Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can we link Vitamin D deficiency to benign prostatic enlargement? An observational case control study

Purpose: To study the association of prostatic volume, prostatomegaly grade and IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) with vitamin D deficiency if any. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 patients, 50 to 70 years of age. Patients presenting with LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) were randomly selected for the study. A diagnostic evaluation for LUTS was done in all the patients based on IPSS & clinical examination. Prostate volume was calculated using Ultrasonography (USG) and serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) cut off of <4 ng/ml was considered for inclusion. Successively all the patients were tested for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) D level. Patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency were classified as “study population” and those with normal vitamin D level were classified as "controls”. Results: The median serum level of 25(OH) D in the participants was 18.95ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 70% of the participants. The study population had a significantly greater mean prostate volume of 41.32 ± 23.29 ml than 23.42 ± 8.62 in controls (P <0.001). The study population also had significantly greater prostatomegaly grade on DRE and IPSS than controls (P=0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher prostate volume and IPSS score in patients with BPE. If further studies confirm this association, treatment of vitamin D deficiency may help to prevent or delay symptoms of BPE.
Foam Polymers in Multifunctional Insulating Coatings

The application of foamed polymers as one of the components of insulating coatings allows to solve the problems of energy saving and creation of optimal operating conditions for constructions. The systems of application of energy-efficient heat-insulating materials must consider both the particularities of the insulating materials and the functional orientation of the constructions. The implementation of the concept of seamless insulating coatings implies the achievement of thermal effect and reduction in air permeability both by means of the application of thermal insulation with low thermal conductivity and the minimization of junctions between separate elements of the insulating coating, which is achieved using elastic foamed polymers and, first of all, polyethylene foam. Construction of seamless insulating coatings creates practically impermeable heat, vapor, and water barriers along the outer perimeter of the insulated object. Multilayer products based on polyethylene foam represent a relatively new material—a fact that requires examination of their properties, as well as under various operating conditions, and development of a methodology for evaluation of the operational resistance of these materials in structures of different purposes, including cold conservation. The performed tests have shown that the compressive strength at 10% deformation is determined by the function of load application area and varies from 70 kPa during the test of cube samples of 10 × 10 × 10 in size to 260 kPa for areas exceeding 100 m2. The longitudinal tensile strength amounts to 80–92 kPa, and the strength of the weld seam is equal to 29–32 kPa. It has been established that the values of thermal conductivity of polyethylene foam with an average density of 18–20 kg/m3 amounts to 0.032–0.034 W/(m·K), diffusion moisture absorption is equal to 0.44 kg/m2 without a metallized coating and 0.37 kg/m2 with a metallized coating; water absorption after partial immersion in water for 24 h amounts to 0.013 kg/m2; water absorption by volume after complete water immersion for 28 days is equal to 0.96%. The material does not practically change its properties under conditions of long-term temperature alteration from −60 to +70 °C. The developed and implemented insulation systems for protective surfaces of framed construction objects, rubbhalls and frameless structures, floating floors, indoor ice rinks, and snow conservation systems are presented.
The Influence of Acid Whey on the Lipid Composition and Oxidative Stability of Organic Uncured Fermented Bacon after Production and during Chilling Storage

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of acid whey on changes in the fatty acid profile, oxidative stability, physico-chemical parameters, and microbiological and sensory quality of traditional organic uncured fermented Polish bacon after production and during chilling storage. Three different treatments of fermented bacon were produced: C—control bacon with a nitrite curing mixture; T—bacon with a nitrate curing mixture; and AW—bacon with acid whey and NaCl. The acid whey used in the production of uncured fermented pork bacon positively changed the sensorial characteristics, directly after the ripening process, and had a positive effect in terms of a decrease in the pH of the product. All of the fermented bacon treatments in general were of good microbiological quality. A higher lactic acid bacteria (LAB) level was observed in the AW treatment after the fermentation process, and the bacteria number did not change during storage, whereas in the C and T treatments, the LAB level increased during storage (p < 0.05). The application of acid whey did not limit the formation of secondary oxidation products (TBARS) during bacon ripening (1.68 mg MDA kg−1), but had a reduced value during storage time (0.73 mg MDA kg−1). The highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels, after ripening and after four weeks of refrigerated storage, were found in the C treatment. In the AW treatment, it was found that the PUFA level increased; likewise, the content of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids increased, while saturated fatty acids (SFAs) decreased during storage (p < 0.05). The opposite tendency was observed in the C treatment. After four weeks of storage, the PUFA/SFA ratio was the lowest in the nitrate treatment, and higher values of the PUFA/SFA ratio were obtained in the acid whey and nitrite treatment (p < 0.05).
Influence of Gender Stereotypes, Type of Sport Watched and Close Environment on Adolescent Sport Practice According to Gender

