Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Critical Review of European and American Provisions for the Seismic Assessment of Existing Steel Moment-Resisting Frame Buildings

ABSTRACT The publication of Part 3 of Eurocode 8 (EC8-3), dedicated to the seismic assessment of existing buildings, took place a decade ago. However, its application in engineering practice has been limited. Moreover, no studies have been conducted regarding the application of EC8-3 to steel structures. In this paper, a critical review and practical application of EC8-3 and ASCE41-13 are carried out. Issues related to the definition of the performance requirements, compliance criteria, and the consistency of the analysis procedures proposed by both standards are identified. Conceptual differences between both documents are highlighted, and several inconsistencies in EC8-3 are discussed.
Bacteriospermia and its association with seminal fluid parameters and infertility in infertile men, Kerman, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The role of genital Ureaplasma species, genital Mycoplasma (M) species, and Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacteria, in male infertility are still not clear. Different reports about the impact of these bacteria on semen quality are controversial. Objective This study was proposed to determine the frequency of bacteriospermia in men and investigate the relationship between the presence of these bacteria and semen quality using molecular assay. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 200 semen samples obtained from men attending the research and clinical centers for fertility in Kerman, Iran, between July and December 2019 were analyzed for semen volume, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, total progressive motility, and viability according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of related bacteria. Results The mean values of volume, progressive motility, non-progressive motility, total progressive motility, and viability were significantly lower in infertile men (p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the presence of M. genitalium and progressive sperm motility, M. hominis and semen volume, Ureaplasma parvum and the sperm normal form, and C. trachomatis and the sperm progressive motility and viability. Logistic regression analysis showed that M. genitalium (OR = 8.06, p < 0.001) and C. trachomatis (OR = 16, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with male infertility. Conclusion During the infertility assessment, clinicians should consider of role C. trachomatis and M. genitalium in male infertility. Screening test particularly for asymptomatic individuals is recommended.
Trends of CO and NO2 Pollutants in Iran during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Timeseries Sentinel-5 Images in Google Earth Engine

The first case of COVID-19 in Iran was reported on 19 February 2020, 1 month before the Nowruz holidays coincided with the global pandemic, leading to quarantine and lockdown. Many studies have shown that environmental pollutants were drastically reduced with the spread of this disease and the decline in industrial activities. Among these pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are widely caused by anthropogenic and industrial activities. In this study, the changes in these pollutants in Iran and its four metropolises (i.e., Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz) in three periods from 11 March to 8 April 2019, 2020, and 2021 were investigated. To this end, timeseries of the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI and in situ data within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based platform were employed. It was observed that the results of the NO2 derived from Sentinel-5P were in agreement with the in situ data acquired from ground-based stations (average correlation coefficient = 0.7). Moreover, the results showed that the concentration of NO2 and CO pollutants in 2020 (the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic) was 5% lower than in 2019, indicating the observance of quarantine rules, as well as people’s initial fear of the coronavirus. Contrarily, these pollutants in 2021 (the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic) were higher than those in 2020 by 5%, which could have been due to high vehicle traffic and a lack of serious policy- and law-making by the government to ban urban and interurban traffic. These findings are essential criteria that might be used to guide future manufacturing logistics, traffic planning and management, and environmental sustainability policies and plans. Furthermore, using the COVID-19 scenario and free satellite-derived data, it is now possible to investigate how harmful gas emissions influence air quality. These findings may also be helpful in making future strategic decisions on how to cope with the virus spread and lessen its negative social and economic consequences.
Curcumin Protects Diabetic Mice against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction by Modulating CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors

Molecular docking revealed curcumin as a potent CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) agonist. Since CB2R is involved in cardioprotective functions, we explored its role in ameliorative actions of curcumin against myocardial damage triggered by isoproterenol in diabetic animals. Mice were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) throughout the experiment (30 days). Following 7 days of HFD feeding, streptozotocin was administered (150 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) to induce diabetes. From day 11 to 30, diabetic mice received either curcumin (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, oral), CB2R antagonist AM630 (1 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) or both, with concurrent isoproterenol (150 mg/kg, subcutaneous) administration on day 28 and 29. Diabetic mice with myocardial infarction showed an altered hemodynamic pattern and lipid profile, reduced injury markers, antioxidants with increased lipid peroxidation in the myocardium, and elevated glucose and liver enzymes in the blood. Moreover, an increased pro-inflammatory markers, histological severity, myonecrosis, and edema were observed. Curcumin compensated for hemodynamic fluctuations, restored biochemical markers, preserved antioxidant capacity, decreased cytokines levels, and restored cardiac functionality. However, the AM630 pre-treatment attenuated the effects of curcumin. The data suggest the involvement of CB2R in the actions of curcumin such as in the prevention of myocardial stress and in the improvement of the normal status of the myocardial membrane associated with diabetes.
Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Acacia concinna and Citrus limon, Silver Nanoparticles’ Production by A. concinna Extract, and Their Biological Properties

