Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Power to Identify the Genetic Basis of Complex Traits with Evolve and Resequence Studies

Evolve and Resequence (E&R) studies are frequently used to dissect the genetic basis of quantitative traits. By subjecting a population to truncating selection for several generations and estimating the allele frequency differences between selected and non-selected populations using Next Generation Sequencing, the loci contributing to the selected trait may be identified. The role of different parameters, such as, the population size or the number of replicate populations have been examined in previous works. However, the influence of the selection regime, i.e. the strength of truncating selection during the experiment, remains little explored. Using whole genome, individual based forward simulations of E&R studies, we found that the power to identify the causative alleles may be maximized by gradually increasing the strength of truncating selection during the experiment. Notably, such an optimal selection regime comes at no or little additional cost in terms of sequencing effort and experimental time. Interestingly, we also found that a selection regime which optimizes the power to identify the causative loci is not necessarily identical to a regime that maximizes the phenotypic response. Finally, our simulations suggest that an E&R study with an optimized selection regime may have a higher power to identify the genetic basis of quantitative traits than a GWAS, highlighting that E&R is a powerful approach for finding the loci underlying complex traits.
Associations of Habitual Mineral Intake with New-Onset Prediabetes/Diabetes after Acute Pancreatitis

Associations between habitual dietary intake of minerals and glucose metabolism have been extensively studied in relation to metabolic disorders. However, similar research has yet to be conducted in individuals after acute pancreatitis (AP). The main aim was to investigate the associations between habitual intake of 13 minerals and glycaemic status: new-onset prediabetes/diabetes after AP (NODAP), pre-existing prediabetes/type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and normoglycaemia after AP (NAP). Associations between the dietary intake of minerals and markers of glucose metabolism (glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose) were also studied. The EPIC-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional fashion to determine the habitual intake of 13 dietary minerals. ANCOVA as well as multiple linear regression analyses were conducted and five statistical models were built to adjust for covariates. The study included 106 individuals after AP. In the NODAP group, intake of 4 minerals was significantly less when compared with the NAP group: iron (B = −0.076, p = 0.013), nitrogen (B = −0.066, p = 0.003), phosphorous (B = −0.046, p = 0.006), and zinc (B = −0.078, p = 0.001). Glycated haemoglobin was significantly associated with iodine intake (B = 17.763, p = 0.032) and manganese intake (B = −17.147, p = 0.003) in the NODAP group. Fasting plasma glucose was significantly associated with manganese intake (B = −2.436, p = 0.027) in the NODAP group. Habitual intake of minerals differs between individuals with NODAP, T2DM, and NAP. Prospective longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials are now warranted to further investigate the associations between mineral intake and NODAP.
Epoxidized Sucrose Soyate as a Primary Binder in Particleboard

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES . viii LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xiii LIST OF SYMBOLS . xiv LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES . xv LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES. xvii
Embedded Retaining Walls - Guidance for Economic Design

CIRIA Funder's Report CP96 was issued to the core members of CIRIA in March 2002. It is now, or will shortly be, available to a wider audience. This note describes the background to this research project and details the objectives, intended readership and applicability of the resulting report. The report particularly addresses the subject of economic design, and some of the key recommendations are noted below.
Batteryless Sensor for Intrusion Detection and Assessment of Threats.

Abstract : A new series of security sensors has been sucessfully developed by ANRO Engineering, Inc. (ANRO) to detect intruders, and signal a remote alarm without batteries, external power or wiring. These wireless and self-powered (WASP) sensors are inherently covert both in the installation and presence of the sensor, and the low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/D) wireless link. Demonstration models have been constructed for hidden placement in existing doorknobs, doorjambs and windows. The operation of the sensors is not discernible to an intruder, and does not depend upon the speed of activation. A wireless link was developed that operates within the FCC Part 15 for unlicensed oepration, as well as within the guidelines for frequency allocation for many government facilities. The wireless link uses a coded signal to discriminate between more than 1024 sensors within an area. ANRO was particularly successful in keeping the cost of the sensors as low as possible. The cost of the components that are added to the lockset in a doorknob, for example, is estimated to be under $5. This new WASP sensor technology can be applied to keyless lock systems used in secure facilities and storage containers, and for commercial applications such as keyless hotel doors.
Effect of Kinesio Taping on Hand Sensorimotor Control and Brain Activity

