Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental and theoretical investigation on road pavements and materials through ground-penetrating radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is being increasingly used over the last years in a wide range of applications, due to its flexibility and high potential to provide characterization and imaging of structures and materials. Overall, several reasons are contributing to increase the demand for the use of this tool and non-destructive testing techniques (NDTs) in general. Amongst all, it is worth citing technological advances of both hardware and software elements, an intrinsic lower significance of measurements provided by traditional monitoring techniques along with their greater invasiveness in measuring processes and, last but not least, the impacts of Global Economic Crisis on the use of economic resources affecting for years countries worldwide. The combination of such factors has led the interest of several skill profiles spanning from researchers, practitioners and end-users in general, and focused the attention of governments and local authorities on the high capabilities to gather a large amount of information in a relatively short time of surveying. In the field of pavement engineering, GPR has been used since the early 1980s mostly focusing on the geometrical characterization of road structure, by evaluating layer thicknesses. Minor care has been given to the analysis of the main causes of damage and performance properties of pavements, in order to improve management of infrastructural asset through effective and efficient maintenance and rehabilitation actions, as well as to provide best conditions in design of new roads. In that regard, this thesis is aimed to give a useful contribution also in the perspective of road safety issues by improving current processes of management and maintenance of road asset, along with the design of new roads, and provide effective support for the application and practical use of the tools described. Efforts have been spent in order to detect and quantify those physical and strength characteristics of road materials and subgrade soils that are relevant causes of damage, such that an effective planning of supporting actions for maintenance, rehabilitation and design of new roads may be timely performed. Three main topics are addressed, namely: i) the evaluation of moisture spatial field in subgrade soils through a self-consistent frequency-based technique and the analysis of radar support scale in small-scale measurements of water content; ii) the potential to detect and quantify clay content in load-bearing layers and subgrade soils through different GPR tools and signal processing techniques, and iii) the possibility to infer strength and deformation characteristics of both bound, unbound pavement structures, and subgrade soils from their electric properties. The results are encouraging for applications in the field of pavement engineering.
Morphometric features of drug-resistant essential tremor and recovery after stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy

Abstract Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder. Its neural underpinnings remain unclear. Here, we quantified structural covariance between cortical thickness (CT), surface area (SA), and mean curvature (MC) estimates in patients with ET before and 1 year after ventro-intermediate nucleus stereotactic radiosurgical thalamotomy, and contrasted the observed patterns with those from matched healthy controls. For SA, complex rearrangements within a network of motion-related brain areas characterized patients with ET. This was complemented by MC alterations revolving around the left middle temporal cortex and the disappearance of positive-valued covariance across both modalities in the right fusiform gyrus. Recovery following thalamotomy involved MC readjustments in frontal brain centers, the amygdala, and the insula, capturing nonmotor characteristics of the disease. The appearance of negative-valued CT covariance between the left parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus was another recovery mechanism involving high-level visual areas. This was complemented by the appearance of negative-valued CT/MC covariance, and positive-valued SA/MC covariance, in the right inferior temporal cortex and bilateral fusiform gyrus. Our results demonstrate that different morphometric properties provide complementary information to understand ET, and that their statistical cross-dependences are also valuable. They pinpoint several anatomical features of the disease and highlight routes of recovery following thalamotomy.
Establishment of an optimized CTC detection model consisting of EpCAM, MUC1 and WT1 in epithelial ovarian cancer and its correlation with clinical characteristics

