Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The importance of cardiac tomography in the evaluation of cardiac changes and coronary atherosclerosis in patients with betathalassemia major

Betathalassemic patients demonstrate an increased rate of extracardiac vascular complications, but very low prevalence for coronary artery disease. Computed tomography (CT) achieves excellent tissue characterization, with high spatial resolution and has developed as a gold standard for noninvasive angiography and calcium score assessment. Methods. We examined 7 patients with major beta-thalassemia and 7 patients who had an indication for cardiac CT for resting ECG changes, without symptoms of angina pectoris. We investigated the coronary atherosclerosis by assessing the coronary artery calcium (CAC) and arterial stifness. Usual tests and echocardiography measurement were performed. Cardiac computed tomography determined left ventricular mass, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), coronary calcium score and coronary anatomy. An analysis of myocardial density was also performed. Artery stiffness was assessed by the cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI). Results. Arterial stiffness index in betathallasemic group was higher than control group, R-CAVI index was 6.21± 0.49 vs 5.65±0.37 and L-CAVI index was 6.21± 0.38 vs 5.71±0.31. The assessment of systolic function by echocardiography and cardiac CT examination in the 2 groups, shows that the LVEF in the betathallasemic group was significantly lower than in the control group, which means that some patients already had cardiomyopathy. LV myocardial mass was significantly higher in the group with beta-thalassemia, which is explained by the appearance of myocardial remodeling. The calcium score in patients with major beta-thalassemia was 0 and 8,5± 5,9 in the control group. Only 3 patients (42,8%) in the control group had a calcium score > 10U. No atherosclerotic lesions were observed in patients with major beta-thalassemia, whereas the control group showed mild coronary atherosclerotic lesions. If myocardial density can be determined, calcium or iron deposits can be detected in the myocardium. In patients with beta-thalassemia, the density of the myocardium was higher, both in the left ventricle (49.29 8.87±HU) and in the septum (56.71± 8.1 HU). Calculation of Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a good association between CT and echocardiography, reproducibility of CT was significantly higher on an intra-observer level for LVEF and LV Mass. Conclusions: Patients with β–thalassemia major have a similar calcium score compared to control subjects, but they have an increase in arterial stiffness. However, zero frequencie of coronary heart disease, denotes coronary protection mechanisms in thalassemia, so future research should focus on the anti-atherogenic potential of blood lipids at these patients. The ability of cardiac tomography to detect calcifications and changes in myocardial density should be valued, as it can be a good tool for establishing the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy by iron loading.
Optimal Rejuvenation Policies for Non-Markovian Availability Models with Aperiodic Checkpointing

In this paper, we present non-Markovian availability models for capturing the dynamics of system behavior of an operational software system that undergoes aperiodic time-based software rejuvenation and checkpointing. Two availability models with rejuvenation are considered taking account of the procedure after the completion of rollback recovery operation. We further proceed to investigate whether there exists the optimal rejuvenation schedule that maximizes the steady-state system availability, which is derived by means of the phase expansion technique, since the resulting models are not the trivial stochastic models such as semi-Markov process and Markov regenerative process, so that it is hard to solve them by using the common approaches like Laplace-Stieltjes transform and embedded Markov chain techniques. The numerical experiments are conducted to determine the optimal rejuvenation trigger timing maximizing the steadystate system availability for each availability model, and to compare both two models. key words: software rejuvenation, checkpointing, optimal rejuvenation policy, non-Markovian process, phase expansion, steady-state availability, point-wise availability
Untangling Sequences: Behavior vs. External Causes

There are two fundamental reasons why sensory inputs to the brain change over time. Sensory inputs can change due to external factors or they can change due to our own behavior. Interpreting behavior-generated changes requires knowledge of how the body is moving, whereas interpreting externally-generated changes relies solely on the temporal sequence of input patterns. The sensory signals entering the neocortex change due to a mixture of both behavior and external factors. The neocortex must disentangle them but the mechanisms are unknown. In this paper, we show that a single neural mechanism can learn and recognize both types of sequences. In the model, cells are driven by feedforward sensory input and are modulated by contextual input. If the contextual input includes information derived from efference motor copies, the cells learn sensorimotor sequences. If the contextual input consists of nearby cellular activity, the cells learn temporal sequences. Through simulation we show that a network containing both types of contextual input automatically separates and learns both types of input patterns. We review experimental data that suggests the upper layers of cortical regions contain the anatomical structure required to support this mechanism.
SDSS J1004+4112: the case for a galaxy cluster dominated by primordial black holes

