Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Air Plasma Pretreatments on Mechanical Properties in Metal-Reinforced Laminated Wood

The use of wood-based materials in building and construction is constantly increasing as environmental aspects and sustainability gain importance. For structural applications, however, there are many examples where hybrid material systems are needed to fulfil the specific mechanical requirements of the individual application. In particular, metal reinforcements are a common solution to enhance the mechanical properties of a wooden structural element. Metal-reinforced wood components further help to reduce cross-sectional sizes of load-bearing structures, improve the attachment of masonry or other materials, enhance the seismic safety and tremor dissipation capacity, as well as the durability of the structural elements in highly humid environments and under high permanent mechanical load. A critical factor to achieve these benefits, however, is the mechanical joint between the different material classes, namely the wood and metal parts. Currently, this joint is formed using epoxy or polyurethane (PU) adhesives, the former yielding highest mechanical strengths, whereas the latter presents a compromise between mechanical and economical constraints. Regarding sustainability and economic viability, the utilization of different adhesive systems would be preferable, whereas mechanical stabilities yielded for metal-wood joints do not permit for the use of other common adhesive systems in such structural applications. This study extends previous research on the use of non-thermal air plasma pretreatments for the formation of wood-metal joints. The plasma treatments of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst. ] wood and anodized (E6/EV1) aluminum AlMgSi0.5 (6060) F22 were optimized, using water contact angle measurements to determine the effect and homogeneity of plasma treatments. The adhesive bond strengths of plasma-pretreated and untreated specimens were tested with commercial 2-component epoxy, PU, melamine-urea formaldehyde (MUF), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), and construction adhesive glue systems. The influence of plasma treatments on the mechanical performance of the compounds was evaluated for one selected glue system via bending strength tests. The impact of the hybrid interface between metal and wood was isolated for the tests by using five-layer laminates from three wood lamellae enclosing two aluminum plates, thereby excluding the influence of congeneric wood-wood bonds. The effect of the plasma treatments is discussed based on the chemical and physical modifications of the substrates and the respective interaction mechanisms with the glue systems.
The Role of Directed Dispersal in Driving Genetic and Morphological Structure in Invasive Smallmouth Bass

Dispersal is an essential life-history trait crucial to species persistence and diversification. This is particularly important in spatiotemporal fluctuating environments such as freshwater habitats, where species movement is confined to the dendritic network and wetted boundaries. To persist in such fluctuating environments, a species can modify, adaptively and plastically, its phenotypic variation to better match the environment or escape via directed dispersal to a more suitable habitat (i.e., matching habitat choice). We use the invasive smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, sampled at 10 km intervals, to assess the effect of directed dispersal on the fine scale genetic and phenotypic variation in populations of M. dolomieu along a river course. Gene flow was used as a proxy for dispersal. By comparing population genetic structure, morphological variation (of linear traits and geometric landmarks), and environmental heterogeneity, we discovered a clear correlation between environmental variation and morphological traits. Although isolation by distance seemed to have shaped the overall genetic pattern detected among the populations, the strong genetic structuring observed within the Ratel tributary appeared to be non-random. These results provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms promoting the spread and establishment of invasive species and the possible influence multiple introductions may have on fine scale genetic structuring.
The rediscovery of postponement preparing for the next millennium mass customized supply chain

This paper reviews available work on postponement based upon the notion that there is a growing attention for the concept in research and practice. This is driven by the move towards mass customization in supply chains. There is however, a lacking integration and cross-fertilization between research(areas). ll1is fragmentation implies that new work has a reduced impact on knowledge creation. This paper develops an integrated categorization of available publications and identifies white gaps in knowledge. Challenges for content and method of research in the new supply chain context are formulated to support more robust and integrated research into the next millenium.
COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness in Egypt's Teaching Hospitals: A Needs Assessment Study

