Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impacts of E-commerce on construction materials procurement for sustainable construction

Sustainable building construction has become essential in the construction industry with the aim of satisfying the present and future needs of construction stakeholders. Selection and procurement of appropriate materials that satisfies the principles of sustainability is paramount in construction. To this end, the traditional method of materials procurement has been found to be inefficient considering the increased innovations and diversity of materials available for construction. This paper explores the implementation of E-commerce especially e-procurement as a strategy for improving the process of materials procurement in the South African construction industry. This study obtained data quantitatively through questionnaires administered to 150 construction professionals in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. A total of 93 responses were retrieved and analysed. Findings indicated: building cost reduction, enhanced environmental protection and enhanced implementation of government policies as benefits of sustainability in materials procurement towards sustainable building production. However, e-procurement implementation during materials procurement are hindered by (a) lack of awareness, (b) resistance to change, (c) high cost of installation and operation and (d) Internet fraud. Given the benefits and impacts of e-commerce, adequate implementation of these findings should proffer a suitable strategy in addressing the challenges of materials procurement towards sustainable building construction.
Prospective evaluation of high-resolution MRI using gadofosveset for stent-graft planning: comparison with CT angiography in 30 patients.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare high-resolution gadofosveset-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) with the reference standard CT angiography (CTA) in planning endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty consecutive patients were included in this prospective study. CTA was performed routinely before EVAR for stent-graft implantation planning and selection. In addition, first-pass and, after a delay of 10 minutes, steady-state MRA were performed using the blood pool contrast agent gadofosveset for study purposes. Standard diameter and length parameters for stent-graft evaluation rendered from CTA and MRA were compared. According to the results of MRA measurements, stent-grafts were selected for each patient and compared with the device actually implanted. Image quality was assessed using subjective image quality parameters. RESULTS Diameter and length measurements showed small but significant differences (p < 0.001) between MRA and CTA. Stent-graft selection according to these measurements showed 100% concordance between both modalities. Subjective imaging parameters showed significantly better results for CTA compared with MRA (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In this study, MRA using a blood pool contrast agent has shown the ability to provide reliable and exact measurements before EVAR, allowing noninvasive planning of the intervention despite lower image-quality and without the disadvantages of ionizing radiation and nephrotoxicity.
Which Type of Risk Information to Use for Whom? Moderating Role of Outcome-Relevant Involvement in the Effects of Statistical and Exemplified Risk Information on Risk Perceptions

The extant empirical research examining the effectiveness of statistical and exemplar-based health information is largely inconsistent. Under the premise that the inconsistency may be due to an unacknowledged moderator (O’Keefe, 2002), this study examined a moderating role of outcome-relevant involvement (Johnson & Eagly, 1989) in the effects of statistical and exemplified risk information on risk perception. Consistent with predictions based on elaboration likelihood model (Petty & Cacioppo, 1984), findings from an experiment (N = 237) concerning alcohol consumption risks showed that statistical risk information predicted risk perceptions of individuals with high, rather than low, involvement, while exemplified risk information predicted risk perceptions of those with low, rather than high, involvement. Moreover, statistical risk information contributed to negative attitude toward drinking via increased risk perception only for highly involved individuals, while exemplified risk information influenced the attitude through the same mechanism only for individuals with low involvement. Theoretical and practical implications for health risk communication are discussed.
Antimicrobial-Impregnated Dressing Combined with Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Increases Split-Thickness Skin Graft Engraftment: A Simple Effective Technique