The aim of this paper is to provide a plausible explanation for the large amplitude microlensing events observed in the cluster lensed quasar system SDSS J1004+4112. The microlensed quasar images appear to lie well clear of the stellar population of the cluster, raising the possibility that the cluster dark matter is composed of compact bodies which are responsible for the observed microlensing. In the first part of the paper we establish the exact structure of the difference light curves attributed to microlensing from photometric monitoring programmes in the literature. We then show from measures of surface brightness that the probability of microlensing by stars in the cluster is negligibly small. Finally we relax our assumption that the cluster dark matter is in the form of smoothly distributed particles, but instead is made up of compact bodies. We then use computer simulations of the resulting magnification pattern to estimate the probability of microlensing. Our results show that for a range of values for source size and lens mass the observed large microlensing amplitude is consistent with the statistics from the simulations. We conclude that providing the assumption of smoothly distributed dark matter is relaxed, the observed large amplitude microlensing can be accounted for by allowing the cluster dark matter to be in the form of solar mass compact bodies. We further conclude that the most plausible identity for these bodies is primordial black holes.
High-Throughput 3D Neural Cell Culture Analysis Facilitated by Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

The three-dimensional (3D) culture of neural cells in extracellular matrix (ECM) gels holds promise for modeling neurodegenerative diseases and pre-clinical evaluation of novel therapeutics. However, most current strategies for fabricating 3D neural cell cultures are not well suited to automated production and analysis. Here, we present a facile, replicable, 3D cell culture system that is compatible with standard laboratory equipment and high-throughput workflows. This system uses aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) to confine small volumes (5 and 10 μl) of a commonly used ECM hydrogel (Matrigel) into thin, discrete layers, enabling highly-uniform production of 3D neural cell cultures in a 96-well plate format. These 3D neural cell cultures can be readily analyzed by epifluorescence microscopy and microplate reader. Our preliminary results show that many common polymers used in ATPSs interfere with Matrigel gelation and instead form fibrous precipitates. However, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and 2.5% dextran 10 kDa (D10) were observed to retain Matrigel integrity and had minimal impact on cell viability. This novel system offers a promising yet accessible platform for high-throughput fabrication of 3D neural tissues using readily available and cost-effective materials.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Entrepreneurship: A Bad for a Good?

The study examines the influences of the global/domestic economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on entrepreneurship in a sample of 23 economies over the period 2006–2016. Employing the two-step system General Method of Moment estimation for unbalanced panel data, our study provides surprising evidence, indicating that EPU may not always be harmful to entrepreneurship. Precisely, in contrast with existing literature emphasising the negative impact of the uncertainty on entrepreneurship, our article suggests that EPU seems to boost pro-entrepreneurial social and cultural norms (i.e., encouraging actions for creation of new businesses). As such, we suggest that uncertainty may serve as an exogenous shock, filtering ‘good’ business ventures from ‘not-so-good’ ones.
Muscle fiber characteristics and postmortem quality of longissimus thoracis, psoas major and semitendinosus from Chinese Simmental bulls

Abstract Using Chinese Simmental cattle semitendinosus, psoas major, and longissimus thoracis samples, we assessed muscle fiber characteristics and postmortem quality. The type I, IIA, and IIB fiber diameters were greater in semitendinosus and longissimus thoracis relative to psoas major, with psoas major, semitendinosus, and longissimus thoracis having the highest respective percentages of type I, IIB, and IIA fibers. Psoas major had the highest R 248 and R 250 values and lowest R 258 values at 1‐ and 6‐hr postmortem. Psoas major had the lowest Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), hardness, and chewiness values. The trends of WBSF, hardness, and chewiness changes decreased with increasing aging time. Semitendinosus had higher changes in WBSF than psoas major, and the number % type I fibers was correlated negatively with % changes of WBSF. Therefore, muscles with a high proportion of type IIB fibers and a low proportion of type I had lower tenderness and higher tenderization rate. Further research should be done to seek the optimal composition of muscle fiber type in order to improve beef quality, as muscle fiber type has opposite effect of tenderness background and tenderization rate.
Design and formulation of polymeric nanosponge tablets with enhanced solubility for combination therapy

