Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s Disease Share Common Neurological and Ophthalmological Manifestations: A Bidirectional Risk in the Post-Pandemic Future

A growing body of evidence indicates that a neuropathological cross-talk takes place between the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -the pandemic severe pneumonia that has had a tremendous impact on the global economy and health since three years after its outbreak in December 2019- and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia among human beings, reaching 139 million by the year 2050. Even though COVID-19 is a primary respiratory disease, its causative agent, the so-called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is also endowed with high neuro-invasive potential (Neurocovid). The neurological complications of COVID-19, resulting from the direct viral entry into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and/or indirect systemic inflammation and dysregulated activation of immune response, encompass memory decline and anosmia which are typically associated with AD symptomatology. In addition, patients diagnosed with AD are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are inclined to more severe clinical outcomes. In the present review, we better elucidate the intimate connection between COVID-19 and AD by summarizing the involved risk factors/targets and the underlying biological mechanisms shared by these two disorders with a particular focus on the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, APOlipoprotein E (APOE), aging, neuroinflammation and cellular pathways associated with the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)/Amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau neuropathologies. Finally, the involvement of ophthalmological manifestations, including vitreo-retinal abnormalities and visual deficits, in both COVID-19 and AD are also discussed. Understanding the common physiopathological aspects linking COVID-19 and AD will pave the way to novel management and diagnostic/therapeutic approaches to cope with them in the post-pandemic future.
Phragmites performance in reed beds in the Tay Estuary

An extensive reed bed on the north shore of the inner Tay Estuary is briefly described. Studies in the summers of 1975, 1976 and 1978 showed it to comprise monodominant stands of Phragmites communis Trin. The standing crop of shoots was sampled at the end of the season of vegetative growth and analysed by simple biometrical methods. Certain important spatial and architectural characteristics of the community varied in a regular manner with position in the bed. Estimates of the above ground productivity of intact stands ranged from 100 to 150 tonnes/ha in a poor growing season. Commercial harvesting operations, conducted since 1975, produced an immediate and consistent decrease in shoot stature, apparently followed by a slow increase in density and productivity. The behaviour of the downshore edge of the bed and the details of its annual development above and below ground require further study.
RSA Keys Quality in a Real-world Organizational Certificate Dataset: a Practical Outlook

—This research investigates the intricacies of X.509 certificates within a comprehensive corporate infrastructure. Spanning over two decades, the examined enterprise has heavily depended on its internal certificate authority and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to uphold its data and systems security. With the broad application of these certificates, from personal identification on smart cards to device and workstation authentication via Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), our study seeks to address a pertinent question on how prevalent are weak RSA keys within such a vast internal certificate repository. Previous research focused primarily on key sets publicly accessible from TLS and SSH servers or PGP key repositories. On the contrary, our investigation provides insights into the private domain of an enterprise, introducing new dimensions to this problem. Among our considerations are the trustworthiness of hardware and software solutions in generating keys and the consequential implications of identified vulnerabilities on organizational risk management. The obtained results can contribute to enhancing security strategies in enterprises.
Two tiers of judicial officers

In this article I reflect on the conception, methodology and findings of a study of judicial officers’ psychological wellbeing undertaken by a team comprised of two psychology and two law researchers. I am one of the lawyers. The article unpicks the unexpected significance of court hierarchy for those on the bench and the ethical challenges arising from judges’ revelations of their exposure to potentially lethal degradation and abuse. Law, and I as a lawyer, view the adjudication process as outcome oriented. Judges are less visibly ‘human’ than parties, lawyers and witnesses. Instead, judges present and perform the Law. This lawyer anticipated judges’ tasks of deploying legal knowledge at high levels, confronting graphic evidence and high profile unfair public criticism would be prominent triggers to invoking judicial stress. My psychology colleagues drew on psychological trauma literature that suggests that unlike first responders, judges are high-achieving professionals exercising authority in complex, highly visible, but isolating environments. The study’s findings were surprising, debunking my expectation of relatively homogeneous judicial experiences. Instead, they showed that the impact and nature of magistrates’ exposure to workplace trauma is sui generis.
Seasonal Change in Photosynthetic Activity of Photoautotrophic Picoplankton in Lake Biwa.

