Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates Originating from a Single Ready-Mix Concrete Plant

The waste produced from ready-mixed concrete (RMC) industries poses an environmental challenge regarding recycling. Three different waste products form RMC plants were investigated for use as recycled aggregates in construction applications. Crushed hardened concrete from test specimens of at least 40 MPa compressive strength (HR) and crushed hardened concrete from returned concrete (CR) were tested for their suitability as concrete aggregates and then used as fine and coarse aggregate in new concrete mixtures. In addition, cement sludge fines (CSF) originating from the washing of concrete trucks were tested for their properties as filler for construction applications. Then, CSF was used at 10% and 20% replacement rates as a cement replacement for mortar production and as an additive for soil stabilization. The results show that, although there is some reduction in the properties of the resulting concrete, both HR and CR can be considered good-quality recycled aggregates, especially when the coarse fraction is used. Furthermore, HR performs considerably better than CR both as coarse and as fine aggregate. CSF seems to be a fine material with good properties as a filler, provided that it is properly crushed and sieved through a 75 μm sieve.
Seed Priming With Melatonin Promotes Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Triticale hexaploide L. Under PEG-6000 Induced Drought Stress

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT) can mitigate abotic stress, including drought stress on a number of crops. However, it is unclear whether and how seed priming with melatonin alleviates the effects of drought stress on seed germination and seedling growth of triticale (Triticale hexaploide L.). In this study, we investigated the effects of seed priming with MT on seed germination, protective enzyme activity, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide in triticale under PEG-6000 induced drought stress. Seed priming with 20 μM MT alleviated the adverse effects of PEG-6000 induced drought stress on seed germination and seedling growth. Triticale seeds primed with 20 μM MT exhibited improved germination potential, germination rate, germ and radicle length. Specifically, MT priming increased the germination rate by 57.67% compared with unprimed seeds. Seed priming with melatonin also alleviated the adverse effects of PEG-6000 induced drought stress on triticale seedlings. MT pretreatment with 20 μM significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, plant height, leaf area, and relative chlorophyll concentration, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde content in the seeds (germ and radicle) and seedlings (leaf and root). Collectively, these results suggest that seed priming with melatonin promotes ROS scavenging capacity and enhances energy supply and antioxidant enzyme activities to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress in triticale.
The Antisenescence Effect of Exosomes from Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Skin Fibroblasts

Human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become a promising therapeutic approach against skin aging. Recent studies confirm that exosomes partially mediate the therapeutic effect of stem cells. This study successfully isolated exosomes from the ADSC culture medium and discovered that ADSC-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) could alleviate human dermal fibroblast (HDF) senescence and stimulate HDF migration. Moreover, ADSC-Exos increased the type I collagen expression level and reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity in HDFs. In addition, we demonstrated that ADSC-Exos significantly inhibited senescence-related protein expression levels of p53, p21, and p16. In conclusion, our results have revealed the antisenescence effects of ADSC-Exos on HDFs and ADSC-Exos may be a novel cell-free therapeutic tool for antiaging.
Risk stratification and in-hospital outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background: Death and morbidity are caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which include ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and unstable angina (UA), are the most common causes of death among those with CAD. The aim of the study was to define the demographic profile of patients with ACS in a tertiary care center, to identify risk factors in the profile of patients with ACS, to learn about the management of ACS in tertiary health care centers, and to estimate in-hospital outcomes in ACS patients at a tertiary health care center. Methods: The study was carried out in the Cardiology Department of Batra hospital and Medical Research Center, New Delhi, India. The Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital reviewed and approved the study protocol. Data Collected Included: Sociodemographic data, anthropometric data, clinical history, significant past medical history, medications, current clinical status of the patient, and investigations including electrocardiogram (ECG), electrocardiogram (ECHO), and coronary artery graft. Results: Age groups and type of ACS were having a statistically significant association (p = 0.04). A majority of patients with ACS were seen in the 55–74 years age group. Tobacco abuse was more common in STEMI patients as compared to other types of ACS. There was significant variation between risk stratification of ACS patients by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction and Global Registry of Acute Cardiac Events scores. Single vessel disease (SVD) patients dominated both the STEMI [26 (50.9%)] and UA [13 (52%)] groups. There was a highly significant association between a specific line of treatment and type of ACS (p < 0.0001). A majority of patients underwent percutaneous intervention (69% of 100). Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was done in five (5/100) patients only. Thrombolysis was advocated in three (5.7%) patients with Streptokinase (SK) and two patients with Tenecteplase (TNK). Conclusion: There was a marked preponderance of STEMI in younger patients but it was less marked in older patients, according to the study. All conventional risk factors were represented in all types of ACS but hypertension and tobacco abuse were more consistent risk factors associated with STEMI.
Resting-State EEG Functional Connectivity in Children with Rolandic Spikes with or without Clinical Seizures