OBJECTIVE:Immobilization and adequate surface contact to wounds are critical for skin graft take. Techniques such as the tie-over dressing, cotton bolster, and vacuum-assisted closure are used to address this, but each has its limitations. This study is designed to assess the effect of antimicrobial-impregnated dressing (AMD) combined with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on skin graft survival. DESIGN:Retrospective case-control study PARTICIPANTS:Patients with chronic or contaminated wounds treated with split-thickness skin graft. A broad spectrum of wounds was included, from causes such as trauma, burns, chronic diabetic ulcers, and infection. INTERVENTIONS:Antimicrobial-impregnated dressing, which contains 0.2% polyhexamethylene biguanide, with NPWT MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:Success of skin graft MAIN RESULTS:In the AMD group, all skin grafts achieved 100% take without secondary intervention. No infection or graft failure was observed in any patients, and no complications, such as hematoma or seroma formation, were noted, although in the control group partial loss of skin grafts was noted in 3 patients. Infection and inadequate immobilization were thought to be the main reasons. There were no hematoma or seroma formations in the control group. CONCLUSION:Use of an AMD dressing with NPWT after split-thickness skin grafting can be an effective method to ensure good graft to wound contact and enhances skin graft take in chronic and contaminated wounds.
Self-efficacy and health status in rheumatoid arthritis: a two-year longitudinal observational study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between baseline level of self-efficacy for pain and other symptoms and changes in measures for similar dimensions of health status over a period of 2 yr in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Data collected from patients with RA enrolled in a county-based disease register in Oslo, Norway were analysed: 815 patients were examined by mail questionnaire in 1994 and again in 1996. Relationships of the baseline level of self-efficacy and demographic variables with 2-yr changes in health status measures were examined by bivariate and multiple regression analysis. The following health status measures were included: pain and fatigue on a visual analogue scale; the patient's global assessment of disease activity; the symptom and affect scales of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2); and the bodily pain, mental health, general health and vitality scales of the Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS For all health status measures, there was a significant correlation between the change over a 2-yr span and baseline self-efficacy, even after adjustment for demographic variables and for the baseline level of the health status measure. Favourable changes were associated with high self-efficacy scores. CONCLUSIONS In patients with RA, the baseline levels of self-efficacy for pain and other symptoms seem to influence 2-yr changes in health status measures regarding these aspects.
Expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor c‐Met in lensinduced myopia in guinea pigs

Background Myopia is a common disorder and the incidence has increased yearly, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c‐Met in the development of lens‐induced myopia in guinea pigs. Methods Sixty one‐week‐old guinea pigs were chosen. The right eyes were treated with ‐10.0 diopters (D) lenses as the lens‐induced myopia group; the left eyes remained untreated as the control group. Six weeks later, refractive status and axial length were determined by streak retinoscopy and A‐scan ultrasonography, respectively. The guinea pigs were killed and both eyes collected. Morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of HGF, c‐Met, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) mRNA and protein in the posterior sclera were analyzed by RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results The lens‐induced myopia group became myopic with a significant increase in axial length and a significant decrease in refraction. Compared with the control group, the posterior retina and sclera were thinner in the lens‐induced myopia group. The expression levels of HGF and MMP‐2 mRNA and protein and of phosphorylated c‐Met protein were significantly higher in the posterior sclera of the lens‐induced myopia group than in the control group (all P <0.05). In the lens‐induced myopia group, the expression level of MMP‐2 in the posterior sclera positively correlated with the expression level of HGF (r=0.902, P <0.05) and phosphorylated c‐Met (r=0.885, P <0.05). Conclusion HGF/c‐Met might play a role in the development of lens‐induced myopia in guinea pigs by upregulating the expression of MMP‐2.
Formal Security Analysis of EAP-ERP Using Casper

Future wireless networks will exploit a variety of wireless technologies to provide ubiquities connectivity to mobile devices in the form of cellular, Wireless Local Area Networks, and femtocells. Inevitably, future wireless networks will be diverse in nature, employing a number of different techniques to associate the hand held devices that are deemed to use the network. Furthermore, mobile users seek for seamless connectivity, while roaming in the midst of different networks. This requires the mobile device and the wireless networks be capable of performing a vertical handover, when the mobile nodes find themselves in the vicinity of a foreign network. Regardless of the technological challenges in terms of security, data integrity and mutual authentication between participating agents remain a significant concern in heterogeneous networks. This paper explores these concerns by examining a number of solutions proposed for vertical handover, and identifies EAP Reauthentication Protocol (ERP) as a technology-independent flexible mechanism for a vertical handover. EAP-ERP satisfies the mobility requirements of future hand held devices while promising the desired security futures. In view of thoroughly exploring EAP-ERP, Casper/FDR has been used in this paper to analyze its security properties under various conditions. The results indicate that despite the initial perception, EAP-ERP lacks mutual authentication between agents, while the integrity of keying material is adequately protected.
The evolution of sperm competition genes: The effect of mating system on levels of genetic variation within and between species

