Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-Conventional Risk Factors: “Fact” or “Fake” in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, etc., still represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They significantly modify the patients’ quality of life with a tremendous economic impact. It is well established that cardiovascular risk factors increase the probability of fatal and non-fatal cardiac events. These risk factors are classified into modifiable (smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, high-fat and high-calorie diet, reduced physical activity) and non-modifiable (sex, age, family history, of previous cardiovascular disease). Hence, CVD prevention is based on early identification and management of modifiable risk factors whose impact on the CV outcome is now performed by the use of CV risk assessment models, such as the Framingham Risk Score, Pooled Cohort Equations, or the SCORE2. However, in recent years, emerging, non-traditional factors (metabolic and non-metabolic) seem to significantly affect this assessment. In this article, we aim at defining these emerging factors and describe the potential mechanisms by which they might contribute to the development of CVD.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in NSCLC: Mechanistic Aspects and Therapeutic Perspectives

Recent advances in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biology and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets have led to the development of new pharmacological agents that may improve the clinical outcome of patients with NSCLC. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors and mediates the diverse actions of glucocorticoids in cells. Data suggest that the GR may play a relevant role in the molecular mechanisms of NSCLC tumorigenesis and malignant progression. Additionally, evidence indicates that glucocorticoids may affect the efficacy of standard treatment, including chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapy. Furthermore, several findings show that GR expression may probably be associated with NSCLC patient survival. Finally, glucocorticoids may be used as therapeutic agents for the clinical management of NSCLC patients. Here, we briefly review the latest advances on the biological role of GR signaling in NSCLC and discuss the potential use of the GR as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Importantly, we explore the therapeutic potential of glucocorticoids and the effect of adding such drugs to standard therapies for NSCLC.
Key Agreement Using Physical Identifiers for Degraded and Less Noisy Authentication Channels

Secret-key agreement using physical identifiers is a promising security protocol for the authentication of users and devices with small chips, owing to its lightweight security. In the previous studies, the fundamental limits of such a protocol were analyzed, and the results showed that two auxiliary random variables were involved in the capacity region expressions. However, with two auxiliary random variables, it is difficult to directly apply the expressions to derive the computable forms of the capacity regions for certain information sources such as binary and Gaussian sources, which hold importance in practical applications. In this paper, we explore the structure of authentication channels and reveal that for the classes of degraded and less noisy authentication channels, a single auxiliary random variable is sufficient to express the capacity regions. As specific examples, we use the expressions with one auxiliary random variable to derive the computable forms for binary and Gaussian sources. Numerical calculations for the Gaussian case show the trade-off between secret-key and privacy-leakage rates under a given storage rate, which illustrates how the noise in the enrollment phase affects the capacity region.
Design of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers Using High-Order Mode With High Performance and High Frequency

This work proposes the piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) design using high-order mode. Analytical models are established and used to estimate the performance of pMUT in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${n} ^{\text {th}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-order axisymmetric mode. To prove the concept, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3^{\text {rd}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-order pMUT by finite element method (FEM). The analytical models give guidance for the design of electrode configuration and geometric dimensions, which are verified by FEM. With optimized electrode configuration and thickness, the proposed pMUT design shows extraordinary performance improvement in transmitting and round-trip sensitivity. Approximately <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10.2\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4.12\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> improvements in transmitting sensitivity and round-trip sensitivity have been achieved compared to the traditional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$1^{\text {st}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-order pMUT in the same radius, while there is an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$8.6\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> improvement of the receiving voltage in the pulse-echo analysis. The high frequency, round-trip sensitivity, and directivity features of the proposed high-order pMUT design shown in FEM make it very promising for forming a high-frequency large-scale pMUT array.
Knowledge management practices and family businesses continuity in Edo State