Alterations in dynamic brain network function are increasingly recognized in epilepsy. Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), or benign rolandic seizures, is the most common idiopathic focal epilepsy in children. In this study, we analyzed EEG functional connectivity (FC) among children with rolandic spikes with or without clinical seizures as compared to controls, to investigate the relationship between FC and clinical parameters in children with rolandic spikes. The FC analysis based on graph theory and network-based statistics in different frequency bands evaluated global efficiency, clustering coefficient, betweenness centrality, and nodal strength in four frequency bands. Similar to BECTS patients with seizures, children with rolandic spikes without seizures had significantly increased global efficiency, mean clustering coefficient, mean nodal strength, and connectivity strength, specifically in the theta frequency band at almost all proportional thresholds, compared with age-matched controls. Decreased mean betweenness centrality was only present in BECTS patients with seizures. Age at seizure onset was significantly positively associated with the strength of EEG-FC. The decreased function of betweenness centrality was only presented in BECTS patients with clinical seizures, suggesting weaker local connectivity may lower the seizure threshold. These findings may affect treatment policy in children with rolandic spikes.
Childhood post-traumatic stress disorder: A post-flood overview

Flood disasters bring a huge impact to human life, both physically and psychologically. Children are vulnerable groups who are at greater risk during and after a disaster. The most common psychological effect after a disaster is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to detect early PTSD in children who were victims of the flood disaster. This research applied a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. 61 child victims were included in the study. The research was conducted in Jeneponto Regency which is one of the worst flood locations in South Sulawesi during 2019. The instrument used is the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), which consists of 20 items of questions. The study shows that children who experience PTSD are equal to 39.3% and did not experience PTSD as much as 60,7%. The most common symptoms of PTSD that were identified in children was re-experiencing with an average of 86.7%. It can be concluded that Incidence of PTSD could increase in children since a month after the disaster by experiencing symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in mood cognition, and hyperarousal. Age, gender, and exposure are also at risk for developing PTSD in children. Therefore, it is recommended for health workers to provide immediate treatment to the child victims of the disaster to reduce trauma. Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder, children, flood, disaster
Efficient Dynamic Analysis of Foundation Via a Coupled Axisymmetric SBFEM-3D FEM

An axisymmetric scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) for the elastodynamic analysis of 3D layered continua is derived in frequency domain. The general three-dimensional unbounded domain can be divided into a number of independent two-dimensional problems and this analysis offers considerable savings in storage and computation times as compared to a full three-dimensional analysis. A new coupled formulation has been established to match the axi-symmetrically modeled unbounded far field to a general 3D finite element of the near field. The derived formulation will be used for frequency domain analysis of foundation embedded in or resting on a layered elastic soil supported by the surface of rigid bedrock. The dynamic response calculated using the proposed method is compared with analytical or numerical solutions. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and high efficiency of the proposed new method.
Cerebellar Differences after Rehabilitation in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects a child’s ability to learn motor skills. Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is one of the recommended treatments to help achieve functional motor goals. The purpose of this study was to determine if CO-OP intervention induces functional improvements and structural changes in the cerebellum of children with DCD. Using a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of CO-OP intervention on cerebellar volume in 47 children with DCD (8–12 years old). Outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS), and Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2. The SUIT toolbox was used to carry out voxel-based morphometry using T1-weighted MRI scans. Children with DCD showed improved motor outcomes and increased gray matter volume in the brainstem, right crus II, bilateral lobules VIIIb, and left lobule IX following CO-OP. Significant associations were found between PQRS scores and regional gray matter changes in the brainstem, right crus II, right lobule VIIb, right and left lobule VIIIb, and vermis IX. Given the improved motor and brain outcomes with CO-OP, it is recommended that children with DCD be referred for this rehabilitation intervention.
Can Small-Holder Trees Supplement the Public Plantations in the Wood Market? The Case of Kenya’s Logging Moratorium

