Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of composite materials based on ecological wastes

Thermal insulation is a good strategy for saving energy and reducing the emission of CO2 especially when produced locally with ecological materials. The hereby document aims at evaluating the thermal and mechanical properties of eco-composite materials based on plaster and wood waste or granular cork. The proportion of used additives were respectively 20 and 30%. Two wood waste types were used as sawdust and wood chips; several granular sizes were used for granular cork. The thermal characterization consists of determining the thermal conductivity, and thermal effusivity of all samples. Flexural and compressive strength were also tested. Results show that the composite materials with 20% wood shaving, 20% granular cork size 3.35–6.7 mm, and 30% sawdust have improved thermal performance with acceptable mechanical resistances. The thermal simulation proves that using these composite materials as plasterboards in buildings can generate thermal energy gain about 38%, compared to reference building. These results indicate that the use of ecological composites based on plaster has a promising future in thermal building insulation.
CER-ETH – Center of Economic Research at ETH Zurich Optimal monitoring of credit-based emissions trading under asymmetric information

Project-based emissions trading schemes, like the Clean Development Mechanism, are particularly prone to problems of asymmetric information between project parties and the regulator. In this paper, we extend the general framework on incomplete enforcement of policy instruments to reflect the particularities of credit-based mechanisms. The main focus of the analysis is to determine the regulator’s optimal spot-check frequency given plausible assumptions of incomplete enforcement under asymmetric information on reduction costs and heterogeneous verifiability of projects. We find that, depending on the actual abatement cost and penalty schemes, optimal monitoring for credit-based systems is often discontinuous and significantly differs from the one to be applied for cap-andtrade schemes or environmental taxes. We conclude that, in a real-world context, project admission should ultimately be based on the criterion of verifiability.
World Englishes Communication and Challenges: A Qualitative Study of Three Vietnamese University Graduates

The wide use of English has given rise to the World Englishes (WE) paradigm, within which there has been a growing interest in the pedagogical implications of the varieties of English. A frequently documented rationale for the marriage between second language education and WE is that WE users should be aware of the potential problems in WE communication. This study adopts a qualitative case study, employing an Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) to explore the perception and experience of three Vietnamese university graduates of such WE communicative problems. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were analyzed through the lens of existing WE theories, especially the theory of intelligibility in communication. The findings confirm problems concerning sound recognition as the most frequent and dominant intelligibility issue while comprehensibility and interpretability problems vary and depend on the contexts of use. The data also yield information about the effects of WE problems on both the participants’ feelings and their English proficiency. Findings from this study urge the integration of WE into current English as a Foreign Language (EFL) practice in Vietnam as a WE awareness can help build a critical understanding of languages and contribute to the formation of a positive identity of EFL/ English as a Second language (ESL) users.
The Intensity Side of Volition: A Theoretical and Empirical Overview of Effortful Striving

Attaining sports or health goals requires not only a high motivation but also the willpower to translate sport-behavior intentions into successful action. This volitional regulation calls for the mobilization of effort to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of goals. The present article provides a theoretical and empirical overview of motivation intensity theory (Brehm & Self, 1989) — a conceptual framework that makes clear and testable predictions about effort mobilization in various contexts. First, we present the guiding principles of this theory and its operationalizations by measures of effort-related cardiovascular reactivity and physical handgrip force. Second, we review a selection of empirical tests of the theory’s basic assumptions and the impact of psychological moderator variables such as affect, fatigue, pain, and personality on effort mobilization. Finally, we discuss important implications of those findings for the sports and health domains and make suggestions for future research.
Ef ﬁ cacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with monoclonal gammopathies: A cross sectional study

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect individuals with haematologic malignancies against severe COVID-19, while eliciting limited vaccine responses. We charac-terized the humoral responses following 3 mo after mRNA-based vaccines in individuals at different plasma-cell disease stages: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined signi ﬁ cance (MGUS), smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma on ﬁ rst-line therapy (MM), compared with a healthy population. Plasma samples from uninfected MM patients showed lower SARS-CoV-2 – speci ﬁ c antibody levels and neutralization capacity compared with MGUS, SMM, and healthy individuals. Importantly, COVID-19 recovered MM individuals presented signi ﬁ cantly higher plasma neutralization capacity compared with their uninfected counterparts, highlighting that hybrid immunity elicit stronger immunity even in this immunocompromised population. No differences in the vaccine-induced humoral responses were observed between uninfected MGUS, SMM and healthy individuals. In con-clusion, MGUS and SMM patients could be SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated following the vaccine recommendations for the general population, whereas a tailored monitoring of the vaccine-induced immune responses should be considered in uninfected MM patients.
The Spanish and Italian Healthcare Professionals’ Contribution to the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire Short Form in the Operating Room: Construct Validity and Reliability