Objective Emerging studies have demonstrated the promising clinical value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for diagnosis, disease assessment, treatment monitoring and prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the clinical application of CTC remains restricted due to diverse detection techniques with variable sensitivity and specificity and a lack of common standards. Methods We enrolled 160 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer as the experimental group, and 90 patients including 50 patients with benign ovarian tumor and 40 healthy females as the control group. We enriched CTCs with immunomagnetic beads targeting two epithelial cell surface antigens (EpCAM and MUC1), and used multiple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detecting three markers (EpCAM, MUC1 and WT1) for quantification. And then we used a binary logistic regression analysis and focused on EpCAM, MUC1 and WT1 to establish an optimized CTC detection model. Results The sensitivity and specificity of the optimized model is 79.4% and 92.2%, respectively. The specificity of the CTC detection model is significantly higher than CA125 (92.2% vs. 82.2%, P=0.044), and the detection rate of CTCs was higher than the positive rate of CA125 (74.5% vs. 58.2%, P=0.069) in early-stage patients (stage I and II). The detection rate of CTCs was significantly higher in patients with ascitic volume ≥500 mL, suboptimal cytoreductive surgery and elevated serum CA125 level after 2 courses of chemotherapy (P<0.05). The detection rate of CTCEpCAM+ and CTCMUC1+ was significantly higher in chemo-resistant patients (26.3% vs. 11.9%; 26.4% vs. 13.4%, P<0.05). The median progression-free survival time for CTCMUC1+ patients trended to be longer than CTCMUC1− patients, and overall survival was shorter in CTCMUC1+ patients (P=0.043). Conclusions Our study presents an optimized detection model for CTCs, which consists of the expression levels of three markers (EpCAM, MUC1 and WT1). In comparison with CA125, our model has high specificity and demonstrates better diagnostic values, especially for early-stage ovarian cancer. Detection of CTCEpCAM+ and CTCMUC1+ had predictive value for chemotherapy resistance, and the detection of CTCMUC1+ suggested poor prognosis.
Comparison of the Moist Material Relative Permittivity Readouts Using the Non-Invasive Reflectometric Sensors and Microwave Antenna

The article concerns the issue of non-invasive moisture sensing in building materials. Two techniques that enable evaluating the value of the relative permittivity of the material, being the measure of porous material moisture, have been utilized for the research. The first is the microwave technique that utilizes the non-contact measurement of velocity of microwave radiation across the tested material and the second is the time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique based on the measurement of electromagnetic pulse propagation time along the waveguides, being the elements of sensor design. The tested building material involved samples of red ceramic brick that differed in moisture, ranging between 0% and 14% moisture by weight. The main goal of the research was to present the measuring potential of both techniques for moisture evaluation as well as emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Within the research, it was stated that both methods provide similar measuring potential, with a slight advantage in favor of a microwave non-contact sensor over surface TDR sensor designs.
Vocabulary and Executive Functioning: A Scoping Review of the Unidirectional and Bidirectional Associations across Early Childhood

Early childhood marks a time where word learning is accompanied by rapid growth in the cognitive processes that underlie self-modulated and goal-directed behavior (i.e., executive functions). Although there is empirical evidence to support the association between executive functioning and vocabulary in childhood, inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the extent to which early executive functioning abilities predict later vocabulary outcomes and vice versa. To clarify the nature of the longitudinal relation between these two processes and to examine what, if any, claims can be made about their interdependence, a critical review of the literature was conducted. Also addressed are the conceptual and/or methodological differences that exist across studies conducted on this topic that may be contributing to some of the discrepancies reported in the longitudinal literature. Finally, this review provides practical and empirically informed future directions to serve as a resource for early childhood researchers advancing this area of study.
Acute inflammatory response via neutrophil activation protects against the development of chronic pain

The transition from acute to chronic pain is critically important but not well understood. Here, we investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic low back pain (LBP) and performed transcriptome-wide analysis in peripheral immune cells of 98 participants with acute LBP, followed for 3 months. Transcriptomic changes were compared between patients whose LBP was resolved at 3 months with those whose LBP persisted. We found thousands of dynamic transcriptional changes over 3 months in LBP participants with resolved pain but none in those with persistent pain. Transient neutrophil-driven up-regulation of inflammatory responses was protective against the transition to chronic pain. In mouse pain assays, early treatment with a steroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) also led to prolonged pain despite being analgesic in the short term; such a prolongation was not observed with other analgesics. Depletion of neutrophils delayed resolution of pain in mice, whereas peripheral injection of neutrophils themselves, or S100A8/A9 proteins normally released by neutrophils, prevented the development of long-lasting pain induced by an anti-inflammatory drug. Analysis of pain trajectories of human subjects reporting acute back pain in the UK Biobank identified elevated risk of pain persistence for subjects taking NSAIDs. Thus, despite analgesic efficacy at early time points, the management of acute inflammation may be counterproductive for long-term outcomes of LBP sufferers. Description Blocking neutrophil-based inflammatory processes during acute pain increases risk of chronic pain development. Beneficial inflammation Chronic pain can develop from an acute pain state. The mechanisms mediating the transition from acute to chronic pain remain to be elucidated. Here, Parisien et al. focused on the immune system using samples from patients and animal models. Transcriptomic analysis in immune cells from subjects with low back pain showed that neutrophil activation–dependent inflammatory genes were up-regulated in subjects with resolved pain, whereas no changes were observed in patients with persistent pain. In rodents, anti-inflammatory treatments prolonged pain duration and the effect was abolished by neutrophil administration. Last, clinical data showed that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with increased risk of persistent pain, suggesting that anti-inflammatory treatments might have negative effects on pain duration.
Sarilumab Administration in COVID-19 Patients: Literature Review and Considerations