This study investigated the role of knowledge management practices in mitigating family businesses failures. The specific objectives of the study are to investigate the effect of knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge storage on the continuity of family businesses. This research adopts survey method as its research design. The population of study are the entire family businesses in Edo state. However, the accessible population are 750 of family businesses established within the periods of 1980-2020 in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts. Seven hundred and fifty copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents from a sample size of 150 firms mathematically determined. With the aid of STATA software, the formulated hypotheses were validated using Pearson Correlation coefficient, the Ordinary Least Square Regression method at 5% level of significance. The study found that knowledge creation and knowledge sharing exhibit positive significant relationships with family businesses’ continuity while knowledge storage report a positive and insignificant relationship with the continuity of family businesses. This paper recommend among others that founders/owners should hire high caliber employees and embrace mentoring principles in its staff development.
Unraveling the Interplay of Physical-Chemical Factors Impacting the Carbonation Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) includes recycled concrete aggregates (coarse and/or fine) as substitutes for natural aggregates as an approach to achieving a circular economy. Some concerns remain about its performance, including the carbonation resistance. The higher porosity of recycled concrete aggregates is logically a disadvantage, but the analysis must address many other factors. This paper provides an in-depth examination of recent advances in the carbonation performance of RAC. The emphasis is on factors that influence CO2 diffusion and the carbonation rate, e.g., the replacement ratio, source concrete quality, interfacial transition zone features, residual portlandite content, and porosity. The influences of previous treatments, combined action with supplementary cementitious materials, and loading conditions are also discussed. The replacement ratio has a significant impact on the carbonation performance of concrete, but it is also dependent on other factors. During carbonation, the physical effects of the porosity of the aggregate and the physical–chemical effects of the portlandite content in the adhered mortar are particularly important. The residual portlandite is especially significant because it is the primary hydration product responsible for the alkaline reserve for carbonation and the potential pozzolanic reaction, which are per se competing factors that determine the carbonation rate.
Le Langage SACCADE ConceptuelMC en tant que stratégie de communication novatrice avec des élèves autistes : point de vue d’intervenantes et de parents

La présente étude de cas s’intéresse à une approche complémentaire et novatrice permettant aux élèves autistes de développer leur compétence à communiquer. Le cadre théorique explique les caractéristiques de communication complexe de ces élèves atypiques en lien avec le Langage SACCADE ConceptuelMC (LSC). La méthodologie et l’analyse croisée étayent les données tirées des outils de collecte, soit un journal de bord, des entrevues individuelles et un entretien collectif. Les résultats mettent en évidence les enjeux de l’implantation du LSC dans une école spécialisée.
La web como herramienta de comunicación y distribución de destinos turísticos. Análisis y modelos.

Internet is now an indispensable tool for the acquisition of travel. Most travelers plan their vacations for this media. Assuming that all marketing process involves four variables: product, price, distribution and communication, we focus on the distribution channel and its relationship with communication. This is because there has been a process of re-intermediation with the appearance of new agents and disappearance of other, classic and traditional. In this process the destination promotion organizations position themselves as a new channel of distribution- communication online of travel products.
The Evolution of Great World Cities: Urban Wealth and Economic Growth

Some cities seem destined to become major financial capitals, yet never do-Seville, for instance, was the centre of Spain's opulent New World Empire, but failed to become a financial metropolis. Others, like former colonial backwater Hong Kong, defy the odds by growing into major trading centres. What are the key factors distinguishing those cities that become wealthy from those that don't? Christopher Kennedy illuminates how geography, technology, and especially the infrastructure of urban economies allow cities to develop and thrive. The Evolution of Great World Cities unfolds through the tales of several urban centres-including Venice, Amsterdam, London, and New York City-at key junctures in their histories. Kennedy weaves together significant insights from urbanists such as Jane Jacobs and economists such as John Maynard Keynes, drawing striking parallels between the functioning of ecosystems and of wealthy capitals. The Evolution of Great World Cities offers an accessible introduction to urban economies that 'will change the way you think about cities. '
On certain alternating series involving zeta and multiple zeta values

In this article, we consider various generalizations of Euler's famous relation \[ \gamma = \sum_{n\geq 2} (-1)^n \frac{\zeta(n)}{n} \] linking Euler's constant $\gamma$ to special values of the Riemann zeta function at positive integers. Among other things, we highlight the existence of a very similar relation for the Apostol-Vu harmonic zeta function which have never been noticed before.
Nanoparticles, an Emerging Control Method for Harmful Algal Blooms: Current Technologies, Challenges, and Perspectives