Objectives The aims of the study are to determine the construct validity and reliability of the Spanish and Italian versions of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire Short Form and to study the capability of this scale of distinguishing between different countries, types of healthcare professionals, and attitudes around patient safety. Method This was a cross-sectional study of the scale among registered nurses, surgeons, and anesthetists providing direct patient care at surgical inpatient units within public health services in Spain (Sistema Nacional de Salud) and Italy (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Construct validity, in both countries, was firstly assessed by exploratory factor analysis. Then, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and finally an assessment was performed by means of hypothesis testing. The reliability of the scale was calculated using Cronbach α coefficient. Results A total of 499 healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire (Spain, n = 183; Italy, n = 316). The questionnaire showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.85). An exploratory factor analysis identified a new factor model of the scale. The confirmatory factor analysis performed on this new model reflected the fair dimensionality of the construct (χ2 = 1193.63, root mean square error of approximation < 0.05, standardized root mean square residual < 0.08; nonnormed fit index, comparative fit index, incremental fit index, and goodness of fit index values = 0.90, indicating a good fit). Conclusions This study provides scientific evidence of the construct validity and reliability of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire Short Form in both Spain and Italy, showing the capability of this scale of distinguishing between different countries, types of healthcare professionals, and attitudes around patient safety.
Wealth Dynamics in Communities

This paper develops a model to explore how favor exchange influences wealth dynamics. We identify a key obstacle to wealth accumulation: wealth crowds out favor exchange. Therefore, households must choose between growing their wealth and accessing favor exchange. We show that low-wealth households rely on favor exchange at the cost of having tightly limited long-term wealth. As a result, initial wealth disparities persist and can even grow worse. We then explore how communities and policymakers can overcome this obstacle. Using simulations, we show that community benefits and place-based policies can stimulate both saving and favor exchange, and in some cases, can even transform favor exchange into a force that accelerates wealth accumulation.
EFFECT OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON SUGAR BEET

The present investigation was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural at Kafr El- Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 seasons. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of three nitrogen rates i.e., 40, 65 and 90 kg N/fed. (as soil application) and five treatments of foliar spraying with urea at the rate of (50 g/l) i.e., cont. , one, two, three and four foliar on yield, yield components and quality of sugar beet as well as to minimizing costs of fertilization and environmental pollution. The experimental design was strip- plot design with four replications. The main results of this investigation could be summarized as follows: Increasing nitrogen fertilizer as soil application up to 90 kg N/fed. and repeating foliar application with urea solution significantly increased root length and diameter, dry matter accumulation/plant, root and top yields/fed. as well as sugar yield/fed. in both seasons. The inverse was true in TSS, sucrose and juice purity percentages. Whereas, raising soil application of nitrogen from 40 to 90 kg N/fed. and foliar spraying with urea caused a marked decrease in the previously mentioned traits. Generally, it can be concluded that soil application of nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 65 kg N/fed. and foliar spraying sugar beet plants three times with urea solution at the rate of (50 g/l) could be recommended for optimum root and sugar yields per unit area as well as decreasing fertilizer costs under the condition of the present study.
The Use of Human Biomonitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to PAHs in Europe: A Comprehensive Review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the chemicals with proven impact on workers’ health. The use of human biomonitoring (HBM) to assess occupational exposure to PAHs has become more common in recent years, but the data generated need an overall view to make them more usable by regulators and policymakers. This comprehensive review, developed under the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative, was based on the literature available from 2008–2022, aiming to present and discuss the information on occupational exposure to PAHs, in order to identify the strengths and limitations of exposure and effect biomarkers and the knowledge needs for regulation in the workplace. The most frequently used exposure biomarker is urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR), a metabolite of pyrene. As effect biomarkers, those based on the measurement of oxidative stress (urinary 8-oxo-dG adducts) and genotoxicity (blood DNA strand-breaks) are the most common. Overall, a need to advance new harmonized approaches both in data and sample collection and in the use of appropriate biomarkers in occupational studies to obtain reliable and comparable data on PAH exposure in different industrial sectors, was noted. Moreover, the use of effect biomarkers can assist to identify work environments or activities of high risk, thus enabling preventive risk mitigation and management measures.
CRI as approximate reasoning tool: an analysis via T-indistinguishability operators

