Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Analysis of Pulmonary Function Impairment One Year Post-COVID-19: A Single-Center Study

Persistent pulmonary impairment post-COVID-19 has been reported, albeit variably. This single-center observational study aims to longitudinally evaluate pulmonary function in 140 COVID-19 survivors one year after recovery, assessing associations with disease severity and pre-existing lung conditions. Participants aged 18 and older, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, were evaluated using spirometry and Diffusion Capacity of Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) tests. Pulmonary function parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and Total Lung Capacity (TLC) were measured. Participants were stratified by age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and lung damage severity via computed tomography (CT). The cohort consisted of mostly males (58.6%), with a mean age of 53.8 years and body mass index of 24.9 kg/m2. Post-COVID fibrosis was seen in 22.7%, 27.3%, and 51.9% of mild, moderate, and severe disease patients, respectively (p = 0.003). FVC significantly reduced with disease severity (p < 0.001), while FEV1, FEF25-75, and DLCO showed a non-significant downward trend. FEV1/FVC ratio increased with disease severity (p = 0.033), and TLC and RV significantly declined (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively). A one-year follow-up indicated a non-significant change in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75, and RV compared with the 40-day measurement, but it revealed significant improvements in DLCO and TLC (p = 0.010). There were significant mean increases in FVC, FEV1, DLCO, TLC, and RV across all disease severities over one year. They were most pronounced in the patients with a history of severe COVID-19, who had a better recovery over one year, compared with the mild and moderate COVID-19 patients whose lung function almost normalized. One year after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, we observed a significant association between disease severity and post-COVID fibrotic changes. Though some lung function parameters remained stable over the year, significant improvements were noted in DLCO and TLC. Particularly, individuals with severe disease showed substantial recovery in lung function, indicating the potential reversibility of COVID-19-related pulmonary damage.
The Randomised Evaluation of early topical Lidocaine patches In Elderly patients admitted to hospital with rib Fractures (RELIEF): feasibility trial protocol

Background: Topical lidocaine patches, applied over rib fractures, have been suggested as a non-invasive method of local anaesthetic delivery to improve respiratory function, reduce opioid consumption and consequently reduce pulmonary complications. Older patients may gain most benefit from improved analgesic regimens yet lidocaine patches are untested as an early intervention in the Emergency Department (ED). The aim of this trial is to investigate uncertainties around trial design and conduct, to establish whether a definitive randomised trial of topical lidocaine patches in older patients with rib fractures is feasible. Methods: RELIEF is an open label, multicentre, parallel group, individually randomised, feasibility randomised controlled trial with economic scoping and nested qualitative study. Patients aged ≥ 65 years presenting to the ED with traumatic rib fracture(s) requiring admission will be randomised 1:1 to lidocaine patches (intervention), in addition to standard clinical management, or standard clinical management alone. Lidocaine patches will be applied immediately after diagnosis in ED and continued daily for 72 hours or until discharge. Feasibility outcomes will focus on recruitment, adherence and follow-up data with a total sample size of 100. Clinical outcomes, such as 30-day pulmonary complications, and resource use will be collected to understand feasibility of data collection. Qualitative interviews will explore details of the trial design, trial acceptability and recruitment processes. An evaluation of the feasibility of measuring health economics outcomes data will be completed. Discussion: Interventions to improve outcomes in elderly patients with rib fractures are urgently required. This feasibility trial will test a novel early intervention which has the potential of fulfilling this unmet need. The Randomised Evaluation of early topical Lidocaine patches In Elderly patients admitted to hospital with rib Fractures (RELIEF) feasibility trial will determine whether a definitive trial is feasible. ISRCTN Registration: ISRCTN14813929 (22/04/2021).
COVID-19 and the risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a Mendelian randomization study

Background An increasing number of studies have elucidated a close nexus between COVID-19 phenotypes and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), yet the causality between them remains enigmatic. Methods In this study, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis employing summary data sourced from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) pertaining to COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, severity, and NMOSD. The primary MR analysis employed the Inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, which was supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. We implemented various sensitivity analyses including Cochran’s Q test, MR-PRESSO method, MR-Egger intercept, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot. Results The MR results demonstrated a nominal association between COVID-19 susceptibility and the risk of AQP4+ NMOSD, as evidenced by the IVW method (OR = 4.958; 95% CI: 1.322-18.585; P = 0.018). Conversely, no causal association was observed between COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, or severity and the increased risk of NMOSD, AQP4-NMOSD, or AQP4+ NMOSD. The comprehensive sensitivity analyses further bolstered the robustness and consistency of the MR estimates. Conclusion Our findings provide compelling evidence for a causal effect of COVID-19 phenotype on AQP4+ NMOSD, shedding new light on the understanding of the comorbidity between COVID-19 and NMOSD.
Waste Management Practices for Mushroom Cultivation in Malaysia