The practice of sport by adolescents is influenced by multiple factors, which could create differences in sports participation according to gender. The objectives of this study were to determine which types of sports were most practiced by adolescent males and females; and to analyze the relationship of gender stereotypes, the type of sport observed and the personal environment, to the type of sport practiced, depending on the adolescent’s gender. To this end, a total of 632 adolescents completed the questionnaire “Lifestyle in Sport with a Gender Perspective”. The results showed significant differences according to gender in the type of sport practiced (p < 0.05), in the membership to sports clubs (p < 0.001), and in the participation in competitions (p < 0.001). It was found that family (p < 0.005) and friends (p < 0.05) were the social agents that most influenced the choice of the type of sport practiced, and that the type of sport watched live (p < 0.005), and in the media (p < 0.001), was related to gender and the type of sport practiced. In contrast, the gender stereotypes of the adolescents themselves were not related to the practice of sports. In conclusion, the environment closest to the adolescents was related to the type of sport practiced by those adolescents.
An Insight into Geometries and Catalytic Applications of CeO2 from a DFT Outlook

Rare earth metal oxides (REMOs) have gained considerable attention in recent years owing to their distinctive properties and potential applications in electronic devices and catalysts. Particularly, cerium dioxide (CeO2), also known as ceria, has emerged as an interesting material in a wide variety of industrial, technological, and medical applications. Ceria can be synthesized with various morphologies, including rods, cubes, wires, tubes, and spheres. This comprehensive review offers valuable perceptions into the crystal structure, fundamental properties, and reaction mechanisms that govern the well-established surface-assisted reactions over ceria. The activity, selectivity, and stability of ceria, either as a stand-alone catalyst or as supports for other metals, are frequently ascribed to its strong interactions with the adsorbates and its facile redox cycle. Doping of ceria with transition metals is a common strategy to modify the characteristics and to fine-tune its reactive properties. DFT-derived chemical mechanisms are surveyed and presented in light of pertinent experimental findings. Finally, the effect of surface termination on catalysis by ceria is also highlighted.
Evidence of rescattering effect in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC through production of $\rm{K}^{*}(892)^{0}$ and $\phi(1020)$ mesons

Measurements of K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 and φ( 1020 ) resonance production in Pb–Pb and pp collisions at √ s NN = 5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider are reported. The resonances are measured at midrapidity ( | y | < 0.5) via their hadronic decay channels and the transverse momentum ( p T ) distributions are obtained for various collision centrality classes up to p T = 20 GeV / c . The p T -integrated yield ratio K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 / K in Pb–Pb collisions shows signiﬁcant suppression relative to pp collisions and decreases towards more central collisions. In contrast, the φ( 1020 )/ K ratio does not show any suppression. Furthermore, the measured K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 / K ratio in central Pb–Pb collisions is signiﬁcantly suppressed with respect to the expectations based on a thermal model calculation, while the φ( 1020 )/ K ratio agrees with the model prediction. These measurements are an experimental demonstration of rescattering of K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 decay products in the hadronic phase of the collisions. The K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 / K yield ratios in Pb–Pb and pp collisions are used to estimate the time duration between chemical and kinetic freeze-out, which is found to be ∼ 4–7 fm / c for central collisions. The p T -differential ratios of K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 / K, φ( 1020 )/ K, K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 / π , φ( 1020 )/ π , p / K ∗ ( 892 ) 0 and p /φ( 1020 ) are also presented for Pb–Pb and pp collisions at √ s NN = 5.02 TeV. These ratios show that the rescattering effect is predominantly a low- p T phenomenon.
The Effect of Self-Care Education With The Telenursing Approach On Health-Promoting Behaviors In Multiple Sclerosis Patients During The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Clinical Trial Study

Introduction: Chronic conditions of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are associated with a decrease in health-promoting behaviors and require appropriate nursing interventions. Due to limitations of face-to-face education during the COVID-19 pandemic, telenursing can play an essential role in providing education to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of self-care education with telenursing approach on health-promoting behaviors in MS patients.Materials and methods: In this clinical trial, 68 patients of the Jahrom MS Society randomly assigned to intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34) groups. For patients in the intervention group, educational sessions were held three days a week for six weeks. Data were collected using demographic information and Walker's Health-Promoting Lifestyle questionnaires at two stages before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests using SPSS software (Ver. 21). Results: Based on the findings immediately after the intervention, the mean score of HPBs was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the intervention group (145.38 ± 26.66) than in the control group (129.18 ± 22.35). Significant differences were observed regarding the mean dimensions of nutrition, exercise, health responsibility, and stress management between the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, self-care education with the telenursing approach was effective on HPBs in MS patients. Therefore, it is recommended to utilize self-care education with the telenursing approach to control effective behaviors in MS patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dynamics of dissolved reactive phosphorus loss from phosphorus source and sink soils in tile-drained systems