Kinesio taping has been used to improve sensorimotor control performance. In this study, we explored the effect of Kinesio taping with different tensions on hand force control, joint proprioception, reaction time and brain activity. This was an observational study with a single-group, repeated-measures design. Twenty-four healthy participants (12 women) randomly assigned to three wrist/finger flexor taping conditions: (1) taping with 20% additional tension (taping20), (2) taping with neutral tension (tapingN), and (3) without taping (control). Grip force and wrist joint proprioceptive senses, reaction time, and force control performance were recorded in each of the taping conditions. An EEG of the bilateral sensorimotor cortex and an EMG of the right finger flexors were recorded to investigate changes in brain activity and functional connectivity between the brain and muscles (coherence). Our results indicated that taping significantly improved the joint position sense for participants with an error >3° (control vs. tapingN vs. taping20: 4.1° ± 1.04° vs. 2.6° ± 0.97° vs. 2.1° ± 0.91°; p = 0.001). In addition, Kinesio taping-induced improvements in force control were moderately correlated with decreases in the EEG beta band power. In conclusion, Kinesio taping could improve the joint proprioceptive sense, and taping-induced improvement in force control is likely due to neural desynchronization in motor cortex.
Laboratory assessment of pavement foundation materials

The main aim of this research was to improve laboratory test methods for describing pavement foundation materials so that analytical design based on appropriate mechanical parameters of materials could be performed in practice. The study started by assessing the relevance of currently available methods to describe materials in pavement foundations and reviewing factors influencing the responses of these materials to repeated loading. Two simplified repeated load triaxial apparatuses of different sizes have been developed and their capabilities in characterizing materials in sub-base and sub grade layers have been examined. The large one is for specimens of size 280 mm diameter and 560 mm high and is suitable for full scale Department of Transport Type 1 sub-base granular materials. The small one is for cohesive soil specimens, either recompacted or undisturbed, with a diameter of 103 mm and height of 206 mm. Both apparatuses are equipped with simple loading mechanisms, user-friendly computer data acquisition systems and high precision on-sample, but easy to fix, instrumentation to monitor axial and radial displacements. A complete testing method necessitated the provision of the associated testing techniques. The whole test, including aggregate and soil preparation and testing, was designed to be conducted by one person. Development of the test procedures is detailed. Evaluation of the simplified repeated load apparatuses and the testing techniques involved testing 13 aggregate specimens and more than 26 soil specimens. Furthermore, comprehensive preliminary tests have been performed on the tested materials to provide background information which enabled results from the simplified repeated load triaxial apparatuses to be assessed in detail. For unbound granular materials, the tests included a series of particle examinations and shear box testing. For soils, besides classification tests, the soil suctions and the permanent deformation development under wheel loading were examined. To check the reliability of the two simplified facilities, tests were also carried out on pre-existing sophisticated repeated load triaxial apparatuses. Comparison of aggregate test results has enabled further understanding of the effects on resilient strain, permanent deformation and compressive strength of grading, density, shape, surface profile, surface friction and material type to be gained. Effects from waveform and frequency of load pulses were also discussed. For-soils, sufficient test results not only allowed different materials to be compared but also permitted models to describe resilient strain behaviour and permanent deformation development to be developed.
Meningiomas in dogs

Background: Meningiomas and gliomas are the two most common types of human intracranial tumors. However, meningiomas are not exclusively human tumors and are often seen in dogs and cats. Methods: To present meningioma surgery in dogs and compare the surgical possibilities, tumor location, and to show the differences between human and veterinary approaches to tumor profiling. Eleven dogs with meningiomas were treated surgically for 5 years. All tumors except one were resected radically (Simpson 2). Localization of tumors mirrored that of human meningiomas. Results: Two dogs died in direct relation to surgery. One died 14 months after surgery due to tumor regrowth. Three dogs died of unrelated causes 10–36 months after tumor resection and five dogs are alive and tumor-free 2–42 months after surgery. Conclusion: Radical surgery in dogs is as effective as in humans. Thus, we propose that it should be implemented as first-line treatment. The article is meant to please all those overly curious neurosurgeons in the world.
Performance Enhancement of an Autoparametric Vibration Absorber Using Multiple Pendulums

This paper analyzes the dynamics of a resonantly excited single degree-of-freedom linear system coupled to an array of nonlinear autoparametric vibration absorbers (pendulums). The case of a 1:1:…:2 internal resonance between pendulums and the primary oscillator is studied. The method of averaging is used to obtain first-order approximations to the nonlinear response of the system. The stability and bifurcations of the equilibria of the averaged equations are computed. It is shown that the frequency interval of the unstable single-mode response, or the absorber bandwidth, can be enlarged substantially compared to that of a single pendulum absorber by adjusting individually the internal mistunings of the pendulums. Use of multiple pendulums is also shown to engender degenerate bifurcations as the coupled-mode response “switches” from one pendulum to the other with changing external excitation frequency. This results in a significant enhancement of the performance of autoparametric vibration absorbers.
Tomorrow's Schools

