Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiographic and balance characteristics for patient with osteoporotic vertebral fracture

Abstract Osteoporosis is a common health issue and leads to many fractures as well as balance problems. The radiographic and balance characteristics for different types of spinal deformity caused by osteoporosis are still unknown. The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in radiographic and balance characteristics among different types of spinal deformities (lower kyphosis and whole kyphosis) and normal spines. Sagittal anterior‐posterior and medial‐lateral radiographic views were taken for radiographic analysis, while forceplate data at zero, three, six, and nine minutes of standing were employed for balance testing. There were significant differences in radiographic findings and balance performances between osteoporotic subjects and normal individuals. The lower kyphotic group revealed significantly greater spinal curvatures such as T‐Cobb's (50.9±18.3 degrees), L‐Cobb's (33.4±22.0 degrees), and SI angles (33.4±22.0 degrees) than those of the whole kyphotic group. However, significantly greater C7‐S1 distance (6.9±3.5.0 cm) and C7‐Lapex distance (6.2±3.9 cm) were found in the whole kyphotic group. For balance performance, the sway area of normal, lower kyphotic and whole kyphotic groups are 37.4±19.1 mm2, 71.9±71.2 mm2 and 119.1±114.8 mm2, respectively. The study suggested balance performance could be predicted by spinal lateral radiographies for patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
The economic burden and long-term mortality in survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in South Korea

Background The economic burden for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) survivors is a critical issue. We investigated the total healthcare costs for one year following ECMO support and its association with three-year all-cause mortality. Methods This population-based cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in South Korea. Adult ECMO survivors (age ≥18 years who were alive ≥365 days following ECMO support) from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, were included. The total healthcare costs for one year included all the expenses for hospital and outpatient clinic visits after discharge. Results In total, 6,044 patients were included in the final analysis comprising 3,566 (59.0%) in the cardiac indication group, 658 (10.9%) in the respiratory indication group, and 1,820 (30.1%) in the “other” group. The median total healthcare cost was United States Dollars (USD) 46,308.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 25,727.0–86,924.8]. The median ECMO support and hospital stay durations were three (IQR: 1–7) days and 25 (IQR: 15–31) days. In the multivariable Cox regression model, a USD 1,000 increase in the total healthcare cost was associated with an increase in the three-year all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01; P=0.015). Conclusions After one year, ECMO survivors accrued USD 46,308 in healthcare costs in South Korea. An increase in the total healthcare cost was associated with a higher risk of three-year all-cause mortality among ECMO survivors.
Proximity algorithms for image models: denoising

This paper introduces a novel framework for the study of the total-variation model for image denoising. In the model, the denoised image is the proximity operator of the total-variation evaluated at a given noisy image. The total-variation can be viewed as the composition of a convex function (the ℓ1 norm for the anisotropic total-variation or the ℓ2 norm for the isotropic total-variation) with a linear transformation (the first-order difference operator). These two facts lead us to investigate the proximity operator of the composition of a convex function with a linear transformation. Under the assumption that the proximity operator of a given convex function (e.g., the ℓ1 norm or the ℓ2 norm) can be readily obtained, we propose a fixed-point algorithm for computing the proximity operator of the composition of the convex function with a linear transformation. We then specialize this fixed-point methodology to the total-variation denoising models. The resulting algorithms are compared with the Goldstein–Osher split-Bregman denoising algorithm. An important advantage of the fixed-point framework leads us to a convenient analysis for convergence of the proposed algorithms as well as a platform for us to develop efficient numerical algorithms via various fixed-point iterations. Our numerical experience indicates that the methods proposed here perform favorably.
Does ESG initiatives yield greater firm value and performance? New evidence from European firms

Abstract The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are used to evaluate nonfinancial performance of a firm. While some researchers state that ESG initiatives taken by a firm increase its value and performance by lowering costs and unsystematic risks, others consider it as a wastage of firm resource. The purpose of this study is to put light to this ambiguity by examining the impacts of ESG initiatives on two aspects of a firm’s success: its performance and its value. To test the study’s hypothsis, a linear model with fixed effect GLS (generalized least squares) is used on a 12-year panel data set from 2008 to 2020 of 180 listed firms categorized in 10 economic sectors operating in 22 countries. Thomson Reuters ESG Score which measures a firm’s ESG performance based on publicly available data, is used as an independent variable. As dependent variables the firm value and firm performance have been used. This study finds a positive impact of ESG initiatives on firm value and performance. It has been further observed that EU firms mostly focuses on social responsibilities of the ESG initiative due to its positive impact on firm’s performance. Then the focus is given to environmental and governance initiatives respectively. The findings have far reached significance for researchers and firm executives helping them to understand the significance of ESG initiatives and effectively allocate and utilize firm’s resources based on their importance.
Secondary reverse streamer observed in an ester insulating liquid under negative impulse voltage