Two years have passed since WHO declared a pandemic state for SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 pathogenesis consists of a first viral phase responsible for early symptoms followed by an inflammatory phase, cytokine-mediated, responsible for late-onset manifestations up to ARDS. The dysregulated immune response has an outstanding role in the progression of pulmonary damage in COVID-19. IL-6, through the induction of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, plays a key role in the development and maintenance of inflammation, acting as a pioneer of the hyperinflammatory condition and cytokine storm in severe COVID-19. Therefore, drugs targeting both IL-6 and IL-6 receptors have been evaluated in order to blunt the abnormal SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine release. Sarilumab, a high-affinity anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, may represent a promising weapon to treat the fearsome hyperinflammatory phase by improving the outcome of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Further prospective and well-designed clinical studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to assess the efficacy and the safety of this therapeutic approach to achieve improved outcomes in COVID-19.
Occupational Mobility in the ALife Data: How Reliable Are Occupational Patterns From Administrative Australian Tax Records?

The purpose of this paper is to compare the distribution of occupation and rates of occupational mobility in the ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife) and the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) datasets. As tax is not occupation dependent, occupation data from tax records may not be reliable. We find that occupational mobility in the ALife data is less than half that in the nationally representative HILDA data. In contrast, the distribution of occupation and its relationship with most key socio-economic characteristics appear relatively similar across the two datasets. However, occupation evolves differently over time in the two datasets and there are some differences between sexes. Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to compare the distribution of occupation and rates of occupational mobility in the ATO Longitudinal Information Files (ALife) and the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) datasets. As tax is not occupation dependent, occupation data from tax records may not be reliable. We find that occupational mobility in the ALife data is less than half that in the nationally representative HILDA data. In contrast, the distribution of occupation and its relationship with most key socio-economic characteristics appear relatively similar across the two datasets. However, occupation evolves differently over time in the two datasets and there are some differences between sexes.
The association between sleep disturbance and coronaphobia among physicians in primary health care centers of Ministry of Health, Jazan Province

Background: Sleep disturbances are extremely common among doctors with profound effect on quality of life. Coronaphobia is the dread of COVID-19 that can affect physicians and their sleep quality. Aim of Study: Our study aimed to assess sleep disturbance and its association with coronaphobia among primary health care (PHC) physicians in Primary Health care Centers (PHCCs) of the Ministry of Health, Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Method: The study is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational investigation using a simple random sampling scheme. The sampling frame was all PHC physicians practicing in Jazan Province. We used the Fear-of-COVID and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires. Poisson Regression modelling techniques were used to analyse the adjusted effect of sociodemographic factors on Fear-of-COVID and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality scores. Results: A total of 385 physicians participated in the study. The prevalence of poor quality of sleep among our physicians was 47.3%, while prevalence of coronaphobia was 56.2%. Coronaphobia had significant negative impact on sleep quality, even with adjustment for the effect of all other clinical and demographic variables. A rise by one point in the fear of COVID questionnaire is associated with a rise by 2.3% points in the PSQI score (indicative of poorer sleep quality, p = 0.00081). Conclusions: Coronaphobia is common and has detrimental effect of sleep quality among PHC physicians. Coronaphobia has negative impact on sleep quality. Higher burden of depressive symptoms worsens physicians’ sleep quality. Recommendations: Support for PHC physicians’ psychological and physical well-being is paramount during the current COVID-19 crisis. Keywords: Coronaphobia, sleep quality, risk factors, South-western Saudi Arabia
Implementation of Disclosure of Human Capital Reporting in Creating Corpo-rate Value at PT. Semen Indonesia

