Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Installation Enhancements to Common Inlet Protection Practices Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques

Inlet protection practices (IPPs) are temporary erosion and sediment controls commonly used in active construction sites to help reduce off-site transport of sediment. The overall in-field performance of these practices is commonly misunderstood. This study researched common failure modes of IPPs with the use of large-scale, channelized flow experiments. Testing evaluated the performance of standard IPP design details and provided installation enhancements to four typical practices commonly used in the erosion and sediment control industry (aggregate, sandbag, silt fence, and wattle barriers). Installation enhancements focused on providing effective structural improvements with typical installation materials while also considering reduced installation efforts and material costs. Enhancements increased IPP's impoundments while maintaining efficient dewatering times. Variations of practices from state agency design guides and comparisons of developed installation enhancements were presented. A performance and cost comparison was developed for practitioners to use when comparing improved IPPs.
Mismatches between Morphology and DNA in Italian Partridges May Not Be Explained Only by Recent Artificial Release of Farm-Reared Birds

Simple Summary One of the major drivers of genetic pollution is artificial translocation, which causes hybridization and introgression. We analyzed genetic markers of Grey and Rock Partridges from collections, wild populations and farms, mostly in Italy. We documented a mismatch between morphology and DNA in the identification of some individuals, as well as hybridization between the two genera of the Grey and Rock Partridges: Perdix and Alectoris. Our results suggest that species of the two genera can hybridize in nature and that artificial translocations and releases of farm reared birds for restocking or reintroduction purposes may be only partially responsible for the DNA-morphology mismatches of Italian partridges. Abstract Translocations and releases of farm-reared birds are considered among the major drivers of genetic pollution with consequent loss of genetic diversity in wild populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of hybridization and introgression in the Italian partridges as a consequence of translocation. We surveyed two mitochondrial markers and one nuclear marker of Alectoris and Perdix from collections (museums and private collections), extant wild populations and farms. Consistent with previous studies, we found haplotypes of allochthonous species within the same genus, likely due to introductions for hunting activities. In addition, we found hybrids between Perdix and Alectoris species with genetic markers from both genera in single individuals. Such introgression was bidirectional and in both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Counterintuitively, most of the hybrid samples came from collections before the 1950s, when large-scale translocations started, from wild populations where Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix) and Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) overlap in their distribution, whereas only one hybrid occurred among the farmed birds. Our results suggest that Perdix and Alectoris species can hybridize in nature and that artificial translocations and releases of farm-reared birds for restocking or reintroduction purposes may be only partially responsible for the genomic mismatches of Italian partridges.
Increased Heparanase Levels in Urine during Acute Puumala Orthohantavirus Infection Are Associated with Disease Severity

Old–world orthohantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), characterized by acute kidney injury (AKI) with transient proteinuria. It seems plausible that proteinuria during acute HFRS is mediated by the disruption of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) due to vascular leakage, a hallmark of orthohantavirus–caused diseases. However, direct infection of endothelial cells by orthohantaviruses does not result in increased endothelial permeability, and alternative explanations for vascular leakage and diminished GFB function are necessary. Vascular integrity is partly dependent on an intact endothelial glycocalyx, which is susceptible to cleavage by heparanase (HPSE). To understand the role of glycocalyx degradation in HFRS–associated proteinuria, we investigated the levels of HPSE in urine and plasma during acute, convalescent and recovery stages of HFRS caused by Puumala orthohantavirus. HPSE levels in urine during acute HFRS were significantly increased and strongly associated with the severity of AKI and other markers of disease severity. Furthermore, increased expression of HPSE was detected in vitro in orthohantavirus–infected podocytes, which line the outer surfaces of glomerular capillaries. Taken together, these findings suggest the local activation of HPSE in the kidneys of orthohantavirus–infected patients with the potential to disrupt the endothelial glycocalyx, leading to increased protein leakage through the GFB, resulting in high amounts of proteinuria.
Farmers that engage in entrepreneurship for the “wrong” reason and the moderating role of cultural intolerance

In the agricultural sector, the Law of Jante—a Scandinavian form of cultural intolerance towards standing out, being different and overachieving (akin to the Tall Poppy Syndrome and The nail that sticks out gets hammered down culture found in other countries)—may play an important role by influencing when entrepreneurship is an acceptable strategic choice to adversity. Based on a three group, between-subjects experiment of 122 Swedish university students studying agricultural and rural management, we tested whether the advice our participants gave to a fictitious farmer to pursue entrepreneurial activity depended on information regarding the farmer's motivation to pursue entrepreneurship (experimental treatments included motivation scenarios based on necessity vs. opportunity driven vs. control). Moreover, we test whether entrepreneurial advice is moderated by the participants own “Jante-ness”. Unexpectedly, we found that our participants did not adapt the entrepreneurship advice they give to the situational context, nor does Jante play a moderating role; instead we found that Jante had a significant and negative main effect on the entrepreneurial advice given. This finding suggests that Jante is still very much alive and may play an important role in explaining relatively low rates of innovation and entrepreneurship in (Swedish) agriculture.
A Psychometric Tool for Evaluating Executive Functions in Parkinson’s Disease

