Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Late-onset MELAS syndrome in a 46-year-old man with initial symptom of chest tightness: a case report

Abstract Background Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disorder caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, resulting in impaired energy production and affecting multiple organs. We present a suspected MELAS syndrome case with the initial symptom of chest tightness. Case summary A 46-year-old man sought medical attention due to progressively worsening chest tightness during physical activity. He had been receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes for 15 years. One year ago, he presented with symptoms of hearing impairment. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed increased thickness of the left ventricular wall. Serum protein electrophoresis showed no evidence of light-chain amyloidosis, and the 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid scan showed no definite uptake in the heart muscle. The patient’s head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated lacunar infarcts. The lactate threshold test was positive. The biopsy of the skeletal muscle showed broken red fibre infiltration on modified Gomori trichrome staining, and electron microscopy revealed signs of mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, including mild mitochondrial swelling, lipid accumulation, and myofibril damage. A whole-exome genetic test was used to detect the m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene. Based on these findings, MELAS syndrome was the most probable diagnosis. Discussion The patient presented with chest tightness in adulthood, without any accompanying psychoneurological symptoms. However, the patient presented with other symptoms, including diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, abnormal lactate levels, ischaemic lesions on head MRI, and left ventricular hypertrophy. By identifying a mutation in the MT-TL1 gene and conducting a muscle biopsy, the diagnosis of MELAS syndrome was definitively confirmed.
Application of Knowledge Discovery in Databases in Evapotranspiration Estimation: an Experiment in the State of Rio de Janeiro

With the growing volume of data in various areas such as Hydrology, there is a need for using information systems to aid in handling such data. This article is a report of an experiment that used knowledge discovery techniques to estimate an important component of the hydrological cycle: evapotranspiration. The experiment reported in this article was done with weather data and showed that some algorithms, such as M5P, present good results when compared to historical data of the estimated evapotranspiration.
Dual-manipulation on wave-front based on reconfigurable water-based metasurface integrated with PIN diodes

In this paper, we propose a dual manipulation on wave-front in the X band based on a reconfigurable water-based metasurface. We design and test a metasurface integrated with a saline-water substrate and PIN diodes. We showed that the wave-front reflected by the metasurface can be modulated by both the degree of salinity and the diode pattern. With these two manipulating methods, the metasurface can not only control the amplitude of the scattered beams but also the beam deflection angles, which promises a more flexible and economical way to manipulate the wave-front. We provide two diode patterns to illustrate the performance. The experimental results agree well with our simulations, further verifying our designs. Superior than the conventional reconfigurable metasurfaces, the proposed metasurface combines both water salinity and diodes, which offers more possibilities in electromagnetic (EM) wave tailoring, as well as potential applications in sensing and detection.In this paper, we propose a dual manipulation on wave-front in the X band based on a reconfigurable water-based metasurface. We design and test a metasurface integrated with a saline-water substrate and PIN diodes. We showed that the wave-front reflected by the metasurface can be modulated by both the degree of salinity and the diode pattern. With these two manipulating methods, the metasurface can not only control the amplitude of the scattered beams but also the beam deflection angles, which promises a more flexible and economical way to manipulate the wave-front. We provide two diode patterns to illustrate the performance. The experimental results agree well with our simulations, further verifying our designs. Superior than the conventional reconfigurable metasurfaces, the proposed metasurface combines both water salinity and diodes, which offers more possibilities in electromagnetic (EM) wave tailoring, as well as potential applications in sensing and detection.
Prediction of postoperative health-related quality of life among patients with metastatic spinal cord compression secondary to lung cancer

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a critical aspect of overall well-being for patients with lung cancer, particularly those with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). However, there is currently a lack of universal evaluation of HRQoL in this specific patient population. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram that can accurately predict HRQoL outcomes in patients with lung cancer-related MSCC. Methods A total of 119 patients diagnosed with MSCC secondary to lung cancer were prospectively collected for analysis in the study. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, along with 10-fold cross-validation, was employed to select the most significant variables for inclusion in the nomogram. Discriminative and calibration abilities were assessed using the concordance index (C-index), discrimination slope, calibration plots, and goodness-of-fit tests. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses were conducted to compare the nomogram’s performance with and without the consideration of comorbidities. Results Four variables were selected to construct the final nomogram, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, targeted therapy, anxiety scale, and number of comorbidities. The C-index was 0.87, with a discrimination slope of 0.47, indicating a favorable discriminative ability. Calibration plots and goodness-of-fit tests revealed a high level of consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities of poor HRQoL. The NRI (0.404, 95% CI: 0.074–0.734, p = 0.016) and the IDI (0.035, 95% CI: 0.004–0.066, p = 0.027) confirmed the superior performance of the nomogram with the consideration of comorbidities. Conclusions This study develops a prediction nomogram that can assist clinicians in evaluating postoperative HRQoL in patients with lung cancer-related MSCC. This nomogram provides a valuable tool for risk stratification and personalized treatment planning in this specific patient population.
A new scale to assess technostress levels in an Italian banking context: the Work-Related Technostress Questionnaire

