Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative life cycle assessment of fiber-reinforced polymers as a sustainable reinforcement option in concrete beams

Environmental awareness and the need for sustainable construction inspired researchers and practitioners to explore innovative alternatives that might reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use related to excessive structural work. One such alternative is the utilization of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars as a reinforcement in reinforced concrete members. FRP bars possess favorable characteristics like high tensile strength, lightweight and corrosion resistance compared to steel. This feature makes FRP bars a potential solution for utilizing seawater instead of fresh water in concrete mixtures, especially in areas facing a harsh climate and water shortage like the Arabian Peninsula. This paper aims to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts through life cycle assessment of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, and steel glass fiber reinforced polymer bars compared to steel bars. Moreover, another LCA was conducted comparing steel-reinforced beams made with desalinated fresh water to GFRP/CFRP reinforced beams made with seawater for the concrete mixture. The results indicate that the GFRP bar performed better than the steel bar in 10 out of 14 categories, while the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer bar performed worse than the steel bar in 10 out of 14 categories. The SGFRP bar had a result between the steel and GFRP bar, outperforming the steel bar in 10 categories. Furthermore, the GFRP beam exhibited better environmental performance than the steel beam in 9 out of 14 categories, while the CFRP beam performed better than the steel beam in 8 categories, attributed to the reduction in reinforcement ratio due to the high tensile strength of CFRP and GFRP bars compared to steel bars. Overall, this study sheds light on the possible environmental advantages of using FRP bars in construction and highlights the importance of sustainable construction practices in minimizing environmental impacts.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a biomarker of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Backgrounds The relationship between kidney function and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is poorly understood and underexplored. This study aims to explore whether renal indices can serve as indicators to monitor the cognitive impairment of PD. Methods A total of 508 PD patients and 168 healthy controls from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) were recruited, and 486 (95.7%) PD patients underwent longitudinal measurements. The renal indicators including serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA), and urea nitrogen, as well as UA/Scr ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were measured. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between kidney function and cognitive impairment were evaluated using multivariable-adjusted models. Results eGFR was associated with lower levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1–42 (p = 0.0156) and α-synuclein (p = 0.0151) and higher serum NfL (p = 0.0215) in PD patients at baseline. Longitudinal results showed that decreased eGFR predicted a higher risk of cognitive impairment (HR = 0.7382, 95% CI = 0.6329–0.8610). Additionally, eGFR decline was significantly associated with higher rates of increase in CSF T-tau (p = 0.0096), P-tau (p = 0.0250), and serum NfL (p = 0.0189), as well as global cognition and various cognitive domains (p < 0.0500). The reduced UA/Scr ratio was also linked to higher NfL levels (p = 0.0282) and greater accumulation of T-tau (p = 0.0282) and P-tau (p = 0.0317). However, no significant associations were found between other renal indices and cognition. Conclusion eGFR is altered in PD subjects with cognitive impairment, and predict larger progression of cognitive decline. It may assist identifying patients with PD at risk of rapid cognitive decline and have the potential to monitoring responses to therapy in future clinical practice.
Using Mendelian randomization analysis to determine the causal connection between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis

Objective Observational studies have shown a correlation between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis, but the underlying causal linkages are still uncertain. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation on two samples for this purpose. Methods In genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank (total = 459,561), we selected 40 distinct single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to unpleasant emotions as genome-wide statistically significant instrumental variables. FinnGen consortium provided summary-level data on coronary atherosclerosis for 211,203 individuals of Finnish descent. MR-Egger regression, the inverse variance weighted technique (IVW), and the weighted median method were used in the process of conducting data analysis. Results There was sufficient evidence to establish a causal connection between unpleasant emotions and coronary atherosclerosis risk. For each unit increase in the log-odds ratio of unpleasant feelings, the odds ratios were 3.61 (95% CI: 1.64–7.95; P = 0.001). The outcomes of sensitivity analyses were comparable. There was no indication of heterogeneity or directional pleiotropy. Conclusion Our findings provide causal evidence for the effects of unpleasant emotions on coronary atherosclerosis.
“Instant enemies” and “Instant allies” in the U.S. and Taiwan: a LIWC analysis