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in using 360° virtual-reality video for an ecologically valid assessment of executive functioning in the neurologic population. In this framework, we have developed the EXecutive-functions Innovative Tool (EXIT 360°), an original 360°-based instrument for a multicomponent, ecologically valid evaluation of executive functioning in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This work aimed to test the usability and user experience of EXIT 360° in patients with PD (PwPD). Twenty-seven PwPD and twenty-seven healthy controls underwent an evaluation that involved: (1) usability assessment by the System Usability Scale and (2) evaluation of user experience using the ICT—Sense of Presence and User Experience Questionnaire. Results showed a satisfactory level of usability for patients (mean = 76.94 ± 9.18) and controls (mean = 80 ± 11.22), with good scores for usability and learnability. Regarding user experience, patients provided a positive overall impression of the tool, evaluating it as attractive, enjoyable, activating, and funny. Moreover, EXIT 360° showed good pragmatic (e.g., efficient, fast, clear) and hedonic quality (e.g., exciting, interesting, and creative). Finally, PwPD considered EXIT 360° as an original tool with high ecological validity (mean = 4.29 ± 0.61), spatial presence (mean = 3.11 ± 0.83) and engagement (mean = 3.43 ± 0.54) without relevant adverse effects. Technological expertise had no impact on performance. Overall, EXIT 360° appeared to be a usable, easy-to-learn, engaging, and innovative instrument for PD. Further studies will be conducted to deepen its efficacy in distinguishing between healthy subjects and patients with executive dysfunctions.
An embeddedness perspective on family farm development in the Carpathian Mountains

ABSTRACT Romanian farming is characterized by fragmented land, high age of operating farmers and low productivity that raises the question of barriers and necessities for consolidation, development and succession. This study explores the development trajectories of smallholder farming in the Romanian counties of Cluj and Maramureș using the concepts of embeddedness (as outlined in the framework of global production networks) and the resource-based view. It aims to understand the interplay of framework conditions with the way how smallholders mobilize different types of resources. Conceptually, the study shows that the resource-based view should be applied within wider contexts: Aspects of societal and network embeddedness (including prevalent mistrust, informality in governing land and misaligned regulative incentives) favour high reliance on family for resource mobilization and hinder consolidation, succession and innovation. While commonalities with post-socialist countries exist, several structural factors are unique to Romania.
Jewish Bathhouse Attendants as Key Figures for the Identification and Referral of Women in Distress: Contributors to Role Perception

Social workers often rely on non-professional community figures to identify and refer at-risk populations. One such figure is the Jewish “balanit” (plural: balaniyot), who assists women at the mikveh, a religious bathhouse for monthly purification. Mental health symptoms can come to light in this unique situation. This quantitative study drew on the feminist perspective and concept of the “moral third” to explore factors contributing to balaniyot's role perception regarding distressed women. Israeli balaniyot (N = 166) completed self-report questionnaires assessing the role perception of aiding distressed women, and independent variables relating to commitment and connectedness to the victims (organizational commitment, years of experience, workdays), and acknowledgment of suffering (knowledge of distress situations, beliefs about violence toward women). Hierarchical regression showed that more weekly workdays, higher community belonging, and greater knowledge of distress situations contributed to role perception. Moreover, among participants with low community belonging, organizational commitment was associated with lower role perception. The findings suggest that organizational commitment may conflict with community belonging, requiring balaniyot to choose between them. The study indicates the need for specialized training to increase balaniyot's knowledge of distress situations and ensure that their organizational commitment is not strengthened at the expense of their crucial capability to aid distressed women.
Impacts of Resveratrol and Pyrogallol on Physicochemical, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Epoxy-Resin Sealers

This study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental epoxy-resin sealers containing polyphenols such as resveratrol and pyrogallol. A conventional epoxy resin (OB) was modified by adding different concentrations of resveratrol (RS) or pyrogallol (PY) to its composition. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities, mechanical properties, along with wettability and morphological changes were investigated. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and multiple comparison tests (α = 0.05). The incorporation of the tested polyphenols into the epoxy resin enhanced its mechanical properties. PY demonstrated much better antioxidant and antibacterial activities than RS, which were associated with a higher release of PY. In contrast, PY showed a higher cytotoxicity than OB and OB doped with RS. OB containing PY presented a rougher surface and higher water absorption than OB doped with RS. Both tested polyphenols caused no notable changes to the overall porosity of OB. Resveratrol and pyrogallol may not only influence the morphology and mechanical properties of epoxy-resin sealers, but could also enhance antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis. Most epoxy-resin sealers currently available in the market can be considered as “passive” materials. Thus, doping their composition with specific polyphenols may be a suitable strategy to confer some antibacterial properties, antioxidant potential, along with improvement of some mechanical properties.
Population Dynamics of a Two Phages–One Host Infection System Using Escherichia coli Strain ECOR57 and Phages vB_EcoP_SU10 and vB_EcoD_SU57