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global concern because they harm aquatic ecosystems and pose a risk to human health. Various physical, chemical, and biological approaches have been explored to control HABs. However, these methods have limitations in terms of cost, environmental impact, and effectiveness, particularly for large water bodies. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising strategy for controlling HABs. Briefly, nanoparticles can act as anti-algae agents via several mechanisms, including photocatalysis, flocculation, oxidation, adsorption, and nutrient recovery. Compared with traditional methods, nanoparticle-based approaches offer advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, effectiveness, and specificity. However, the challenges and risks associated with nanoparticles, such as their toxicity and ecological impact, must be considered. In this review, we summarize recent research progress concerning the use of nanoparticles to control HABs, compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of nanoparticles, discuss the factors influencing their effectiveness and environmental impact, and suggest future directions for research and development in this field. Additionally, we explore the causes of algal blooms, their harmful effects, and various treatment methods, including restricting eutrophication, biological control, and disrupting living conditions. The potential of photocatalysis for generating reactive oxygen species and nutrient control methods using nanomaterials are also discussed in detail. Moreover, the application of flocculants/coagulants for algal removal is highlighted, along with the challenges and potential solutions associated with their use. This comprehensive overview aims to contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for controlling HAB control.
Misalignment Tolerance Improvement for Loosely Coupled Transformer of IPT Systems via an Intermediate Coil With Detuned Compensation

Due to weak coupling of loosely coupled transformer (LCT) in inductive power transfer (IPT) system, misalignment between primary and secondary coils can reduce the efficiency of IPT system seriously, which inevitably results in preventing application of IPT system in electric vehicle field. To improve the misalignment tolerance of the IPT system, a three-coil LCT with a large intermediate coil and detuned compensation are proposed and analyzed comprehensively. Firstly, analytical model is established and related equations are derived. Then to study the optimal compensation parameters, coil currents are simulated by finite element analysis (FEA) under misalignment condition with different compensation parameters, and the efficiency and output power are also compared. Furthermore, intermediate coil size is determined, and an optimization strategy for IPT system with three-coil LCT is proposed. Finally, it is verified on an IPT prototype that three-coil LCT with a large intermediate coil can improve the misalignment tolerance.
Sentiment Analysis in E-Commerce Platforms: A Review of Current Techniques and Future Directions

Sentiment analysis (SA), also referred to as opinion mining, has become a widely used real-world application of natural language processing in recent times. Its main goal is to identify the hidden emotions behind the plain text. SA is especially useful in e-commerce fields, where comments and reviews often contain a wealth of valuable business information that has great research value. The objective of this study is to examine the techniques used for SA in current e-commerce platforms as well as the future directions for SA in e-commerce. After examining the existing systematic review papers, it was found that there is a lack of a single comprehensive review paper that addresses research questions. The findings of this study can provide researchers in the field of SA with a comprehensive understanding of the current techniques and platforms utilized, as well as provide insights into the future directions. Through the utilization of specific keywords, we have identified 271 papers and have chosen 54 experimental papers for review. Among these, 26 papers (representing 48.%) have exclusively employed machine Learning techniques, while 24 (44.%) have looked into addressing SA through deep learning techniques, and 4 (7.%) have employed a hybrid approach using both machine learning and deep learning techniques. Additionally, our review revealed that Amazon and Twitter emerged as the two most favored data sources among researchers. Looking ahead, promising research avenues to include the development of more universal language models, aspect-based SA, implicit aspect recognition and extraction, sarcasm detection, and fine-grained sentiment analysis.
Impact of perrennial application of NPK fertilizers on soil properties of Vertisol soil type.

The study was conducted in conditions of two-fields experiment (wheat-maize), formed in the year 1978, at the Vertisol soil type in the vicinity of Kragujevac. Vertisol at the beginning of the study was characterized by acidic pH, low content of available phosphorus, medium content humus, and high content of available potassium. The aim of this study was to determine influence of NPK fertilizers after 33 years of continuous application, on the basic elements of fertility (pH, humus, total N, available P2O5 and available K2O). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium have been applied in two doses of 9 combinations, as: nitrogen in quantities of 80 and 120 kg/ha (N80 and N120), and phosphorus and potassium in quantities of 60 and 100 kg/ha (P60, P100 and K60 , K100). Analyzes of chemical properties have been done in the year 2010, by the standard methods. The results indicate that after 33 years of application of NPK, with the exception of pH, it has taken to the improvement of all measured parameters of fertility. The biggest changes have been recorded in the content of available phosphorus. The content of this nutrient has been significantly increased even in the conditions of acid soil reaction. Increase in the content of available P2O5 has been noted in the combinations of which it has been applied both individually and in combination with nitrogen and potassium. Application of higher doses of fertilizers have significantly increased content of Mn i Zn.
Optimizing the Psychological Benefits of Choice : Information Transparency & Heuristic Use in Game Environments