An online survey was used to collect participants' retrospective accounts of an encounter with an “instant enemy” and an encounter with an “instant ally” in samples of 262 American and 250 Taiwanese respondents. Using software that measured the relative use of various word categories, we examined ingroup/outgroup differences and cultural differences in the experience and perception of an “instant enemy” and an “instant ally. ” With regard to ingroup/outgroup differences, we found that inclusive and positive emotion words were used more frequently to describe the instant ally encounters, whereas exclusive and negative emotion words were used more frequently in reports of the instant enemy encounters. We also found that our respondents' descriptions of instant ally encounters were more likely to be put into a context defined by words related to leisure, work, and space, whereas their descriptions of instant enemy encounters were more likely to ignore the context and focus instead on what type of person the instant enemy was, as defined by more personal pronouns and words denoting specific categories of humans. With regard to cultural differences, we replicated previous findings indicating that Asian respondents tend to have thoughts and perceptions that are more holistic and integrated than those of Western respondents, as indicated by more words related to cognitive and affective processes, insight, and awareness of causation. Viewed collectively, the findings make a strong case that word-category usage can reveal both well-established and novel findings in comparisons of individuals from different cultures.
The Galton-Watson process with infinite mean

Let Zn be the number of descendents in the nth generation of a simple Galton-Watson branching process, initiated by a single progenitor, Z 0 = 1. If E(Z 1) < ∞ the limiting distribution of Zn is known in some detail, and a comprehensive account is given in Seneta [1]. If E{Z 1) = ∞ (the “explosive” case) the behavior of the distribution of Zn for large n seems not to be known. As shown by Seneta [1], there are no constants cn such that cnZn has a non-degenerate limiting distribution but it turns out that, under conditions given below, log(Zn + 1) has a limiting distribution.
Explaining Changes in Threat Appraisal, Coping Appraisal, and Flood Risk-Reducing Behavior Using Panel Data From a Nation-Wide Survey in Germany

Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) has become a widely-used theoretical framework to explain the risk-reducing behavior of individuals toward flooding and other natural hazards. Despite a quickly growing body of literature applying PMT in the context of flooding, insights into changes in PMT components and risk-reducing behavior are largely lacking due to a predominant use of cross-sectional research designs. In this study, we examine how various intrapersonal sources of information relate to changes in PMT components and risk-reducing behavior, using unique panel data (n = 2,680) from a survey in Germany and a fixed-effects regression modeling approach. In line with PMT, we find that various intrapersonal sources of information, like prior experience, relate to changes in PMT components. We also find that coping appraisals of PMT change in a direction negatively related to risk-reducing behavior over time, posing a challenge for risk communication and the envisaged shift to integrated flood risk management.
An autopsy report of rare purulent pericarditis caused by Streptococcus anginosus infection that spread from the liver abscess

Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) is Gram-positive streptococci and a commensal in the upper airway and gastrointestinal and conceptive swathe. It is a commensal microorganism and not well recognized as a pathogen that causes the disease; moreover, death due to the infection is also rare. However, it can cause invasive infections and induce purulent infection with abscess formation under certain conditions and risk factors. We report a rare case of purulent pericarditis in a male deceased who presented with sudden death. The underlying purulent pericarditis that spread from the liver abscess was identified through autopsy examination. Local spread from adjacent organs is rare. The culprit organism was a commensal that became a pathogen under a certain environment. SAG pyogenic pericarditis is an infrequent but severe and fatal condition. A holistic approach to the case must emphasize autopsy findings in a case where the history is limited, especially in forensic practice. Two crucial processes are required to determine the cause of death: through a thorough autopsy and by understanding causation. To conclude that a death was caused by a commensal pathogen is the most difficult task in forensic pathology, and careful examination of postmortem investigations is essential.
Civilizational Paradigm of the Study of Management Culture Phenomenon: Theoretical and Methodological Aspect

Introduction. The development of management as a cultural phenomenon is inextricably linked to the development of world civilization. Moreover, civilization is a kind of driving force for changing management culture. Therefore, the development of a civilizational paradigm for studying management culture is certainly an urgent scientific problem. Purpose and methods. The purpose of the article is to provide a theoretical and methodological substantiation of the civilizational paradigm for studying the phenomenon of management culture. The methodological basis of the study is the dialectical principle of cognition, system-synergetic, historical and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of social phenomena and organizational processes in society. Results. The basic theories of the study of civilization are considered. A two-dimensional approach to the study of civilization as a form of movement of social matter is revealed. The role and mechanisms of bifurcation of civilization as a driving force for the restructuring of society and management culture are revealed. The structure, characteristics and patterns of change in the world civilization and management culture of post-industrial society are determined. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in the substantiation of the civilizational paradigm of management research as a socio-cultural phenomenon, which allows to comprehend the deep essence, analyze the genesis and predict possible directions of future development of civilization and management culture. The significance of the study lies in the addition to the science of new provisions on the study of management culture based on the civilizational paradigm, as well as in the possibility of using them in the process of professional training of managers.
Digital Transformation Affecting Sustainable Development: A Case of Small and Medium Enterprises during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Vietnam's economy faces many difficulties and complicated developments. To create an environment with favorable conditions for sustainable development, it is necessary to have innovative business solutions that not only bring profits for businesses but also solve environmental and social problems. In addition, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have made many positive contributions to economic restructuring, creating stable jobs for hundreds of thousands of employees and ensuring social security. Besides, SMEs in Vietnam have faced many difficulties and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the papers' objectives explored critical factors affecting the sustainable development of SMEs in Vietnam. The authors applied two methods, such as qualitative and quantitative, with data obtained from 400 managers of small and medium enterprises and used structural equation modeling and SPSS 20.0, Amos software. The article's findings have the digital transformation factor's most substantial impact on sustainable development. The article's novelty is determined by five factors: market trends, state support policy, social responsibility, quality of human resources, and digital transformation. Finally, the authors recommended guidelines to help businesses be more cohesive in removing difficulties and solving issues related to credit relations to put capital into modern technology investment to ensure business effectiveness and sustainable development for SMEs. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SPER-017 Full Text: PDF
Green-Light Static Rewritable Optical Storage Properties of a Novel CuTCNQ Derivative Thin Film

