Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light transmission performance of translucent concrete building envelope

Abstract Energy efficient building envelopes are essential for sustainable development in civil engineering and architecture. In this preliminary investigation, a structural building envelope that is load bearing is developed for daylight harvesting. A translucent concrete panel (TCP) design is constructed using optical fibers (OFs) to transmit light and common concrete mix design. A steel mesh is embedded in the TCP to increase its structural load bearing capacity. It has the potential to save energy and reduce carbon footprint by collecting, channeling and eventually scattering the sunlight. Constructability issues including mechanical and optical losses are analyzed and discussed. Numerical models of the single OF and the whole TCP are developed using ray tracing software and the light transmission mechanisms are analyzed. Nonimaging sunlight collectors, namely compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), together with the OFs represent an efficient system for harvesting and guiding the sunlight into the interior spaces. The light transmission of a model made out of a CPC and an OF is evaluated from an energy efficiency point of view.
Problematic Internet and Facebook use and online gaming among university students: An exploratory study

Advances in technology have introduced new challenges and issues for policymakers and researchers. There is some debate in the literature whether the Internet, Facebook, and online gaming addictions may be true addiction disorders or are all manifestations of a more general information technology addiction. The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in problematic Internet and Facebook use and online gaming, and the independence of these phenomena. The study sample comprised 500 college students, who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and Online Gaming Scale. Males had more problems related to online gaming, and more problematic Internet and Facebook use. A bifactor model with one general and three specific factors – problematic online gaming, problematic Internet use and problematic Facebook use – obtained the best fit to the data. However, the specific variance explained by the factors of problematic Internet and Facebook use was low, but high in the case of problematic online gaming. Therefore, problematic online gaming seems to have more distinctive characteristics than the other two types of behavioural addictions.
forming an asymmetrical brain: genes, environment, and evolutionarily stable strategies

the present response elaborates and defends the main theses advanced in the target article: namely, that in order to provide an evolutionary account of brain lateralization, we should consider advantages and disadvantages associated both with the individual possession of an asymmetrical brain and with the alignment of the direction of lateralization at the population level. we explain why we believe that the hypothesis that directional lateralization evolved as an evolutionarily stable strategy may provide a better account than alternative hypotheses. we also further our discussion of the influence of stimulation and experience in early life on lateralization, and thereby show that our hypothesis is not deterministic. we also consider some novel data and ideas in support of our main thesis.
Vocational and academic decisions in ‘classed’ school environments

ABSTRACT By studying population-wide panels of 10th graders in Norway, I investigate the association between the social class composition of cohorts in schools and choosing an academic as opposed to a vocational track at upper-secondary level. Two steps are used to study this relationship. First, I use multilevel models estimating the group level model simultaneously with the regression of the individual-level model. Second, by using 11 panels of 10th graders, I employ school fixed effects to get closer to an estimate of school compositional effects happening within the school. Both models find that the proportion of upper-class peers at lower-secondary schools is associated with the increased likelihood of choosing academic tracks at the upper-secondary level, and especially for students who are not from upper-class backgrounds. This suggests that the ‘classed’ nature of educational decision-making is also embedded in contexts beyond familial ones.
Transition form factors and helicity amplitudes for electroexcitation of negative and positive parity nucleon resonances in a light-front quark model

A workable basis of quark configurations $s^3$, $s^2p$ and $sp^2$ at light front has been constructed to describe the high-$Q^2$ behavior of transition form factors and helicity amplitudes in the electroproduction of the lightest nucleon resonances, $N_{1/2^-}(1535)$ and $N_{1/2^+}(1440)$. High-quality data of the CLAS Collaboration are described in the framework of a model which takes into account mixing of the quark configurations and the hadron-molecular states. The model allows for a rough estimate of the quark core weight in the wave function of the resonance in a comparison with high momentum transfer data on resonance electroproduction.
Molecular responses to photooxidative stress in Pinus sylvestris. I. Differential expression of nuclear and plastid genes in relation to recovery from winter stress

