Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RIGID PAVEMENT PLANNING USING BINA MARGA 2017 AND AASHTO 1993 METHODS

This study was conducted to determine what factors influence the differences in the results of the Bina Marga 2017 method and the AASHTO 1993 method and determine which planning results are more efficient to be applied to Letjen S. Parman Street. The research method used is a comparative method, using the existing data and the latest data from surveys. As a result of analyzing a rigid road plan with a planned age of 40 years, the Bina Marga 2017 method obtained a concrete slab with a thickness of 305 mm, and the AASHTO 1993 method obtained a concrete slab with a thickness of 280 mm. Further differences in results can be seen in the level of traffic load during the service life, the diameter of the dowels, the spacing of the tie bars, and the minimum design height of the subgrade embankment. The differences in the results of these plans are caused by two main factors, namely the factor of using the cumulative traffic growth value (R) in the Bina Marga 2017 method and the direct use of the subgrade CBR value in the AASHTO 1993 method. Based on the data that has been obtained, it is concluded that the 1993 AASHTO method provides more efficient results to be applied with considerations in terms of smaller plate dimensions and fewer connections and reinforcement requirements. Which when calculating the work cost, the AASHTO 1993 methods results give a smaller number of work volumes, so it has the possibility to provide a more economical work cost than the Bina Marga 2017 methods results.
The Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes against the Backdrop of Inborn Errors of Metabolism

The Ehlers–Danlos syndromes are a group of multisystemic heritable connective tissue disorders with clinical presentations that range from multiple congenital malformations, over adolescent-onset debilitating or even life-threatening complications of connective tissue fragility, to mild conditions that remain undiagnosed in adulthood. To date, thirteen different EDS types have been recognized, stemming from genetic defects in 20 different genes. While initial biochemical and molecular analyses mainly discovered defects in genes coding for the fibrillar collagens type I, III and V or their modifying enzymes, recent discoveries have linked EDS to defects in non-collagenous matrix glycoproteins, in proteoglycan biosynthesis and in the complement pathway. This genetic heterogeneity explains the important clinical heterogeneity among and within the different EDS types. Generalized joint hypermobility and skin hyperextensibility with cutaneous fragility, atrophic scarring and easy bruising are defining manifestations of EDS; however, other signs and symptoms of connective tissue fragility, such as complications of vascular and internal organ fragility, orocraniofacial abnormalities, neuromuscular involvement and ophthalmological complications are variably present in the different types of EDS. These features may help to differentiate between the different EDS types but also evoke a wide differential diagnosis, including different inborn errors of metabolism. In this narrative review, we will discuss the clinical presentation of EDS within the context of inborn errors of metabolism, give a brief overview of their underlying genetic defects and pathophysiological mechanisms and provide a guide for the diagnostic approach.
A Real-Time PPG Peak Detection Method for Accurate Determination of Heart Rate during Sinus Rhythm and Cardiac Arrhythmia

Objective: We have developed a peak detection algorithm for accurate determination of heart rate, using photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals from a smartwatch, even in the presence of various cardiac rhythms, including normal sinus rhythm (NSR), premature atrial contraction (PAC), premature ventricle contraction (PVC), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Given the clinical need for accurate heart rate estimation in patients with AF, we developed a novel approach that reduces heart rate estimation errors when compared to peak detection algorithms designed for NSR. Methods: Our peak detection method is composed of a sequential series of algorithms that are combined to discriminate the various arrhythmias described above. Moreover, a novel Poincaré plot scheme is used to discriminate between basal heart rate AF and rapid ventricular response (RVR) AF, and to differentiate PAC/PVC from NSR and AF. Training of the algorithm was performed only with Samsung Simband smartwatch data, whereas independent testing data which had more samples than did the training data were obtained from Samsung’s Gear S3 and Galaxy Watch 3. Results: The new PPG peak detection algorithm provides significantly lower average heart rate and interbeat interval beat-to-beat estimation errors—30% and 66% lower—and mean heart rate and mean interbeat interval estimation errors—60% and 77% lower—when compared to the best of the seven other traditional peak detection algorithms that are known to be accurate for NSR. Our new PPG peak detection algorithm was the overall best performers for other arrhythmias. Conclusion: The proposed method for PPG peak detection automatically detects and discriminates between various arrhythmias among different waveforms of PPG data, delivers significantly lower heart rate estimation errors for participants with AF, and reduces the number of false negative peaks. Significance: By enabling accurate determination of heart rate despite the presence of AF with rapid ventricular response or PAC/PVCs, we enable clinicians to make more accurate recommendations for heart rate control from PPG data.
An In Vitro Study on the Efficacy of Mycotoxin Sequestering Agents for Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, and Zearalenone