The compositional rule of inference (CRI) is a useful tool for doing approximate reasoning in the sense that similar hypothesis are transformed via CRI into similar thesis. In the paper we formalize the meaning of these similarities by means of the natural T-indistinguishability E~ (an indistinguishability operator over a set of fuzzy sets). We prove that all the CRI processes are extensional with respect to E~ independently of the fuzzy relation used to model the implication (Residuated, Mamdani, .). Finally, we propose a new inference operator, different from the CRI, termed the natural inference operator that is optimal from the extensional point of view.
Determinants of Alcohol Addiction among Consumers in Enugu, Nigeria

In spite of several alcohol-related harms, consumption pattern towards alcohol addiction in Nigeria is on the increase. This study attempts to identify the determinants of addictive alcohol consumption among consumers in Nigeria. Using a causal research design, 250 alcohol consumers were purposively sampled. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using the multiple regression analysis in SPSSWIN version 22. The findings revealthat there is a combined effect of the latent variables- peer group, price, socio-cultural environment and government intervention on consumers’ alcohol addiction (R=0.673, R2=0.452 and p= 0.008). In conclusion, peer group influence, price of alcoholic beverages, socio-cultural environment and level of government involvement in alcohol regulation have a direct and significant influence on alcohol addiction. Theoretical and policy recommendations were made; as well as practical implications.
Effect of Citrus Rootstocks on Root Distribution and Leaf Mineral Content of ‘Orlando’ Tangelo Trees1

The effect of rootstock on tree size, root distribution and leaf mineral content of ‘Orlando’ tangelos on 11 rootstocks was studied. Pronounced differences in depth of rooting, weight of feeder roots and tree height were detected. Depth of rooting was correlated to tree height, (r = .58, 1970; r = .83, 1971) i.e., the tallest trees had the deepest root systems. Feeder root wt and tree height were not related. The level of leaf N, K, Ca and Mg but not P was related to rootstock, suggesting a differential absorption of mineral nutrients by rootstock. The level of N appeared to be influenced by root distribution. Trees with deep extensive root systems or with a large number of feeder roots near the surface had high leaf N. Leaf K was significantly correlated with depth of rooting, (r = .96, 1970; r = .84, 1971). The results suggested the maximum performance of all rootstocks was not attained under the uniform cultural conditions of this experiment and therefore the need to examine each rootstock under conditions optimum for it.
A Multi-surgeon Robotic-guided Thoracolumbar Fusion Experience: Accuracy, Radiation, Complications, Readmissions, and Revisions of 3,874 Screws across Three Robotic Generations

Objective: Robotic guidance provides indirect visualization of key anatomic landmarks to facilitate minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and is emerging as a reliable and accurate technique for posterior spine instrumentation. We sought to describe eight years of experience with robotic guidance at a high-volume, multi-surgeon center. We hypothesize that robotic guidance will lead to (1) low rates of complication, readmissions, and revision surgery, (2) reduced fluoroscopic radiation exposure, (3) and accurate thoracolumbar instrumentation. Methods: A retrospective review of complications, revision surgery, and readmission rates in patients undergoing thoracolumbar fusion surgery utilizing three robotic generations. Second-ary analysis was conducted comparing the three robotic generations for complications, revision surgery, accuracy, and readmission rates along with intraoperative fluoroscopic duration. Results: A total of 628 patients (3,874 robotic-guided screws) ages 12–81 years-old (43.9% male) were included in the study. At one year, the cumulative complication incidence was 15.5% with a 10.3% incidence of surgical complications (3.7% wound, 1.2% robot-related, and 5.4% non-robot-related complications). At one year, the revision surgery incidence was 9.4%. There was no statistical difference between complications, readmission, or revision surgery after initial admission among the three robotic generations. The average intraoperative fluoroscopic duration was 53.8 seconds (11.9 seconds per screw and 17.6 seconds per instrumented level). Conclusion: Robotic guidance in thoracolumbar instrumented fusions was associated with low complication, revision surgery, and readmission rates. Our results suggest robotic guidance can provide accurate guidance with minimal adverse events in thoracolumbar instrumentation.
MIPAS new measurement scenario: enhanced vertical resolution and regularization

MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) is operating on ENVISAT since March 2002. After two years of nearly continuous limb-scanning measurements (from July 2002 to March 2004) at the end of March 2004 the instrument was stopped due to problems with the mirror drive of the interferometer. Operations with reduced maximum path difference, corresponding to both a lower spectral resolution (0.0625 cm instead of 0.025 cm) and a shorter measurement time (1.8 sec instead of 4.5 sec), were resumed on January 2005. In order to exploit the reduction in measurement time, a change in the measurement scenario was implemented. Compared with the original measurement scenario, the new scenario adopts a finer vertical limb scanning step in the region of the troposphere and lower stratosphere. If the retrieval is done at the tangent altitudes, the use of a limb scanning step smaller than the width of the instrument field of view introduces instabilities in the retrieval and requires a regularization to avoid oscillations in the retrieved profiles. A Tikhonov regularization with a novel automated procedure to determine the value of the regularization parameter has been developed for the analysis of spectra acquired in the new measurement scenario. The procedure is based on the criterion that the differences between the regularized and the non-regularized profiles should be, on average, equal to the errors of the regularized profile. This criterion leads to an analytical formula for the calculation of the regularization parameter. In this paper we present the results of this method in terms of both vertical resolution and errors of retrieved profiles and compare these performances with those obtained with the original measurement scenario.
Awareness of Medical Students toward Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorder Based on Biomedical Diagnosis

Background Sleep disorders affect an individual's mental and physical health and vice versa. Sleep medicine is underrecognized as a specialty; therefore, many sleep disorders go undiagnosed. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge of medical students toward circadian neuroscience and sleep disorder based on biomedical diagnosis. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in both male and female medical colleges from the third to the sixth year. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) survey assessed the students' general knowledge and attitude towards sleep disorder and sleep medicine. Chi-square/Fisher exact tests were used to analyse the participants' knowledge level toward specific sociodemographic data. Also, for two-level continuous variables, the Wilcoxon two-sample test was used. Results The total number of participants was 296, with 154 female and 142 male participants. The prevalence of inadequate knowledge was considerable with 96.62% of students, compared to adequate knowledge with only 3.38%. The students' attitude to sleep medicine was negative 14.53% and positive among 85.47%. We found that gender was significantly associated with attitude with a p value = 0.0057. The specific interest in sleep medicine had a significant association with knowledge and attitude, p value of 0.0522 and 0.0059, respectively. Conclusion This study concluded that medical students possess inadequate knowledge regarding sleep medicine, yet they have a positive attitude towards it.
Effect of Bite-Sized Teaching Sessions on Parent’s Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Febrile Seizures in Children

Background : Febrile seizures are benign neurological disorders in children under the age of five and often make parents distressed and frightened leading to a relevant reduction in the quality of care. Aim : This study aimed to examine the effect of bite-sized teaching sessions on parents’ knowledge, attitude, and pra ctice regarding febrile seizures in children under five. Setting : The study was carried out over a period of six months from May to October 2021 in the Pediatric department at Governmental hospital, El Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. The study adopts a quasi-experimental research design to perform this study on 80 parents of children with febrile seizures from the age of 6 months to 5 years old and selected by convenience sampling technique. Two tools were used for gathering data. First tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet. The second tool: An observational checklist to evaluate the parents’ practice for first -aid management of febrile convulsion. Results : Findings of the current study indicate statistically significant differences between pre and post- tests regarding parents’ knowledge and care practices for children with febrile convulsion at 5% and 1% levels of statistical significance. Conclusion : There was a marked improvement in parents' knowledge, attitude, and practice post-implementation of the bite-sized teaching program. Recommendation : Continuous bite-sized teaching sessions should be scheduled regularly for parents in the Pediatric Units to reinforce the quality of care and improve children's outcomes.
Experiences of the Transition to Parenthood in Teenage Married Couples

The transition to parenthood is a difficult and stressful time for many couples, and those who become parents in their teens will most likely experience stress and challenges. The objective of this review is to scrutinize evidence related to the experiences of the transition to parenthood in teenage married couples. The scoping review method used was the Arksey & O'Malley framework consisting of 5 stages including identification of the PICO framework, identification of relevant articles, searching for articles from databases such as Science Direct, Pubmed, and Willey, selecting in Prisma Flow Charts, conducting Critical Appraisal on articles, doing data charting, compiling, summarizing, and reporting the results. Based on the search results from the databases, 11 articles were obtained. Of the 11 articles, an assessment was carried out and all articles got a grade of A, 4 articles with the quantitative method and 7 articles with the qualitative method. Furthermore, 3 themes were identified, namely social support, psychological impact, and barriers. The conclusion of the study found a gap in the results of review articles in developed countries and developing countries. In developed countries, the results of review articles tend to focus on psychological problems in the transition to parenthood. The adolescent parents feel pressured and are not ready to become new parents, causing stress and depression when becoming new parents. In contrast to developing countries, psychological problems in the transition to parenthood tend to focus on social support and barriers to becoming new parents.