Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Inclusion and Communality of Volunteering: A Focus Group Study of Older People’s Experiences

The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the factors that motivate older people to volunteer and how volunteering influences their social inclusion and communality. Data were collected using focus group interviews in 2020–2021 from older people aged 65–81 years (n = 38) who had experience of volunteering in the community. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Based on the results, the experiences described by older people who participate in volunteering consisted of factors encouraging older people to volunteer and depended on the activation, support, and motivation of volunteer operators. The support provided by the health care services and volunteer action organization for volunteers was a key factor in encouraging older people to participate in volunteering. Moreover, volunteering impacted the communality of volunteers in several ways, influencing social capital. The sense of communality was enhanced by the way in which volunteering was carried out, including collaboration with health care services and associations. In order to strengthen the importance of volunteering in society, there is a need for close collaboration between voluntary organizations and health care service providers to develop volunteering because health care organizations cannot respond to all of the challenges faced by the ageing population.
Strategic Leadership, External Environment, and Performance of Small and Growing Businesses in Nairobi County, Kenya

Small and growing businesses are considered as the primary forces for sustainable economic growth and rapid industrialization. Despite their great potential, small and growing businesses face many challenges and as a result, most of them perform dismally and are eventually edged out by competitors. Given the studies done which recognize the role of strategic leadership practices on performance, the present leaders of small and growing businesses are viewed not only to be steering their companies through the process of strategic planning, mission development, and evaluation, but also to actively handle strategic leadership practices and firm performance. The overall objective of the study was to explore the impact of strategic leadership on performance of small and growing businesses in Nairobi County. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of strategic direction, core competencies, human capital development and sustaining organizational culture on the performance of small and growing businesses in Nairobi County and to further establish the moderating role of operating environment on the relationship between strategic leadership and performance of small and growing businesses in Nairobi County. This research was based on five theories namely: strategic leadership theory, path-goal leadership theory, trait theory, performance maximization theory and contingency theory. To satisfy these objectives, both descriptive and explanatory research design were adopted. The population of this study was all the 1539 small and growing businesses in Nairobi County’s Central Business District. Stratified random sampling was used as the sampling design while Yamane formula was used to compute the sample size of 318 SGBs. A self-administered questionnaire was used as the major tool for data collection. Both Google forms and hard copy questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of three sections focusing on general information about the respondent and the organization, strategic leadership and actions that are geared towards performance and finally the level of organizational performance. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized for data analysis purposes. The study achieved a response rate of 66%. The study found that strategic direction, human development, and organizational culture have positive and significant effect on organizational performance with p values 0.000, 0.025 and 0.019 respectively while core competencies were found to have a positive but non-significant effect with p value being 0.053. External environment was also found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between strategic leadership and organizational performance. The study concluded that strategic leadership is an important aspect in any organization as it leads to improved organizational performance. Keywords: Strategic Leadership, External Environment, Small and Growing Businesses, Strategic Direction, Core competencies, Human Capital Development, Sustaining Organizational Culture
In vivo fluid transport in human intervertebral discs varies by spinal level and disc region

The lumbar discs are large, dense tissues that are primarily avascular, and cells residing in the central region of the disc are up to 6–8 mm from the nearest blood vessel in adults. To maintain homeostasis, disc cells rely on nutrient transport between the discs and adjacent vertebrae. Thus, diminished transport has been proposed as a factor in age‐related disc degeneration.
Evaluation of Immune Status in Two Cohorts of Atlantic Salmon Raised in Different Aquaculture Systems (Case Study)

