Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Smartphone-Based Cost-Effective Pavement Performance Model Development Using a Machine Learning Technique with Limited Data

Road networks play a significant role in each country’s economy, especially in countries such as Afghanistan, which is strategically located in the international transit path from Europe to East Asia. In such a country, pavement performance models are fundamental for the pavement maintenance planning that provides high-quality infrastructure for transporting goods and travelers. However, due to the lack of a budget for pavement monitoring and maintenance in Afghanistan, transportation networks and pavement condition data have not been widely acquired for the development of a pavement performance model. The main aim of this study is to use a machine learning technique to, for the first time, develop a pavement performance model for Afghanistan that uses simple, cost-effective, and fairly accurate data—collected via smartphones—and that is based on a case study of over 550 km of Afghanistan’s highways. First, the current condition of Afghanistan’s road network is investigated using a smartphone. Then, collected data are prepared and analyzed so as to estimate the pavement condition index (PCI). Finally, a pavement performance model for PCI is developed using pavement age with an adequate coefficient of determination of 0.70 and successfully validated. It is concluded that the proposed approach is efficient and effective when developing a performance model in other developing countries encountering such data and budget limitations.
Wavefield imaging using the energy norm

For various wavefield types, one can formulate a measurement of the mechanical energy that satisfies conservation laws. Based on this formulation, one can derive an energy norm that is applicable to wavefield imaging. Extending the concept of the norm to an inner product, one can compare two related wavefields. Therefore, an imaging condition can be defined as the inner product between the source and receiver wavefields at every spatial location. In this regard, the imaging condition based on the energy inner product accounts for wavefield directionality in space and time, overcoming some problems present in the conventional imaging condition. I exploit the wavefield directionality information from the energy imaging condition to attenuate unwanted events in reverse time migrated (RTM) images. For acoustic wavefields, these unwanted events are characterized by the collinearity of the source and receiver raypaths, and they are described as RTM backscattering artifacts. For elastic wavefields, these events are characterized by the fact that source and receiver displacement fields have the same polarization and wave propagation directions. In both acoustic and elastic cases, one can to attenuate these artifacts and produce high quality images. Another application that uses the wavefield directionality is to enhance the full waveform inversion (FWI) gradient for acoustic wavefields. By enhancing wave events that are collinear and suppressing all other wave events, I am able to compute gradients that are more suitable for the inversion process. Numerical experiments show the efficacy of these applications for synthetic models that emulate the complexity of subsurface structures found in exploration seismology, such as salt bodies, diffractors, dipping layers and faults.
Weighted Polynomial Approximation Error, Szegö Curve and Growth Parameters of Analytic Functions

The Szegö curve is denoted by SRo={z∈C: |ze1−z|=Ro, |z|≤1} and let HR be the class of functions analytic in GR but not in GR’ if R<R’, GRo=int SRo’, 0<Ro<R<1. In this paper we have studied growth parameters in terms of weighted polynomial approximation errors on SRo for the functions f∈HR having rapidly increasing maximum modulus so that the order of f(z) is infinite.
Judicious use of the YouTube platform as a complementary source of reliable medical information for physiotherapy students — a paradigm shift in educational methodology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

: Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a paradigm shift in the pedagogical methodology for a resilient medical educational university system. The epidemiological context has imposed a large-scale closure of universities and disturbed traditional methods of teaching and learning (the direct face-to-face patient-student clinical interactions). Social networks such as the YouTube platform seemed to be a complementary source for medical information, providing a modern, viable e-health strategy for physiotherapy students. Only nine studies addressed rehabilitation in various pathologies, but none of them analyzed the quality of videos focusing on neuraxial rehabilitation. Methods. During the 2021–2022 academic year, six undergraduate license theses focused on the frequently encountered pathology in the Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Clinic of TEHBA: rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson`s disease, and disk hernia. The studies started with the hypothesis that the materials posted on the YouTube platform might have variable-quality content depending on the provider who posted the film. The students were given guidance to search for and select the videos and instructions to use the DISCERN and global quality (GQS) scales and to classify the technical and scientific features of each item using descriptive analysis. These qualitative Likert scales assess several video parameters, including the audio-visual flow, the content's medical knowledge value, and its applicability to physiotherapy students. Given the use of public-domain videos available to the general public and posted in the mass media on the YouTube platform, the approval of the Ethical Council was not necessary. Results. Each movie's scientific content was assessed according to its significance, relevance, and clarity. Videos posted to the YouTube platform by healthcare professionals (including experienced physiotherapists), healthcare institutions, and academic health organizations achieved the highest DISCERN and GQS scores compared to other video sources. Videos posted by vloggers (independent authors or patients) received the lowest reliability and quality scores. Discussion. The article presents a timely and relevant study on integrating digital tools in medical education. Although many YouTube videos with kinesiotherapy and rehabilitation content have offered valuable information, students and younger residents should be aware that the social platform sometimes fails to provide high-quality content. YouTube administrators, vloggers, and publishers should use validity scales (such as DISCERN and GQS) as standard guides for quality self-control and promote reliable, evidence-based medical information. Conclusions. A judicious use of e-health education and social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic represented complementary sources of reliable medical information for physiotherapy students.
Great Than The Sum: Integrated Information In Large Brain Networks