The so-called ‘secondary reverse streamer (SRS)’ in this study depicts a newly observed streamer-in-liquid phenomenon which subsequently occurs well after the extinction of the primary streamer (PS) propagation within a single shot of negative impulse voltage and has reverse polarity to the PS. Tests were carried out in a synthetic ester liquid at a 50 mm needle–plane gap under negative impulse voltages up to 140 kV. Based on the current and light waveforms as well as the photographic images, two types of SRS were found: one has a bright trunk with a high velocity of 9.79 km s−1 belonging to the 3rd mode streamer; and the other has a weak tree-like channel with a low velocity of 1.28 km s−1 resembling the 2nd mode streamer. It should be emphasized that SRS under negative impulse voltages has positive polarity being opposite to the negative PS, which is believed to be due to the reverse electric field induced by the residual space charges left by the PS. This has been confirmed by further verification tests under tail-chopped impulse voltages, for SRSs are significantly enhanced in both axial and lateral directions after the early removal of the external applied field.
Another Approach to Mutation and Learning in Games

Abstract We study an evolutionary normal-form game with a finite number of players in continuous time. In our model, players switch strategies every random time with rates being functions of the average payoffs of the strategies, in such a way that it is an interesting learning model. In this new setup, we characterize dynamic steady-state equilibria in the presence of mutations. Equilibrium distributions areexplicitly found for any symmetric 2×2 game given an arbitrary positive mutation rate. In coordination games we derive results similar to those in Kandori et al . (1993) as a particular case. Although we concentrate on 2 ×2 symmetric games, we argue justifiably that this analysis carries systematically to more general games. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers : C72, C73, D83.
Exercise Intensity in Track and Level-grade Treadmill Running: A Cross-over Longitudinal Study in Well-trained Athletes

Heart rate is a conventional indicator of exercise intensity. Diverse studies have reported results of the comparison between the heart rate responses attained during running overground and on a treadmill; non-unanimous conclusions have emerged. The intention of this study was to compare the exercise intensity through heart rate between progressive running tests performed on track and level-grade treadmills. The heart rate responses of twelve highly trained male athletes were analyzed (Age = 24.3±2.7 years). The running protocol had initial and final speeds of 11 km·h−1 and 18 km·h−1, and increments of 0.5 km·h−1 every 200 m. Two tests were performed: on an outdoor 400 m track, and a level-grade motorized treadmill under laboratory conditions. An innovative data analysis approach was proposed, by using a linear mixed-effects model, with the Test and Speed stage and their interaction as fixed factors, and the Subject as a random factor; a suitable correlation structure was also specified. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. The difference between tests was not significant (F = 0.06, p = 0.81). The interaction effect between the Test and Speed stage was also not significant (F = 1.32, p = 0.19). Exercise intensity as measured by heart rate showed similar mean responses in track and level-grade treadmill running across a wide range of speeds in well-trained athletes.
Design and Analysis of Half Wave Dipole Antenna for SAR Measurement

Antenna invention may be the boon for telecommunication field whereas the dipole antenna finds most commonly and wildly used transducer in wireless communication devices. In recent years, the rapid change in technology, antenna performance parameters get precisely improved. This paper explains stepwise design procedure of half wave dipole antenna with standard calculations so that one can be easily followed for their new inventions as well intention to design proposed antenna for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measurement in human head. The antenna performance parameters such as radiation pattern, VSWR, return loss been evaluated. HFSS simulation software used to design and analyze half wave dipole antenna at 1800 MHz. It proves that the proposed model is efficient version of dipole antenna at given frequency.
COLOCASIA ESCULENTA (L.) LEAF BIO-WAX AS A HYDROPHOBIC SURFACE COATING SUBSTANCE FOR PAPER FOR PREPARING HYDROPHOBIC PAPER BAGS

The surface of Colocasia esculenta (L.) (taro) leaf is covered with a layer of highly hydrophobic layer of bio-wax. The main objective of the project was to isolate the bio wax layer of the leaves using organic solvent extraction method using chloroform and coat it on to the surface of paper to obtain hydrophobic paper which might be later used for making biodegradable hydrophobic paper bags. Also, the isolated bio-wax was subjected to various tests like heat test, hydrophobicity test, anti-microbial test, quantitative analysis to check its viability for industrial uses. The result of quantitative analysis showed that 1 gram of sample leaf contained about 0.116 gram of wax. It was also observed that the paper coated with the bio wax attained hydrophobic property which was similar to the Colocasia leaf. Heat sensitivity test showed that the bio-wax retains hydrophobicity even at high temperature. The bio-wax also possesses anti-bacterial property.
Design & Development of an Automatic Car Parking System in Crowded Places