Introduction Regular collection and monitoring of data describing the dynamics of the utilization of healthcare services, especially in teaching hospitals (TH), which provide model quality medical services, are critical for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness. Methods The researchers analyzed data and information derived from service statistics reports from June 1st to July 15th, 2020 in terms of hospital resources, as well as utilization patterns of beds, ICU, and ventilators, for 11 screening hospitals affiliated with the General Organization of Teaching Hospitals and institutes in Egypt assigned by the Ministry of Health and Population to provide medical care for COVID-19 patients. Hospital indicators in terms of COVID-19 screening services, as well as utilization patterns of inpatient beds, ICU beds, and ventilators were computed. Results A total of 78,869 non-medical personnel and 2,176 medical personnel were presented with COVID-19 triage symptoms. Investigations conducted in the targeted 11 hospitals delineated that 22.2% of non-medical personnel and 27.9% of medical personnel were COVID-19 PCR-confirmed cases. The inpatient bed occupancy rate was 70% for non-medical patients and 67% for medical staff patients. For ICU, the bed occupancy rate was 92 % for non-medical patients and 88% for medical patients. Among the confirmed cases, 38% of medical patients utilized a ventilator vs. 36% of medical personnel cases. Hospital ranking according to utilization pattern among non-medical personnel, Hospital H ranked first in terms of the high load of screening services. Hospital C ranked first regarding the number of confirmed cases, whereas Hospital D ranked first for high ICU utilization among all teaching hospital ICU cases. With respect to medical personnel, Hospital G ranked first for the high load of screening services for the total studied cases. Hospital G ranked first for the number of confirmed cases. Hospital B ranked first regarding high ICU utilization among all teaching hospital ICU cases. Conclusion Teaching hospitals have demonstrated preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining an inpatient bed occupancy rate of 70% or less and ventilator utilization at <40% of confirmed cases. However, the ICU bed occupancy rate was more than 90% indicating a shortage of resources. In addition, there is variance across hospitals regarding caseload for resource reallocation decisions.
Genetic Analysis of Yield Attributes in Rice for Water Deficit Under Egyptian Conditions

Rice parental genotypes with good combining abilities provide an efficient tool to enhance rice yield under water deficit conditions. Using 15 F1 hybrids derived from a half diallel mating involving six parental genotypes, two experiments were carried out during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons to investigate the genetic analysis and combining ability for yield and its components under irrigated (E I) and water stress (E II) environments. Eight agronomic traits were studied over a period of two seasons, and cluster analysis based on 16 SSR primers found that the genotypes under study differed greatly in terms of variation. Overall, all yield attributes have been significantly affected by water deficit and was governed by both additive and non-additive gene actions. Based on the mean values and GCA effects, Gaori and IET1444 are suitable for incorporation of earliness and drought tolerance traits. Obviously that Gaori, IET1444, IRAT 170 and WAB 450 would serve as good general combiners for grain yield attributes under (E II) conditions. Due importance should be given for six combinations viz, Giza 177 x IRAT 170, Giza 177x Gaori, Sakha 101x IRAT 170, Sakha 101x IET 1444, Gaori x WAB 450 and IET 1444x WAB 450 to identify as new genotypes with high grain yield under water deficit condition. There might be a great possibility to get the best new combinations through crossing genotypes with highest genetic distance. Therefore, these findings should be considered when selecting elite genotypes for developing superior new rice crosses under water-stress conditions.
Study of ABO Blood Group Susceptibility to Coronavirus Disease - COVID-19

Background: The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 highlighting the zoonotic cross-over link in the present century has provoked an emergency worldwide. Recent experimental evidence supporting the proposition of ABO blood grouping and its susceptibility in certain blood group individuals has created interest among researchers to explore more. Aim: The aim of this study is to find the susceptibility of “ABO” blood group in COVID-19-positive cases. Objectives: Association of ABO blood group patterns with COVID-19-positive cases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study design was conducted among 728 confirmed positive COVID-19 admitted to the tertiary health care center in Maharashtra from June 01, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The inclusion criteria were COVID-19-positive cases confirmed by positive real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We collected the demographic details, associated clinical symptoms and ABO blood groups from all the patients. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The most common blood group affected was B + (35.5%) followed by A + (26.10%), AB + (20.60%) and O + (11.18%) and the least common was AB- (0.96%), O- (1.51%), A- (1.65%) and B- (1.79%). Conclusions: ABO blood grouping can be used as one of the simplest yet efficient markers for COVID-19. Blood group B Rh-positive and A Rh-positive were the most prevalent blood group types in patients with COVID-19.
Knowledge and attitude of dental students toward hepatitis B virus and its vaccination – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: To estimate the awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and coverage of hepatitis B vaccination among dental students enrolled in dental colleges located in Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a prestructured questionnaire to find out the awareness of HBV and coverage of hepatitis B vaccine among dental students. Results: A total of 2780 dental students were approached to participate in the study but only 2701 (97.1%) students (M = 900, F = 1801) gave response. Out of the total 2701 students, 79.45% were aware of HBV infection and only 51.50% of the participants received hepatitis B vaccine. 20.5% have come across HBV infected patients and 59.5% are unaware of postexposure protocol. Of all, 63.9%, 21.5% and 42% felt the mode of transmission is blood, sexual contact and oral fluids, respectively. 49.12% recommended for awareness programs on risks in HBV; 56.46% suggested mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination programs in dental colleges. Conclusions: Despite the availability and accessibility of a cost-effective hepatitis B vaccine, the vaccination coverage among dental students was low. Health education needs to be improved for all health care students especially for dental students.
Questionnaire-based survey regarding the opinion of general pathologists on the need for oral pathology services