Introduction Technostress (TS) represents a multidimensional phenomenon closely related to the pervasive use of information and communication technologies. This study aimed to validate a new psychometric tool for assessing TS in an Italian banking context, the Work-Related Technostress – Questionnaire (WRT-Q). Secondly, we analyzed the role of gender and age in modulating TS manifestations. Methods A sample of 2,586 bank employees (51% females; age: 47.26 ± 8.6) underwent an online survey. Reliability, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), ANCOVA, independent sample t-test, and correlation analyses were performed. Results The WRT-Q consisted of 17 items and a four-factor structure, supported by the following CFA indices: Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.985; Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.985; Goodness of Fit (GFI) = 0.988; Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.071; and SRMR = 0.062. A significant difference in TS levels between age classes emerged (p < 0.001) with higher levels in the over 55-year-old subgroup, while no statistically significant difference emerged for gender. Moreover, the whole sample found a significant positive association between age and TS (p < 0.001). Discussion The WRT-Q is a new instrument to measure TS in the workplace, it can contribute to highlighting adverse outcomes in individuals due to a dysfunctional interaction with ICT.
Sustaining the Hallyu : International Social Media Promotion and Buzz for South Korean Movies and Series

Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu Tampere University of Applied Sciences Degree Programme in Media VASILEIA TOLOU: Sustaining the Hallyu International Social Media Promotion and Buzz for South Korean Movies and Series Bachelor's thesis 71 pages November 2014 This thesis explores the use of social media by fan communities and official carriers for the promotion of South Korean cinema and television series (dramas) in the English language and to global audiences. The text begins with an introduction to the concept of the 'Korean Wave' or 'Hallyu', continues with some words about the rise in popularity of South Korean cinema and drama through it and ends with the difference between South Korean, other Asian and international audiences. Chapter 2 opens with a description of the access to these forms of entertainment in the past and present as well as a mention to how the crackdown on piracy changed things. The first main part of chapter 2 is about how fans, fan communities and illegal sources of content contribute to the buzz and independently promote movies and dramas through sites and different social media. The second main part of this chapter is a look into how content creators, legal content providers and affiliated services do the same through social media as well and how user generated content is utilized. Chapter 3 looks at some issues which might hinder the maximization of the appeal and reach of South Korean cinema and drama that can be achieved through online means. After an introduction on the topics of language, cultural differences and feasibility of the changes mentioned, this chapter splits into different sections for cinema and drama, but also fan promotion and official promotion. Some of the problems and successes in terms of how social media is used are explored. The thesis closes with some words on the future of the 'Hallyu' itself and South Korean cinema and drama on the global market, as well as the important role social media plays in it. The research for this thesis includes online sources, studies and other theses. Some of the data here is empirical and based on years of participation in and observation of fan communities and their use of social media. A small research project was conducted to create some tables for the English language pages and social media usage of official content creators and providers of South Korean films and TV dramas.
A Constructivist Perspective on Empirical Discrimination Research

Contemporary scholars view race as a constructed social category, not a biological fact. Yet most empirical discrimination research treats race no differently than other individual characteristics typically observed in data. This article considers the implications of adopting a constructivist perspective instead. I develop a simple model where agents use observable characteristics to both interpret membership in racial social categories and make decisions. Discrimination is the result of acting based on perceived social identity. The model highlights the need to measure the racial “first stage”—the social identity contrast between individuals—instead of relying on race as coded in data, and draws a novel distinction between race-based and direct statistical discrimination. I illustrate some implications using data on wages, speech patterns, and skin color and conclude with strategies for future research that build on the constructivist model. (JEL J15, J31, J71, K38)
An Analytical and Experimental Investigation of Helicopter Rotor Hover Performance and Wake Geometry Characteristics