In this paper, the design & development of an automatic car parking system is designed & developed in crowded places. The smart car parking project aims at providing a confusion free and easy parking. This project helps the drivers of the cars to park their vehicles with minimum wastage of time with accurate information of the availability of the space to park. Thus, we designed a “Smart Parking System Project” to overcome this problem. This project helps the car’s driver to park their car with minimum wastage of time with accurate information of the availability of the space to park. The difference between our project of automated car parking systems is we hope to minimize human interaction as much as possible and make the parking area fitted with sensors that will help us execute a safe and efficient way of parking. Hence, we aim to provide a completely safe and automated experience that is robust and can be implemented in real time and hopefully be implemented as the general norm for parking systems in the future. The work presented here is the mini-project work of the second sem students of electronics & communication engineering department of Dayananda Sagar College of Engg. , Bangalore.
Effects of two different types of physics learning on the results of CLASS test

During a one-semester-long research project with high school students, we deployed and gauged efficiency of two different reform teaching methods: reading, presenting, and questioning (RPQ) and experimenting and discussion (ED). In this paper we report on changes in students’ attitudes and beliefs about physics and learning physics. We used the Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey(CLASS v3) to assess the relative effectiveness of the two methods. The data show that both methods improved student attitudes and beliefs but to different extents. The RPQ group (91 students) achieved an overall improvement of +5.8% in attitudes and beliefs, while the ED group (85 students) attained an improvement of +25.6%. These results suggest that both methods may have a substantial potential for improving students’ attitudes and beliefs about physics and physics learning, with the ED method being more promising than the RPQ method.
CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS) CBN Journal of Applied Statistics (JAS) The Relationship between Domestic Savings and Investment: The The Relationship between Domestic Savings and Investment: The Feldstein-Horioka Test Using Nigerian Data Feldstein-Horioka Test Using Nigerian Data

This study explores the relationship between savings and investment in Nigeria during the period 1980-2011. Unlike previous studies, this study employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds testing approach to test for long run relationship. The short-run dynamics are also captured from error correction model (ECM). The results of the Bounds test suggest that there is a long run relationship between savings and investment. This result is consistent with a number ofearlier studies reviewed in the literature that found saving and investment to be cointegrated in thelong run. The results also support the Feldstein-Horioka (1980) hypothesis that postulates low capital mobility internationally.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND SPERM QUALITY IN WILD AND POND-REARED SOUTHERN WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus schmitti ADULT MALES DURING CONTINUOUS REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY

Pond-reared populations of southern white shrimp ( Litopenaeus schmitti ) are commonly used for nauplii production in Cuba, although their performance compared to wild population has not been evaluated. The present study compares reproductive performance and sperm quality of wild and pond-reared L. schmitti males over a production cycle of 70 days. Spermatophore weight was significantly higher for wild shrimp and these differences were not related to body weight or sperm count, suggesting a higher quantity of agglutinating mass. However, sperm quality, percentage of mated females, and number of nauplii per spawn were not different between both populations, whereas fertilization rate was higher for pond-reared shrimp. A decrease in the percentage of normal sperm cells and an increase in dead sperm cells count were observed mainly in wild males, concomitant to a more steep decrease in the fertilization rate and nauplii per spawn towards the end of the production period for this population. An increase in temperature from day 59 and a significant negative correlation between temperature and fertilization was found only for wild males, suggesting a better adaptation of pond-reared males to captive conditions, particularly high temperatures.
EXAMINATION OF HOLIDAY HABITS IN HUNGARY, WITH SPECIAL REGARD TO RURAL TOURISM

The paper aims to examine the demand for rural tourism, targeting the design of offers following the period of the pandemic. The topic of the present study, is the examination of the holiday habits of the Hungarian population focusing on rural tourism. Following the theoretical background regarding rural tourism, rural tourism destination and tourism motivation, the primary research investigates the holiday habits of various age groups and the differences between these, the frequency of traveling and planned overstays, and the optional programs as recreational and gastronomic activities, their willingness to spend for the offers that form an integral part of the rural tourism. The survey method was chosen and the respondents were assigned via a random sample. The collected data was processed via IBM SPSS 25 program, in which unary and binary operations, correlation analysis was done. The study highlights that there is a high demand for rural tourism in the countryside in the post-pandemic period, is a general need for recreation irrespective of age, educational background, or residence. The respondents would participate in a genuine rural program irrespective of age, educational background, or residence. It was also proven that there is a significant difference between the travelling frequency of the various groups, according to which, the middle-aged respondents travel most frequently to the countryside, followed by the seniors and the youth.
On the fitting of multivariate autoregressions, and the approximate canonical factorization of a spectral density matrix