Recent work in information theory has produced a sound measure of integrated information based on time-series data, which quantifies how much more information a system carries than the sum of its parts. As a principled measure of global information in complex systems, integrated information holds the promise of transforming a number of scientific fields, particularly neuroscience. Unfortunately, the measurement of integrated information involves a combinatorial search problem, which has made it impossible to measure this quantity in large systems such as brains. Here, we present a solution to this problem, reducing the computation time for large systems from longer than the timespan of the universe to just several hours. After evaluating our solution, we demonstrate that brain connectomes are structured in ways that facilitate high integrated information and provide the first measurement of integrated information in a real nervous system: the brain of Caenorhabditis elegans.
The mixed boundary value problems for uniformly elliptic equations in
modified local generalized Sobolev-Morrey spaces

We consider problems which arise as mathematical models of various applied problems, mechanics, physics and so on. By using these results we prove the solvability of the mixed boundary value problem for a polyharmonic equation in modified local generalized Sobolev-Morrey spaces. We obtain a priori estimates for the solutions of the mixed boundary value problems for the uniformly elliptic equations in modified local generalized
The Effect of Hydrolyzed Pectin as a Sugar Substitute on The Physicochemical Properties of Pineapple Spread

Pineapple is a fruit that is widely produced in Indonesia. Pineapple can be processed into jam or fruit spread to extend its shelf life. However, jam contains high amount of sugar. High consumption of sugar in the diet can contribute to a high kilojoules diet or known as 'energy dense' and thus contribute to the development of health problems like obesity or diabetes. Sugar has important role in the jam. It binds water molecules to build spreadable product. Pectin can also bind water molecules and cannot be digested by human body but addition of pectin as sugar replacement cannot build spreadable product because pectin molecules is much longer than sucrose. Thus, depolymerization through hydrolysis is needed on pectin molecule. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the effect of different hydrolyzed pectins as substitute for sucrose in a pineapple spread. The physicochemical properties of hydrolyzed pectin (viscosity and color value) and pineapple spreads made from the hydrolyzed pectin (color value, degree of brix, water activity, syneresis and spreadability) were investigated. The results showed that pectin treated with 0.05 M of HCl for 96 h produced the best pineapple spreads based on water activity and percentage of syneresis results. Moreover, pineapple spreads made from pectin treated with 0.05 M of HCl for 96 h has the most similar color and spreadability to the one with sucrose.
Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of Novel Measures of Therapist Practice Related to LGBTQ+ Clients

Background: Culturally competent and equitable mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ people is critical for addressing mental health inequities for this population. Tools to assess therapists’ practice with LGBTQ+ clients are needed for research and clinical efforts related to mental healthcare equity goals. Methods: We conducted a preliminary assessment of the reliability and validity of a novel 28-item self-report measure assessing therapist practice with LGBTQ+ clients. We examined the construct validity using factor analyses, the convergent and criterion validity using intercorrelations with LGBTQ-affirming knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes, and the internal consistency using Cronbach alpha. Results: Our overall total LGBTQ+ practice measure demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91) and was strongly associated with LGBTQ+ knowledge (rho = 0.377), self-efficacy (rho = 0.633), and LGBTQ+ attitudes (rho = 0.305). We also identified two subscales: “Commitment to Continued Learning” and “Affirmative Practices”, which demonstrated similarly strong internal consistency and tests of validity. Conclusions: Our novel measure of overall LGBTQ+ practice, including two subscales, demonstrated strong reliability and validity. These findings have important implications for practice and research in mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ clients. Future research exploring these measures in relationship to mental healthcare outcomes is recommended.
Optimization of gelatin nanofabrication as a potential biocompatible nanocarrier