Inhibition of photosynthesis plays an important role during winter-spring stress in evergreen plants such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). In this experiment, naturally established three-year-old Scots pine seedlings were studied during recovery from winter stress, under natural conditions from May to the beginning of June. A comparison was made between top shoot needles exposed to sun and, prior to winter stress recovery snow-covered, and thus more shaded side shoot needles. Chlorophyll fluorescence, photochemical and non-photochemical quenching, pigment composition together with the Lhca2*l, Lhcbl*2, RbcS, rbcL, psbA, nad3 and cox2 gene expression were analysed. During the recovery, a general increase in the Fo/Fm ratio of chlorophyll fluorescence and in pigments was observed for both types of shoots. At the beginning of May, the Fo/Fm ratio of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that exposed top shoot needles were more photoinhibited than the snow-covered side shoot needles. The levels of chlorophyll a and b, neoxanthin, α- and β-carotene were lower, while the level of zeaxanthin was higher in top shoot needles than in side shoot needles during the whole period. On May 6, significantly higher (two-fold) mRNA levels for Lhca2*l and Lhcbl*2 genes were detected in top shoot needles than in side shoot needles. The reverse situation for these genes was observed on May 19 with a two-fold higher level of mRNA in side shoot needles. The transcript level was significantly higher for the Lhcbl*2 gene than for the Lhca2*l gene in both types of shoots only at the beginning of May. The mRNA level for the RbcS gene on May 4 and 6 was two- and four-fold higher, respectively, in top than in side shoot needles. The transcript levels for the plastid-encoded rbcL and psbA and for the mitochondrion-encoded nad3 and cox2 genes were constant and similar in top and side shoot needles. The results are discussed in relation to recovery from winter-spring stress and observed differential expression of nuclear- and organellar-encoded genes.
The effects of the antiparasitic drug, ivermectin, on the development and survival of the dung‐breeding fly, Orthelia cornicina (F.) and the scarabaeine dung beetles, Copris hispanus L., Bubas bubalus (Oliver) and Onitis belial F.

A single injection of calves with ivermectin, at the recommended anthelmintic dose rate of 200 μg/kg of body weight, was effective in killing the larvae of the dung‐breeding dipteran, Orthelia cornicina for up to 32 days post‐treatment. Newly emerged beetles of the scarabaeine dung beetle, Copris hispanus, suffered 90 % mortality in dung dropped on days two and three after injection and 27.5 % mortality in dung of day 16. Feeding activity was greatly suppressed in dung of days 1–8, but was normal in dung of days 32 and 64, in which there was no substantial mortality. In the 1–16 day treatments, survivors showed aberrant reproductive development. When ovipositing C. hispanus were fed with day 3 dung, there was no adult mortality but oviposition rate was reduced and immature survival was zero. No mortality occurred among sexually mature adults of the dung beetle, Bubas bubalus when fed for five weeks on dung collected at intervals ranging from 1–32 days after injection. Substantial mortality was recorded among newly emerged beetles of Onitis belial, following exposure to ivermectin residues. Environmental implications of these results are discussed.
Leptin Induces, via ERK1/ERK2 Signal, Functional Activation of Estrogen Receptor α in MCF-7 Cells*

Leptin is a hormone with multiple biological actions, produced predominantly by adipose tissue. In humans, plasma levels correlate with total body fat, and high concentrations occur in obese women. Among its functions, leptin is able to stimulate normal and tumor cell growth. We demonstrated that leptin induces aromatase activity in MCF-7 cells evidencing its important role in enhancing in situ estradiol production and promoting estrogen-dependent breast cancer progression. Estrogen receptor α (ERα), which plays an essential role in breast cancer development, can be transcriptionally activated in a ligand-independent manner. Taking into account that unliganded ERα is an effector of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal and that leptin is able, via Janus kinase, to activate the Ras-dependent MAPK pathway, in the present study we investigate the ability of leptin to transactivate ERα. We provided evidence that leptin is able to reproduce the classic features of ERα transactivation in a breast cancer cell line: nuclear localization, down-regulation of its mRNA and protein levels, and up-regulation of a classic estrogen-dependent gene such as pS2. Transactivation experiments with a transfected reporter gene for nuclear ER showed an activation of ERα either in MCF-7 or in HeLa cells. Using a dominant negative ERK2 or the MAPK inhibitor PD 98059, we showed that leptin activates the ERα through the MAPK pathway. The N-terminal transcriptional activation function 1 appears essential for the leptin response. Finally, it is worth noting that leptin exposure potentates also the estradiol-induced activation of ERα. Thus, we are able to demonstrate that the amplification of estrogen signal induced by leptin occurs through an enhancing in situ E2 production as well as a direct functional activation of ERα.
Evaluation and Calibration of Alternative Methods for Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration in the Senegal River Basin

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is a key element of the water cycle in tropical areas for the planning and management of water resources, hydrological modeling, and irrigation management. The objective of this research is to assess twenty methods in computing ET0 in the Senegal River Basin and to calibrate and validate the best methods that integrate fewer climate variables. The performance of alternative methods compared to the Penman Monteith (FAO56-PM) model is evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), percentage of bias (PBIAS), and the Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE). The most robust methods integrating fewer climate variables were calibrated and validated and the results show that Trabert, Valiantzas 2, Valiantzas 3, and Hargreaves and Samani models are, respectively, the most robust for ET0 estimation. The calibration improves the estimates of reference evapotranspiration compared to original models. It improved the performance of these models with an increase in KGE values of 45%, 32%, 29%, and 19% for Trabert, Valiantzas 2, Valiantzas 3, and Hargreaves and Samani models, respectively. From a spatial point of view, the calibrated models of Trabert and Valiantzas 2 are robust in all the climatic zones of the Senegal River Basin, whereas, those of Valiantzas 3 and Hargreaves and Samani are more efficient in the Guinean zone. This study provides information on the choice of a model for estimating evapotranspiration in the Senegal River Basin.
New Data on the Diversity of Notoungulata (Mammalia) from the Fray Bentos Formation (Late Oligocene) in Corrientes Province, Argentina