The applications of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants as therapeutic drugs are largely increasing. The present study selected the bioactive compounds from Acacia concinna (A. concinna) and Citrus limon (C. limon) to assess their phytochemicals, proteins, and biological activity. The plant material was collected, and extraction performed as per the standard procedure. Qualitative analysis was undertaken, and identification of functional organic groups was performed by FTIR and HPLC. Antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and inhibition kinetics studies for enzymes were performed to assess the different biological activities. Flavonoids and phenols were present in a significant amount in both the selected plants. A. concinna showed significant antimicrobial activity against Z. mobilis, E. coli, and S. aureus, with minimum inhibition zones (MIZ) of 24, 22, and 20 mm, respectively. C. limon strongly inhibited all the tested pathogenic bacteria with maximum and minimum MIZ of 32 and 17 mm. A. concinna silver nanoparticles also exhibited potent antimicrobial activity. Both extracts showed substantial antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancer (MCF-7), and anti-urease (antiulcer) properties. To conclude, these plants can be used to treat hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cancer, and gastrointestinal ulcers. They can also serve as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Thus, the studied plants must be exploited cost-effectively to generate therapeutic drugs for various diseases.
Food Sales and Adult Weight Status: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in England

Ecological studies often use supermarket location as a proxy measure of the food environment. In this study, we used data on sales at a leading mainstream supermarket chain to explore how area-level supermarket use is associated with overweight and obesity in English adults. Sales data were aggregated to local authority level and joined to a national dataset describing self-reported height and weight and fruit and vegetable consumption. Regression models showed a modest association between higher levels of unhealthy food sales relative to health food sales and increased odds of being overweight and obese. Although effect sizes were small, they persisted after adjustment for area-level deprivation. Supermarket sales data provide additional understanding in the study of food environments and their impact on increasing weight status. Future health policies should consider using ‘big data’ combined with other research methods to address the increasing consumption of unhealthy and highly processed foods.
Construction of PIK3C3 Transgenic Pig and Its Pathogenesis of Liver Damage

As a member of the PIKs family, PIK3C3 participates in autophagy and plays a central role in liver function. Several studies demonstrated that the complete suppression of PIK3C3 in mammals can cause hepatomegaly and hepatosteatosis. However, the function of PIK3C3 overexpression on the liver and other organs is still unknown. In this study, we successfully generated PIK3C3 transgenic pigs through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) by designing a specific vector for the overexpression of PIK3C3. Plasmid identification was performed through enzyme digestion and transfected into the fetal fibroblasts derived from Diannan miniature pigs. After 2 weeks of culturing, six positive colonies obtained from a total of 14 cell colonies were identified through PCR. One positive cell line was selected as the donor cell line for SCNT for the construction of PIK3C3transgenic pigs. Thirty single blastocysts were collected and identified as PIK3C3 transgenic-positive blastocysts. Two surrogates became pregnant after transferring the reconstructed embryos into four surrogates. Fetal fibroblasts of PIK3C3-positive fetuses identified through PCR were used as donor cells for SCNT to generate PIK3C3 transgenic pigs. To further explore the function of PIK3C3 overexpression, genotyping and phenotyping of the fetuses and piglets obtained were performed by PCR, immunohistochemical, HE, and apoptosis staining. The results showed that inflammatory infiltration and vacuolar formation in hepatocytes and apoptotic cells, and the mRNA expression of NF-κB, TGF-β1, TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6 significantly increased in the livers of PIK3C3 transgenic pigs when compared with wild-type (WT) pigs. Immunofluorescence staining showed that LC3B and LAMP-1-positive cells increased in the livers of PIK3C3 transgenic pigs. In the EBSS-induced autophagy of the porcine fibroblast cells (PFCs), the accumulated LC3II protein was cleared faster in PIK3C3 transgenic (PFCs) thanWT (PFCs). In conclusion, PIK3C3 overexpression promoted autophagy in the liver and associated molecular mechanisms related to the activation of ULK1, AMBR1, DRAM1, and MTOR, causing liver damage in pigs. Therefore, the construction of PIK3C3 transgenic pigs may provide a new experimental animal resource for liver diseases.
Tracking a Rain-Induced Low-Salinity Pool in the South China Sea Using Satellite and Quasi-Lagrangian Field Observations