Understanding the processes controlling dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loss in tile-drained systems is essential to better define critical source areas and inform nutrient and conservation practice recommendations. Concentration-discharge (C-Q) relationships have been used to infer solute sources, reactivity, proximity, and transport mechanisms governing solute fluxes. In this study, we compare DRP loads and flow-weighted mean DRP (FDRP) concentrations from P source and sink soils at an annual and event scale, and use power law analysis coupled with index-based approaches in order to identify the predominant DRP C-Q behavior in these soils at a daily and event scale. Results indicate that, in general, P source soils consistently lost higher DRP loads and exhibited greater FDRP concentrations when compared to P sink soils when examined at both annual and event scales. At the daily scale, C-Q patterns were linked to the soil P status whereby a chemostatic (b = 1) and dilution (b < 1) behavior was observed for P source and P sink soils, respectively. At the event scale, C-Q patterns were linked to soil P status with a potential contributing influence of flow path connectivity and mixing of event water with matrix and shallow groundwater. Events in P source soils had variable hysteretic behavior with 21%, 7%, 6%, 9%, and 15% exhibiting anticlockwise with dilution, anticlockwise with flushing, clockwise with dilution, clockwise with flushing, and no hysteresis behavior, respectively. These variable C-Q responses suggest that, in addition to discharge and soil P status, rapid exchanges between P pools, the magnitude of discharge events (Q), and the relative number of days to discharge peak (RL) also regulated solute delivery. On the other hand, the predominant nonhysteretic C-Q behavior of events in P sink soils (67%) suggests that DRP loss from these soils can be discounted. These findings highlight the need for nutrient and conservation practices addressing P draw down, P sequestration, and P supply according to crop need, which will likely be required to convert P sources to sinks and to avoid the conversion of P sinks to P sources.
Towing Basin Speed Calibration of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiling Instruments

With new development in technologies, proliferation of manufacturers, and expanded applications of acoustic Doppler current profiling instruments, the need for proper sensor calibration procedures becomes increasingly important. This paper describes a towing basin speed calibration procedure that NOS has adopted for the past decade and a summary of calibration results of twenty-eight sensors. These sensors include twelve RD Instruments ADCP’s (seven 600 and four 1200 KHz units) and fourteen SonTek ADP’s (three 500 and fourteen 1500 KHz units). ADCP and ADP were calibrated repeatedly at the same speed and on different dates. Tow carriage speeds varied from 5 cm/sec to 2 m/sec and were used as references for comparison. The speed differences between sensor readings and carriage references are expressed in terms of mean, standard deviation, and percentage of reference speed. Overall, RDI 1200 KHz ADCP has smaller standard deviation and rms of speed differences and SonTek 500 KHz ADP has the largest. RDI 600 KHZ ADCP and SonTek 1500 KHz ADP are similar. Except for SonTek 500 KHZ, the standard deviation and percentage error of the tested sensors were slightly larger than manufacturer’s specifications. The parameters affecting the calibration results, such as error sources and back scatter materials are also discussed.
Direct real estate, securitized real estate, and equity market dynamic connectedness

ABSTRACT The paper’s objective is to scrutinize the dynamics of connectedness across returns of three markets, including direct real estate, securitized real estate, and stock markets. Through the connectedness index approach, the results indicate a significant degree of connectedness, which increases sharply during the recent global financial crisis. The net directional connectedness is volatile and time-dependent, yet the dominant shock transmitting role of the securitized real estate is pronounced during the GFC. While the direct real estate market plays as a dominant shock information receiver from the markets of securitized real estate and stocks in Australia, Canada, France, and the UK, it appears to shape other markets in the context of the US. Given the fact that the securitized real state is considered as the hybrid of the conventional real estate market and the stock market, we further note that the securitized real estate is more linked with its underlying market. Several implications for investors and policymakers are discussed.
Prevalence of cataract, its risk factors and the barriers to cataract surgery among older women in a rural population of Cuddalore