This study aims to analyze and describe how the disclosure of human capital reporting based on the principles of Human Resources Management (HRM), Human Resources Accounting (HRA) and Human Capital Management (HCM) in the annual report of PT. Semen Indonesia can create corporate value. Human capital is the most important capital for the company. Skills, knowledge and behavior that are well managed are expected to give the best contribution to support efforts to achieve the company's vision and mission. This research is a qualitative research using content analysis method. This study concludes that the disclosure of human capital reporting that is in line with the principles of HRM, HRA and HCM can create company value even though it only implements the disclosure pattern without the use of costs, metrics and indicators of achievement.
Use of information and communication technology in the study process : teachers’ experience

Aim: To analyse teachers’ experience in applying information communication technologies (from now on referred to as ICT) during the study process. Methodology: The analysis is based on a qualitative research methodology determined by the novelty of the problem under analysis. Six teachers of the University X (faculty Y) participating in the study were selected by applying a random sampling procedure and were interviewed by using the semi-structured interviews. Results: The research revealed that the use of ICT in the study process is still fragmented due to the lack of the teachers` ICT competence and to teaching priority given to direct communication. Because of the lack of higher level competence in ICT necessary for the efficient use of ICT tools in the study process, teachers as a rule resort to limited opportunities to increase the attractiveness of the process. Research limitations: in order to theoretically and empirically validate ICT applicationpossibilities in the study process, teachers of one faculty of one university have been interviewed. In view of this, the conclusions cannot be extended to all teachers. Practical significance: the research revealed problems faced by the university teachers in applying ICT during the study process. Identification of problems will facilitate a more efficient use of ICT in the study process, as well as the development of teachers’ qualification. Originality and value: the research provided more information on teachers` competence in using ICT.
Physicians’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Use of Electronic Medical Record Systems in Riyadh

Aim: This study explores the perceptions of physicians and their attitudes toward the implementation of the electronic medical record (EMR) in general hospitals in Riyadh to identify the perceived difficulties, burdens, and usefulness of implementing electronic medical records. It also aims to identify key demographic factors and training determinant predictors that may help explain physicians’ perceptions of EMRs. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in three general hospitals in Riyadh using a self-administered questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted to test the questionnaire’s reliability, and random cluster sampling was used to build the sample. Responses were rated using a Likert-type scale. Results: A total of 160 physicians filled out the questionnaire. The majority of physicians (91.3%) stated that they had heard of the EMR. Physicians rated their agreement on the usefulness of implementing the EMR positively (mean score, 3.8/5). Similar, most physicians generally agreed that the EMR could enhance their productivity (mean score, 3.6/5), prevent documentation error (mean score, 3.8/5), improve the quality of services (mean score, 3.8/5), improve the ease of finding patient records (mean score, 4.1/5), improve communication (mean score, 3.8/5), and save their patients’ time (mean score, 3.5/5). However, physicians perceived lack of technical support and reliability of the information from other hospitals as potential burdens. Pearson’s correlation test showed that greater belief in the effectiveness of the EMR was significantly associated with greater belief in its usefulness (r = 0.81, p<0.01). Likewise, greater physician perception of expected technical support was significantly associated with greater physician perception of effectiveness (r = 0.61, p<0.01). Conclusion: There is a necessity for formal educational programs to improve physicians’ overall attitude toward the EMR. Key words: Electronic medical record, Medical records, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Review of Humour Interventions to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Adults

Humour interventions can be utilized for improving health status or as complementary therapy for physical, emotional, cognitive, social, or spiritual illnesses. The aim of this review is to identify the effectiveness of humour interventions on depression, anxiety, and stress in adults. Articles published from 2015 to 2020 were searched from various databases. The PRISMA strategy was utilized to identify articles that met the inclusion criteria. The search resulted in 1701 studies, although only sixteen studies were eligible for final review. Humour interventions are safe, inexpensive, and easy to use, and contribute greatly to reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in the adult population. The types of humour intervention are indirect humour, direct humour, social humour, and self-humiliating humour. All humour interventions were of planned humour. Planned humour was the most usable in all studies. It is recommended that more high-quality studies and follow-up assessments should be carried out for future research.