Context: Oral and maxillofacial pathology (OMFP) is a subspecialization having a masters course in India. Due to lesser number of oral pathologists in the country, the biopsy material from the head and neck is catered to by the general pathologist. Aim: This survey was conducted to acquire responses from general pathologists and gathering knowledge on their perspective of oral pathology. Methods: Pathologists at various medical institutions and at laboratories all over Karnataka were requested to answer a questionnaire comprising 13 questions pertaining to the need and scope of oral pathology. Results: In total, 37 (57%) general pathologists completed the questionnaire, of whom 97% (36) were aware of the specialty and 30 (81%) perceived a need for it. Eleven (30%) of them referred oral biopsy specimens to oral pathologists. The most common sources of diagnostic difficulty were identified as odontogenic tumors and cysts. Twenty-six (70%) pathologists felt the need for a short-term posting for their postgraduates in oral pathology, while 28 (76%) of them expressed their opinion about considering an oral pathologist as a part of their team when diagnosing complex head and neck pathologies. Twelve (71%) of them mentioned that they sometimes found that head and neck lesions took longer time to diagnose. Conclusion: Although the utilization of OMFP specialists' services in the state is quite low, general pathologists strongly feel the need for OMFP training as head and neck specimens form a considerable proportion of biopsies received by them.
Accuracy of electronic apex locator in the presence of different irrigating solutions

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the apex locator in the presence of different irrigating solutions. Materials and Methods: Thirty humans, single canal mandibular premolars were decoronated, and canal orifices were flared with Gates-Glidden drills. Working length (Gold standard [GS]) was measured under ×3.5 magnification by inserting a size 10 K file until the tip became visible and deducting 0.5 mm from this length. Teeth were embedded in an alginate mass. Electronic apex locator (EAL) measurements were made with Propex II, while different irrigants were placed in the root canals with 30G needle and groups were made based on the type of irrigating solution used i.e., Group I (3% NaOCl), Group II (5% NaOCl), Group III (2% Chlorhexidine), and Group IV (17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Statistical analysis was performed. Results: Statistically insignificant differences were observed between the GS and EAL lengths among all the groups. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) only between Group III as compared to Group II and Group I. Conclusion: EAL can be used to accurately measure the working length, even in the presence of irrigating solutions. Of the irrigating solutions tested, least effect on the accuracy of EAL was seen with 2% chlorhexidine and the highest effect was seen with 5% NaOCl.
Saliva as an alternative non-invasive biomarker for the estimation of uric acid levels during pregnancy: A longitudinal study

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological condition in which the maternal environment undergoes many changes. Serum uric acid (UA) levels have been used for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia, predictor of reduced birth weight and fetal outcome. UA is also expressed in saliva, and collection of saliva sample is a noninvasive method which will be more acceptable by the patients. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to estimate and compare serum and salivary UA levels in age-matched healthy nonpregnant and healthy pregnant women at different trimesters longitudinally. Methodology: Forty female participants with age ranging between 20 and 38 years comprised the study population. The study group consisted of 20 healthy nonpregnant women (controls) and an equal number of confirmed cases of healthy pregnant women in the first trimester (cases). The cases were followed in their second and third trimesters for the sample collection. Results: Both serum and salivary UA levels were significantly reduced in the first trimester of pregnancy than the controls. In the second and third trimesters, the values of serum and salivary UA levels gradually increased and gained values similar to that of nonpregnant women. Salivary UA levels showed a highly significant positive correlation with serum levels in both controls and cases. Conclusion: Salivary estimation, being a noninvasive procedure, is easily accepted by the patients and carries minimal risk of exposure to the blood-borne pathogens compared to serum estimation. Our findings warrant the use of saliva instead of blood for UA estimation.
Intra-varietal variability and response to single plant selection in Gossypium hirsutum L.: I. Phenotypic variability