Background: Cataract is the leading causes of vision impairment and preventable blindness in populations aged 50 and older. Advancing age, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use and sunlight exposure are proven risk factors for cataract development. The prevalence of cataract is higher in low-income settings compared to high-income regions and also higher among females, compared to males. Hence this study has been conducted among a rural female population, aged 50 and above.Methods: The data collection for this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 4 months (December 2019 to March 2020), in a rural area of Chidambaram, Cuddalore. 397 study participants (202 females and 195 males) were interviewed using a semi-structured proforma, and examined accordingly. Of this, only the 202 females were included in this study, for estimating the prevalence of cataract among female population aged 50 and above. Data was analysed using SPSS statistical software presented as frequencies. Chi square test was used for finding association.Results: The overall prevalence of cataract in the present study is 64.9% (54.5% unilateral and 10.4% bilateral). Risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco usage and sunlight exposure were significantly associated with the prevalence of cataract (p<0.05, 95% CI). Personal attitudinal reasons like neglect, no felt need and nobody to accompany were the most commonly encountered barriers to cataract surgery.Conclusions: Targeted camps, health education and screening programs can help overcome the unique barriers to surgery faced by females.
Study of Some Performance Factors in Long Distance Race for Senegalese Runners using Matlab and Kinovea

: In this article, we evaluate different factors of performance in long-distance running. Anthropometric measurements, biomechanical and kinematic analyzes obtained using treadmill videos and physiological measurements performed under standardized conditions on athletes allowed us to evaluate variables related to the race to explain the performance achieved during international marathons. Fourteen (14) athletes participated. The goal of this work was to enable Senegalese athletes to better prepare and improve their performance in the hope of finally competing with the world elite. At the end of our study, we have highlighted some essential variables that can allow athletes to improve their level of performance. The results demonstrated that a suspension time of stride must be increased from 0.3 to 0.5 and cushioning time to be reduced from 0.35 to 0.15.
3D Recognition Based on Sensor Modalities for Robotic Systems: A Survey

3D visual recognition is a prerequisite for most autonomous robotic systems operating in the real world. It empowers robots to perform a variety of tasks, such as tracking, understanding the environment, and human–robot interaction. Autonomous robots equipped with 3D recognition capability can better perform their social roles through supportive task assistance in professional jobs and effective domestic services. For active assistance, social robots must recognize their surroundings, including objects and places to perform the task more efficiently. This article first highlights the value-centric role of social robots in society by presenting recently developed robots and describes their main features. Instigated by the recognition capability of social robots, we present the analysis of data representation methods based on sensor modalities for 3D object and place recognition using deep learning models. In this direction, we delineate the research gaps that need to be addressed, summarize 3D recognition datasets, and present performance comparisons. Finally, a discussion of future research directions concludes the article. This survey is intended to show how recent developments in 3D visual recognition based on sensor modalities using deep-learning-based approaches can lay the groundwork to inspire further research and serves as a guide to those who are interested in vision-based robotics applications.
Determination of Muslim Investor Behavior in Investing in Indonesian Capital Markets through Investor Intention

Islamic governments ranging from the Messenger of Allah until the period of Islamic rule did not recognize the sources of development financing from the Islamic Capital Market so that there was no Islamic Capital Market instrument. According to Achsien (2000) The first developer of the Sharia index and equity funds such as mutual funds are the United States, after The Amana Fund was launched by The North American Islamic Trust as the world’s first equity fund in 1986, three years later the Dow Jones Index launched the Down Jones Islamic Market Index ( DJIM). Shariah Suvervisory board (SSB) from Dow Jones Islamic Market (DJIM) filters out halal shares based on business activities and financial ratios. Investment is one of the teachings and concepts of Islam that fulfill the process of tadrij and trichotomy of that knowledge. It can be proven that the concept of investment American Research Journal of Business and Management ISSN-2379-1047 Volume 4, Issue 1, 17 Pages
Wnt5a Signaling Induced Phosphorylation Increases Acyl Protein Thioesterase 1 Activity and Promotes Melanoma Metastatic Behavior

Wnt5a has been implicated in melanoma progression and metastasis, although the exact downstream signaling events that contribute to melanoma metastasis are poorly understood. Wnt5a signaling results in acyl protein thioesterase 1 (APT1) mediated depalmitoylation of pro-metastatic cell adhesion molecules CD44 and MCAM, resulting in increased melanoma invasion. The mechanistic details that underlie Wnt5a-mediated regulation of APT1 activity and cellular function remains unknown. Here, we show Wnt5a signaling regulates APT1 activity through induction of APT1 phosphorylation and we further investigate the functional role of APT1 phosphorylation on its depalmitoylating activity. We found phosphorylation increased APT1 depalmitoylating activity and reduced APT1 dimerization. We further determined APT1 phosphorylation increases melanoma invasion in vitro and is also correlated with increased tumor grade and metastasis. Our results further establish APT1 as an important regulator of melanoma invasion and metastatic behavior. Inhibition of APT1 may represent a novel way to treat Wnt5a driven cancers. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Eric S. Witze