A low-salinity pool (LSP) was observed in the northeastern South China Sea on 8–10 August 2018. Employing satellite and field observations, as well as widely used HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) Analysis data, we investigated the distribution, origin and evolution of the LSP. A bowl-like structure of the LSP was observed from field observations and is also indicated by the HYCOM Analysis data. Spatially, the LSP extended 20 m deep vertically and spread at least 45 km laterally. Particle tracking simulations using satellite-observed precipitation and surface currents revealed the origin and evolution of the LSP. It is found that the LSP was induced by a heavy rainfall event two days prior to the field observations, evidenced by the significant correlation between the rainfall and salinity anomaly. The vertical expansion of the LSP was favored by nocturnal convection, but was restricted by the strong stratification at its base, which appeared to have prohibited development of convective instabilities as indicated by the observed vertical variation of the turbulent dissipation rate. The formation of a barrier layer due to the LSP restricted vertical heat exchanges, and as a result a thin temperature inversion layer was formed as the surface temperature dropped due to the nighttime cooling and mixing with the cold rainwater. The thermohaline structure favored development of diffusive convection, which is evidenced by the observation that the diapycnal diffusivity for heat (KT) was one order of magnitude larger than that for density (Kρ). Overall, this study provides novel insights into how the upper ocean responds to rainfall with satellite and field observations.
Cell Lines of Circulating Tumor Cells: What Is Known and What Needs to Be Resolved

The importance of circulating tumor cells (CTC) is well recognized. However, the biological characteristics of CTC in the bloodstream have not yet been examined in detail, due to the limited number of CTC cell lines currently available. Thirty-nine CTC cell lines were reported by 2021. For successful cell culturing, these CTC cell lines were reviewed. Previous studies on short-term cultures of CTC also analyzed approaches for establishing the long-term culture of CTC. Negative selection, hypoxic conditions, three-dimensional conditions, and careful management are preferable for the long-term culture of CTC. However, the establishment of CTC cell lines is dependent on the specific characteristics of each cell type. Therefore, a method to establish CTC cell lines has not yet been developed. Further efforts are needed to resolve this issue.
Managing Knowledge Resources in Family Firms: Opportunity or Challenge?

The purpose of this study was to explore the specificities of the relationship between knowledge management (KM) processes and the potential and realized absorptive capacities in the context of a knowledge-based view. The paper advances our understanding of the contributions of knowledge management processes and the potential and realized absorptive capacities in small- and medium-sized family firms. We draw on case studies of two small- and medium-sized family businesses operating in different industries. Our results show that the choice of the KM approach and the family business characteristics determine the extent to which a family firm is successful in managing its knowledge processes and absorptive capacity. Moreover, the results indicate that family businesses are impacted by their own characteristics, such as the fact that they do not dissociate between the personalities of the owners and the business, and are context-specific. Since the focus of this research was limited to KM processes and absorptive capacity, it would be beneficial for future research to investigate the mechanisms that enable firms to manage their potential and realized absorptive capacities and the extent to which they generate dynamic capabilities through KM processes. Further studies of the impacts of family business characteristics on the firm’s success in managing knowledge resources are also recommended.
Omnibus Tests for Multiple Binomial Proportions via Doubly Sampled Framework with Under-Reported Data

Previously, Rahardja (2020) paper (in the first reference list) developed a (pairwise) multiple comparison procedure (MCP) to determine which (proportions) pairs of Multiple Binomial Proportions (with under-reported data), the significant differences came from. Generally, such an MCP test (developed by Rahardja, 2020) is the second part of a two-stage sequential test. In this paper, we derived two omnibus tests (i.e., the overall equality of multiple proportions test) as the first part of the above two-stage sequential test (with under-reported data), in general. Using two likelihood-based approaches, we acquire two Wald-type (Omnibus) tests to compare Multiple Binomial Proportions (in the presence of under-reported data). Our closed-form algorithm is easy to implement and not computationally burdensome. We applied our algorithm to a vehicle-accident data example.
Numerical Analysis of a Latent Heat Storage Using Plate Heat Exchanger for Absorption System Conditions

The use of the phase change material (PCM) as a storage medium represents an important advance to store energy for the absorption cooling systems when solar energy is not available; however, the temperature of the storage tank is a key parameter for the adequate operation of the cooling system. This paper presents a parametric analysis of a flat and a commercial plate heat exchangers with MgCl2·6H2O as the PCM at absorption cooling conditions. The plate heat exchanger (PHE) is a chevron type with an angle of 45° and a plate area of 0.04 m2. The governing equation was solved using the method of finite difference. The results showed that the corrugated plate improved the heat transfer than the flat plate; however, the flat plate obtained a higher operation time than the corrugated plate for the absorption cooling condition in the discharge process because the output temperature of the PHE was much higher than the operating conditions. Finally, the decrement of the PCM thickness and the increment of the input temperature and flowrate of the heating fluid improved the heat transfer of the PHE; however, the main thermal resistance was still in the PCM.
Improvement of progressive collapse resistance potential of semi-rigid jointed steel frames through bracings

