Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polarimetria laser confocale nella neuropatia ottica glaucomatosa

Purpose: to compare results provided by scanning laser polarimetry variable corneal compensation (VCC) vs enhanced corneal compensation (ECC) and evaluate correlation to visual field results in glaucoma patients. Methods: 339 eyes of 182 patients were included and screened by the glaucoma unit of the University Eye Clinic of Pavia (Italy). Patients were submitted to complete ophthalmic examination, standard automated perimetry (SAP), scanning laser polarimetry with GDx-VCC and GDx-ECC. Quality image (Q), typical scan score (TSS), nerve fibers index (NFI), nerve fibers layer average thickness in a band around the optic nerve head (TSNIT average) and in the upper (TSNIT sup) and lower sector (TSNIT inf) were evaluated for each exam. Q, TSS and morphometric parameters provided by VCC and ECC were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Lin concordance coefficient. Correlation between GDx and perimetric global indexes was evaluated with Pearson correlation index. Results: 204 images out of 339 (60%) were of good quality (Q>7) with VCC and 325 out of 339 (96%) with ECC. 140 images out of 339 (41%) were atypical (TSS<80) with VCC but only 20 out of 339 with ECC (6%). ECC vs VCC constantly displays lower TSNIT thickness and higher NFI. All comparisons between ECC and VCC parameters showed statistically significant differences confirmed by a moderate to poor concordance between the two instruments. Structure/function correlation was only poor to moderate and better for ECC parameters and first of all for NFI (0.6). Conclusions: ECC provides better quality images than VCC. High quality exam is the first condition to repro-duce a more reliable RNFL structure. ECC points out lower RNFL thickness and higher NFI and reveal a better correlation to perimetric indexes MD and PSD as compared to VCC. GDx-ECC could improve early glaucoma diagnosis.
Compromiso torácico de la sarcoidosis en tomografía computarizada: claves clínicas y radiológicas

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad crónica y multisistémica de etiología poco clara. La presentación es variable, de acuerdo con la procedencia geográfica del paciente, pero predomina en personas afrodescendientes y escandinavas. Las anormalidades torácicas son muy frecuentes en los pacientes con sarcoidosis; la afectación más común es ganglionar y la menos común es la del corazón. Las manifestaciones radiológicas más frecuentes en el compromiso torácico por sarcoidosis son las adenomegalias hiliares y mediastinales, así como nódulos pulmonares de distribución perilinfática.
Computational Studies of Air-Mist Spray Cooling in Continuous Casting

Due to the significant reduction in water droplet size caused by the strong air-water interaction in the spray nozzle, air-mist spray is one of the promising technologies for achieving high-rate heat transfer. This study numerically analyzed air-mist spray produced by a flat-fan atomizer using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations, and a multivariable linear regression was used to develop a correlation to predict the heat transfer coefficient using the casting operating conditions such as air-pressure, water flow rate, casting speed, and standoff distance. A four-step simulation approach was used to simulate the air-mist spray cooling capturing the turbulence and mixing of the two fluids in the nozzle, droplet formation, droplet transport and impingement heat transfer. Validations were made on the droplet size and on the VOF-DPM model which were in good agreement with experimental results. A 33% increase in air pressure increases the lumped HTC by 3.09 ± 2.07% depending on the other casting parameters while an 85% increase in water flow rate reduces the lumped HTC by 4.61 ± 2.57%. For casting speed, a 6.5% decrease in casting speed results in a 1.78 ± 1.42% increase in the lumped HTC. The results from this study would provide useful information in the continuous casting operations and optimization.
New Edge-Guided Mode Isolator Using Ferromagnetic Resonance Absorption

A new edge-guided (E.G.) mode isolator has been proposed, in which nonreciprocal attenuation is obtained with the ferromagnetic resonance absorption caused by a strong d.c. magnetic field applied locally at one side edge of the ferrite microstrip line. Dominant forward and backward E.G. modes, which show nonreciprocal resonance attenuation, have been proved theoretically. Besides, a practical E.G. mode resonance isolator, which has an octave bandwidth, has been successfully developed.
Let me take a #Selfie: An analysis of how cycling should respond to the increasing threats posed by exuberant spectators?