It is widely established that proteins involved in reproduction diverge between species more quickly than other proteins. For male sperm proteins, rapid divergence is believed to be caused by postcopulatory sexual selection and/or sexual conflict. Here, we derive the expected levels of gene diversity within populations and divergence between them for male sperm protein genes evolving by postcopulatory, prezygotic fertility competition, i.e. the function imputed for some sperm and seminal fluid genes. We find that, at the mutation‐selection equilibrium, both gene diversity within species and divergence between them are elevated relative to genes with similar selection coefficients expressed by both sexes. We show that their expected level of diversity is a function of the harmonic mean number of mates per female, which affects the strength of fertility selection stemming from male–male sperm competition. Our predictions provide a null hypothesis for distinguishing between other selective hypotheses accounting for the rapid evolution of male reproductive genes.
Escalation of polymerization in a thermal gradient

For the emergence of early life, the formation of biopolymers such as RNA is essential. However, the addition of nucleotide monomers to existing oligonucleotides requires millimolar concentrations. Even in such optimistic settings, no polymerization of RNA longer than about 20 bases could be demonstrated. How then could self-replicating ribozymes appear, for which recent experiments suggest a minimal length of 200 nt? Here, we demonstrate a mechanism to bridge this gap: the escalated polymerization of nucleotides by a spatially confined thermal gradient. The gradient accumulates monomers by thermophoresis and convection while retaining longer polymers exponentially better. Polymerization and accumulation become mutually self-enhancing and result in a hyperexponential escalation of polymer length. We describe this escalation theoretically under the conservative assumption of reversible polymerization. Taking into account the separately measured thermophoretic properties of RNA, we extrapolate the results for primordial RNA polymerization inside a temperature gradient in pores or fissures of rocks. With a dilute, nanomolar concentration of monomers the model predicts that a pore length of 5 cm and a temperature difference of 10 K suffice to polymerize 200-mers of RNA in micromolar concentrations. The probability to generate these long RNAs is raised by a factor of >10600 compared with polymerization in a physical equilibrium. We experimentally validate the theory with the reversible polymerization of DNA blocks in a laser-driven thermal trap. The results confirm that a thermal gradient can significantly enlarge the available sequence space for the emergence of catalytically active polymers.
The vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi are associated with the majority ot the terrestrial plants. Their function ranges from stress alleviation to bioremediation in soils polluted with heavy metals. However, our knowlwdge about this symbiosis is still limited. For the semi-arid tropics, where some african countries are located, there is a great possibility of using mycorrhizas as a biological tool for sustainable agriculture. This review gives an overview on the mycorrhizal benefits and recomends some management practices for the semi-arid Africa conditions.
Ethanol Stimulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Inositol Triphosphate and Sigma Receptors to Promote Withdrawal-Associated Loss of Neuron-Specific Nuclear Protein/Fox-3.

BACKGROUND Prior studies demonstrate that ethanol (EtOH) exposure induces the release of intracellular calcium (CA(2+) ) in modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic tone and produces concomitant alterations in sigma (σ)-1 protein expression that may contribute to the development EtOH dependence. However, the influence of CA(2+) released from endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-bound inositol triphosphate (IP3) and σ-1 receptors in regulating hippocampal function has yet to be delineated. METHODS Rat hippocampal explants were subjected to chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure with or without the addition of IP3 inhibitor xestospongin C (0 to 0.5 μM) or σ-1 receptor antagonist BD-1047 (0 to 80 μM). Hippocampal viability was assessed via immunohistochemical labeling of neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN)/Fox-3 in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions. RESULTS Exposure to CIE produced consistent and significant decreases of NeuN/Fox-3 in each primary cell layer of the hippocampal formation. Co-exposure to xestospongin reversed these effects in the CA1 subregion and significantly attenuated these effects in the CA3 and DG regions. Xestospongin application also significantly increased NeuN/Fox-3 immunofluorescence in EtOH-naïve hippocampi. Co-exposure to 20 μM BD-1047 also reversed the loss of NeuN/Fox-3 during CIE exposure in each hippocampal cell layer, whereas exposure to 80 μM BD-1047 did not alter NeuN/Fox-3 in EtOH-treated hippocampi. By contrast, 80 μM BD-1047 application significantly increased NeuN/Fox-3 immunofluorescence in EtOH-naïve hippocampi in each subregion. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that EtOH stimulates ER IP3 and σ-1 receptors to promote hippocampal loss of NeuN/Fox-3 during CIE.
Perspectives from the Old World on the Habitation of the New

