Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolated Effect and Sensitivity of Agricultural and Industrial Waste Ca-Based Stabilizer Materials (CSMs) in Evaluating Swell Shrink Nature of Palygorskite-Rich Clays

This paper evaluates the suitability of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and waste marble dust (WMD) on the geotechnical properties of Palygorskite-rich expansive clays located in northwest Pakistan. These problematic soils exhibit undesirable characteristics which greatly affect the pavements, boundary walls, slab-on-grade members, and other civil engineering infrastructures. A series of geotechnical tests were performed on soil specimens using prescribed percentages of the aforementioned Ca-based stabilizer materials (CSMs). The investigation includes X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) tests, and physicomechanical properties such as moisture-density relationship, Atterberg’s limits, swell pressure, and an ANN-based sensitivity analyses of overall swell pressure development. The outcomes of these experimental investigations showed that the addition of CSMs into the expansive soils increased to 4% SCBA and 10% WMD, the plasticity index reduced by 30% and 49%, the volumetric swell decreased from approximately 49% to 86% and 63%, and the swelling pressure reduction was from 189 kPa to 120 kPa and 160 kPa (about 15% and 36%), respectively. It is interesting to note that replacement with specified CSM accelerated the strength of soil at extended curing periods and the optimum improvement in the strength behavior of the soil was also recorded. Moreover, with addition of the respective CSMs, the compactability and strength characteristics were ameliorated, while plasticity was significantly lowered. Given the amount of SCBA and WMD produced annually, their utilization for the stabilization of problematic soils, even in relatively low concentrations, could potentially have a substantial impact on the sustainable reuse of these waste materials.
Post-dural Puncture Headache in Cesarean Section; Frequency and Risk Factors: A Report From the North of Iran

Background: Spinal Anesthesia (SA) as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method is widely used for Cesarean Section (CS). However, it is sometimes complicated by Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH). Objectives: We investigated the frequency of PDPH in CS under SA and related risk factors in an academic referral hospital in the north of Iran. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at Alzahra hospital as an academic referral center affiliated with the Guilan University of Medical Sciences on 147 eligible cases During from May 2019 to October 2019. Then questionnaires containing questions about patients’ demographic data and some PDPH-related factors were filled out via face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS v. 21 using Chi-squared and and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The incidence of PDPH was 6.1%. Early ambulation, the number of attempts, and having a history of headache were significantly associated with a higher incidence of PDPH (P=0.001), while body mass index (P=0.106), age (P=0.093), and residents’ experience (P=0.384) had no significant association. None of our cases experienced a severe or persistent headache. Conclusion: The main predisposing factors for PDPH were found to be the history of HA, early ambulation, and the number of dura punctures. Women at risk for PDPH should be objectively screened before CS under SA.
ELF Near-Field Propagation of a Vertical Electric Dipole Due to Lightning Discharges

The Sommerfeld integrals (SIs) representing the electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation of a vertical electric dipole (VED), which has been established over a century, is essential for the understanding of EM radiation scheme of the natural extremely low-frequency (ELF) noises due to lightning discharges. The classical treatments providing with analytical formulas, such as “quasi-static” method and branch-cut integrations, however, rely on their validity of the applicable conditions, leading to considerable discrepancies in near zone for results between theoretical predictions and experimental observations in estimating the ELF radiation process of lightning discharges. By exploiting the assumptions of $\gamma _{0}\approx {\mathrm{ i}}\lambda $ and $|\gamma _{0}\gamma _{1}|/k_{0}^{2}\gg 1$ (wavelength-scale), we re-visit the SIs to derive simplified formulas, where the ground medium is treated as a homogeneous highly conducting medium (i.e., all relevant ELF frequency scales below about 30 Hz). In the meanwhile, the exact formulas are derived by an inverse Fourier transformation (IFT) from SIs for ELF transient pulses. Computation and discussion are carried out by obtained formulas for the modeling of the near-field propagation (distance-scale) caused by lightning, which would provide with higher accuracies than using traditional approaches.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) and Oxidative Stress in Physiological Conditions and in Cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Originally described as “orphan nuclear receptors”, they can bind both natural and synthetic ligands acting as agonists or antagonists. In humans three subtypes, PPARα, β/δ, γ, are encoded by different genes, show tissue-specific expression patterns, and contribute to the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms, of different cell functions, including proliferation, death, differentiation, and of processes, as inflammation, angiogenesis, immune response. The PPAR ability in increasing the expression of various antioxidant genes and decreasing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, makes them be considered among the most important regulators of the cellular response to oxidative stress conditions. Based on the multiplicity of physiological effects, PPAR involvement in cancer development and progression has attracted great scientific interest with the aim to describe changes occurring in their expression in cancer cells, and to investigate the correlation with some characteristics of cancer phenotype, including increased proliferation, decreased susceptibility to apoptosis, malignancy degree and onset of resistance to anticancer drugs. This review focuses on mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of PPARs in physiological conditions, and on the reported beneficial effects of PPAR activation in cancer.
A mechanistic perspective for airfield pavements evaluation focusing on the asphalt layers’ behaviour