Three drugs namely caffeine, paracetamol, and aceclofenac are commonly used for treating various acute and chronic pain related ailments. These 3 drugs have varied solubility profiles, and formulating them into a single tablet did not have the desired dissolution profile for drug absorption. The objective of the present research was to tailor the drug release profile by altering drug solubility. This was achieved by loading the drug into nanosponges. Here, three-dimensional colloidal nanosponges were prepared using β-cyclodextrin with dimethyl carbonate as a cross-linker using the hot-melt compression method. The prepared nanosponges were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, DSC, XRPD studies and SEM. The FTIR and DSC results obtained indicated polymer-drug compatibility. The 1H NMR spectroscopy results obtained indicated the drug entrapment within nanosponges with the formation of the inclusion complex. XRPD studies showed that the loaded drug had changed crystalline properties altering drug solubility. SEM photographs revealed the porous and spongy texture on the surface of the nanosponge. Box–Behnken experimental design was adopted for the optimization of nanosponge synthesis. Among the synthesized nanosponges containing paracetamol, aceclofenac and caffeine, batch F3–P31, F3–A31 and F3–C31 were considered optimized. Their particle size was 185, 181 and 199 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 81.53, 84.96, and 89.28% respectively. These optimized nanosponges were directly compressed into tablets and were studied for both pre and post-compression properties including in vitro drug release. The prepared tablet showed desired drug dissolution properties compared to the pure drug. The above outcomes indicated the applicability of nanosponges in modulating the drug release with varied solubility for combination therapy.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON PROJECT DELIVERY: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Purpose of study: The study aimed at establishing the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on project delivery in the UAE with a significant focus on the construction industry. The study also sought to determine some of the negative implications of COVID-19 for the construction industry. Methodology: The within-subjects research design was employed in the study. Purposive and simple random sampling was used in the selection of the respondents. A total of 116 project managers in the construction industry were sampled for the study. Data was collecting using self-administered online questionnaires. The SPSS software was applied to analyze the collected data using the paired samples t-test analysis method to compare the means of the projected number of days taken to complete a project before and during the COVID-19 period. Main Findings: The study findings revealed that there is a statistically significant effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of days taken to complete projects in the construction industry in the UAE. The findings of the study revealed that the pandemic resulted in a lack of access to raw materials and labor, thereby leading to a delay in the completion of projects. Application of the study: The revelation of the implications would inform the policy and decision-makers in the country to devise effective ways of addressing the challenges for the stability of the sector. The researcher recommends the same study to be replicated in other areas to identify the effects the pandemic has had on other industries. Another study should also be conducted on the effective strategies that should be adopted to address the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction industry in the UAE. Novelty/originality of the study: This is contemporary studies that deal with a current issue. The study concluded that the construction industry became a victim of COVID-19 to the extent that it has brought its projects to a halt and significantly eroded the market of its beneficiaries. Unlike other industries, construction projects cannot accommodate distance working but facing challenges making on-time delivery impossible and therefore construction industry is at risk.
Effect of head roll‐tilt on the subjective visual vertical in healthy participants: Towards better clinical measurement of gravity perception

Gravity perception is an essential function for spatial orientation and postural stability; however, its assessment is not easy. We evaluated the head‐tilt perception gain (HTPG, that is, mean perceptual gain [perceived/actual tilt angle] during left or right head roll‐tilt conditions) and head‐upright subjective visual vertical (SVV) using a simple method developed by us to investigate the characteristics of gravity perception in healthy participants.
The Effect of Temperature, Potato Varieties, and The Origin Of Cyst on The Reproductive Biology of Globodera rostochiensis

Potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis [Wollenweber] Behrens) is a nematode species of worldwide regulatory concern. This nematode caused serious economic of potato losses in Indonesia. This research studied by factorial designed to evaluated the effect of temperature (10, 20, and 30oC), potato varieties (`Granola´, `Margahayu´, and `Cipanas´), and origin of cyst (West, Central, and East Java) on reproductive biology of G. rostochiensis in the growth chamber. The research was conducted by observed of produced the new cyst number, reproduction fitness, survival, fecundity, and multiplication of G. rostochiensis. The result showed that all of the potato varieties were infected by G. rostochiensis when they were grown at the temperature ranging of 20 and 30oC but not at 10oC. The optimum temperature for maximum number of cysts with the highest reproduction factor, survival, fecundity and multiplication rate for all populations was 20oC. The origin of cyst did not have any effect on the reproductive rate. The temperature of 20oC provided is best environment for the life of G. rostochiensis on Granola. INTISARI Nematoda sista kentang (Globodera rostochiensis [Wollenweber] Behrens) adalah spesies nematoda yang mendapatkan perhatian khusus di seluruh dunia. G. rostochiensis menyebabkan kerugian ekonomi yang serius pada pertanaman kentang di Indonesia. Penelitian ini menguji pengaruh perbedaan suhu (10, 20, dan 30oC), varietas kentang (Granola, Cipanas, dan Margahayu), dan asal sista (Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, dan Jawa Timur) terhadap biologi reproduksi G. rostochiensis di growth chamber menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap faktorial. Pengamatan dilakukan terhadap jumlah sista baru, kemampuan reproduksi, daya tahan hidup, keperidian dan multiplikasi G. rostochiensis. Seluruh varietas kentang yang diuji terserang G. rostochiensis pada suhu 20 dan 30oC kecuali pada suhu 10oC. Kisaran suhu optimum untuk memperoleh jumlah sista baru yang maksimum dengan kemampuan reproduksi, daya tahan hidup, keperidian dan multiplikasi untuk semua populasi adalah 20oC. Asal sista tidak berpengaruh terhadap biologi reproduksi yang diteliti. Kentang varietas Granola yang ditanam pada suhu 20oC merupakan inang yang sesuai untuk kehidupan G. rostochiensis.
Factors affecting delays in rail transportation projects using Analytic Network Process: the case of Iran

Abstract Delays in the implementation and commissioning of rail transportation projects can cause economic damages to project stakeholders and the cities linked by such rail networks. Hence, the current study aims to investigate the key delay factors and provides salient recommendations. In this study, multi-criteria decision-making – the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the DEMATEL (Decision Making trial and evaluation laboratory) method was employed to help decision-makers in prioritizing these delay factors and evaluating their interactions, respectively. A Delphi approach was used to validate the study’s findings via expert questionnaire surveys – based on a rail transportation development project for the Mobarakeh Steel Complex (MSC). The study’s findings revealed the management factors as the most important delay factors, followed closely by the financial, design, and implementation factors. Other potent issues include the existence of numerous decision-making stations, lack of central role, and sufficient authority for the project managers are responsible for project delays. Overall, the results show that resolving problems with the ‘management’ domain can significantly avoid or alleviate the extent of delays in rail transportation development projects. The study’s findings and recommendations can serve as a policy and consultative instrument for the relevant stakeholders in the railway industry.
Contracting-out care: The socio-spatial politics of nursing home care at the intersection of British Columbia’s labor, land, and capital markets

The provincial health services labor market was fundamentally altered in 2002 with the introduction of a series of legislative and policy changes enabling the contracting-out, or subcontracting, of care workers in nursing home facilities in order to encourage private sector investment in nursing home infrastructure and provision. This legislation was intended to shrink provincial expenses and replace aging facilities through partnerships with the private sector that would keep debt off provincial books. Through in-depth interviews with front-line workers and provincial and Health Authority administrators, this research foregrounds care as a political relationship by mapping how these legislative changes related to provincial budget concerns splintered a specialized labor market, eroding both working and caring conditions, and exposing eldercare in British Columbia, Canada to the speculative dynamics of finance.
Evaluating the effects of integrated nutrient management and insitu rainwater harvesting on maize production in dry regions of Zimbabwe

Moisture stress and inherent soil fertility caused huge loss in crop production. The use of insitu rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management can improve soil health and crop production. The Objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management and insitu rainwater harvesting on maize productivity in dry regions of Zimbabwe. Experiment was laid out as a factorial with three main factors which include cattle manure, insitu rainwater harvesting and inorganic manure. Data was collected from harvested net plot to obtain maize grain and stover yields for two growing years. Data was analysed based on analysis of variance using IBM SPSS version 25 and means which were significant different were separated using least significant different. The results show that there was significant different (p<0.001) between all treatments combinations. Results recorded higher maize grain yields from100 kg N/ha + 5 t/ha cattle manure treatments for both seasons. High grain yield of 3.41± 0.042 t/ha was recorded from ZN 100 C 5 treatments during the second year and highest maize grain yield of 3.11 t/ha was recorded in first year. There was significant different (p<0.001) on the effects of combination of cattle manure and inorganic fertiliser alone on maize grain yields. Control treatments recorded lowest maize (1.17 ± 0.031 t/ha) and stover yields of 4.36 ± 0.046 t/ha. Results indicated significant different (p<0.001) on the effects of insitu rainwater harvesting, cattle manure and inorganic manure on maize stover yields. The use of integrated nutrient management and insitu rainwater harvesting has the capacity to increase maize yields and reduce food insecurity in dry regions of most sub-Saharan African countries. Abstract