Abstract. We revise the mammal fossils from the Fray Bentos Formation previously assigned to Notoungulata, as well as some new remains recovered from levels cropping out in Corrientes Province (Argentina). In some cases, previous determinations have been completed to the species level, but others have been substantially modified, identifying different families. At present, identified taxa are: “Prohegetotherium” schiaffinoi (Hegetotheriidae), an undetermined interatheriid that is hypothesized as representing the upper teeth of Eopachyrucos ranchoverdensis, and Argyrohyrax proavus (Interatheriidae), cf. Archaeohyrax suniensis (Archaeohyracidae), cf. Mendozahippus fierensis (“Notohippidae”), a Leontiniidae indet. , and some undetermined Notoungulata. The presence of Leontiniidae is based on the specimen CTES-PZ 7871, but those previously assigned to this family are herein discarded as such and reinterpreted (notohippid and undetermined taxon). The Mesotheriidae are discarded among the revised materials, but they are present in the Fray Bentos Formation in Corrientes Province with Trachytherus spegazzinianus (= Ameghinotherium curuzucuatiense). The revised sample presents affinities with the fauna from the type locality of the Fray Bentos Formation, in Uruguay, and the Deseadan assemblages from Quebrada Fiera (Mendoza Province, Argentina), Patagonia (Argentina), and Salla (Bolivia). These similarities are important from a paleobiogeographic point of view, especially by the recognition of cf. M. fierensis, a species only known from Mendoza up to now. Only the finding of new material from Fray Bentos Formation in Corrientes Province will allow us to corroborate these tentative determinations and a possible eastward extension of up-to-now exclusive taxa from Quebrada Fiera.
Tetraether type polar lipids increase after logarithmic growth phase of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum in compensation for the decrease of diether lipids

The ratios of tetraether to diether type lipids in the total lipid during cell growth in batch cultures of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum ΔH (DSM 1053) were examined. The proportion of tetraether type lipids to the total lipid was about 80% during the log phase, and at the onset of the transient phase it began to rise up to about 93%. It was kept almost constant at that level throughout the stationary phase. The polar lipid composition changed with the age of the cell culture. The proportions of all the diether type polar lipids were lower and the levels of all tetraether type polar lipids were higher in the stationary phase than in the log phase. On the other hand, the composition of polar head groups, irrespective of the core lipids, was nearly constant in both growth phases measured so far despite the change in core lipid composition.
Crescimento, acúmulo e distribuição de matéria seca em cultivares de batata na safra de inverno

The objective of this work was to evaluate growth and dry matter accumulation and distribution of potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) Agata, Asterix, Atlantic, Markies, and Mondial, during the winter crop season. The experiment was carried out in Itai, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, from June to October 2008. A randomized complete block design with split-plots and four replications was used. Plots comprised the potato cultivars and subplots were established by plant sampling times: at planting and every seven days after emergence. All the cultivars show slow growth until the onset of the tuber bulking stage. However, Asterix, Atlantic and Markies are earlier than Mondial in obtaining the maximum rates of dry matter accumulation. The Asterix and Mondial cultivars have more leaves per plant, higher tuber yield, higher maximum accumulation rates and dry matter production, but Mondial is less efficient in dry matter alocation to the tubers than the other cultivars. The cultivars with higher maximum accumulation rates provided higher amounts of dry matter, even with shorter terms of the maximum accumulation rate.
Treatment of Winery Wastewater with a Multistage Constructed Wetland System for Irrigation Reuse

This paper reports a study on the performance of a multistage constructed wetland (CW) system adopted for winery wastewater and on the analysis of its suitability for irrigation reuse. The CW system treats about 3 m3·day−1 of wastewater produced by a small winery located in Sicily (insular Italy). Wastewater samples were collected at the CW inlet and outlet for physical–chemical and microbiological quality characterization. CW efficiency was evaluated on the basis of water quality improvement and of the achievement of Italian and EU irrigation reuse regulation limits. The CW system showed Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) mean removal rates of about 81% and 69%, and a maximum removal of about 99% (for both COD and TSS) occurred during grape harvest phase. The CW removal efficiencies for nutrients were 56% for TN and 38% for PO4-P, considering their low average concentrations at CW inlet. The CW system evidenced an effluent average quality compatible with the limits imposed by the Italian regulation and EU proposal regulation on the minimum requirement for water reuse. The CW vegetated area showed regular growth and vegetative development; phytotoxicity phenomena were not detected. The results of the study suggest the important role of CW systems in the treatment of winery wastewater and for their subsequent reuse in agriculture.
LEAF DYNAMICS OF TROPICAL TREES RELATED TO SUCCESSIONAL STATUS