A novel charge-transfer complex film: copper-(n-propyl ester 7,7,8,8- tetracyanoquinodimethane-2,5-ylene-(3-propionic acid)) (Cu-TCNQ(C2H4COOC3H7)2) was prepared by spin-coating. Absorption spectra, green-light (514.5 nm) static rewritable optical recording properties and rewritable mechanism of this film were studied. The results show that there are two strong absorption peaks at 388 nm and 675 nm, which can be assigned to electronic transitions in anion radical TCNQ(C2H4COOC3H7)2−. Green-light optical storage experimental results of this film were as follows: write-in power was 9 mW, pulse duration was 80 ns; erasing power was 4 mW, pulse duration was 500 ns; the reflectivity contrast C≥15%; number of write–erase cycles N≥100. It is found that the realization of rewritable optical storage of the Cu-TCNQ(C2H4COOC3H7)2 film is related to the reversible changes of the optical properties, which is caused by the reversible charge transfer between copper and n-propyl ester 7,7,8,8- tetracyanoquinodimethane-2,5-ylene-(3-propionic acid) in the complex through inducement of laser irradiation.
SiC detector characterization for radiation emitted by laser-generated plasmas

SiC detectors based on Schottky barrier junction with depletion layer of about 60 μm can be employed to monitor the radiations emitted from laser-generated plasmas. On the base of the detector geometry UV and X-rays, ions and electrons can be detected with high efficiency at energies of the order of 10 keV, 1-100 MeV and 100 keV respectively. Detector response is proportional to the energy deposited in the depletion layer with an energy resolution comparable with the traditional Silicon detectors. The use of time-of-flight (TOF) techniques permits to measure the velocity of electrons and ions also in condition of low detection efficiency. Such detectors can be employed with success for fast plasma diagnostics detecting photons, electrons and ions. Measurements of SiC characterization, by using calibrated X-rays, electrons and ion sources and laser-generated plasmas, at intensity raging between 1010 Wcm−2 and 1016 Wcm−2, will be presented and discussed.
Predominance of OXA-48 Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in a Moroccan Hospital

Objective The emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is a major concern that is increasingly reported worldwide. Our study aimed at investigating the resistance of CPE isolates in a Moroccan teaching hospital using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Methods Enterobacterales strains from March to June 2018 were collected from different clinical samples. The Enterobacterales isolates resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) and/or carbapenems were subjected to the Carba NP test and an immunochromatographic test for phenotypic detection. Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) was also performed following standards. Molecular screening of carbapenemases genes (OXA-48, NDM, blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaOXA-24, blaOXA-23, OXA-51, OXA-58) using conventional multiplex PCR assays was also performed on 143 isolates. Results Enterobacterales represented 52.7% with a proportion of 21.8% of bacteria resistant to 3GC and/or carbapenems. Within 143 isolates MDR to 3GC, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and E. cloacae represent 53.1%, 40.6%, and 6.3%, respectively. These strains were isolated mainly from urinary samples (74.8%) in patients admitted to emergency and surgical units. 81.1% of strains are producing ESBL and 29% are carbapenemase producers as confirmed by the Carba NP test, immunochromatographic test, and molecular testing. OXA-48 carriers represent 83.3% of these strains, followed by NDM with 16.7%. blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaOXA-24, blaOXA-23, OXA-51, OXA-58 were not detected in any of these bacteria. Conclusions A high rate of CPE carrying OXA-48 among Enterobacterales resistant to 3GC and/or carbapenems isolates was found. Strict observance of hospital hygiene measures and more rational use of antibiotics are mandatory. Implantation of carbapenemases detection should be encouraged in our hospital settings to estimate the true burden of the CPE.
On the least quadratic non-residue