The nature of road cycling raises a number of specific challenges for organisers, particularly in relation to the close proximity between the riders and spectators during the race. Indeed, in many events, supporters are allowed to mass on the side of the road without any barriers or stewards to stop incidents. However, while this proximity can be highly positive and generates atmosphere and engagement with the sport, it also makes it difficult to ensure the safety of both riders and spectators. This paper will examine this spectator/rider relationship and discuss how reckless behaviour (by both parties) has led to an increased number of incidents, injuries and near-misses. The article will also examine the implications of the recent craze of spectator "selfies" as the riders are coming towards them. Keywords: Cycling, Event Management, Risk Management, Security, Selfie, Spectator
The Artemiside-Artemisox-Artemisone-M1 Tetrad: Efficacies against Blood Stage P. falciparum Parasites, DMPK Properties, and the Case for Artemiside

Because of the need to replace the current clinical artemisinins in artemisinin combination therapies, we are evaluating fitness of amino-artemisinins for this purpose. These include the thiomorpholine derivative artemiside obtained in one scalable synthetic step from dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and the derived sulfone artemisone. We have recently shown that artemiside undergoes facile metabolism via the sulfoxide artemisox into artemisone and thence into the unsaturated metabolite M1; DHA is not a metabolite. Artemisox and M1 are now found to be approximately equipotent with artemiside and artemisone in vitro against asexual P. falciparum (Pf) blood stage parasites (IC50 1.5–2.6 nM). Against Pf NF54 blood stage gametocytes, artemisox is potently active (IC50 18.9 nM early-stage, 2.7 nM late-stage), although against the late-stage gametocytes, activity is expressed, like other amino-artemisinins, at a prolonged incubation time of 72 h. Comparative drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) properties were assessed via po and iv administration of artemiside, artemisox, and artemisone in a murine model. Following oral administration, the composite Cmax value of artemiside plus its metabolites artemisox and artemisone formed in vivo is some 2.6-fold higher than that attained following administration of artemisone alone. Given that efficacy of short half-life rapidly-acting antimalarial drugs such as the artemisinins is associated with Cmax, it is apparent that artemiside will be more active than artemisone in vivo, due to additive effects of the metabolites. As is evident from earlier data, artemiside indeed possesses appreciably greater efficacy in vivo against murine malaria. Overall, the higher exposure levels of active drug following administration of artemiside coupled with its synthetic accessibility indicate it is much the preferred drug for incorporation into rational new artemisinin combination therapies.
"HAVE A NICE DAY:)": SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE CHATBOTS

The use of chatbots in customer service is increasingly widespread. Although research investigating how users experience such chatbots exists, few studies have looked at how users actually interact with customer service chatbots. We lack knowledge on whether users participate in social interactions similar to what one would expect from a human-human interaction, or if they display different communication tactics. We carried out a study in which we asked 16 participants to interact with two customer service chatbots. The dialogues were then analysed to understand whether and how the users participated in social interaction. The results showed that most of the participants interact with chatbots in ways that resemble social interaction with humans, using full sentences as opposed to keywords, first and second person pronouns, and polite remarks. This shows that even highly task-oriented chatbots, such as chatbots for customer service, elicit various social responses from users and raises the question regarding whether one should design for social interaction with chatbots for customer service.
FLUJO DE POTENCIA TRIFASICO DESBALANCEADO EN SISTEMAS DE DISTRIBUCIÓN CON GENERACIÓN DISTRIBUIDA

In the last years, the number of distributed genera tion units integrated in the distribution systems has been increasing. Under thi s new scenario, the distribution network stop being a passive network a nd therefore, the traditional power flow calculation methods must be modified. Th is paper presents a three phase unbalanced power flow algorithm with Distribu ted Generation. The IEEE 34 bus test system was used to validate the propose d algorithm and to show the effect of the DG in the distribution networks. In t he tests performed in this paper, the impact of the DG modeled as a PV node is compar ed with the impact of voltage regulators.
Forensic investigation for Instant Messenger: evidence extraction tools and techniques

Currently instant messaging is one of the most popular ways for people to interact with each other’s over the cyber space. Due to its popularity, user-friendliness, rich functionality and the ability to conceal identity of the user, instant messenger is often found to be used as a communication tool to conduct sinister and illegal activity. Law enforcement agency may find traces of illegal activity by extracting information hidden beneath instant messenger. However collecting digital evidence from instant messenger can present some challenges. Existing forensic guides such as the forensic handbooks published by United State Department of Justice does not offer a comprehensive solution and procedure to counter the increasing problems arise from instant messaging investigation. Without the proper tools and technique, information stored in the instant messenger might not be thoroughly extracted, integrity of the digital evidence can be affected and in worse scenario, evidence might be lost. In order to efficiently collect digital evidence from instant messenger, my research has reviewed techniques and forensic tools designed by different developers that featured to extract information from instant messenger. After careful consideration based on several criteria, Evidence Center Pro developed by Belkasoft was selected to perform further simulation to extract information from Window Live Messenger 2011. My approach has been implemented and comprehensively tested. The result illustrated that the approach presented in my thesis are able to extract information from instant messenger in a more efficient manner in compare to the traditional approaches.
Successful mitral repair in dogs by mitral annuloplasty using Hegar dilator: two case reports