Simple Summary Mycotoxins in feeds can cause detrimental effects on the growth performance and health of pigs. One of the methods used to overcome the negative effects of mycotoxins in animal feeds is to add toxin sequestering agents to feed. The present work was conducted to determine the efficacy of mycotoxin sequestering agents using an in vitro method. All mycotoxin sequestering agents effectively bound to aflatoxin B1; only activated charcoal effectively sequestered deoxynivalenol; and a bentonite product, an aluminosilicate product, and activated charcoal effectively sequestered zearalenone. Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of mycotoxin sequestering agents for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON), and zearalenone (ZEA) using an in vitro method. The twelve toxin sequestering agents tested were seven bentonite products (bentonite A, B, C, D, E, F, and G), two aluminosilicate products (aluminosilicate A and B), a heulandite product, an activated charcoal product, and a yeast cell wall product. A two-step in vitro procedure was employed to mimic the conditions of temperature, pH, and digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine of pigs. All mycotoxin sequestering agents tested were able to bind to AFB1 with a high efficacy (>92%). The DON sequestering rate of activated charcoal (99.1%) was greater (p < 0.05) than that of other products. The ZEA sequestering rate of bentonite F (97.0%), aluminosilicate A (99.6%), and activated charcoal (100.0%) was the greatest (p < 0.05) among the tested mycotoxin sequestering agents. Overall, most mycotoxin sequestering agents had the ability to bind to AFB1, but most products, except activated charcoal, failed to sequester DON and ZEA.
On the Jensen-Shannon divergence and the variation distance for categorical probability distributions

We establish a decomposition of the Jensen–Shannon divergence into a linear combination of a scaled Jeﬀreys’ divergence and a reversed Jensen–Shannon divergence. Upper and lower bounds for the Jensen–Shannon divergence are then found in terms of the squared (total) variation distance. The derivations rely upon the Pinsker inequality and the reverse Pinsker inequality. We use these bounds to prove the asymptotic equivalence of the maximum likelihood estimate and minimum Jensen–Shannon divergence estimate as well as the asymptotic consistency of the minimum Jensen–Shannon divergence estimate. These are key properties for likelihood-free simulator-based inference.
Development and Validation of a Novel HPLC Method to Analyse Metabolic Reaction Products Catalysed by the CYP3A2 Isoform: In Vitro Inhibition of CYP3A2 Enzyme Activity by Aspirin (Drugs Often Used Together in COVID-19 Treatment)

Aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid) is a drug intended to treat fever, pain, or inflammation. Treatment of moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 using aspirin along with dexamethasone has gained major attention globally in recent times. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the in vitro inhibition of CYP3A2 enzyme activity using aspirin in rat liver microsomes (RLMs). In this study, an efficient and sensitive HPLC method was developed using a reversed phase C18 column (X Bridge 4.6 mm × 150 mm, 3.5 µm) at 243 nm using acetonitrile and water (70:30 v/v). The linearity (r2 > 0.999), precision (<15%), accuracy and recovery (80–120%), limit of detection (5.60 µM and 0.06 µM), limit of quantification (16.98 µM and 0.19 µM), and stability of the newly developed method were validated for dexamethasone and 6β-hydroxydexamethasone, respectively, following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. This method was applied in vitro to measure CYP3A2 activity. The results showed that aspirin competitively inhibits 6β-hydroxylation (CYP3A2 activity) with an inhibition constant (Ki) = 95.46 µM and the concentration of the inhibitor causing 50% inhibition of original enzyme activity (IC50) = 190.92 µM. This indicated that there is a minimal risk of toxicity when dexamethasone and aspirin are co-administrated and a very low risk of toxicity and drug interaction with drugs that are a substrate for CYP3A2 in healthcare settings.
Improving the Students' Creative Thinking Skills Through The Implementation of Controversy – Based Integrated Science Learning Tools

This study aimed to measure the improvement of students' creative thinking skills after using Controversy-based integrated science learning tools. The study employed a pre-experimental design with one group pretest-posttest. The research subjects were 20 students of the Science Education Program, The State University of Makassar selected using the Nonprobablit sampling technique (saturation sampling). The instrument was an essay test that had been validated. The findings show a significant difference in students' average creative thinking skills before and after learning using Controversy based Integrated Science learning tools. It shows that the improvement of students' creative thinking skills after being treated with Controversy based Integrated Science learning tools was in high category and significant. Students were able to develop their knowledge, predict some limited information, formulate a solution to a problem, and analyze information from different perspectives.
Fractal Characterization of Multimodal, Multiscale Images of Shale Rock Fracture Networks

