filtered out by class label. In the presented experiments no mismatches of dynamic objects and map landmarks occurred and therefore the localization robustness was increased. Not only pole-like dynamic objects but also semi-static objects like parking cars or freight containers in terminal applications can be detected and excluded from map-based position estimation. The findings of this work show that the introduction of semantic class information leads to a higher self-localization robustness in urban scenarios and therefore should be included into current localization methods.
Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism in Lactating Dogs

Simple Summary Oxytocin is commonly known for its role in mammalian bonding. Several studies have proved that polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene are related to complex social behaviors in humans, but studies on the possible correlation between canine social behavior and oxytocin are mainly focused on the human–dog bond, and there are no data on the possible correlation between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism and the maternal behavior of this species. Since mother–litter interactions could have a severe impact in determining later behavior in domestic dogs, the aim of this work was to investigate the possible correlation between salivary oxytocin, maternal care and the one known single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs8679684) located in the untranslated regulatory region of the oxytocin receptor gene in 19 lactating Labrador Retriever dogs. A significant correlation between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism, peripheral oxytocin and maternal behavior in dogs was found. This implies that a more functional oxytocinergic system would lead to better mothering in dogs. Abstract Genetic variations in the oxytocinergic system, known to regulate social behavior throughout the evolution of mammals, are believed to account for differences in mammalian social behavior. Particularly, polymorphic variants of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene have been associated with behavioral variations in both humans and dogs. In this study, we offered evidence of the correlation between levels of salivary oxytocin (sOXT), maternal behavior and a single-nucleotide gene variant in OXTR (rs8679684) in nineteen lactating Labrador Retriever dogs. Carriers of at least one copy of the minor A allele showed higher levels of sOXT and maternal care in comparison with the homozygous T allele carriers. Considering the relevance of mother care in newborn development, these findings could help us to better understand the possible impact of variants in the OXTR gene in selecting dams.
Volcano monitoring and hazard assessments in Chile

Volcanism in Chile occurs in a variety of tectonic settings but mostly in the context of oceanic-continental plate collision, including 92 potentially active volcanoes. There have been more than 30 documented eruptions in the last few centuries. The Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) is a statutory agency of the Government of Chile responsible for volcano monitoring and hazard assessments across the country. After the impacts derived from volcanic activity at the end of the 20th century, SERNAGEOMIN created the Volcano Hazards Program and the Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS). Despite this effort, most volcanoes in Chile remained unmonitored. In 2008, the aftermath of the eruption of Chaitén led to a nationwide program in order to improve eruption forecasting, development of early warning capabilities and our state of readiness for volcanic impacts through hazard assessments. In the last decade responses to volcanic crises have been indubitably successful providing technical advice before and during volcanic eruptions. El volcanismo en Chile ocurre en una amplia variedad de regímenes tectónicos, aunque principalmente en el contexto de la colisión de placas. Alrededor de 92 volcanes son considerados potencialmente activos y más de 30 presentan actividad histórica documentada en los últimos siglos. El Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) es la agencia gubernamental responsable de la evaluación de peligros y monitoreo de la actividad volcánica en el país. Como consecuencia de los impactos derivados de las erupciones volcánicas ocurridas hacia finales del siglo pasado, SERNAGEOMIN creó el Programa de Riesgo Volcánico y el Observatorio Volcanológico de los Andes del Sur (OVDAS). No obstante, a pesar de este esfuerzo la mayoría de los volcanes en Chile se mantenían sin monitoreo. Luego de los impactos derivados de la erupción del volcán Chaitén en 2008, un nuevo programa nacional fue creado con el fin de fortalecer la vigilancia y la evaluación de los peligros volcánicos en el país. En la última década, la respuesta a crisis volcánicas ha sido exitosa, proporcionando apoyo técnico en forma previa y durante erupciones.
Development of high spatial resolution weather data using daily meteorological observations over Indian region

Finer spatial resolution interpolated weather data is essential to enable utilization of satellite-based images in studies related to crop growth dynamics, etc. Satellite data are available daily at 1 × 1 km or at the most within 5 × 5 km grid. To make the weather data timely available at the same spatial scale, the procedure has been developed to generate the spatially interpolated weather data product over India. Daily weather data (minimum & maximum temperature and rainfall) available at point scale on India Meteorology Department web site have been used in this study. A semi-automated user interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed which quality checks the temperature data sets by filling the missing data sets as well as providing a platform to correct erroneous data which have been identified using statistical methods taking spatial as well as temporal incompatibility into account. Daily spatially interpolated product is generated in image form using thin plate spline interpolation technique that uses the quality checked weather data as well as elevation information from CARTODEM data in order to account for effect of elevation on temperature. The validation was performed using “Jack-knife testing method” for three different seasons i.e., monsoon, summer and winter. The mean absolute errors for decadal averaged products were found to vary within 1.2-1.5 °C for maximum temperature, 1.1-1.7 °C for minimum temperature, 1.0-7.0 mm for rainfall considering all seasons with higher error observed in monsoon for maximum temperature and rainfall and in winter for minimum temperature. It was found that errors were close to 1 °C for stations with elevation less than 550 m whereas in central portion of India, mean absolute errors were found to be less than 1 °C.
Increased Employee Productivity with The Application of e-HRM