Gelatin is a promising natural biomaterial used as a drug delivery system for various indications. It is a cheap, abundant, and safe protein derived from collagen with proven biodegradation, biocompatibility, and non-immunogenicity. According to its source, gelatin can be obtained by acid or alkaline hydrolysis, which affects its physicochemical properties. Gelatin B is more negatively charged than gelatin A, with respective isoelectric points (IEP) of 5 and 8.5. Different gelatin drug delivery systems have been obtained including microparticles, nanoparticles, fibers, and hydrogels. Furthermore, gelatin has multiple functional groups that enable its crosslinking and other modulations to achieve specific targeting, improve and sustain drug action, and control side effects. The scope of this study was to investigate the effect of various parameters affecting the obtainment of a stable gelatin nano-system. Four important factors were scrutinized using the double desolvation method: pH, type, and method of addition of water-miscible antisolvents, and finally the polymer concentration. The obtained nanoparticles were evaluated for their particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential.
Effect of potassium application on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane

Application of potassium treatments involved three levels of potassium (0, 50 and 100kg K 2 O/ha) and four methods of application (100% as basal, 50% as basal + 50% at onset of monsoon, 50% as basal + 50% in October, and 50% on onset of monsoon + 50% in October). Level of 100 kg K 2 O/ha applied as basal recorded significantly higher number of tillers, millable canes, cane yield and sugar production as compared with other treatments, whereas late and split application of potassium (100kg K 2 O/ha - 50% at onset of monsoon + 50% in October) showed higher values of quality parameters, in comparison to basal application.
The Effectiveness of Using Laser Therapy on Outcome of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients : A Literature Review

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel structure in the wrist. If the CTS condition is not treated, complications will occur such as irreversible damage to the median nerve resulting in permanent impairment and disability, chronic wrist pain, and muscle atrophy and weakness. Currently there are various CTS therapies such as splinting , local injection of corticosteroids, oral medications such as prednisone, physical therapy such as carpal bone mobilization, ultrasound therapy , and nerve glides exercises , as well as surgical therapy. However, these various therapies have not provided optimal results and there are complications such as neuromas, hypertrophic wounds, dysesthesia, wrist joint stiffness, and the inability of various to reduce CTS symptoms. Therefore, more effective therapy with minimal side effects is needed. Therefore, in this literature review, an analysis of the effect of laser therapy on various outcomes of CTS patients as an innovative therapy was carried out. Study searches were performed on various databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect , Directory of Open Access Journal , Epistemonikos, and Cochrane Library . From the search results obtained a total of 389 studies. The 7 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were the studies that were analyzed in this literature review. Various types of laser therapy showed better outcome results than the control group, with LLLT laser therapy showing the best results in various outcomes in CTS patients. LLLT laser therapy also shows better results when combined with other types of therapy. No adverse events were reported with any type of laser therapy in all inclusion studies. Therapy is the newest type of innovative therapy with better effects and minimal side effects compared to conventional therapy in CTS patients.
Austrolebias toba (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae), una especie nueva de pez anual de la Argentina

Austrolebias toba (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae), a new species of annual fish from Argentina. Austrolebias toba sp. n. is described from temporary ponds of the lower rio Bermejo basin, in the proximity of the mouth, from Chaco province, Argentina. This new species, is distinguished from all other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin origin anterior to anal-fin origin; dorsal profile of head straight or slightly concave; male body green bluish with some light small dots arranged on vertical lines on flank; very small dots light blue iridescent scattered on unpaired fins; a longitudinal stripe light blue on upper half of dorsal fin of male; dorsal-fin base longer that anal-fin base; pectoral and pelvic fins green bluish; median and posterior dorsal-fin rays of females longer than remainig ones forming an acute posterior tip; round black spots on anterior and middle portion of flank of female. Additional data of the habitat and behaviour in aquarium are added.
Interações genótipos x épocas de semeadura, anos e locais na avaliação de cultivares de feijão nas regiões Sul e Alto Paranaíba em Minas Gerais.

No Estado de Minas Gerais, o feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pode ser cultivado praticamente durante todo o ano. Contudo, ha uma enorme variacao nas condicoes climaticas, especialmente temperatura e precipitacao, durante as diferentes safras, locais e anos. Para verificar qual dentre esses fatores ambientais - ano, local ou epoca de semeadura - apresenta maior interacao com os genotipos, visando a orientar os trabalhos de melhoramento, vinte e cinco cultivares foram avaliadas durante os anos de 1994 e 1995, em tres locais das regioes Sul e Alto Paranaiba em Minas Gerais - Lambari, Lavras e Patos de Minas.
Nanocarriers and nonviral methods for delivering antiangiogenic factors for glioblastoma therapy: the story so far