Progressive collapse studies of both unbraced and braced semi-rigid jointed steel frames have been carried out to evaluate the contribution of bracings in improving progressive collapse resistance potential. Numerical models of 10-story frames with different types of semi-rigid connections have been developed using SAP2000. Progressive collapse potential of semi-rigid frames is first investigated without bracings. Bracings are then included in a systematic manner, and response of the braced frame is compared with that of unbraced frame to evaluate the contribution of bracings. Two different arrangements of bracings, that is, bay-wise and floor-wise arrangements, are considered to find out a preferred arrangement of bracings. Parametric studies include eight column removal conditions at center and corner locations of different floors. Development of catenary action has also been considered as it gives additional resistance, especially to braced frame. Apart from nonlinear static analysis, effects of bracings are evaluated also through nonlinear dynamic analysis and the responses of the frames in nonlinear dynamic analysis are compared with those of nonlinear static analysis. From the study, it is found that provision of bracings significantly improves the progressive collapse resistance potential of the semi-rigid frames under different column removal conditions. Floor-wise arrangement of bracings is much effective as compared to bay-wise arrangement.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain in Evaluation of Pediatric Seizure Disorder

Seizure disorder in children is commonly seen in clinical practice and in the assessment of these patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is found to be the ideal and first imaging modality of choice for pediatric seizure disorder because of lack of radiation exposure. This work aims to assess the role of MRI of the brain in the evaluation of pediatric seizure disorder. Before undergoing MRI, all of the patients received EEG to detect the epileptogenic center. On the superconductive 1.5-Tesla Siemens Avanto Magnetom MR system, patients underwent a brain MRI scan. Percentages and proportions were used in the statistical analysis. Around 70% of children with seizures were found to be controlled by the use of a single antiepileptic drug (AED). Electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were abnormal in 82% of patients. The MRI findings were normal in 45 patients (45%) and abnormal in 55 patients (55%). The common abnormalities were gliosis (45.4%), periventricular leukomalacia (12.7%), neurodegenerative changes in white/grey matter (7.3%), focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) (7.3%), arteriovenous malformations (AVM) (7.3%), polymicrogyria (5.5%), mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (5.5%), abnormal spectroscopy (3.6%), space-occupying lesion (SOL) (3.6%) and megalencephaly (1.8%). Our study showed about 55% of children with seizures had MRI abnormalities and common abnormalities were gliosis and periventricular leukomalacia. Improvements in perinatal care, hygiene, and socio-economic status can help in reducing the incidence and thus morbidity associated with a seizure disorder. Thus, MRI plays a pivotal role in the workup of pediatric patients with a seizure disorder.
Assessment of losses due to early blight (alternaria solani ell. And mart.) and influence of weather factors on disease development in tomato

Tomato is one of the most popular vegetables grown all over the world. In India tomato has wider coverage in comparison to other vegetable. Tomato universally treated as “Protective food” and is a very good source of income to small and marginal farmers. Every year cultivation of tomato cause declining in yield due to different biotic and abiotic stress. Among the biotic stress diseases play pivotal role. Early blight caused by Alternaria solani is the most destructive one (Doo little, 1948). Tomescu and Negru (2003) also reported that the main fungi causing the economical losses in all region is Alternaria solani and it is prevalent throughout the tomato growing areas in the world (Calvo et al., 1990) as well as causes major yield loss (Waals et al., 2001). Yield losses may range between 50-86 percent (Mathur and Shekhawat, 1986).
Social and sustainable determinants of the tourist satisfaction and temporal revisit intention: A case of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract This research’s objective was to analyse the impact of sustainable practices, destination image, perceived value and novelty seeking on tourist satisfaction and temporal revisit intention in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The respondents in this study were tourists in the city of Yogyakarta, with a sample size of 420 respondents. The methodology of this research employed a purposive sampling technique. Nonprobability sampling was performed using the structural equation modelling method that was processed using AMOS 22.0. The results of this research show that sustainable practices, destination image, perceived value and novelty seeking have positive and significant effects on satisfaction. Satisfaction mediates the impact of sustainable practices, destination image, perceived value and novelty seeking on revisit intention, showing that the influence of these factors on temporal revisit intention will be enhanced if tourists are satisfied. This study has implications for marketing strategies for tourism sectors in revisiting contexts.