Mushroom cultivation can be considered one of the best presentations of sustainable and circular economy activities. The growth substrate used for mushroom cultivation consists of other agricultural waste and its post-harvested waste. The waste product, Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS), could also be used for animal feeding, plant fertilizer, and feedstock for biogas. It is then essential to determine whether the SMS produced is being used for other purposes to ensure that mushroom agriculture activity is a sustainable and circular economy activity. Therefore, this study explores the mushroom industry's waste management practices in the Malaysian context. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 89 mushroom farmers. The results found that 60.7% of them manage SMS eco-friendly while only 16.9% handle plastic waste eco-friendly. This finding indicates that not all mushroom cultivation in Malaysia can be considered a sustainable and circular economic activity. Therefore, strategies should be formulated to increase the sustainable approach to managing SMS, such as workshops or providing comprehensive infrastructure and networks.
Multilayer phosphorene quantum dots in an electric field: Energy levels and optical absorption

Triangular and hexagonal multilayer phosphorene quantum dots with armchair and zigzag terminations are investigated with the orthogonal tight-binding model. The effect of increasing the number of layers is revealed. The obtained results show that in a small size multilayer quantum dot, the edge states are as sensitive to the out-of-plane external electric fields as the edge states in a single layer dot to the in-plane external electric fields. The investigated optical absorption cross sections show that armchair phosphorene quantum dots have a regular behavior which should be useful for infrared detectors. In particular, it was found that in hexagonal armchair phosphorene dots, absorption peaks can be increased, decreased, or totally removed from the low-energy region depending on the orientation of the applied electric field. The effect of spurious doping can suppress the transitions < 0.4 eV, while the effect of the finite temperature is almost negligible.Triangular and hexagonal multilayer phosphorene quantum dots with armchair and zigzag terminations are investigated with the orthogonal tight-binding model. The effect of increasing the number of layers is revealed. The obtained results show that in a small size multilayer quantum dot, the edge states are as sensitive to the out-of-plane external electric fields as the edge states in a single layer dot to the in-plane external electric fields. The investigated optical absorption cross sections show that armchair phosphorene quantum dots have a regular behavior which should be useful for infrared detectors. In particular, it was found that in hexagonal armchair phosphorene dots, absorption peaks can be increased, decreased, or totally removed from the low-energy region depending on the orientation of the applied electric field. The effect of spurious doping can suppress the transitions < 0.4 eV, while the effect of the finite temperature is almost negligible.
The Role of Blood Pressure Load in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Adults: A Literature Review of Current Evidence

Background: The blood pressure load (BPL) is commonly defined as the percentage of readings in a 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) study above a certain threshold, usually the upper normal limit. While it has been studied since the 1990s, the benefits of using this index have not been clearly demonstrated in adults. We present the first review on the associations of BPL with target organ damage (TOD) and clinical outcomes in adults, the major determinants for its role and utility in blood pressure measurement. We emphasize studies which evaluated whether BPL has added benefit to the average blood pressure indices on ABPM in predicting adverse outcomes. Methods: PubMed search for all English language papers mentioning ABPM and BPL. Results: While multiple studies assessed this question, the cumulative sample size is small. Whereas the associations of BPL with various TODs are evident, the available literature fails to demonstrate a clear and consistent added value for the BPL over the average blood pressure indices. Conclusions: There is a need for prospective studies evaluating the role of BPL in blood pressure measurement. The current literature does not provide sound support for the use of BPL in clinical decisions.
The Influence of Managerial Competencies on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Jordan

This article looks at how managerial competencies affect SMEs' (Small and Medium Enterprises) performance in Jordan. 354 SMEs were chosen randomly. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, focused on SME owners' and managers' perceptions of managerial competencies and SME performance. The investigation made use of the structural equation modeling (SEM) package SmartPLS, enabling the evaluation of intricate linkages with latent variables. The results demonstrate the significant influence of managerial competencies on the operation of SMEs in Jordan. By presenting empirical data on the impact of managerial competences in increasing SME performance and stressing their significance for achieving sustainable growth and competitiveness, the study adds to the body of existing knowledge in this area. These insights can help managers, policymakers, and SME owners improve their managerial skills, which will improve the performance of the Jordanian SME sector.Small and Medium Businesses.
The Collaborative Governance in Digital Infrastructure Development in Indonesia: A Public Policy Perspective