Assessment of immune competence of farmed Atlantic salmon is especially important during smoltification and the first several months in the sea. Recently developed tools were applied to salmon raised in a traditional flow-through facility (FT, cohort 1) and in a recirculation aquaculture system (RAS, cohort 2). Fish were sampled at four time-points: parr, smolt, and at three weeks and three months after seawater transfer (SWT); expression of 85 selected immune and stress genes, IgM transcripts (Ig-seq), and circulating antibodies were analyzed. A steady increase in gene expression was seen over time in gill and spleen in both cohorts, and especially in antiviral and inflammatory genes in the gill. Differences between the cohorts were greatest in the dorsal fin but later leveled off. Comparison with a gill reference dataset found a deviation in only three of 85 fish, suggesting a good immune status in both cohorts. Levels of both specific and nonspecific antibodies were higher in cohort 2 in smolts and in growers three weeks after SWT; however, levels evened out after three months in the sea. Ig-seq indicated association between antibody production, expansion of the largest clonotypes, and massive migration of B cells from spleen to gill in smolts. The results suggested greater agitation and higher reactivity of the immune system in RAS-produced salmon, but the difference between the cohorts leveled off over time.
Influence of Baseline CT Body Composition Parameters on Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer death in both sexes. The aim of this study is to analyze baseline CT body composition using artificial intelligence to identify possible imaging predictors of survival. We retrospectively included 103 patients. First, the presence of surgical treatment and cut-off values for sarcopenia and obesity served as independent variates. Second, the presence of surgery, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and skeletal muscle index (SMI) served as independent variates. Cox regression analysis was performed for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival. Possible differences between patients undergoing surgical versus nonsurgical treatment were analyzed. Presence of surgery significantly predicted 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival (p = 0.01, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Across the follow-up periods of 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival, the presence of sarcopenia became an equally important predictor of survival (p = 0.25, 0.07, and <0.001, respectively). Additionally, increased VAT predicted 2-year and 3-year survival (p = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). The impact of sarcopenia on 3-year survival was higher in the surgical treatment group (p = 0.02 and odds ratio = 2.57) compared with the nonsurgical treatment group (p = 0.04 and odds ratio = 1.92). Fittingly, a lower SMI significantly affected 3-year survival only in patients who underwent surgery (p = 0.02). Especially if surgery is performed, AI-derived sarcopenia and reduced muscle mass are unfavorable imaging predictors.
Read-disturb degradation mechanism due to electron trapping in the tunnel oxide for low-voltage flash memories

This paper describes the degradation of read-disturb characteristics related to time-dependent current caused by electron trapping in tunnel-oxide film. The time-dependent current, rather than the stress-induced leakage current, affects the threshold-voltage shift in memory cells with relatively thick tunnel oxide (>7 nm) and long disturbance time. Programming and erase endurance affects read disturb such that the read-disturb lifetime is improved in memory cells with nitrided oxide which exhibit long-endurance characteristics. <<ETX>>
Analysis of Specific Physical Fitness in High-Level Table Tennis Players—Sex Differences

Table tennis performance depends on multiple factors such as technique, tactics and fitness. Several studies have focused on investigating different technical-tactical variables. However, research analysing the specific physical qualities of this sport is scarce, particularly in the female sex. The aim of the present study was to assess the physical fitness variables associated with individual performance in elite table tennis players according to sex. Forty-eight elite players divided into males (n = 24; 25.38 ± 4.01 years) and females (n = 24; 22.33 ± 3.83 years) participated in the study. To determine physical fitness, participants performed vertical jump, hand grip strength, ergospirometry and lateral displacement tests (reaction time, displacement time and lateral acceleration). Male players showed higher values in vertical jump, hand grip strength and maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Likewise, male players moved laterally faster (p < 0.001). On the other hand, female players had a better reaction time towards the dominant side (p < 0.01). Elite male table tennis players showed better physical fitness compared to female players. Due to the scarcity of data on elite table tennis players, these results can serve as reference values for different table tennis practitioners.
Preoperative scale proposal based on clinical outcome for elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing microsurgery

Abstract Introduction Life expectancy in individuals has increased in recent years. There is no consensus in the literature on the best treatment for a ruptured aneurysm in the elderly (> 60 years), but some places only have microsurgery as a therapeutic strategy. This work aims to develop a prognostic scale for ruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly. Material and Methods Two thousand five hundred thirty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were retrospectively evaluated in the last ten years, and 550 of them were elderly. We developed a prognostic scale from the analysis of medical records, clinical and tomographic features that had statistical significance. Glasgow Coma Outcome (GOS) was the outcome of interest and p value < 0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results Five hundred fifty patients were evaluated, and the comorbidities that were independent variables for poor prognosis were smoking and arterial hypertension; clinical variables were Hunt-Hess, modified Rankin and Glasgow Coma Scale; tomographic was Fisher scale. Poor outcome was defined as GOS ≤ 3. Poor surgical outcomes were more remarkable in the high-risk factor categories, being 6.41 times higher among individuals who had 3 to 4 risk factors and 8.80 times higher among individuals with 5 to 6 risk factors. Conclusion In some vascular neurosurgery services worldwide, microsurgery is the only therapeutic option. This scale aimed at the elderly patient individualizes the treatment and can predict the clinical outcome in ruptured intracranial aneurysms.
Effects of Functional Phenolics Dietary Supplementation on Athletes’ Performance and Recovery: A Review