ABSTRACT The preservation of structurally sound airfield pavements is critical for the capacity of the air transportation network. As a standard practice, the design and evaluation of flexible airfield pavements are mainly based on the Multi-Layered Elastic Theory (MLET) in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) principles. However, Asphalt Concrete (AC) materials perform as temperature- and loading rate-dependent materials because of the viscous nature of asphalt binders. This in conjunction with the real moving loading conditions imply that the pavement analysis and evaluation outcome might be significantly different from what is assessed according to MLET. The research is concentrated on adopting a mechanistic framework for the assessment of airfield pavements considering both assumptions for AC material characterisation (i.e. elastic and viscoelastic). AC viscoelasticity is accounted as per the MEPDG suggestion for in-service pavements and an energy-based damage evaluation is performed based on the FAA recommendations. A thorough field experiment along an airfield runway pavement, including sample coring and non-destructive data, is organised to meet the research aim. Results demonstrate an applicable approach that seems to be conservative when AC is considered as a viscoelastic material. This is expected to profoundly affect the decision-making when managing airfield pavement infrastructure.
Pengaruh city branding dan electronic word of mouth terhadap kunjungan wisatawan di Kabupaten Banyuwangi

This study aims to examine the effect of city branding and electronic word of mouth on the decision to visit Banyuwangi based on the tagline sunrise of java. This research was conducted on the millennial generation in Indonesia. This type of research is explanatory research using a quantitative approach. The data used are primary data obtained based on the results of online questionnaire data from 160 respondents. Sampling using purposive sampling technique with the criteria of respondents having visited at least one tourist destination in Banyuwangi and actively using social media. The results showed that city branding and electronic word of mouth had a positive effect on the decision to visit. Electronic word of mouth has the most dominant influence on visiting decisions compared to city branding. Based on the results of the analysis show that this study provides a theoretical contribution to the factors that influence the decision to visit for tourists, namely city branding and electronic word of mouth. This research also makes a practical contribution in developing strategies to improve visiting decisions.
Recent developments in anterior capsulotomy for cataract surgery

Purpose of review Successful anterior capsulotomy is an important step in cataract surgery. This article reviews the various anterior capsulotomy techniques available to surgeons to optimize the step, including those that have become available since the introduction of femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Studies comparing the relative advantages of each technique will be emphasized. Recent findings Manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and FLACS remain the two most widely studied techniques for achieving anterior capsulotomy. Each technique has been shown to be effective for a wide range of patients and cataract surgery complications. Meta-analyses have shown that FLACS provides similar results to manual CCC for long-term cataract surgery outcomes. Several alternative methods for anterior capsulotomy have been described, which aim to provide some of the advantages of laser capsulotomy at a lower cost; among these, precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC) and selective laser capsulotomy (SLC) have been investigated the most in the literature so far. Summary Cataract surgeons have an increasing number of techniques for anterior capsulotomy available. Manual CCC and FLACS remain the most widely used, and most well studied. The latest techniques, PPC and SLC, have shown promise in the few studies performed since they were introduced.
Liver Decompensation as Late Complication in HCC Patients with Long-Term Response following Selective Internal Radiation Therapy

Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is one of the therapeutic options for treatment of advanced HCC. Studies show that SIRT has a high objective response rate, but lack of survival benefit when compared to different treatment modalities. We hypothesized that this is due to potential damage in healthy liver parenchyma as a side-effect of SIRT, resulting in functional changes to the liver. This can ultimately result in liver decompensation and potentially death. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess long-term liver-related complications after SIRT in patients with HCC. We analyzed patients who underwent SIRT and found that liver decompensation occurred more often after SIRT when compared to sorafenib. However, careful patient selection may result in a survival benefit after SIRT when compared to other treatments. The ABLI score may be a valuable prognostic score for selecting patients. Abstract Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is used as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to assess long-term liver-related complications of SIRT in patients who had not developed radioembolization-induced liver disease (REILD). The primary outcome was the percentage of patients without REILD that developed Child-Pugh (CP) ≥ B7 liver decompensation after SIRT. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and tumor response. These data were compared with a matched cohort of patients treated with sorafenib. Eighty-five patients were included, of whom 16 developed REILD. Of the remaining 69 patients, 38 developed liver decompensation CP ≥ B7. The median OS was 18 months. In patients without REILD, the median OS in patients with CP ≥ B7 was significantly shorter compared to those without CP ≥ B7; 16 vs. 31 months. In the case-matched analysis, the median OS was significantly longer in SIRT-treated patients; 16 vs. 8 months in sorafenib. Liver decompensation CP ≥ B7 occurred significantly more in SIRT when compared to sorafenib; 62% vs. 27%. The ALBI score was an independent predictor of liver decompensation (OR 0.07) and OS (HR 2.83). After SIRT, liver decompensation CP ≥ B7 often developed as a late complication in HCC patients and was associated with a shorter OS. The ALBI score was predictive of CP ≥ B7 liver decompensation and the OS, and this may be a valuable marker for patient selection for SIRT.
SEROTYPES, TOXINS AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF Escherichia coli (E.COLI) STRAINS ISOLATED FROM DIARRHEIC RABBITS IN PHU VANG, THUA THIEN HUE

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of E. coli in rabbits, their biochemical and serological characteristics, common virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance. The diarrhea rabbit feces were collected from households and rabbit farms in Phu Vang - Thua Thien Hue with a total of 250 samples for testing. The results showed that rabbits age from 31 to 45 days old had the highest incidence of diarrhea disease caused by E.coli (92.0%) and the lowest infection rate was observed in rabbits over 60 days old with an infection rate of 30%. Further, the isolated E.coli strains tested biochemical characteristics showed 100% motile, positive for indole and methyl red, fermenting glucose and lactose. Simultaneously these strains were detected belong to 7 serotypes O103, O157, O158, O169, O44, O125, O153 and susceptible to cefuroxime (95.45%), akamicin (86.37%), streptomycin (81.82%), amoxicillin (81.82%), tetracycline (68.18%), colistin (68.18%), ampicillin (63.63%), gentamycin (59.10%) and levofloxacin (50.0%), whilst resistant to doxycycline (100%), sulfamethoxazole-bactrim (95.46%), and neomycin (86.37%). By using PCR assay for detection of virulence genes of the isolated E. coli strains, there were 7 strains carried virulence genes, of which 4/7 E. coli strains carried eaeA and tsh genes (57.14%), 2/7 strains carried stx2 gene (28.57%); 1/7 E. coli strains carried stx1 gene (14.28%) and the F4, F5 and F6 genes were not found in all serotypes in this study.
Assessment of Water Quality in Selected Dams in Machakos Municipality, Kenya

The world is faced with a water quality crisis due to human activities that are putting a lot of pressure on water resources and especially dams and rivers. Dams are very much needed in arid and semi-arid areas to curb water scarcity so that local communities can have water for domestic use, watering of livestock and carrying out small scale irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess the water quality of Maruba dam and Kyai earth dam in Machakos Municipality, Kenya. The physical and chemical variables examined included pH, chlorides, electric conductivity, turbidity, nitrites, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates and total dissolved solids. Water samples were collected using 500ml plastic bottles weekly for a month in the two dams and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Independent T-test was used to compare means of water quality parameters between the two dams and significant differences accepted at p<0.05. All the water quality parameters measured except turbidity were within WHO set standards for domestic water. The information gathered in this study is helpful to the Water Resource Authority that is mandated to protect and conserve water resources in Kenya.
Polarization of the Muslim community towards government policies in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

The purpose of this paper is to analyses the phenomenon of Muslims responding to government policies in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a review of the polarization of Muslims towards government policies to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a change in the lifestyle of the Indonesian ‘Muslim community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and one of them can be seen from their worship practices. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as a religious authority has issued a fatwa that supports the government's program in preventing the transmission of COVID-19. However, polarization occurred among the people, giving rise to new social categories that tended to be opposed to pro-government people. The methodology used is a religious sociology approach. The conclusion of this analysis is that Muslims are polarized in accepting government policies, namely; 1) irrational-passive groups, those whose views are not based on scientific logic and do not provide solutions in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) active-hating groups but the arguments given tend to be irrational, 3) rational groups, but some are semi-rational and support government policies, 4) rational groups but shy in presenting their arguments, and 5) rational-active groups supporting government policies.
Emerging illiberal norms: Russia and China as promoters of internet content control