Kenya’s public forest sector plantations have been the main source of round-wood for wood-based industries but several factors have reduced its capacity to meet increasing demands, resulting in huge deficits. The growth of smallholder forestry over the last three decades has demonstrated the potential to supplement the deficits. The imposed logging moratorium in public and community forests in 2002-2012 and 2018 not only opened markets for smallholder tree growers but also increased demand pressure from various wood consumers. This paper presents an assessment of the status of farm-based wood resources three years within the latest moratorium period and the potential of farm tree resources to complement wood from public forest plantations. Data were collected from 56 households using semi-structured interviews, key in-formants interviews, and a rapid assessment of standing and harvested trees from 146 on-farm plots. The main commercial tree species found on the farms were; Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus sp. , Grevillea robusta, Pinus patula, and Acacia mearnsii. Eucalypts were the most planted trees with an average land size of 1.08 ha. The farm tree resources have sustained some level of wood demand since the moratorium, as indicated by the high volume of wood harvested. The study found that about 40% of current wood resources consisted of trees less than 5 years, and most harvests were of small diameter classes which are essentially juvenile wood and are unsuitable for structural and fur-niture techniques be undertaken and a progressive and supportive policy framework on harvesting and trade of trees on-farm be developed.
Exogenous Hormone Factors in Relation to the Risk of Malignant Melanoma in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Many epidemiological studies have examined the relationship between cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and both endogenous oestrogen exposure (e.g., age at menarche and parity) and exogenous hormone use (e.g., oral contraceptives (OCs) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)). Though a previous meta-analysis investigating the relationship between characteristics of female endocrine status and CMM risk found no significant association, the potential role of THERAPY AS oral contraceptive (OC) and hormonal replacement therapy (MHT) use still remains controversial. Since then, several studies have been published about the therapy with contrasting results, while CMM incidence continues to increase with a significant gender divergence. The therapy of OC and MHT may play a role in CMM and the removal of this could be useful as emerging therapeutics in melanoma. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence and derive a more accurate estimation of exogenous hormone factors in women and CMM. Abstract The influence of exogenous female hormones on the risk of developing malignant melanoma in women remains controversial. The aim of our review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence and derive a more accurate estimation of the association between oral contraceptives (OCs) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and the risk of developing malignant melanoma in women. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus database were searched for studies published up until October 2021. The PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Studies were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was explored with the chi-square-based Cochran’s Q statistic and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed with Begg’s test and Egger’s test. Forty-six studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled analysis (26 studies) on OC use and the risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) showed no significant association, but demonstrated significant association for cohort studies (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16; I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.544). The pooled analysis (16 studies) showed a significantly increased risk of CMM in association with MHT (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23; I2 = 25.32%, p = 0.169). Stratifying the results by study design showed that a significant increased risk of CMM was associated with MHT in the cohort studies (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04–1.19; I2 = 0%, p = 0.467). No significant publication bias could be detected. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential association with formulation, duration of use, and dosage of use, and to better understand the role of possible confounders.
Sex-dependent effects of threatening emotion on perceived gaze direction

ABSTRACT Facial expressions can influence the perception of gaze direction. However, whether the sexes modulate the interaction between emotion and gaze direction remains a controversial topic. Here, we used a gaze direction judgment task and measured the cone of direct gaze (CoDG) as an index of perceived being looked at himself/herself. The results showed that participants’ sex modulated the role of emotion in gaze direction. Regarding males , the CoDG for angry faces was significantly wider than that for neutral and fearful faces, and a marginally significant difference was found in the CoDGs between fearful and neutral faces. Concerning females, the CoDG for angry and fearful faces was significantly wider than that for neutral faces, with no significant difference between fearful and angry faces. These findingssuggest that individual sex is a vital factor in modulating the interaction between gaze direction and facial expression.
More Information, Greater Appreciation: The Correlation between Background Information and Aesthetic Judgment of Tourist Crafts