Seasonal changes in the photosynthetic activity of pico phytoplankton and its contribution to total primary productivity in surface waters at eleven pelagic stations in the north and south basin were examined. Chlorophyll-α concentration of the pico phytoplankton was 0.3 to 5.7 mg chl.a m-3, and was two times higher in the south basin than in the north basin. High standing crops were observed from late July through August. The photosynthetic rate of the pico phytoplankton was 0.9 to 36 mg C m-3 hr-1 and changed seasonally according to a pattern. High values were obtained in the south basin and throughout the lake during summer. The seasonal changing pattern in photosynthetic rates of the larger phytoplankton showed quite a difference from that of the pico phytoplankton. The assimilation number of the pico phytoplankton was 1.8 to 7.3 mg C mg chl. α-1 hr-1 and changed seasonally with high values in summer. The percentage of the standing crop of the pico phytoplankton in the total phytoplankton was generally low, but an appreciable increase was observed from late July to early October. However, the contribution of the pico phytoplankton to primary productivity was lower. In summer, when a high standing crop and high assimilation number of pico phytoplankton were observed, however, the pico phytoplankton made a major contribution to the total primary productivity. The present results suggest that the photoautotrophic picoplankton, Synechococcus, is one of the principal primary producers and plays a significant role in the biogeochemical carbon cycle in the pelagic area of Lake Biwa.
Clinico-epidemiological pattern of cutaneous leishmaniasis in armed forces personnel fighting war against terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Fata regions

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in various regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province and Federally Administered Areas (FATA). Troops deployed in these regions are at an increased risk of acquiring the disease as compared to the native population. Objective To determine clinical and epidemiological pattern of CL in armed forces personnel serving in endemic areas of CL in KPK and FATA. Patients and Method This observational/descriptive study was conducted at CMH, Peshawar from January, 2010 to June, 2010. All patients of any age reporting in skin outdoor with clinical diagnosis of CL were enrolled in the study and all were subjected to skin slit smears for L eishman-Donovan (LD) bodies and skin biopsies were also taken in all cases to observe histopathological features. Patients in whom clinical diagnosis was not supported by laboratory diagnosis, were excluded. Clinical and epidemiological data was recorded and finally analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results Out of 172 initially enrolled cases, 2 were excluded from the study as their clinical diagnosis was not supported by laboratory findings. All patients were young males (deployed armed forces personnel). Their ages ranged from 18 to 43 (mean age: 27.4 years). Number of lesions ranged from 1-11. Multiple lesions were seen in 41.2% cases only. Size of lesions ranged from 1-13 cm. 70.6% of lesions were seen on upper and lower limbs followed by head and neck region 27.6%, and trunk and abdomen 1.8%. Morphological patterns seen were crusted plaques, psoriasiform plaques, nonhealing ulcers, erythematous infiltrated nodules and papules. Majority of the cases were from the regular army units deployed in the areas in recent past (71.8%) as compared to 28.2% of native troops of Frontier Corps (FC): 3% deployment of regular troops against 0.5% of FC troops. Conclusion CL is common in soldiers serving in KPK province and FATA regions of Pakistan. Armed forces personnel who moved from central Punjab and deployed in these areas for operations against terrorists are at much higher risk of acquiring the disease as compared to the native troops. This risk can be decreased by implementing effective precautionary measures and education of the soldiers.
Barriers and Drivers to Adoption of Water Reuse In Buildings: A Sociotechnical Analysis in Ceará, Brazil

Purpose: This study aims to identify the barriers and drivers towards the adoption of water reuse systems in buildings in regions with water scarcity, such as the Brazilian Northeast. Method: A qualitative study was carried out in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The study encompassed the analysis of content from seventeen in-depth interviews and documentary evidence. Results and conclusion: The primary adoption drivers were found to be economic savings through consumption reduction and environmental awareness. Main barriers included the initial investment and payback time, as well as user practices, such as residents' lack of system maintenance. In addition, political and institutional aspects, such as the absence of fiscal incentives, also played a key role. In conclusion, water reuse in buildings constitutes an innovation that requires further development to promote significant adjustments of the socio-technical regime. Originality/value: This research introduces innovation by conducting an analysis of the adoption of water reuse in buildings based on the multi-level perspective of socio-technical transitions towards sustainability. It focuses on a state in the Brazilian Northeast, whose territory is primarily situated in the Caatinga biome, characterized by a semi-arid climate and a history of severe drought cycles. Research implications: The results provide valuable insights for researchers, technology developers, and policymakers to develop actions that stimulate the implementation and diffusion of water reuse in buildings.
Expertise in Coach Development: The Need for Clarity

In this position paper, we start by identifying the issues inherent to coach development; we then consider the current status of coach development and present our position before concluding with key points and suggesting resolutions for the issues. Our intention is to propose the progression of appropriate practices and approaches for the professional development and preparation of coaches. In coach development, a lack of clarity exists at both organisational and individual levels, particularly around the role of and aims for coach developers. Organisationally, we consider a radical reframing required to progress the profession of coach development. We also suggest that many individuals currently involved in coach development do not possess the requisite knowledge to move the field forward. Our aspirations for coach development include recognising the need for expertise and what it looks like in practice. Coaching and coach development interactions should examine particular coaching challenges, concentrating on the thought processes and decision-making strategies necessary to solve them. This necessitates a bespoke, problem-based approach to learning.
GENERATION Z CASHLESS PREFERENCES IN THE POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA: IDENTIFYING THE CONTINUITY OF DIGITAL PAYMENT USAGE