An array of multimodal and multiscale images of fractured shale rock samples and analogs was collected with the aim of improving the numerical representation of fracture networks. 2D and 3D reconstructions of fractures and matrices span from 10−6 to 100 m. The origin of the fracture networks ranged from natural to thermal maturation to hydraulically induced maturation. Images were segmented to improve fracture identification. Then, the fractal dimension and length distribution of the fracture networks were calculated for each image dataset. The resulting network connectivity and scaling associations are discussed at length on the basis of scale, sample and order of magnitude. Fracture network origin plays an important role in the resulting fracture systems and their scaling. Rock analogs are also evaluated using these descriptive tools and are found to be faithful depictions of maturation-induced fracture networks.
Analysis of Signal Transduction Pathways Downstream M2 Receptor Activation: Effects on Schwann Cell Migration and Morphology

Background: Schwann cells (SCs) express cholinergic receptors, suggesting a role of cholinergic signaling in the control of SC proliferation, differentiation and/or myelination. Our previous studies largely demonstrated that the pharmacological activation of the M2 muscarinic receptor subtype caused an inhibition of cell proliferation and promoted the expression of pro-myelinating differentiation genes. In order to elucidate the molecular signaling activated downstream the M2 receptor activation, in the present study we investigated the signal transduction pathways activated by the M2 orthosteric agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE) in SCs. Methods: Using Western blot we analyzed some components of the noncanonical pathways involving β1-arrestin and PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signaling. A wound healing assay was used to evaluate SC migration. Results: Our results demonstrated that M2 receptor activation negatively modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 axis, possibly through β1-arrestin downregulation. The involvement of the mTORC1 complex was also supported by the decreased expression of its specific target p-p70 S6KThr389. Then, we also analyzed the expression of p-AMPKαthr172, a negative regulator of myelination that resulted in reduced levels after M2 agonist treatment. The analysis of cell migration and morphology allowed us to demonstrate that M2 receptor activation caused an arrest of SC migration and modified cell morphology probably by the modulation of β1-arrestin/cofilin-1 and PKCα expression, respectively. Conclusions: The data obtained demonstrated that M2 receptor activation in addition to the canonical Gi protein-coupled pathway modulates noncanonical pathways involving the mTORC1 complex and other kinases whose activation may contribute to the inhibition of SC proliferation and migration and address SC differentiation.
COMMITTING DIGITAL MUSIC PIRACY: A STUDY IN PENANG

Piracy is one of the primary challenges facing the music industry. Music piracy has accounted for substantial revenue losses in this industry in Malaysia, a country in which intellectual property regimes are deemed as a matter of concern. If music piracy is left unchecked, it may destroy the value chain of the music industry. This study aims to explore the extent to which digital music copyright violations prevails in society and examine the characteristics of copyright violators. The analysis was carried out using primary data collected from a survey carried out in Penang, a highly urbanised state in Malaysia. A descriptive approach was used for the analysis. The findings from this study offer insights into the phenomenon of music piracy in Malaysia. The incidence of violating copyright was high, with seven out of ten persons involved in illegally using digital music. Copyright violators have distinguishing characteristics that differentiate them from non-copyright violators. The results found that awareness about intellectual property rights was rather low among violators and that they had misconceptions about music piracy. While most participants agreed that effective enforcement was critical in reducing illegal music activities, fewer perceived the risks of being caught and the high costs associated with punishment. Policies aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights and the possible societal implications of copyright issues were discussed. The need to enhance copyright enforcement protection in the country is also highlighted.
Willingness to Pay for the Maintenance of Green Infrastructure in Six Chinese Pilot Sponge Cities

Due to the increasingly devastating impact of pluvial flooding on human beings’ lives and properties in cities, the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater onsite is becoming more popular worldwide. The maintenance of green infrastructure to ensure its function has become one of the most pressing tasks facing policy makers. However, there is limited research regarding the willingness to pay the stormwater fee as a form of maintenance funding. This study utilized contingent valuation data obtained from a survey of 1101 respondents living in six pilot sponge cities in China to estimate the willingness to pay for the green infrastructure maintenance. The findings indicated that two-thirds of all respondents were willing to pay, 17% would like to pay around 6–10 RMB/month (0.95–1.59 US dollars/month), and 17.8% would like to pay more than 20 RMB/month (3.2 US dollars/month). The educational level and age of the respondents were significant determinants of the probability of willingness to pay and the amount they would like to pay. Knowledge of the concept of sponge cities was another significant influencing factor for the willingness to pay, but it did not influence the amount of payment. The findings could help policy makers make better strategies regarding the maintenance of green infrastructure and its costs.
Understanding the role of learner engagement in determining MOOCs satisfaction: a self-determination theory perspective