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common heart disease in small-breed dogs. Mitral repair, which comprise artificial chorda tendineae implantation and mitral annuloplasty, has become the mainstay of treatment in the veterinary field. We report on two small dogs who underwent mitral repair surgery for MR. A Hegar dilator was used during mitral annuloplasty for accurate and reproducible surgery. In both cases, mitral regurgitant flow almost disappeared after surgery, and clinical signs improved. The treatment regimen was terminated 3 months after the surgery. We concluded that using a Hegar dilator may facilitate mitral valve repair surgery.
A Study of Parameters That Influence Wire-Rope Fatigue Life

Abstract : The objective of this research program was to investigate the influence of various parameters on the fatigue life of wire rope through well controlled and statistically planned laboratory bend-over-sheave fatigue experiments. Parameters studied included three operating loads for ropes subjected to both simple single-sheave bending and two-sheave reverse bending. A total of 288 rope specimens were cycled to failure, and the results were analyzed statistically to determine which parameters had a significant influence on rope life.
Dietary Pattern in Junior High School Students: Literature Review

Background: Various studies on the students’ dietary patterns have been discussed but there is no literature review on the dietary patterns in junior high school students. Objectives: Describing the dietary patterns in junior high school students. The search process in this literature review refers to questions compiled using PCC: Population (P), concept (C), and context (C). Eligibility criteria: (1) Articles ranging from 2015-2020, (2) subjects aged 13-15 years, (3) articles that describe students’ dietary patterns, (4) full accessed articles, (5) original research articles, (6) cross-sectional studies. Source of evidence: Articles in this review literature were searched and obtained from ProQuest, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Charting methods: The article selection stage implemented the PRISMA diagram. Results: The junior high school students’ dietary patterns mostly do not emphasize the nutritional and calorie content of what food types they consume, what eating frequency is proper for themselves, and how much is the appropriate food amount based on their respective bodies. Instead, they just eat until they are satisfied. Hence, calories and nutrients are out of control. The clinical indicators used to determine whether a dietary pattern is good or bad are the Body Mass Index (BMI), Dietary References Intakes (DRIs), and Overall Competences at School (OCS). Indicators for non-clinical use were COMPASS and Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP). Conclusion: A good dietary pattern in junior high school students can be determined based on the food type, the eating frequency, and the food amount. The indicators for clinical outcomes are Body Mass Index (BMI), Dietary References Intakes (DRIs), Overall Competences at School (OCS), and Z-Score. Meanwhile, the non-clinical indicators are COMPASS and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP)
Managers’ Information Overload the impact of coping strategies on decision-making performance

textabstractAt the beginning of the 20th century, information was a scarce resource. The expansion of information and communication technologies, however, brought dramatic changes in terms of volume of information, driving society into the information age with new economic, social, and ethical rules. The problem of having too little information has been transformed into a problem of having too much information and has generated feelings of deficiency in the face of a constantly increasing information load. In this thesis, we develop an analytical approach to study the problem of information overload and human coping with it. Three generic groups of factors that contribute to the emergence and proliferation of information overload are specified. While often they have an independent effect, they also produce interactions reinforcing or eliminating each other. Hence, information overload is a complex phenomenon that results form the interactions among a large number of factors. Based on literature review and empirical data analysis, we made a distinction between three types of coping, i.e. human–enabled, technology-enabled, and organization –enabled. We further model human coping behavior using the analytical apparatus of the structuration theory, paying specific attention to the role of technology in assisting and facilitating human information processing. In so doing, we not only suggest a method for detecting the coping strategies but also provide an explanation of why certain strategies fail. Three qualitative case studies are presented in this thesis and are used to test and refine the conceptual model. The results suggest that to control the risks imposed by the complexity of the information environment, organizations must manage a number of critical areas. We propose detailed guidelines for “information overload diagnoses”. These guidelines not only help to detect the level, the scope, and the factors behind information overload, but also provide methods for fulfilling diagnoses and a basis for developing countermeasures.
An experimental investigation of a lean burn natural gas prechamber spark ignition engine for cogeneration