In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify micronutrients or nutritional strategies capable of preventing, or at least, attenuating, exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress, and improving athlete performance. The reason is that most exercises induce various changes in mitochondria and cellular cytosol that lead to the generation of reactive species and free radicals whose accumulation can be harmful to human health. Among them, supplementation with phenolic compounds seems to be a promising approach since their chemical structure, composed of catechol, pyrogallol, and methoxy groups, gives them remarkable health-promoting properties, such as the ability to suppress inflammatory processes, counteract oxidative damage, boost the immune system, and thus, reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Phenolic compounds have also already been shown to be effective in improving temporal performance and reducing psychological stress and fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the effects of dietary phenolics on physical performance and recovery in athletes and sports practitioners. Overall, the reports show that phenolics exert important benefits on exercise-induced muscle damage as well as play a biological/physiological role in improving physical performance.
Rotenone-Induced 4-HNE Aggresome Formation and Degradation in HL-1 Cardiomyocytes: Role of Autophagy Flux

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause oxidative stress by generating reactive aldehydes known as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). 4-HNE modifies protein via covalent adduction; however, little is known about the degradation mechanism of 4-HNE-adducted proteins. Autophagy is a dynamic process that maintains cellular homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and proteins. In this study, we determined the role of a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+ (MnP, BMX-001) on rotenone-induced 4-HNE aggresome degradation in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. A rotenone treatment (500 nM) given for 24 h demonstrated both increased ROS and 4-HNE aggresome accumulation in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. In addition, cardiomyocytes treated with rotenone displayed an increase in the autophagy marker LC3-II, as shown by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. A pre-treatment with MnP (20 µM) for 24 h attenuated rotenone-induced ROS formation. An MnP pre-treatment showed decreased 4-HNE aggresomes and LC3-II formation. A rotenone-induced increase in autophagosomes was attenuated by a pre-treatment with MnP, as shown by fluorescent-tagged LC3 (tfLC3). Rotenone increased tubulin hyperacetylation through the ROS-mediated pathway, which was attenuated by MnP. The disruption of autophagy caused HL-1 cell death because a 3-methyladenine inhibitor of autophagosomes caused reduced cell death. Yet, rapamycin, an inducer of autophagy, increased cell death. These results indicated that a pre-treatment with MnP decreased rotenone-induced 4-HNE aggresomes by enhancing the degradation process.
Study of the Efficiency of the Solar Tracker System compared to the Fixed Solar Generation System

Este experimento teve como objetivo analisar o comportamento da diferença de geração entre uma usina fotovoltaica utilizando o sistema de rastreamento solar (Tracker) em comparação com um sistema Fixo voltado ao norte. Ambas as usinas instaladas na região de Cascavel - Paraná. O sistema consiste em duas usinas on-grid de 300kW com 810 módulos de 500wP. No primeiro período de coleta de dados no mês novembro e dezembro 2021, verificou-se que a usina que utiliza o rastreador solar, durante a coleta de dados, alcançou maior eficiência de geração em comparação com a usina fixa. Atingindo uma média de eficiência de 30%, a mais que a usina fixa. Para o segundo período com os dados coletados em janeiro e fevereiro de 2022, a eficiência de geração da usina utilizando o rastreador solar ficou superior aos 30% em comparação com a usina fixa. O teste utilizou-se não paramétrico de Wilcoxon com correção de continuidade. O teste foi significativo (p=2,578 x 10-6) indicando diferença significativa entre os métodos comparados (Tracker x Fixo).
Deciphering the Non-Coding RNA Landscape of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Simple Summary Survival rates for children with acute myeloid leukemia have significantly improved in recent decades. Still, 20–30% will succumb to therapy-related toxicity and relapse. Research has shown that leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in particular are responsible for relapse. Therefore, the characterization of the LSC is needed to improve the current treatment options for and survival of these pediatric patients. Previously, research has focused mainly on the protein-coding part of the human genome, but recently the focus has also shifted to non-coding genes, including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of lncRNAs and miRNAs in pediatric AML subpopulations (LSCs and leukemic blasts) and their normal counterparts (hematopoietic stem cells and control myeloblasts). We provide here a unique set of non-coding RNAs with a potential role in the pathogenesis of pediatric AML, paving the way for further translational research studies. Abstract Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pedAML) is a heterogeneous blood cancer that affects children. Although survival rates have significantly improved over the past few decades, 20–30% of children will succumb due to treatment-related toxicity or relapse. The molecular characterization of the leukemic stem cell, shown to be responsible for relapse, is needed to improve treatment options and survival. Recently, it has become clear that non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), play a role in the development of human diseases, including pediatric cancer. Nevertheless, non-coding RNA expression data in pedAML are scarce. Here, we explored lncRNA (n = 30,168) and miRNA (n = 627) expression in pedAML subpopulations (leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and leukemic blasts (L-blasts)) and their normal counterparts (hematopoietic stem cells and control myeloblasts). The potential regulatory activity of differentially expressed lncRNAs in LSCs (unique or shared with the L-blast comparison) on miRNAs was assessed. Moreover, pre-ranked gene set enrichment analyses of (anti-) correlated protein-coding genes were performed to predict the functional relevance of the differentially upregulated lncRNAs in LSCs (unique or shared with the L-blast comparison). In conclusion, this study provides a catalog of non-coding RNAs with a potential role in the pathogenesis of pedAML, paving the way for further translational research studies.
MOISTURE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF HMA MIXES: IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AND RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

i DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are solely responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views and policies of the National Center for Asphalt Technology of Auburn University. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. ii ABSTRACT Stripping of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements appears to have become a major problem in recent years. More and more states are specifying the use of antistripping (AS) agents. There is a need to identify the problem properly so that decisions are not made based on visual observations of some isolated distressed areas. External factors and/or in-place properties of the HMA pavements can induce premature stripping in HMA pavements. This paper describes these factors such as inadequate pavement drainage, inadequate compaction of HMA pavement, excessive dust coating on aggregate, inadequate drying of aggregates, and overlays on concrete pavements. Suggestions for alleviating the problems associated with these factors have been given. An investigative methodology based on forensic experience has been recommended for use by the specifying agencies and industry to establish stripping as a problem on a specific project or statewide. The current practices of specifying moisture susceptibility tests across the United States have been reviewed. AASHTO T283 (Modified Lottman) test method has been recommended to determine moisture susceptibility of HMA mixes until more suitable and reliable tests are developed and validated by SHRP or other agencies.
DNA Double-Strand Breaks as Pathogenic Lesions in Neurological Disorders

The damage and repair of DNA is a continuous process required to maintain genomic integrity. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are the most lethal type of DNA damage and require timely repair by dedicated machinery. DSB repair is uniquely important to nondividing, post-mitotic cells of the central nervous system (CNS). These long-lived cells must rely on the intact genome for a lifetime while maintaining high metabolic activity. When these mechanisms fail, the loss of certain neuronal populations upset delicate neural networks required for higher cognition and disrupt vital motor functions. Mammalian cells engage with several different strategies to recognize and repair chromosomal DSBs based on the cellular context and cell cycle phase, including homologous recombination (HR)/homology-directed repair (HDR), microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ), and the classic non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). In addition to these repair pathways, a growing body of evidence has emphasized the importance of DNA damage response (DDR) signaling, and the involvement of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family proteins in the repair of neuronal DSBs, many of which are linked to age-associated neurological disorders. In this review, we describe contemporary research characterizing the mechanistic roles of these non-canonical proteins in neuronal DSB repair, as well as their contributions to the etiopathogenesis of selected common neurological diseases.
Convolutional Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory Models for Ice-Jam Prediction

Abstract. In cold regions, ice-jam events result in severe flooding due to a rapid rise in water levels upstream of the jam. These floods threaten human safety and damage properties and infrastructures as the floods resulting from ice-jams are sudden. Hence, the ice-jam prediction tools can give an early warning to increase response time and minimize the possible corresponding damages. However, the ice-jam prediction has always been a challenging problem as there is no analytical method available for this purpose. Nonetheless, ice jams form when some hydro-meteorological conditions happen, a few hours to a few days before the event. The ice-jam prediction problem can be considered as a binary multivariate time-series classification. Deep learning techniques have been successfully applied for time-series classification in many fields such as finance, engineering, weather forecasting, and medicine. In this research, we successfully applied CNN, LSTM, and combined CN-LSTM networks for ice-jam prediction for all the rivers in Quebec. The results show that the CN-LSTM model yields the best results in the validation and generalization with F1 scores of 0.82 and 0.91, respectively. This demonstrates that CNN and LSTM models are complementary, and a combination of them further improves classification.