More information is often correlated with greater appreciation. Drawing on the model of aesthetic appreciation and aesthetic judgment in art psychology, this study aims to investigate changes in tourists’ aesthetic judgments of tourist crafts when provided with different background information. Blue calico, an art form created through white pulp dyeing and printing, is an intangible cultural heritage of China. The photographs used in this study illustrate typical examples of blue calicos that are commonly sold in tourist gift shops in Wuzhen, China. Data from a sample of 133 participants (49 women and 84 men) was analyzed using Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA. We examined to what extent respondents varied their assessments of the calicos based on author manipulation of background factors, such as commentaries by the artist or details about the production process. We found that tourists’ impressions of the aesthetics of blue calicos were predicted by background factors, especially those of tourists who were less interested in high arts. Specifically, blue calicos reported to tourists with names that conveyed an auspicious meaning predicted tourists’ assessments of the calicos as more aesthetically pleasing. Explanations of the production process also predicted an increased appreciation of calico aesthetics. Conversely, artists’ commentaries were not significantly correlated with an increased aesthetic merit of calicos. Understanding what may affect tourists’ assessment of art could help those in the tourism industry market souvenirs to drive sales and enhance tourists’ understanding and appreciation of intangible cultural heritage.
A spatial analysis of public transport accessibility
in Slovenia

This article analyses the accessibility of public transport in Slovenia in terms of the proximity of stops and trip frequency. By combining the Central Population Register with data on the provision of public transport services, geographic information systems were used to calculate the share of the population living within a 500 and 1,000 m radius from stops with a basic number of daily trips. The spatial differences in accessibility were analysed, and the population density data were utilized to identify the main gaps in provision. Moreover, the location of newer settlements was analysed in terms of their integration into the existing public transport network. It was determined that public transport accessibility in the country is relatively adequate within a 1,000 m radius; however, within a 500 m radius, it is adequate only in most urban areas. There are extensive areas without adequate accessibility, which is a consequence of low population density particularly in the countryside, whereas larger gaps in provision appear in suburban areas that have grown outside public transport corridors. The 2004–2020 study period revealed a trend of lower demographic growth than the Slovenian average in areas with the best public transport accessibility, whereas the areas of the greatest population growth and most intense residential construction have been only partly located in the vicinity of the public transport network. This confirms the hypothesis that current strategic spatial planning documents are not followed consistently, and that transport and spatial planning are insufficiently integrated.
Exploring Functional Diversity and Community Structure of Diazotrophic Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Pennisetum glaucum Growing under Field in a Semi-Arid Region

Diazotrophic endophytic bacteria (DEB) are the key drivers of nitrogen fixation in rainfed soil ecosystems and, hence, can influence the growth and yield of crop plants. Therefore, the present work investigated the structure and composition of the DEB community at different growth stages of field-grown pearl millet plants, employing the cultivation-dependent method. Diazotrophy of the bacterial isolates was confirmed by acetylene reduction assay and amplification of the nifH gene. ERIC-PCR-based DNA fingerprinting, followed by 16S rRNA gene analysis of isolates recovered at different time intervals, demonstrated the highest bacterial diversity during early (up to 28 DAS (Days after sowing)) and late (63 DAS onwards) stages, as compared to the vegetative growth stage (28–56 DAS). Among all species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most dominant endophyte. Assuming modulation of the immune response as one of the tactics for successful colonization of P. aeruginosa PM389, we studied the expression of the profile of defense genes of wheat, used as a host plant, in response to P. aeruginosa inoculation. Most of the pathogenesis-related PR genes were induced initially (at 6 h after infection (HAI)), followed by their downregulation at 12 HAI. The trend of bacterial colonization was quantified by qPCR of 16S rRNAs. The results obtained in the present study indicated an attenuated defense response in host plants towards endophytic bacteria, which is an important feature that helps endophytes establish themselves inside the endosphere of roots.
Citizen Attitude and Trust in Government during COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The trust in government, sources of information, and government actions are key to successful pandemic management. This study explored the factors associated with these three phenomena during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. An online survey with a sample of size 885 from Bangladesh was conducted in June-July 2020. The primary distribution of three scales suggested that 75% of the sample had low trust in the government or have low confidence on the steps taken by them. Foreign mass media and academic journals were the most trusted sources of information, and trust in health ministry of Bangladesh was the lowest. Linear regression models showed that occupation, income, financial loss during the pandemic, and self-assessed knowledge on COVID-19 were associated with different trust scales. The findings suggest that for an efficient and citizen-supported COVID-19 response, government should have a wider information dissemination system through multifaceted channels and make citizens understand the rationality for each action.