This quantitative study aims to identify factors affecting the intention of continuity of digital payment use in Generation Z in the post-Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the concepts of ECM (Expectation Confirmation Model) and TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), perceived ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction were selected as determining variables. Data were collected through questionnaires from 150 Generation Z respondents as digital payment users and tested based on the SEM-PLS technique using SmartPLS software version 4.0. This research has proven that perceived ease of use and satisfaction are the main factors for the continuance intention of digital payment use in Generation Z, especially in the post-Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, perceived usefulness is not a significant predictor that affects the continuance intention of use. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the expansion of literacy and increase the development of digital payment systems to meet consumer needs in the current cashless era. Further research is needed in describing the continuance intention of digital payment use in Generation Z by adding more variables and increasing the sample to get better findings.
Surface roughness effects on runoff and soil erosion rates under simulated rainfall

Soil surface roughness is identified as one of the controlling factors governing runoff and soil loss. Yet, most studies pay little attention to soil surface roughness. In this study, we analyzed the influence of surface roughness on runoff and soil erosion rates. Bulk samples of a silt loam soil were collected and sieved to 4 aggregate sizes: 0.003-0.012, 0.012-0.02, 0.02-0.045, 0.045-0.1 m. The aggregates were packed in a 0.60 by 1.2 m soil tray, which was set at a slope of 5%. Rainfall simulations using an oscillating nozzle simulator were executed for 90 min at intensity of 50.2 mm.h-1. The surface microtopography was digitized by an instantaneous profile laser scanner before and after the rainfall application. From the laser scanner data, a digital elevation model was produced and a roughness factor extracted. The data revealed longer times to runoff with increasing soil surface roughness as surface depressions first had to be filled before runoff could take place. Once channels were interconnected, runoff velocity and runoff amount increased as aggregates were broken down and depressions were filled. Rough surfaces were smoothed throughout the rainfall event, diminishing the effect on runoff. Final wash rates were comparable for all different applications. The simulations reveal that the significance of soil surface roughness effect is the delay in runoff for rougher surfaces rather than the decrease of soil erosion amount.
The Relationship Between Diet and Gastritis in Adolescents

Gastritis is a digestive tract problem that is most often found in daily life and a health problem that is often encountered. Habits of poor eating and consuming unhygienic food are risk factors for gastritis. Irregular eating patterns are caused by busy teenagers who are outside the home. The impact of gastritis can interfere with the patient's daily activities. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and the incidence of gastritis in adolescents in the Work Area of the Cigugur Public Health Center, Pangandaran Regency in 2021. Methods: The research method used is a quantitative analysis using a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study were all adolescents aged 16-19 years in the Work Area of the Cigugur Health Center, Pangandaran Regency as many as 4,798 people. Samples were taken using the proportional random sampling technique to obtain a sample of 98 people. Results: The results of the study showed that the diet in adolescents, most of the respondents, namely 60 people (61.2%) had a bad diet, and the incidence of gastritis in adolescents, most of the respondents 56 people (57.1%) had gastritis and there was a relationship between the pattern of eating with the incidence of gastritis in adolescents because the value of > value (0.05 > 0.000) Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between diet and the incidence of gastritis in adolescents
A new algorithm for three‐dimensional joint inversion of body wave and surface wave data and its application to the Southern California plate boundary region

We introduce a new algorithm for joint inversion of body wave and surface wave data to get better 3‐D P wave (Vp) and S wave (Vs) velocity models by taking advantage of the complementary strengths of each data set. Our joint inversion algorithm uses a one‐step inversion of surface wave traveltime measurements at different periods for 3‐D Vs and Vp models without constructing the intermediate phase or group velocity maps. This allows a more straightforward modeling of surface wave traveltime data with the body wave arrival times. We take into consideration the sensitivity of surface wave data with respect to Vp in addition to its large sensitivity to Vs, which means both models are constrained by two different data types. The method is applied to determine 3‐D crustal Vp and Vs models using body wave and Rayleigh wave data in the Southern California plate boundary region, which has previously been studied with both double‐difference tomography method using body wave arrival times and ambient noise tomography method with Rayleigh and Love wave group velocity dispersion measurements. Our approach creates self‐consistent and unique models with no prominent gaps, with Rayleigh wave data resolving shallow and large‐scale features and body wave data constraining relatively deeper structures where their ray coverage is good. The velocity model from the joint inversion is consistent with local geological structures and produces better fits to observed seismic waveforms than the current Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) model.
Conformation-selective rather than avidity-based binding to tumor associated antigen derived peptide-MHC enables targeting of WT1-pMHC low expressing cancer cells by anti-WT1-pMHC/CD3 T cell engagers