Summary Populations of spaced plants of each of the four American upland cotton varieties Deltapine Smooth Leaf, Rex Smooth Leaf, Pope, and Rex and one African upland variety, Bar 7/8, were grown in the 1965–6 wet season at Kimberley Research Station, in the Ord River valley, Western Australia. The number of bolls, boll weight, lint percentage, seed cotton yield, lint yield, micronaire value, mature height, and morphological type were recorded for each plant. For all varieties the range of each attribute was wide; for example, for a typicalvariety, boll weight ranged from 3·0 to 7·8 g, lint percentage from 30·5 to 43·5%, micronaire value from 3·3 to 5·9 units, and mature height from 78 to 195 cm. The most variable varieties judged on coefficients of variation were those maintained at the station for the longest period without selection while the most recent accession was the least variable. Frequency distributions for all attributes in each population departed significantly from normality: the majority showed both significant skewness and kurtosis. Positive skewness shown for the yield parameters seed-cotton yield, lint yield, boll number and boll weight in all varieties suggested there was scope for improvement by selection. Negative skewness for lint percentage was found in three varieties, suggesting previous intense selection for this trait. The coefficient of variation of lint percentage with one variety (Deltapine Smooth Leaf) was considerably less than that recorded 30 years earlier for its predecessor D x PL 11 A. Covariance adjustments to seed cotton yield of individual plants, based on various hypotheses of the relationship between a plant's yield and that of its neighbours failed to give reductions of consequence in the variability of yield. It was concluded that inter-plant influences were far more complex than the models assumed.
Growth of sugar-beet crops including the influence of synthetic plant growth regulators

Summary Observations are presented from a crop of sugar beet grown in Cambridgeshire during 1978, and a field trial at Sutton Bonington during 1985 in which the influence of synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) daminozide, chlormequat, GA4+7 and ethephon were compared. Several distinct patterns of growth were evident, being similar for both growing seasons and described by two intersecting straight lines. Early development was characterized by a slow rate of biomass accumulation, a dominance of foliage production with a constant but small root fraction (around 40%), a low specific leaf area and a slow but conservative rate of sucrose fractionation. Later in the season the rate of stand growth was both constant and maximal, the root fraction doubled, specific leaf area increased and the rate of sucrose accumulation rose markedly. Transitions between developmental phases occurred at various times dependent on variate under consideration. The onset of the main growth period began at the end of June, followed by an increase in the rate of sucrose accumulation about 2 weeks later. Finally, near the end of July, partition of assimilate into the root assumed a faster rate. Changes in the partitioning into both roots and sucrose are discussed in relation to the development of the secondary cambium. Generally there were no effects of PGRs on biomass accumulation, dry-matter partitioning, specific leaf area and sucrose accumulation. However, daminozide increased early canopy expansion and early dry-matter production but failed to influence biomass or sugar yield.
Effectiveness, acceptability and potential harms of peer support for self-harm in non-clinical settings: systematic review

Background Many people who have self-harmed prefer informal sources of support or support from those with lived experience. However, little is known about whether peer support improves outcomes for people who have self-harmed or about the risks of peer support interventions in non-clinical settings. Aims The aims of this review were to examine the effectiveness, acceptability and potential risks of peer support for self-harm, and how these risks might be mitigated. Method We searched bibliographic databases and grey literature for papers published since 2000. We included peer support for self-harm that occurred in voluntary-sector organisations providing one-to-one or group support, or via moderated online peer support forums. Results Eight of the ten papers included focused on peer support that was delivered through online media. No study compared peer support with other treatments or a control group, so limited conclusions could be made about its effectiveness. Peer support for self-harm was found to be acceptable and was viewed as having a range of benefits including a sense of community, empowerment, and access to information and support. The most commonly perceived risk associated with peer support was the potential for triggering self-harm. Conclusions Our findings highlighted a range of benefits of being part of a group with very specific shared experiences. Mitigations for potential risks include organisations using professional facilitators for groups, trigger warnings for online forums, and providing regular supervision and training so that peers are prepared and feel confident to support vulnerable people while maintaining their own emotional health.
The deposition of sulphur on soil in Northern Nigeria

The deposition on soil of sulphur from the atmosphere through gaseous absorption, or particulate precipitation and deposition on vegetation and to other surfaces, is calculated to account for most of the atmospheric-S deposited in Britain; S collected in rainwater appears to amount to only one-sixth of the total deposition (Chamberlain, 1960). A knowledge of the amounts of S deposited is important agriculturally, particularly in areas far from industry, both where fertilizers are not used, and also when deciding how much fertilizer-S should be used relative to other nutrients. The technical problems of separating the amounts of sulphur deposited by gaseous absorption, particulate precipitation, and in rain are easier in a tropical climate which has well-defined wet and dry seasons and where atmospheric SO2 concentrations are smaller and vary less than in industrial areas.