The operation of a cogeneration internal combustion engine with unscavenged prechamber ignition was investigated. The objective was to evaluate the potential to reduce the exhaust gas emissions, particularly the CO emissions, below the Swiss limits (NOx and CO emissions: 250 and 650 mg/m3N, 5% O2 , respectively), without exhaust gas after treatment. The investigation was carried out on a small size gas engine (6 cylinders, 122 mm bore, 142 mm stroke) and required the development of cooled prechambers and the modification of the engine cylinder heads. The approach was essentially experimental, but included a numerical simulation based on the CFD-code KIVA-3V in order to assist and guide the experimentation. The numerical simulation was carried out in order to evaluate the differences in flow characteristics at the location of the spark plug electrodes between direct and prechamber ignition. Further, the influence of the prechamber geometrical configuration was investigated through variations of the nozzle orifice diameter, number and orientation, as well as prechamber volume and internal shape. Based on the results of the numerical simulation, the most promising prechamber configuration parameters were selected for experimentation. Then, variations of the selected prechamber configuration parameters, as well as of the piston geometry, of the turbocharger characteristics and of the engine operating parameters, were carried out in order to determine their influence on the engine performance and emissions. Through the generation of gas jets in the main chamber, the use of a prechamber strongly intensifies and accelerates the combustion process. However, this advantage is conditioned by a significant delay of the spark timing in order to generate substantial gas jets. This results in a large decrease in peak cylinder pressure and in an important reduction of NOx, CO and THC emissions. Minimum emissions are achieved at a spark timing of about 8°CABTDC. The prechamber geometrical parametric study indicates that trends which increase the penetration of the gas jets and/or promote an early arrival of the flame front at the piston top land crevice entrance are beneficial to reduce the CO and THC emissions. In comparison with the direct ignition, the prechamber ignition yields approximately 40% and 55% less CO and THC emissions, respectively. However, this also leads to about 2%-point lower fuel conversion efficiency. The optimisation of the turbocharger results in a recovery of about 1%-point in fuel conversion efficiency, but a consequent change in the exhaust manifold gas dynamics causes an increase in THC emissions. At the rated power output (150 kW), the prechamber ignition operation fulfils the Swiss requirements for exhaust gas emissions and still achieves a fuel conversion efficiency higher than 36.5%.
Participation in “Planting for Food and Jobs” Programme and Commercialization among Maize Farm Households in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana

Ghana’s “Planting for Food and Job” programme aims to improve farmers’ access to farm inputs. The idea is that through improved access to quality seed varieties, fertilisers and good agronomic practices, output would increase leading to an increased market surplus. This study sought to investigate whether engagement in ‘Planting for Food and Job’ (PFJ ) programme influences farm households’ maize commercialization level in Savelugu Municipality, in the Northern Region of Ghana. To correct for selectivity bias, unobserved endogeneity and avoid the problems associated with weak instrumentation, the conditional mixed process (CMP) method was used. The results revealed that participation in the PFJ programme and maize yield positively influenced maize commercialization. However, commercialisation was negatively influenced by gender of the farm household's head, household size and membership of community based organisations (CBOs). Participation in the PFJ programme itself was enhanced by education, marital status, increased farm size, farm ownership, membership of farmer-based organization (FBOs) and non-farm engagement. Government and all relevant stakeholders should step up efforts at promoting the PFJ programme and maize commercialisation through access to formal education, farmland and other productivity enhancing inputs and services.
Improvement of bowel movements among people with a sedentary lifestyle after prebiotic snack supply – preliminary study

Introduction Dietary fiber is one of the most important components of food. Fulfilling regulatory and nutritional functions for the intestinal microbiota, it appears to be an essential ingredient for people with a sedentary lifestyle. Aim We hypothesized that regular intake of a snack containing high amounts of soluble fibre in parallel to a regular diet may rapidly improve bowel habits with simultaneous elevation of synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Material and methods A total of 20 healthy volunteers, with a stool frequency of less than 3 spontaneous bowel movements per week, completed a 14-day double-blind, parallel-arm, randomized clinical trial with the intervention comprising daily intake of 2 doses (9.99% per 100 g or 13.91% per 100 g) of fibre. Food consumption was evaluated via 72-hour recall diaries at baseline and after 14 days of intervention. Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal comfort, distension, bloating, flatulence, stomach rumbling, number of bowel movements) were monitored via the IBS/VAS scale every day. Results We found that the elevated fibre intake improved bowel habits significantly (defecation frequency increased from 0.28 to 0.87 times/day; p = 0.0002) in both study arms. After 14 days of the trial, an increase in SCFA concentration (for whole study group: acetic p < 0.036, propionic p < 0.019, and butyric acid p < 0.0012 compared to baseline parameters) with no adverse gastrointestinal symptoms was reported. Conclusions Short-term, regular intake of a snack containing soluble fibre improves the SCFA synthesis and bowel habits in healthy people living a sedentary lifestyle. The exact mechanism behind this observation requires further investigation.
The Impact of Temperature, Sunlight and Time on the Quality of Drinking Water Stored in Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottle in Yola Metropolis, Nigeria

The present study examined how sunlight radiation, temperature and time in Yola climate can affect the physicochemical properties of drinking water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle in Yola Metropolis Nigeria. Conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, Cl-, and NO3 - were analyzed using standard methods for 42 days. Solvent extraction and GC-MS analysis were conducted periodically to monitor the appearance and identity of any migrant organic compounds. Sunlight exposure had the highest impact wherein conductivity, TDS, and COD trended upwards while pH decreased over time. However, Cl- and NO3- stayed constant. The GC-MS results showed the highest concentration of organic compounds in the sunlight exposed samples showing the molecular ion peak of benzene. Conversely, the negative control samples, stored in a cool dry place, showed no signs of leachates.