T cell engagers, a category of T cell-retargeting immunotherapy, are rapidly transforming clinical cancer care. However, the lack of tumor-specific targets poses a significant roadblock for broad adaptation of this therapeutic modality in many indications, often resulting in systemic on-target off-tumor toxicity. Though various tumor-derived intracellular mutations provide a massive pool of potential tumor-specific antigens, targeting them is extremely challenging, partly due to the low copy number of tumor associated antigen (TAA)-derived pMHC on tumor cell surface. Further, the interplay of binding geometry and format valency in relation to the capacity of a T cell engager to efficiently target low density cell-surface pMHC is not well understood. Using the Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) oncoprotein as a proof-of-principle TAA, combined with an array of IgG-like T cell engager modalities that differ in their anti-TAA valency and binding geometry, we show that the ability to induce an immunological synapse formation, resulting in potent killing of WT1 positive cancer cell lines is primarily dependent on the distinct geometrical conformations between the Fab arms of anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 and anti-CD3. The augmented avidity conferred by the binding of two anti-WT1-HLA-A*02:01 Fab arms has only minimal influence on cell killing potency. These findings demonstrate the need for careful examination of key design parameters for the development of next-generation T cell engagers targeting low density TAA-pMHCs on tumor cells.
Ordination of Functional Groups and Organic Matter Parameters from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Classes of parameters (macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups, periphyton, transported and benthic organic matter) were examined by means of polar ordination techniques to determine distribution along a gradient from headwaters to large rivers. Functional group composition changed in a curvilinear fashion along the gradient. The largest portion of ecological change occurred within the headwater and small stream portion of the gradient and only slight changes occurred above a stream size of link magnitude 1000. The composition of stored and transported organic matter, together, changed in a linear fashion along the gradient in a manner similar to that found for macroinvertebrates. However, the difference in the form of the response suggests that environmental factors affect the combined composition of organic matter more evenly than functional feeding groups over the whole of a river system. All ordinations considered in this study sustain the conclusion that the ecological characterization of a study site is a function of its position along the stream environmental gradient. Thus, macroscopic patterns of ecological change within river systems as detected by the polar ordination technique, are both orderly and predictable in a downstream direction.
Reading or iPad Gaming? Investigating Socially Interactive Robotic Bookshelf Proactively Engages Children in Reading Physical Books

Could robotic furnishings become reading companions for children? This paper investigates how a socially interactive robotic bookshelf may influence children’s enthusiasm, persistence, and enjoyment in reading when they are absorbed in other, usually more addictive activities such as playing iPad games or toys. We designed and developed a low-fidelity, elephant-like robotic bookshelf, and used WoZ technique to conduct an experiment in a public library in Singapore with 7 child-parent pairs to assess the effectiveness of this socially interactive, mobile robotic bookshelf in attracting children to read physical books while iPad games and toys were present. The results indicate that the robotic bookshelf was successful in attracting 5 out of 7 children to read books, with variations observed in the timing of switching to book reading from playing iPad games or toys. Currently, most robot reading companions are tabletop robots passively waiting for children to come to the robots and read with them. This study, however, highlights a unique approach in which a mobile, robotic bookshelf reading companion proactively engages children in reading by bringing physical books to them. In a modern world where screen and other addictions become increasingly real for children, such mobile robotic bookshelves have great potential to benefit children’s literacy and overall development.
Investigation of Eutrophication Processes in the Littoral Zones of Western Irish Lakes

This project has been undertaken as part of the Environmental Monitoring, R&D sub-programme of the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994-1999and has been part financed by the European Union through the European RegionalDevelopment Fund. The sub-programme is administered on behalf of the Departmentof the Environment by the Environmental Protection Agency, which has the statutoryfunction of co-ordinating and promoting environmental research.The authors gratefully appreciate the help given to them in compiling this report. Wewould like to thank in particular the numerous students, assistants, technicians andother staff of NUI, Galway who contributed to the research programme. We wouldalso like to thank the Western Regional Fisheries Board and its staff for their co-operation and also the angling clubs and individual members of the public who helpedwith fieldwork or provided information. Advice and information provided by Mr.Martin McGarrigle (EPA, Castlebar) is also gratefully acknowledged.