Abstract : An analytical and experimental investigation was conducted to acquire systematic model rotor performance and wake geometry data and to evaluate the accuracy of various analytical methods in predicting the effects on performance of changes in helicopter rotor design and operating parameters. Both classical hover performance analyses and analytical methods recently developed at the United Aircraft Research Laboratories were evaluated. Of primary concern in the study was the assessment of assumptions in the analyses regarding the geometry of the rotor wake. Of particular interest was the prediction by the analysis of an instability of the tip vortex helix at moderate distances from the rotor which appeared to be substantiated by available experimental results.
Linking brain activity across scales with simultaneous opto- and electrophysiology

Abstract. The brain enables adaptive behavior via the dynamic coordination of diverse neuronal signals across spatial and temporal scales: from fast action potential patterns in microcircuits to slower patterns of distributed activity in brain-wide networks. Understanding principles of multiscale dynamics requires simultaneous monitoring of signals in multiple, distributed network nodes. Combining optical and electrical recordings of brain activity is promising for collecting data across multiple scales and can reveal aspects of coordinated dynamics invisible to standard, single-modality approaches. We review recent progress in combining opto- and electrophysiology, focusing on mouse studies that shed new light on the function of single neurons by embedding their activity in the context of brain-wide activity patterns. Optical and electrical readouts can be tailored to desired scales to tackle specific questions. For example, fast dynamics in single cells or local populations recorded with multi-electrode arrays can be related to simultaneously acquired optical signals that report activity in specified subpopulations of neurons, in non-neuronal cells, or in neuromodulatory pathways. Conversely, two-photon imaging can be used to densely monitor activity in local circuits while sampling electrical activity in distant brain areas at the same time. The refinement of combined approaches will continue to reveal previously inaccessible and under-appreciated aspects of coordinated brain activity.
Are We Adapting to Climate Change? Research and Methods for Evaluating Progress

Adaptation is rapidly becoming a mainstream policy response for addressing biophysical and social vulnerabilities to climate change. Significant capital resources are currently and will continue to be invested in autonomous and anticipatory adaptation processes across a range of geopolitical scales. However, the institutional arrangements for the evaluation of adaptation processes, policies and measures are still in their developmental infancy. Therefore, though adaptation is undoubtedly proceeding, mechanisms for the development of an evidence base for evaluating its success are lacking.
Determinants of Pepper Quality Based on the Percentage of Foreign Objects Based You Only Look Once (YOLO)

The presence of foreign objects in pepper seeds is one of the things that affect the quality of pepper seeds. Farmers in Bangka sell pepper to pepper collectors. The collectors in this area still inspect the pepper using manual methods without the help of other tools, so there are still foreign objects such as dry leaves or pepper stalks. This method is often inefficient because the precision of each person is different. In this case, we propose to determine the quality of pepper based on the percentage of foreign objects automatically in accordance with the determination of pepper quality standards regulated in the national quality standard (SNI). The authors use YOLOv3 for object detection which is one of the fastest and most accurate object detection methods, outperforming other detection algorithms. However, YOLOv3 requires a heavy computer architecture. Therefore, YOLOv3-tiny, a lighter version of YOLOv3, can be a solution for smaller architectures. This study found that YOLOv3-tiny model has a reasonably high network performance value: precision value of 0.99, recall value above 70%, and F1 score above 80%. While determining the quality of pepper according to the standard quality of pepper (SNI) the value obtained must be below 2%. Then a comparison was made between the detection system and the manual calculation of objects. It was found that in the sample of 26 pepper seeds, the system detected 8.97 seconds faster than manual calculation.
Trois cents ans d'application de la durabilite au secteur forestier

Le principe directeur actuel de la durabilité tire ses origines du domaine forestier. En effet, en 1713 – il y a 300 ans cette année –, Hans Carl von Carlowitz publiait l’ouvrage Silvicultura oeconomica, qui appelait à ce que le bois soit conservé, accru et utilisé d’une manière continue, stable et durable. Il s’agissait là du premier emploi documenté du terme allemand désignant la durabilité, Nachhaltigkeit. On peut présumer que cela a aussi été le point de départ d’une approche scientifique de la foresterie, qui a fini au bout du compte par s’étendre d’Europe centrale au reste du monde. Cet article s’appuie sur des sources historiques et contemporaines pour montrer comment le principe de la durabilité s’est diffusé, imprégnant les démarches forestières au-delà des frontières de l’Europe, et demeure aujourd’hui l’orientation phare en matière de foresterie. Trois cents ans d’application de la durabilité au secteur forestier
The Development of Sustainable Tourism Destination Area: Spatial Planning in The Tuktuk Siadong Tourist Village, Samosir Regency