We prove that for almost all real primitive characters χd of modulus |d|, the least positive integer nχd at which χd takes a value not equal to 0 and 1 satisfies nχd ≪ log|d|, and give a quite precise estimate on the size of the exceptional set.
Prevalence of Depression Among People With Dry Eye Disease: Empirical Analysis From the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia

Background The number of people suffering from depression has increased in recent times. In the Aseer region alone, 3.8% of the population suffers from depression, and one of the causes is believed to be dry eye disease (DED). Objectives This research aims to investigate the relationship between depression and dry eye disease among people living in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region. Methodology The study is cross-sectional, and data was collected from 401 participants living in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected with the help of a well-structured questionnaire, and results are extracted by analyzing the model using SPSS. Findings The study discovered a positive and significant relationship between dry eye disease and depression. A total of 36.7% of the participants had dry eye symptoms and 23.7% were diagnosed with depression, stress, or anxiety. Conclusion Our study concludes that patients suffering from dry eye disease are more likely to get depressed because, according to our analysis, there is a correlation between dry eye disease and depression. Dry eye disease is a condition that is not only affecting the elderly but the young alike. Saudi Arabia’s healthcare authority should create awareness about this health issue with the help of seminars, print, and social media.
A Cartesian parametrization for the numerical analysis of material instability

We examine four parametrizations of the unit sphere in the context of material stability analysis by means of the singularity of the acoustic tensor. We then propose a Cartesian parametrization for vectors that lie a cube of side length two and use these vectors in lieu of unit normals to test for the loss of the ellipticity condition. This parametrization is then used to construct a tensor akin to the acoustic tensor. It is shown that both of these tensors become singular at the same time and in the same planes in the presence of a material instability. The performance of the Cartesian parametrization is compared against the other parametrizations, with the results of these comparisons showing that in general, the Cartesian parametrization is more robust and more numerically efficient than the others. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SUPERVISED CLASSIFICATION OF MULTISPECTRAL REMOTE SENSING IMAGE USING B P NEURAL NETWORK

A method of supervised classification of multispectral remote sensing image was suggested using B P neural network. An example of supervised classification of 4 spectral remote sensing images for 4 crops was described by this method. The results show that even if the feature extractions are fewer than the traditional classification, the classification of multispectral remote sensing image tallys with the cases.
Calculation of Secondary Currents in Channel Flow

A model is presented for calculating the flow in channels with turbulence-driven secondary motion, with an emphasis on open channel flow. Algebraic expressions are derived for the Reynolds stresses in the momentum equations for the secondary motion by simplifying modelled Reynolds stress equations. A simple eddy viscosity model is used for the shear stresses in the logitudinal momentum equation. The kinetic energy k, and the dissipation rate ϵ of the turbulent motion appearing in the algebraic and eddy viscosity expressions are determined from transport equations for these quantities. The restricting influence of a free surface on the length scale of turbulence is accounted for by a special free surface boundary condition for ϵ. The resulting set of equations is solved with a marching forward numerical procedure for three-dimensional boundary layers. The model is tested by application to developed two-dimensional closed and open channel flow, closed square duct flow, and flow in open channels of various width-to-depth-ratios. Most features of these flows are simulated well by the model, including the reduction of the eddy viscosity near the free surface and the depression of the velocity maximum below the surface.
Short-Term Collagen Nerve Wrapping Facilitates Motor and Sensory Recovery from Nerve Degeneration in a Sciatic Nerve Injury Rat Model

Purpose This study used a sciatic nerve injury rat model to investigate the short-term effects of a polyglycolic acid (PGA)-collagen tube for nerve injury in continuity. Materials and Methods Sixteen female Wistar rats (6–8 weeks) were used, and the left sciatic nerve was crushed with a Sugita aneurysm clip. Sciatic nerve model rats were randomly categorized into two groups (n = 8; control group, n = 8; nerve wrapping group). Then, we measured four sensory thresholds, magnetically stimulated the lumbar region to induce motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and evaluated the sciatic nerve histopathologically. Results In the sensory thresholds, there were significant differences for the main effect in 250 and 2000 Hz stimulation (p = 0.048 and 0.006, respectively). Further, a significant difference was observed with 2000 Hz stimulation at 1 week (p = 0.003). In the heat stimulation, there were significant differences for the main effect in both weeks and groups (p = 0.0002 and 0.0185, respectively). The post-hoc test showed a significant difference between groups only in 2W (p = 0.0283). Three weeks after the surgery, both 2nd and 3rd MEPs waves-related latencies in the nerve wrapping group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (p = 0.0207 and 0.0271, respectively). Histological evaluation of the sciatic nerve revealed considerable differences in the number of axons between the two groups (p = 0.0352). Conclusion The short-term PGA-collagen tube nerve wrapping facilitated motor and sensory recovery from nerve degeneration in the sciatic nerve injury rat model.