This research examines the role of e-HRM (electronic Human Resources Management) in improving employee productivity in higher education. The goal of this empirical study is to confirm and examine this e-HRM usage in higher education. Adaptive structuration theory (AST) is used, to understand the role of e-HRM in improving employee productivity. social factors and technological characteristics interact to affect group outcomes. AST argues that technology usage provides social structures to engage employees in social interaction that both enable and constrain human action within the firm. Research models are analyzed using linear regression and the result is indeed finding a positive effect of e-HRM usage on employee productivity that supports AST. E-HRM can help to streamline operational HRM activities; accelerate HR processes; improve communication between stakeholders include existed employees, potential employees, and management; reduce administrative tasks and HR staff headcount; and capture, create and transfer some HR knowledge more accurately and speedily for employee training and development. These advantages can help to increase employee productivity.
Analysis and Validation of Variable Transformers

This paper evaluates four different variable transformer configurations considering their leakage inductance, magnetizing inductance, and achievable input-output voltage ratio. Simplified electric models are obtained by analyzing the magnetic circuits and their correspondent dual electric representation. These models are verified and validated with simulations and experimental tests obtained by lab measurements. The methodology adopted in this work allows getting simplified electric equivalent for variable transformers having one primary and multiple windings connected in series in the secondary, easing comparison procedures among different topologies.
Multicomponent Synthesis of 2, 4, 6-Triarylpyridine Analogues As Antibacterial And Antiurease Agents

Five new 2,4,6-triarylpyridine analogues with potential biological importance have been synthesized using the multicomponent reaction (MCR) solid support catalyst synthetic approach. This green synthesis furnished method simplicity, reduce reaction time, and excellent yield, along with an additional feature of catalyst reusability. A number of spectroscopic techniques such as 1H-NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry, confirmed structures of the newly synthesized compounds. Antibacterial and anti-urease activities of these compounds were evaluated. Results revealed that compounds 4a, 4c, 4d, and 4e exhibit significant inhibition against gram-positive bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, all synthesized compounds showed potent urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 12.8 ± 1.04 to 23.7 ± 0.23 µM when compared with the standard inhibitor thiourea (IC50 21.0 ± 0.23 µM). In addition, the synthesized derivatives were subjected to density functional theory (DFT) calculations (DFT) to determine the energy of the molecules having biological potential.
Removal of barium (II), cobalt (II), and strontium (II) from aqueous solution using chemically modified poly (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) pellets

Abstract The adsorption behavior of Ba2+, Co2+, and Sr2+ ions from aqueous solutions by sulfonated poly (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS-SO3H) was investigated. The structure of (ABS-SO3H) was confirmed using available spectroscopic tools such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and FT-IR together with DSC and TGA analyses in addition to EDX spectra. Various parameters including contact time, pH, adsorbent weight, and the initial metal concentration that affect the adsorption process, were investigated. The results indicated that the removal of Ba2+, Sr2+, and Co2+ increased with the increasing pH of a solution until pH =7 at a contact time of 1 h. The maximum adsorption capacity was calculated, and it was found to be 157.3, 107.5, 177 mg/g for Ba2+, Co2+, and Sr2+ ions, respectively. The kinetic study indicated that the adsorption process of Ba2+, Sr2+, and Co2+ using ABS-SO3H could be fitted to the pseudo second-order kinetic model (R2 =0.998). The Freundlich isotherm could be used to interpret the adsorption mechanism of Ba2+, Sr2+, and Co2+ by (ABS-SO3H). The separation feasibility of Ba2+, Sr2+, and Co2+ from a simulated aqueous solution was also discussed.
Mean-field approximation of network of biophysical neurons driven by conductance-based ion exchange

Numerous network and whole-brain modeling approaches use mean-field models, facilitating the study of dynamics due to their relative simplicity. They correspond to lumped descriptions of neuronal assemblies connected via synapses. Mean-field models do not usually consider the ionic composition of the extracellular space, which can change in physiological and pathological conditions, with strong effects on neuronal activity. Here we derive a mean-field model of a population of Hodgkin–Huxley type neurons, which links the neuronal intra- and extra-cellular ion concentrations to the mean membrane potential and the mean synaptic input in terms of the synaptic conductance. Thus, the model provides a mean-field approximation, for locally homogeneous mesoscopic networks of biophysical neurons driven by an ion-exchange mechanism. The model can generate various physiological brain activities, including multi-stability during simulated healthy states, pathological spiking, bursting behaviors, and depolarization block. The results from the analytical solution of the mean-field model agree with the mean behavior of numerical simulations of large-scale networks of strongly synchronized neurons. The mean-field model exhibits emergent activity regimes qualitatively similar to those observed in weakly synchronized neuronal networks and experimentally observed in-vitro. This approach maintains a detailed biophysical level of description, such as the evolution of ionic concentrations while describing dynamics at the neural mass scale. Hence, these results may provide the missing link between high-level neural mass approaches, used in brain network modeling, and physiological parameters that drive the neuronal dynamics. Significance Statement In this study, we applied a mathematical formalism to estimate the mean-field behavior of a large neuronal ensemble, taking into account the ion exchange between the intracellular and extracellular space. This approach establishes a link between the biophysical description at the cellular scale and the dynamics observable at the mesoscopic scale. The model reproduces different brain activities, including spiking behavior, and seizures, as a function of the extracellular ion concentration. Thus, this neural mass model enables studying the influence of changes in extracellular ionic conditions on whole brain dynamics in health and disease.