SUMMARY Leaf dynamics of two early successional and two late successional species of a tropical humid forest at Lailad in north-eastern India were studied. Leaves produced during different months were found to have markedly different longevity, for all the species studied. The early successional species showed higher leaf turnover rates, reduced leaf longevity, more uniform production and fall of leaves under forest-grown conditions than in open-grown conditions (though with some fluctuation during the year) and an evergreen or leaf-exchanging pattern of leafiness. The late successional species had slower leaf turnover rates, longer leaf longevity, a peak of leaf production and a deciduous habit. It is concluded that differences in leaf dynamics of early and late species are related to the successional niches they occupy in the forest community.
Maternal satisfaction on postnatal and neonatal care of babies treated for neonatal sepsis in secondary and tertiary care hospitals of a district in Sri Lanka

Introduction : Patient satisfaction is considered to be a vital component in the evaluation of the quality of care. Objectives: To describe the maternal satisfaction on care received by the neonates and mothers during their stay in the secondary and tertiary care hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka. Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted among 235 postpartum mothers of neonates who were treated for sepsis in the neonatal intensive care units. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess maternal satisfaction regarding the care received by the mothers (20 items) and neonates (20 items). The mothers were also requested to make suggestions for improvement. The questionnaire was administered on the day of discharge from the hospital. Overall satisfaction scores for maternal care and neonatal care were calculated separately and was considered satisfactory if it was more than 75% of the total score. Results: The overall mean satisfaction score for maternal care was 84.2 (range 49-100) and for neonatal care, it was 94.0 (range 52-98). Majority of the mothers were satisfied with the maternal care (n=208; 88.5%) and neonatal care (n=220; 93.6%). The majority were satisfied regarding the breastfeeding counselling (n=224; 93.3%), information on the treatment their neonates received (n=227; 94.6%) and investigations of the neonates (n=196; 81.7%). A higher percentage also recommended the obstetric unit to others as a favourable place (n=224; 93.3%) and preferred to return to the same unit for neonatal care for any future episode of illness (n=227; 94.6%). Conclusions: The overall maternal satisfaction regarding the neonatal and maternity care was high. There was a gap between the needs and provision of healthcare.
Types and clinical presentation of stroke

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In this study, authors worked on clinical presentation and types of stroke. The two main types of strokes are ischemic and haemorrhagic. Brain infarction is caused by decrease blood flow due to either narrowing of artery or complete obstruction to blood flow owing to embolism. While haemorrhage is caused by rupture of artery or aneurysms leading to accumulation of blood in the brain parenchyma. Methods: Cross sectional study of group of patients in Nishtar hospital Multan, Pakistan who presented with variety of neurological symptoms who were subsequently diagnosed as non-traumatic stroke. All patients were subjected to a detailed history and thorough clinical examination and investigations after obtaining informed consent. Results: Of 122 patient, 66 patients were male and 56 were female. Ischemic stroke was more common: present in 76 patients as compared to 46 patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension was present in 40.9% of ischemic stroke and 27.8% of hemorrhagic strokes. Most of the patients (67.2%) had altered sensorium at presentation followed by hemiplegia in 39.3 % of patients. Conclusions: Prevalence of ischemic strokes is higher than that of haemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension is associated with both types of these strokes. Moreover, hyperglycaemia and high blood pressure are common in early phase of stroke. Vomiting in stroke favors haemorrhagic stroke.
The Impact of Suppliers’ Adoption of Voluntary Labour Codes/Certifications on Job Quality in Global Supply Chains: The Sri Lankan Case of Garments Without Guilt

Codes of conduct and certifications on labour standards are designed to distinguish export manufacturing suppliers offering higher quality jobs from those offering poor quality jobs. However, previous research suggests that such codes/certifications have a limited impact on job quality. These studies do not differentiate between &#8216;compliance&#8208;based codes of conduct&#8217; that retailers enforce on suppliers and &#8216;voluntary labour codes/certifications&#8217; that suppliers adopt at their discretion. We examine the relationship between suppliers&#8217; adoption of the Garments without Guilt (GwG) voluntary labour code/certification and job quality using fieldwork and longitudinal data on Sri Lankan export apparel suppliers. We find that GwG adoption is associated with higher base pay and safer work, while base pay is lower for GwG adopters that are simultaneously subject to retailers&#8217; enforcement of compliance&#8208;based codes.