SUMMARY The recursive method proposed by Durbin (1960) for the fitting of autoregressive schemes of successively increasing order is generalized to the fitting of multivariate autoregressions, and of schemes with rational spectral density function. It is also shown that an autoregression fitted from the Yule-Walker relations, even if of insufficient order, has the necessary stability properties. This property holds in the multivariate case, too, and is important in connexion with a problem arising in multivariate prediction: the approximate factorization of a spectral density matrix.
The complex optical to soft x-ray spectrum of the low-redshift radio-quiet quasars

Eight high signal-to-noise ROSAT Position Sensitive Proportional Counter (PSPC) observations of six low-redshift (o.048 less than z less than 0.155) radio-quiet quasars have been analyzed to study ant soft excess. All the spectra can, at least roughly, be described int eh 0.1-2.5 keV band by simple power laws reduced at low energies by Galactic absorption. The strong oxygen edges seen in the PSPC spectra of several Seyfert galaxies and quasars are not observed in this sample. The limits implied for the abount of absorbing gas intrinsic to the quasars are particularly tight: of the order of approximately 10(exp 20)/sq cm. THe range of energy indices is broad: 1.3 less than alpha(sub E) less than 2.3. The energy indices are systematically steeper than those found in the same sources at higher energies (by DELTA alpha(sub E) approximately 0.5-1 with respect to Ginga or EXOSAT (2-10 keV) measurements, and by DELTA alpha(sub E) approximately 0.5 with respect to IPC (0.2-3.5 keV) measurements). This suggests a break between the hard and soft components in the keV region and, therefore, that the PSPC spectra are strongly dominated by the soft compnents. In fact, a fit tot he composite, high signal-to-noise spectrum reveals a significant excess above approximately 1 keV withrespect to the simple power-law model. No evidence for strong emission lines is found in any of the quasars. This argues against emission from an ionized plasma as the main contributor to the soft X-ray compnentunless there is a distribution of te mperatures. If the soft X-ray spectrum of thee quasars is dominated by radiation reflected by the photoinonized surface of an accretion disk, the absence of strong emissionlines suggests high ionization parameters and therefore high accretion rates. We include in two Appendices a comarison of the two official PSPC resolution matrices, those released on1992 March and on 1993 January, a discussion of the amplitude of the residual systematic uncertainties in 1993 January matrix, and a compaison between the PSPC and IPC spectra of a sample of sources.
Film Capacitors

METALIZED FILM CAPACITORS The electrodes of metalized film capacitors consist of an extremely thin metal layer (0.02 μm to 0.1 μm) that is vacuum deposited either onto the dielectric film or onto a carrier film. The opposing and extended metalized film layers of the wound capacitor element are connected to one another by flame spraying different metals to the end-faces. The metal spraying process is also known as schooping. The terminals are connected to the end-faces by means of welding or soldering. For the production of metalized film capacitors Vishay film capacitors uses the conventionally wound film.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes: Part II: Treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes are common metabolic disorders that are often comorbid conditions. Among many proposed treatments, weight reduction is the only approved option for NAFLD to date. However, it is not easy to maintain weight loss by lifestyle modification alone; pharmacological treatments are helpful in this regard. Although many drugs have been investigated, pioglitazone could be a first-line therapy in patients with NAFLD and diabetes. Many more drugs are currently being developed and investigated, and it is likely that combination strategies will be used for future treatment of NAFLD and diabetes. Attention should be paid to the management of NAFLD and diabetes and efforts should be made to intervene early and individualize treatment of NAFLD in patients with diabetes.
Exact zero-point interaction energy between cylinders

We calculate the exact Casimir interaction energy between two perfectly conducting, very long, eccentric cylindrical shells using a mode summation technique. Several limiting cases of the exact formula for the Casimir energy corresponding to this configuration are studied both analytically and numerically. These include concentric cylinders, cylinder-plane and eccentric cylinders, for small and large separations between the surfaces. For small separations we recover the proximity approximation, while for large separations we find a weak logarithmic decay of the Casimir interaction energy, typical of cylindrical geometries.
Electronic structure of wurtzite quantum dots with cylindrical symmetry

This paper presents a six-band k∙p theory for wurtzite semiconductor nanostructures with cylindrical symmetry. Our work extends the formulation of Vahala and Sercel [Phys. Rev. Lett. 65 239 (1990)] to the Rashba-Sheka-Pikus Hamiltonian for wurtzite semiconductors, without the need for the axial approximation. Comparisons of our formulation for studying the electronic structure of wurzite quantum dots with the conventional formulation are given.