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is an essential component of glioblastoma (GB) progression. The development of angiogenesis inhibitor therapy, including treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in particular, raised new hopes for the treatment of GB, but no Phase III clinical trial to date has reported survival benefits relative to standard treatment. There are several possible reasons for this limited efficacy, including VEGF-independent angiogenesis, induction of tumor invasion, and inefficient antiangiogenic factor delivery to the tumor. Efforts have been made to overcome these limitations by identifying new angiogenesis inhibitors that target angiogenesis through different mechanisms of action without inducing tumor invasion, and through the development of viral and nonviral delivery methods to improve antiangiogenic activity. Herein, we describe the nonviral methods, including convection-enhanced delivery devices, implantable polymer devices, nanocarriers, and cellular vehicles, to deliver antiangiogenic factors. We focus on those evaluated in intracranial (orthotopic) animal models of GB, the most relevant models of this disease, as they reproduce the clinical scenario of tumor progression and therapy response encountered in GB patients.
Electrochemical-magnetic method for the recovery of concentrated effluent from water membrane processes

In this study, the electrochemical-magnetic production of chlorine from concentrated effluent (brine) was investigated. The efficiency and effectiveness of this process was evaluated using dif - ferent experimental settings in an electrochemical-magnetic plant. The magnetic fields were created by a neodymium magnet with a magnetic flux density of 0.8 T. Box–Behnken design and response surface method were used to optimize the process and determine the optimal values of parameters for maximum chlorine production. The results showed that the optimal condition of the chlorine generation was 19.8 mg/L (as free chlorine residual) that was obtained at the NaCl concentration of 16.8 g/L, the electric potential of 6 V, the electrolysis time of 7.5 min and the current density of 20 mA/cm 2 . The results showed that the magnetic electrochemical approach leads to higher chlo - rine production (186 mg/L) than the electrochemical method (137 mg/L). Moreover, the pro - duced active chlorine was optimized based on energy consumption, which was 77 mg/L for the energy consumption of 0.2 kWh/l. The application of magnetic fields in conjunction with electrol - ysis process presented a promising approach for chlorine production from the concentrated brine effluent of water membrane processes. This can be attributed to the Lorentz force, which acts on charged particles in the presence of a magnetic field, causing them to move in a certain direction. This alternative method has the potential to reduce the cost and environmental impacts associated with chlorine production, making it a sui table option for industrial applications.
Assessing Knowledge Configuration of New Product Development Teams and Performance

In order to better understand how team composition is related to performance, this research investigates new product development (NPD) team composition and performance based on the individual team member’s knowledge rather than the function to which he or she is currently assigned. A survey of 174 technology firms in Korea, rated as “excellent” companies, shows that the inclusion of multi knowledge members with both marketing and technological knowledge in NPD teams significantly improves innovativeness and time efficiency in comparison to NPD teams without such diverse membership. These findings help illuminate previous contradictory findings in the NPD literature and show the important role of multi knowledge members in NPD performance for senior managers to consider when staffing such teams.
Structure of the ponga unit: evidence for secondary oroclinal buckling in the foreland fold and thrust belt of the Variscan orogen, Cantabrian orocline, northern Spain

Supervisory Committee Dr. Stephen T. Johnston (School of Earth and Ocean Sciences) Supervisor Dr. Kristin Morell Departmental Member The origin of the Cantabrian orocline of the Variscan orogen in NW Iberia remains a topic of debate. We present a structural study of the Ponga Unit, a Cambrian to Carboniferous tectonostratigraphic package within the Variscan foreland fold and thrust belt that lies within the core region of the Cantabrian orocline. Our primary goal is to determine if the structure of the Ponga Unit is attributable to secondary orocline formation or if west-plunging regional folds in the area reflect lateral ramps in underlying Variscan thrust sheets. Our mapping and structural analysis within the Ponga Unit focuses on the Laviana, Rioseco and Campo de Caso thrust sheets, and associated bounding thrusts. More than 800 structural orientation measurements were collected across the study area during a four-week field campaign. These data, coupled with data compiled from regional geological maps, allow for analysis of the crustal structure. West-plunging folds of the Laviana, Rioseco and Campo de Caso thrust sheets form km-scale anticline-syncline pairs, producing a complex fold interference pattern that is characteristic of the Ponga Unit. Our analysis shows that: 1) the geometry of the west-plunging folds is inconsistent with a lateral-ramp related interpretation; 2) the map pattern resembles a mushroom fold interference pattern that is the result of two deformation phases including secondary, orocline-related N-S shortening immediately after the cessation of E-W Variscan shortening; and 3) paleomagnetic data, notably a ‘B’ remanence magnetism, in the Ponga Unit likely overlaps in time with the cessation of Variscan deformation and records postVariscan deformation associated with the onset of oroclinal buckling. Our results indicate that early N-S trending folds, which resulted from Variscan orogenesis, were refolded by a N-S oriented compressive stress that is attributable to the secondary buckling of the Cantabrian orocline.