This research aimed to understand The Collaborative Governance in Digital Infrastructure Development in Indonesia and its interesting implication due at the ontological level and sociological level based on public policy perspective. The problem was analyzed using a qualitative study. Data were collected through observation and documentation. Data were analyzed using interactive steps, such as data reduction, data display, and data verification, supported by triangulation. The results indicated that Digital Infrastructure Development in Indonesia and its implementation are needed for providing information to stakeholders. This result provided inputs for making better regulation and policy for state agencies as public officials and practitioners.
Development of Intelligent Technologies in SHM on the Innovative Diagnosis in Civil Engineering—A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review focuses on the integration of intelligent technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial intelligence (AI), and Nondestructive Testing (NDT), in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) field of civil engineering. The article discusses intelligent technologies in SHM for residential, commercial, industrial, historical, and special buildings, such as nuclear power plants (NPPs). With the incorporation of intelligent technologies, there have been remarkable advancements in SHM, a crucial aspect of infrastructure safety, reliability, and durability. The combination of SHM and intelligent technologies provides a cost-effective and efficient building monitoring approach, significantly contributing to energy and resource conservation. This article explores using electronic instruments, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and embedded systems, to measure displacement, force, strain, and temperature, which are crucial for detecting structural damage. Implementing intelligent technologies in SHM reduces the reliance on manual and hazardous inspection practices, simplifying and reducing the cost of building monitoring. The article highlights the social, economic, and environmental benefits of adopting intelligent technologies in SHM by presenting key findings from existing research. This review aims to increase the reader’s understanding of the significance of these technologies in enhancing the efficiency of SHM in civil engineering by illuminating their advancements and applications.
Uncorrelated bilateral cortical input becomes timed across hippocampal subfields for long waves whereas gamma waves are largely ipsilateral

The role of interhemispheric connections along successive segments of cortico-hippocampal circuits is poorly understood. We aimed to obtain a global picture of spontaneous transfer of activity during non-theta states across several nodes of the bilateral circuit in anesthetized rats. Spatial discrimination techniques applied to bilateral laminar field potentials (FP) across the CA1/Dentate Gyrus provided simultaneous left and right readouts in five FP generators that reflect activity in specific hippocampal afferents and associative pathways. We used a battery of correlation and coherence analyses to extract complementary aspects at different time scales and frequency bands. FP generators exhibited varying bilateral correlation that was high in CA1 and low in the Dentate Gyrus. The submillisecond delays indicate coordination but not support for synaptic dependence of one side on another. The time and frequency characteristics of bilateral coupling were specific to each generator. The Schaffer generator was strongly bilaterally coherent for both sharp waves and gamma waves, although the latter maintained poor amplitude co-variation. The lacunosum-moleculare generator was composed of up to three spatially overlapping activities, and globally maintained high bilateral coherence for long but not short (gamma) waves. These two CA1 generators showed no ipsilateral relationship in any frequency band. In the Dentate Gyrus, strong bilateral coherence was observed only for input from the medial entorhinal areas, while those from the lateral entorhinal areas were largely asymmetric, for both alpha and gamma waves. Granger causality testing showed strong bidirectional relationships between all homonymous bilateral generators except the lateral entorhinal input and a local generator in the Dentate Gyrus. It also revealed few significant relationships between ipsilateral generators, most notably the anticipation of lateral entorhinal cortex toward all others. Thus, with the notable exception of the lateral entorhinal areas, there is a marked interhemispheric coherence primarily for slow envelopes of activity, but not for pulse-like gamma waves, except in the Schafer segment. The results are consistent with essentially different streams of activity entering from and returning to the cortex on each side, with slow waves reflecting times of increased activity exchange between hemispheres and fast waves generally reflecting ipsilateral processing.
How Can Curricular Elements Affect the Motivation to Study?

(1) Background: This qualitative study aimed to identify and describe course components which affect a student’s motivation to learn within a blended-learning competency-based curriculum. (2) Methods: The data were gathered via two consecutive semi-structured group interviews. The participants were purposefully sampled from medical students attending the Family Medicine (FM) class at Saarland University (UdS) in Winter 2020. The two interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using content analysis. (3) Results: Three categories of curricular components that affected motivation were inductively formed: (a) the provision of structure (curriculum design), where providing external learning milestones to self-regulated learning positively influenced an interviewee’s learning motivation; (b) the provision of interpersonal interactions and emotional relatedness by staff, where constructive feedback and enthusiasm from a teacher facilitated intrinsic motivation and real-life examples helped the students to remember content more easily; and (c) perceived gain in self-efficacy, where a participant’s motivation to learn a particular subject area was especially high if it appeared to be highly relevant to practice or exams and the applicability of the knowledge gained was readily apparent. (4) Conclusions: It is important for educators to be aware of how they influence a student’s motivation. This study may help to provide an orientation on what to avoid and what to include in a curriculum design project to purposefully foster motivation in students.
Prediction of Turbulent Flow Around a Square Cylinder With Rounded Corners