While “what’s wrong with education” looms as a national concern, many communities are doing something positive about it. They’re constructing new schools designed to take youngsters into the next century. In Louisville, Ky. , the Jefferson County Public School Board has embarked on an ambitious building program to upgrade and build new facilities for its educational program. The $4.5 million Charles D. Jacob Elementary School, completed in January 1991, replaces a 1912 building. Even though the building is large enough for 600 students in 30 classrooms, its horizontal lines and domestic roof angles fit neatly into its residential neighborhood. The structural solution for the school was a combination of load- and nonload-bearing masonry with steel framing for its multipitched roof.
Developmental Toxicology of Metal Mixtures in Drosophila: Unique Properties of Potency and Interactions of Mercury Isoforms

Mercury ranks third on the U.S. Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry priority list of hazardous substances, behind only arsenic and lead. We have undertaken uncovering the mechanisms underlying the developmental toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (HgCl2), lead acetate (Pb), and sodium arsenite (As). To probe these differences, we used the Drosophila model, taking advantage of three developmental transitions—pupariation, metamorphosis, and eclosion—to differentiate potentially unique windows of toxicity. We elaborated dose response profiles for each individual metal administered in food and accounted for internal body burden, also extending analyses to evaluate combinatorial metal mixture effects. We observed all four metals producing larval lethality and delayed pupariation, with MeHg being most potent. Compared to other metals, MeHg’s potency is caused by a higher body burden with respect to dose. MeHg uniquely caused dose-dependent failure in eclosion that was unexpectedly rescued by titrating in HgCl2. Our results highlight a unique developmental window and toxicokinetic properties where MeHg acts with specificity relative to HgCl2, Pb, and As. These findings will serve to refine future studies aimed at revealing tissue morphogenesis events and cell signaling pathways, potentially conserved in higher organisms, that selectively mediate MeHg toxicity and its antagonism by HgCl2.
Knowledge and Awareness about the Connection between Lifestyle and Dementia among Adolescents

Background and Aim: Dementia is a group of symptoms characterized by memory loss, judgemental loss, forgetfulness. Dementia cannot be cured; but can be prevented. There are seven stages of Dementia, no cognitive decline being the first stage to very severe cognitive decline being the seventh stage. Healthy lifestyle is important for lower risk of Dementia. Smoking, consumption of alcohol, negative thinking, depression, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet causes Dementia. Diet plays a very important role in prevention of dementia; foods such as red meat, sugar, fatty foods can increase the risk of dementia whereas foods rich in fibres, fruits can reduce the risk of Dementia. The main aim of this study is to assess the knowledge about lifestyle and dementia. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional survey. 121 adolescents of Saveetha Dental College, Chennai participated in the survey which was conducted through Google forms in February 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions. The data was analyzed with the help of SPSS software and chi-square test was done for the correlation between gender and awareness. Chi-square test was done for the correlation of gender with awareness among the population. ‘p-value’ was calculated and value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of that 62 were females and 59 were males. Females were more aware about healthy lifestyles and its connection with dementia than males. 92.56% of people were aware that physical activity promotes a healthy brain. 69.2% agreed that depression can increase risk of Dementia. Majority of them agreed that physical exercise can promote a healthy brain. Conclusion: This study revealed that lifestyle is highly associated with dementia among adolescents. Healthy lifestyle leads to lower risk of dementia even if there’s high genetic risk. Females were aware about the diet which is healthy for lower risk of dementia and more smoking affects the memory. However, most of the people were neutral about the relation between BMI and Dementia.
Online education on campus : a technological frames perspective on the process of technology appropriation

The advent of computer-mediated communication (CMC) and the Internet has created significant opportunity for online education. Research on this topic has addressed its effectiveness, but as yet little attention has been given to the technology appropriation process in this context. This thesis adopts a social constructivist perspective. To enhance the understanding of online education, the study argues for abandoning the notion of technology as a passive tool and, instead, for considering the contextual issues which surround it. In order to understand how learning and technology appropriation takes place, the organisational and cultural setting needs to be considered. From this underlying conceptual position, the thesis constructs a theoretical framework using theories of collaborative and situated learning in combination with technological frames analysis. Applying this framework, an empirical study is performed on the implementation of an online education system at a traditional U.K. university. Research findings suggest that student perception and interpretation of technology and of online education are strongly influenced by their understanding of the institution, and these perceptions alter students' subsequent behaviour towards technology during the learning process. Furthermore, the study reveals that student appropriation of technology changes in accordance with the surrounding context and their realisation of the educational value which emerges from their interaction with the system over time. The theoretical contribution arises from applying to the study of online education the social constructivist approach to information systems. The methodological contribution lies in demonstrating the value of the interpretive approach for understanding online education on campus. Empirically, the thesis has significant value for educationalists by highlighting the contextual issues that affect student appropriation of technology and the consequent learning outcomes.
Factors Influencing the Use of ICT for English Language Learning of Indonesian EFL University Students