ABSTRACT Due to its outstanding advantages of openness, unrestraint and low cost, MOOCs have been growing rapidly in recent years. However, this new self-directed online learning model faces the challenge of the low course completion rate. Based on self-determination theory, this paper combines learners’ intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, and thus constructs a comprehensive theoretical framework to explore the learner engagement mechanism in MOOCs learning. Empirical results reveal that learners’ intrinsic motivation (interest) and extrinsic motivation (perceived knowledge value) is critical to learner engagement, and thus improve learner satisfaction. However, the self-development motivation of extrinsic motivation has no significant effect on learner engagement behavior. The findings enrich and expand the relevant researches on learner engagement and e-learning, and provide guidance for practitioners.
A Generalization of the Concave Integral in Terms of Decomposition of the Integrated Function for Bipolar Scales

*Corresponding Author: Jabbar Abbas jabbar.a. ghafil@uotechnology.edu. iq Abstract In the context of the multiple-criteria decision aid (MCDA), several fuzzy integrals concerning capacities (non-additive measures) have been introduced by various researchers in the last sixty years. Recently, Lehrer has proposed a new integral for capacities known as concave integral. The concave integral is based on the decomposition of random variables into simple ingredients. The concave integral concerning capacity is defined as the maximum value obtained among all its decompositions. The paper aims to model a new integration based on the decomposition of random variables into simple ingredients for multi-criteria decision making support when underlying scales are bipolar. This paper proposes a generalization of the concave integral in terms of decompositions of the integrated function to be suitable for bipolar scales. We show that the random variable is analyzed as a combination of indicators, where each allowed decomposition has a value determined by the bi-capacity. Lastly, we illustrate our framework by a practical example.
Oncogene expression from extrachromosomal DNA is driven by copy number amplification and does not require spatial clustering in glioblastoma stem cells

Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) are frequently observed in human cancers and are responsible for high levels of oncogene expression. In glioblastoma (GBM), ecDNA copy number correlates with poor prognosis. It is hypothesized that their copy number, size and chromatin accessibility facilitate clustering of ecDNA and colocalization with transcriptional condensates, and that this underpins their elevated transcriptional activity. Here, we use super-resolution imaging and quantitative image analysis to evaluate GBM stem cells harboring distinct ecDNA species (EGFR, MYC, PDGFR). We found no evidence that ecDNA cluster with one another or closely interact with transcriptional condensates. Cells with EGFR-containing ecDNA have increased EGFR transcriptional output, but transcription per gene copy was similar in ecDNA compared to the endogenous chromosomal locus. These data suggest that is the increased copy number of oncogene-harbouring ecDNA that primarily drives high levels of oncogene transcription, rather than specific interactions of ecDNA with the cellular transcriptional machinery.
Facing Challenges with New Teachers' Use of ICT in Teaching and Learning

This paper outlines challenges that today's teacher education is facing. Information and communication technology holds a central position in today's society posing also demands for today's schools and teachers. Teachers need skills and pedagogical models to be able to take advantage of various information and communication technologies for supporting their students' learning at schools and also outside of schools. Teachers ought to be able to provide their students with the skills for the 21st century. In order to meet these challenges, this paper introduces a longitudinal research plan with preliminary results, where the aim is to explore and support the development of new teachers' use of technology in pedagogically meaningful ways. Also, the aim of this paper is to introduce our aims and ideas for researchers and designers with similar interests.
Gender Differences in the Correlations between Childhood Trauma, Schizotypy and Negative Emotions in Non-Clinical Individuals

Early life trauma has a negative impact on the developing brain, and this can lead to a wide range of mental illnesses later in life. Childhood trauma is associated with increased psychotic symptoms and negative emotions such as depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms in adulthood. Childhood trauma has also been shown to influence sub-clinical ‘schizotypy’ characteristics of psychosis in the general population. As it has been reported that mental health outcomes after early life trauma exposure are influenced by gender, the current study aimed to investigate the gender differences in the relationship between childhood trauma, schizotypy and negative emotions. Sixty-one non-clinical participants (33 men and 28 women) aged between 18 and 45 completed self-report questionnaires to measure early life trauma, schizotypy and negative emotions. Despite similar levels of childhood trauma in men and women, early life trauma in women was associated with increased schizotypy personality characteristics (Cognitive Disorganisation) and increased depression, anxiety and stress later in life, but no correlations were observed in men. Our findings suggest that the sociocultural and biological processes affected by early life adversities may differ between the genders. Women may be more vulnerable to the influence of childhood trauma, which may be associated with increased psychopathology later in life.