Lake Toba is still surrounded by a stunningly lush environment and one of the biggest lakes in Asia and the world. Gradually, this tourist destination began to be recognized by the people of Indonesia and also the world. The tourist village located in Tuktuk Siadong Village is in an area of the peninsula of Lake Toba, in this tourist village you can find many hotels with various choices and always offer direct views of Lake Toba. This study aimed to describe the spatial development of Tuktuk Siadong Village in Samosir Regency based on tourist destination attributes such as tourist attractions and tourist characteristics. This study used a qualitative descriptive methodology to assess spatial development considering the attributes of popular tourist sites, including tourist attractions and visitor traits. The results showed that the spatial development in the study area was more spread out following the existing circulation path and following the traditional Batak development pattern which produces clusters and is unrelated to the major transportation channel. Tuktuk Siadong Village will become a tourist destination, with cultural tourism attractions from Huta Batak in sight. The landscape, which is a component of the spatial structure, must be preserved along with traditional settlements. The spatial development of the tourism area on Lake Toba can refer to the model that has been prepared so that it can make tourism on Lake Toba in a better and more sustainable direction. Keywords : Sustainable Tourism; Tourism Village; Local Wisdom; Lake Toba Copyright (c) 2023 Geosfera Indonesia and Department of Geography Education, University of Jember This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share A like 4.0 International License
Assessment of elevation and slope exposure impact on snow cover distribution in the mountainous region in Bulgaria using Sentinel-2 satellite data

Snow cover is among the most important features of the Earth's surface and a crucial element of the cryosphere that affects the global energy balance, water, and carbon cycles. Accurate monitoring of this land surface component is of particular significance as snowmelt provides between 50%–80% of the annual runoff in the temperate (boreal) regions and significantly impacts the hydrological balance during the warm season. Limited reserves of soil moisture during the winter period can lead to all types of droughts, including green-water drought, which is expressed by reduced water storage in soil and vegetation. Green-water drought causes a variable effect across landscape components, on the functions and ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The present study aims to track the snow cover dynamics in the transitional seasons of the year when the snow cover is most unstable and to differentiate its territorial distribution depending on elevation and slope exposure. The study area covers the mountainous territories of Bulgaria and the seasons from 2016 to 2022. To achieve the aim of the study, we used Sentinel-2 images and calculated the Snow Water Index (SWI). SWI uses spectral characteristics of the visible, shortwave infrared (SWIR), and near-infrared (NIR) bands to distinguish snow and ice pixels from other pixels, including water bodies which is crucial for the accurate monitoring of snow cover dynamics. The obtained results were validated using VHR images for pre-selected test areas.
Variation characteristics of hydrological response to water conservancy construction in the Qinhe River Basin of the Loess Plateau, China

Investigating the response characteristics of various hydrological factors to water conservancy projects area in basin and evaluating their impact on the ecological environment are crucial for ecological protection and restoration on the Loess Plateau, China, with a complex environment. In this study, we employed a geomorphology‐based hydrological model to simulate the hydrological elements of the Qinhe River Basin on the Loess Plateau. We explored the response characteristics of the water cycle and hydrological processes to the construction of reservoirs in the basin. Additionally, we also examined multiyear changes in peak flood volume and sediment discharge during flood seasons influenced by reservoirs. The sub‐basins hosting reservoirs initialled an increase in evaporation, followed by a decrease. During the change periods, both runoff and soil water decreased, but remained higher than the mean values for the basin during the same period. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index of sub‐basins associated with five reservoirs was obviously higher than the mean value for the basin during the same period. The peak flood volume and sediment discharge in the basin were characterized by decreasing trends, with the latter showing weak sustainability. The value of each index for a sub‐basin associated with a reservoir was higher than the average value for the basin. The construction and operation of reservoirs had a positive impact on the ecology of the basin. Water and soil conservation measures, including sediment regulation and storage using reservoirs, effectively decreased water hazard and soil erosion in the basin. This study provides a scientific basis for the construction of water conservancy projects and ecological governance in the basin.