This article contributes to the understanding of authoritarian states as norm entrepreneurs of content control norms. These emerging norms challenge the norm literature, which disregards illiberal norms and illiberal actors as norm entrepreneurs. This article focuses on two distinct but coexisting strategies that Russia and China apply for promoting and developing internet governance norms. It shows that these countries use a combination of socialization and persuasion strategies. They employ a sequencing strategy of regional coalition-building in order to create support, after which they expand a norm's range via international organizations. These norm entrepreneurs adapt their strategies to different target groups based on the degree of internalization of the norm. The article shows that a reassessment of norm theory in a broader context allows for extension to illiberal norms and illiberal actors, but also shows the limits since the applicability of strategies such as naming and shaming should be questioned.
The Effects of Environmental Wind Shear Direction on Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer Thermodynamics and Intensity Change from Multiple Observational Datasets

The relationship between deep-layer environmental wind shear direction and tropical cyclone (TC) boundary layer thermodynamic structures is explored in multiple independent databases. Analyses derived from the tropical cyclone buoy database (TCBD) show that when TCs experience northerly-component shear, the 10-m equivalent potential temperature (θe) tends to be more symmetric than when shear has a southerly component. The primary asymmetry in θe in TCs experiencing southerly-component shear is radially outwards from twice the radius of maximum wind speed, with the left-of-shear quadrants having lower θe by 4–6 K than the right-of-shear quadrants. As with the TCBD, an asymmetric (symmetric) distribution of 10-m θe for TCs experiencing southerly-component (northerly-component) shear was found using composite observations from dropsondes. These analyses show that differences in the degree of symmetry near the sea surface extend through the depth of the boundary layer. Additionally, mean dropsonde profiles illustrate that TCs experiencing northerly-component shear are more potentially unstable between 500 m and 1000 m altitude, signaling a more favorable environment for the development of surface-based convection in rainband regions.Analyses from the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) Database show that subsequent strengthening (weakening) for TCs in the Atlantic Basin preferentially occurs in northerly-component (southerly-component) deep-layer environmental wind shear environments which further illustrates that the asymmetric distribution of boundary layer thermodynamics is unfavorable for TC intensification. These differences emphasize the impact of deep-layer wind shear direction on TC intensity changes which likely result from the superposition of large-scale advection with the shear-relative asymmetries in TC structure.
Use of Diagnostic Criteria from ACR and EU-TIRADS Systems to Improve the Performance of Cytology in Thyroid Nodule Triage

Simple Summary From a prospective series of 480 thyroid nodules, we compared the performances of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the European Thyroid Association (EU) scoring systems in triaging thyroid nodules for fine-needle aspiration (FNA). FNA was recommended on 46.5% and 51.9% of the nodules using the ACR and EU-TIRADS scores, respectively. The ACR system demonstrated a higher specificity as compared to the EU-TIRADS (59.0% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.0012) in predicting ≥TIR3A/III (SIAPEC/Bethesda) nodules. Moreover, specific radiological features (i.e., echogenic foci and margins), combined with the cytological classes improved the specificity (97.5% vs. 91%, p < 0.0001) and positive predictive value (77.5% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.0001) of the cytology alone, maintaining an excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value. Abstract Objective: The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the European Thyroid Association (EU) have proposed two scoring systems for thyroid nodule classification. Here, we compared the ability of the two systems in triaging thyroid nodules for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and tested the putative role of an approach that combines ultrasound features and cytology for the detection of malignant nodules. Design and Methods: The scores obtained with the ACR and EU Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) from a prospective series of 480 thyroid nodules acquired from 435 subjects were compared to assess their performances in FNA triaging on the final cytological diagnosis. The US features that showed the highest contribution in discriminating benign nodules from malignancies were combined with cytology to improve its diagnostic performance. Results: FNA was recommended on 46.5% and 51.9% of the nodules using the ACR and EU-TIRADS scores, respectively. The ACR system demonstrated a higher specificity as compared to the EU-TIRADS (59.0% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.0012) in predicting ≥ TIR3A/III (SIAPEC/Bethesda) nodules. Moreover, specific radiological features (i.e., echogenic foci and margins), combined with the cytological classes improved the specificity (97.5% vs. 91%, p < 0.0001) and positive predictive values (77.5% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.0001) compared to cytology alone, especially in the setting of indeterminate nodules (TIR3A/III and TIR3B/IV), maintaining an excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value. Conclusions: The ACR-TIRADS system showed a higher specificity compared to the EU-TIRADS in triaging thyroid nodules. The use of specific radiological features improved the diagnostic ability of cytology.