This study examines the factors of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that influence the acceptance of ICT use for English language learning of EFL University Students. This study also addresses the possible obstacles that affect and limit the use of ICT by adding motivation and ICT skills as extended TAM variables. This area of research topic is unexplored in the Indonesian context, especially in higher education institution. An analysis of these factors can assist instructors to understand how students learn using ICT and in providing useful advice to them during the learning process. The quantitative method was applied in this study, which included 303 students' teachers of English Education at a state university in Jambi, Indonesia. The instrument used in collecting the data was an online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS3 program to analyze the proposed hypotheses formed in order to meet the study objectives. The SEM result indicated that the factors of the technology acceptance model are the main factors affecting the ICT use. The study concluded that the influence of motivation and skills for ICT usage was mediated by three main TAM variables, namely perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitudes.
Development of Chitosan–Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles as Glycopeptide Antibiotic Reservoirs and Ex vivo Evaluation for Their Potential to Enhance the Corneal Permeation in Ocular Drug Delivery

Purpose: The present investigation aimed to prepare Vancomycin-loaded nanoparticles (VAN-NPs) using chitosan (CS) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) besides exploring the effects of changing CS/TPP ratio on the physicochemical properties, corneal permeation, and ocular delivery of the prepared NPs. Methods: Different pre-formulations were prepared using the modified ionic gelation process, then were characterized in terms of size distribution. Optimized formulations were furtherly evaluated by some characteristic tools such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The in vitro antimicrobial efficacy and drug release amounts along with the Ex-vivo corneal permeation of NPs through the sheep cornea were investigated. Quantification was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: Spherical and uniformly distributed NPs were developed with a mean particle size varied between 215–290 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the CS/TPP cross-linking has taken place without affecting the pharmacologically active moiety of the drug. The obtained zeta potential values were in the range of +34 to +37 mV, which could ensure the stability of formulations. TGA analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability for the encapsulated drug compared to the plain drug. Formulations indicated suitable antimicrobial efficacy while releasing more than 90% of the drug during 24 h. NPs offered a 10-fold enhancement in corneal permeation compared to the drug solution. Conclusions: Although further in vivo evaluation is still required to completely confirm the efficacy of the formulations, the enhanced release and corneal permeation of the drug suggest that the prepared NPs are suitable for ocular delivery of VAN.
Practice and Factors Associated with Informed Consenting Process for Major Surgical Procedures Among Health-Care Workers, South Eastern Ethiopia

Background Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers result from improper consenting practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice and factors associated with the informed consenting process for major surgical procedures among health-care workers in public hospitals of Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 24, 2020, among all nurses, midwives, doctors (general physicians, surgeons, gynecologists), emergency surgery officers, anesthetists) who were working at Bale Zone public hospitals during the study period. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 (age group, sex, educational profession, working unit, work experience, adequate content of consent form, training on informed consent, policy/regulation in institution, administrative support, average number of patient cared per shift, time spent for consent process, knowledge, attitude) at 95% confidence interval in the binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable regression model to control for possible confounding effect. Results Of the total sample size (639 health-care workers), 621 (97.2%) were included in this study, of which 311 (50.1%, 95% CI: 46.1–53.8) practiced proper informed consent during major surgical procedures. Being age above 35 (AOR: 3.032, 95% CI: 1.148–8.010), male (AOR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.047–2.465), above 10 years of working experience (AOR: 2.339, 95% CI: 1.104–4.955), adequate content of consent form (AOR: 2.785, 95% CI: 1.772–4.377), having training on informed consent (AOR: 2.305, 95% CI: 1.204–4.414), spending more time (>30minutes) for consent process (AOR: 3.014, 95% CI: 1.095–8.298), having good knowledge (AOR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.195–2.737) and favorable attitude (AOR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.456–3.287) were significantly associated with good informed consent practice. Conclusion Only half of health-care workers practiced good informed consent. Further emphasis needs to be given to improve consent practice.