Despite the much briefer period of research and many fewer archaeologists involved, there is now clear and incontrovertible evidence of human occupation in Australia at a period significantly earlier than can be documented with comparable evidence from the New World. An explanation of the differences in the present record between these two regions that relies on an insufficient study of situations favorable to the preservation of earlier material in the New World seems inadequate in light of the total accumulated evidence.
Heterozygous Mutations in Natriuretic Peptide Receptor‐B (NPR2) Gene as a Cause of Short Stature

Based on the observation of reduced stature in relatives of patients with acromesomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type (AMDM), caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in natriuretic peptide receptor‐B gene (NPR2), it has been suggested that heterozygous mutations in this gene could be responsible for the growth impairment observed in some cases of idiopathic short stature (ISS). We enrolled 192 unrelated patients with short stature and 192 controls of normal height and identified seven heterozygous NPR2 missense or splice site mutations all in the short stature patients, including one de novo splice site variant. Three of the six inherited variants segregated with short stature in the family. Nine additional rare nonsynonymous NPR2 variants were found in three additional cohorts. Functional studies identified eight loss‐of‐function mutations in short individuals and one gain‐of‐function mutation in tall individuals. With these data, we were able to rigorously verify that NPR2 functional haploinsufficiency contributes to short stature. We estimate a prevalence of NPR2 haploinsufficiency of between 0 and 1/26 in people with ISS. We suggest that NPR2 gain of function may be a more common cause of tall stature than previously recognized.
Hepatotoxicity Associated with Metformin Therapy in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective: To report a case of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Case Summary: A 61-year-old obese man presented with jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and an unintentional weight loss 2 weeks following initiation of metformin. Laboratory findings revealed aminotransferase values 10–15 times the upper limit of normal. Potential causative agents, including metformin, simvastatin, and Niaspan (extended-release niacin), were discontinued. Two months later, the patient's signs and symptoms had resolved and aminotransferase values returned to normal. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse reaction was probably associated with metformin. Discussion: Since numerous medications and disease states can cause abnormalities in liver enzymes, it is important for providers to be able to distinguish the cause(s) and take appropriate actions. This can take a great deal of time and effort in patients with multiple medications and comorbidities. In this patient's case, viral hepatitis, worsening NAFLD, and the concomitant drugs were highly suspected. As hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors offer substantial cardiovascular benefits and as metformin is a first-line agent in helping to lower blood glucose concentrations and to normalize the metabolic profile in type 2 diabetes, reintroduction of metformin and simvastatin would likely be beneficial. Conclusions: This is a case report of metformin-induced hepatotoxicity. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and subsequent metabolic effects increases in the US, metformin use will likewise increase. As potential for increased idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin use is likely to occur, clinicians should be vigilant.
Dental injuries in 0-15 year olds at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pattern of occurrence of dental injuries in the 0-15 year-olds. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi. SUBJECTS Five hundred and five patient records with dental injuries were retrieved and analysed. RESULTS A total of 505 patient records with dental injuries were retrieved and analysed. Most of the injuries were recorded in the year 1999 (22.2%). Boys were more affected (63.0%) than girls (37.0%). The main presenting complaint recorded was pain (75.8%). The majority of the patients (69.5%) presented for treatment during the same day or the day after trauma. Falls were the leading cause of injuries (73.5%). Most injuries involved two teeth (47.1%) and the maxillary central incisors were the most affected teeth both in the primary (67.5%) and permanent (64.0%) dentitions. Luxation injuries were the most common type of dental trauma with 47.5% occurring in the permanent teeth and 77.3% in the primary teeth. The main radiographic investigation performed was intraoral periapical views (52.9%) following which dental extraction (34.4%) was the main treatment modality offered. CONCLUSION Prospective cross-sectional studies to determine the prevalence of dental injuries are needed. Furthermore improving the knowledge of dental practitioners through continuing dental education programmes would help in updating them on current trends in managing these injuries.
Genital herpes.

INTRODUCTION Genital herpes is an infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), and is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions to prevent sexual transmission of herpes simplex virus? What are the effects of interventions to prevent transmission of herpes simplex virus from mother to neonate? What are the effects of antiviral treatment in people with a first episode of genital herpes? What are the effects of interventions to reduce the impact of recurrence? What are the effects of treatments in people with genital herpes and HIV? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS We found 35 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antivirals, caesarean delivery, condoms, oral aciclovir, psychotherapy, recombinant glycoprotein vaccines, serological screening, and counselling.