This paper suggests that the paradox of choice can be resolved in game environments by promoting heuristics-based decision-making, thereby maintaining player freedom while also avoiding the potential negative consequences of excessive deliberation. To do this, the informational cues relevant to such decisions must be made transparent, allowing players to employ fast and frugal tools from the brain’s adaptive toolbox to make the same optimal choices that they might otherwise make after extended deliberation. Developers can design for such transparency not only by creating choice experiences in which options can be assessed and compared through clear metrics and attributes, but also by designing social systems in which the choices and successes of others can be easily identified and used for informing one’s own future decisions.
Nature of the work correlated to overweight and obesity for nurses: A 10-year hospital-based cohort study

Background: Nurses are a high-risk group for overweight and obesity due to high stress, low-labor medical work, irregular diet, and lack of exercise. There is scarce information on relationship between job characteristics and overweight and obesity among nurses. This study aimed to answer the question. Does the nature of the work including job position, seniority relate to overweight and obesity among nurses? Their incidence was also investigated. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of nurses who underwent annual checkups during 2007 to 2016 in a medical center. Overweight was defined as a body mass index between 24 and 27 kg/m2. Obesity was defined as a body mass index higher than 27 kg/m2. We calculated the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity and estimated relative risks using logistic regression. Results: Overall, 4253 participants were enrolled for the incidence of overweight and obesity. We found that junior staff, administrative directors, working in intensive care units, and old age had a high possibility of overweight. Junior staff, administrative directors, old age, and male sex tend to be obesity. Overweight and obesity occurred rapidly in the first 2 years of their career. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that policies should be set up to achieve the goal of workplace health promotion. Health plans focusing on these factors may help nurses avoid obesity and overweight. The director of the hospital should keep track of the health checkup database to confirm the benefits of its long-term implementation.
Defining Mechanisms of C3 to CAM Photosynthesis Transition toward Enhancing Crop Stress Resilience

Global climate change and population growth are persistently posing threats to natural resources (e.g., freshwater) and agricultural production. Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) evolved from C3 photosynthesis as an adaptive form of photosynthesis in hot and arid regions. It features the nocturnal opening of stomata for CO2 assimilation, diurnal closure of stomata for water conservation, and high water-use efficiency. To cope with global climate challenges, the CAM mechanism has attracted renewed attention. Facultative CAM is a specialized form of CAM that normally employs C3 or C4 photosynthesis but can shift to CAM under stress conditions. It not only serves as a model for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the CAM evolution, but also provides a plausible solution for creating stress-resilient crops with facultative CAM traits. This review mainly discusses the recent research effort in defining the C3 to CAM transition of facultative CAM plants, and highlights challenges and future directions in this important research area with great application potential.
The Association of Selected GWAS Reported AD Risk Loci with CSF Biomarker Levels and Cognitive Decline in Slovenian Patients

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, with a complex genetic background. Apart from rare, familial cases, a combination of multiple risk loci contributes to the susceptibility of the disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous AD risk loci. Changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and imaging techniques can detect AD-related brain changes before the onset of clinical symptoms, even in the presence of preclinical mild cognitive impairment. In this study, we aimed to assess the associations between SNPs in well-established GWAS AD risk loci and CSF biomarker levels or cognitive test results in Slovenian patients with cognitive decline. The study included 82 AD patients, 28 MCI patients with pathological CSF biomarker levels and 35 MCI patients with normal CSF biomarker levels. Carriers of at least one polymorphic TOMM40 rs157581 C allele had lower Aβ42 (p = 0.033) and higher total tau (p = 0.032) and p-tau181 levels (p = 0.034). Carriers of at least one polymorphic T allele in SORCS1 rs1358030 had lower total tau (p = 0.019), while polymorphic SORCS1 rs1416406 allele was associated with lower total tau (p = 0.013) and p-tau181 (p = 0.036). In addition, carriers of at least one polymorphic T allele in BCHE rs1803274 had lower cognitive test scores (p = 0.029). The study findings may contribute to the identification of genetic markers associated with AD and MCI and provide insights into early disease diagnostics.