© 2017 by ASME. Predictions are reported of the two-dimensional turbulent flow around a square cylinder with rounded corners at high Reynolds numbers. The effects of rounded corners have proved difficult to predict with conventional turbulence closures, and hence, the adoption in this study of a two-equation closure that has been specifically adapted to account for the interactions between the organized mean-flow motions due to vortex shedding and the random motions due to turbulence. The computations were performed using OPENFOAM and were validated against the data from flows past cylinders with sharp corners. For the case of rounded corners, only the modified turbulence closure succeeded in capturing the consequences of the delayed flow separation manifested mainly in the reduction of the magnitude of the lift and drag forces relative to the sharp-edged case. These and other results presented here argue in favor of the use of the computationally more efficient unsteady Reynolds- averaged Navier-Stokes approach to this important class of flows provided that the effects of vortex shedding are properly accounted for in the turbulence closure.
Aerogels for Thermal Protection and Their Application in Aerospace

With the continuous development of the world’s aerospace industry, countries have put forward higher requirements for thermal protection materials for aerospace vehicles. As a nano porous material with ultra-low thermal conductivity, aerogel has attracted more and more attention in the thermal insulation application of aerospace vehicles. At present, the summary of aerogel used in aerospace thermal protection applications is not comprehensive. Therefore, this paper summarizes the research status of various types of aerogels for thermal protection (oxide aerogels, organic aerogels, etc.), summarizes the hot issues in the current research of various types of aerogels for thermal protection, and puts forward suggestions for the future development of various aerogels. For oxide aerogels, it is necessary to further increase their use temperature and inhibit the sintering of high-temperature resistant components. For organic aerogels, it is necessary to focus on improving the anti-ablation, thermal insulation, and mechanical properties in long-term aerobic high-temperature environments, and on this basis, find cheap raw materials to reduce costs. For carbon aerogels, it is necessary to further explore the balanced relationship between oxidation resistance, mechanics, and thermal insulation properties of materials. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for the further development of more efficient and reliable aerogel materials for aerospace applications in the future.
Correction reading of short Surah Al-Qur’an using correlation

مستخلص البحث القرآن الكريم هو كلاماه سبحانه وتعالى ، كمعجزة. تعلم قراءة القرآن هو العبادة. سيطبق هذا البحث طريقة الارتباط لقراءة التصحيح على تعليم القرآن الكريم للطريقة الصوتية القائمة على يستند اختيار طريقة الارتباط إلى إظهار مستوى العلاقة بين إشارتين مع التنفيذ البسيط. بلغ إجمالي البيانات المستخدمة في هذه الدراسة 132 بيانات مصدرها العديد من الخبراء. استنادا إلى نتائج التجربة التي تم الحصول عليها بدقة تبلغ 75٪ مع أفضل إطار هو ABSTRACT The Qur'an is Kalamulah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, as a miracle. Learning to read the Qur'an is worship. This research will implement correlation method for reading correction on Al Qur'an learning of Ummi based sound method. Selection of correlation method is based to show the relationship level of two signals with simple implementation. The total data used in this study amounted to 132 data sourced from several experts. Based on the results of the trial obtained accuracy of 75% with the best frame is 35
Simulation, Modeling, and Dynamically Based Parameterization of Organized Tropical Convection for Global Climate Models

AbstractA new approach for treating organized convection in global climate models (GCMs) referred to as multiscale coherent structure parameterization (MCSP) introduces physical and dynamical effects of organized convection that are missing from contemporary parameterizations. The effects of vertical shear are approximated by a nonlinear slantwise overturning model based on Lagrangian conservation principles. Simulation of the April 2009 Madden–Julian oscillation event during the Year of Tropical Convection (YOTC) over the Indian Ocean using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model at 1.3-km grid spacing identifies self-similar properties for squall lines, MCSs, and superclusters embedded in equatorial waves. The slantwise overturning model approximates this observed self-similarity. The large-scale effects of MCSP are examined in two categories of GCM. First, large-scale convective systems simulated in an aquaplanet model are approximated by slantwise overturning with attention to convective mome.