In this study, we looked at the population dynamics of a two phages-one host system using phages vB_EcoP_SU10 (SU10) and vB_EcoD_SU57 (SU57) and the bacteria Escherichia coli, strain ECOR57. Phage-specific growth curves were observed where infections by SU10 resulted in a moderate production of phages and infections by SU57 resulted in a fast and extensive production of phage progeny. Sequentially adding SU10 followed by SU57 did not produce a significant change in growth rates, whereas adding SU57 followed by SU10 resulted in a decrease in SU10 titer The efficiency of the plating assays showed that ECOR57 exhibited a resistance spectrum after infection by both the single and combined phages. Phage-resistant bacteria exhibited four different morphotypes (i.e., normal, slimy, edgy, and pointy). The normal and edgy morphotypes had a high frequency of developing resistance. Bacterial growth and biofilm assays indicated that the edgy and pointy morphotypes reached a stationary phase faster and produced more biofilm compared to the wild type. These findings suggest that the dynamic structure of phage–bacteria communities dictate resistance evolution and development. Understanding when and how resistances arise and phage(s)–hosts interactions could aid in the design of phage therapy treatments.
Environmental impact of fiscal decentralization, green technology innovation and institution’s efficiency in developed countries using advance panel modelling

The debate regarding mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions and fiscal decentralization has gained extreme attention, but only a little evidence supports this issue. Therefore, this study adopts fiscal decentralization, green technology innovation, and institutional efficiency that reduce environmental degradation and help to create a sustainable environment in seventeen developed countries. This study applies a novel Methods of Moment's Quantiles Regression (MMQR) which helps to deal with asymmetricity, structural change and non-normality. The overall results exhibit emissions mitigating effect of fiscal decentralization, green technology innovation and institutional efficiency. However, the emissions mitigating effects of fiscal decentralization is the lowest for lower quantiles and the highest for higher emissions quantiles. In contrast, emission reduction effect of green technology innovation and institutional efficiency is higher for lowest quantiles and lower for highest quantiles. These results confirm the asymmetric effect of fiscal decentralization, green technology innovation, and institutional efficiency on carbon emissions, and validating that their effect is not alike across all distribution, rather significantly varied at lower, medium, and higher quantiles. These results offer valuable suggestions to improve the environmental sustainability.
Whey Fortified Ready-to-Reconstitute Elephant Apple (Dillenia Indica) Juice Powder: Methodical Optimization, Micro-Structural and in Vitro Digestion Analyses

Elephant apple fruit, though bestowed with multifarious medicinal properties and available in many Asian countries, has no known commercial processed product due to its tough fibrous calyces, highly astringent juice and brown discolouration. In this study, the juice was blended with concentrated whey in different proportions (v/v) for assessing organoleptic acceptability. Principal Component Analysis of the sensory scores and subsequent evaluation of blends’ antioxidant activity revealed the superiority of 1:1 (v/v) admixture over other counterparts. Further, study focussed on optimization of process variables (maltodextrin concentration and inlet temperature of spray dryer) for recuperating beverage powder from the juice-whey blend (1:1 v/v). Developed powders presented different surface morphologies (wrinkled/shrunk/ellipsoidal/fused particles having 2-30 µm diameters), and were organoleptically favourable with good yield (63.33-88.33%), dispersibility (33.40-56.57%), moderate antioxidative potential (37.45-54.57%), improved sugar, protein and whiteness index. In-vitro digestion release of protein and antioxidant activity from the optimized powder showed increasing trend with time, unlike those of fresh juice and juice-whey blend (1:1 v/v). Thus, ready-to-reconstitute juice powder(s) with appreciable features was developed from an underutilized fruit using methodical statistical approaches, and the resultant product was found to provide protracted release of protein and antioxidants during simulated digestion.
A Retrospective Study of Incidence and Predictors on Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV among HIV-Exposed Infants in West Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background The transmission of HIV from mother to child among HIV-positive infants is estimated to be higher than 20%, despite the fact that antiretroviral treatment is available for antenatal mothers with HIV. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of HIV transmission from mother to child among infants aged one and a half years is estimated to be approximately 15.7 percent. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis using a simple random sampling technique was incorporated among 422 HIV-exposed babies and their mothers who were randomly chosen and screened using OPD (outpatient card) from March 2019 to March 2021 in the general hospitals of West Guji zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. The data were coded and entered into EpiData version 4.6. 1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for cleaning and analysis. Result The study revealed that at the end of follow-up, 3.8% of the HIV-exposed infants were found to be HIV positive. Poor adherence of infant for CPT (AOR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.010–27.24), father not enrolled to ART (AOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.187–15.724), age of infants at enrollment >6 weeks (AOR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.102–16.1), mother's enrollment to PMTCT during labor and delivery or after (AOR: 6.84; 95% CI: 1.316–42.743), and mothers on the WHO clinical stage mild or advanced (AOR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.146–16.842) was found to be the most important significant predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Conclusion Several factors included in the study were the main predictors of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The study concluded that there are some lacunae in the prevention of MTCT of HIV but that the incidence of MTCT of HIV was significantly lower in this part of the world.
Evaluation of adrenal function in hemodynamically stable patients with liver cirrhosis

Aim of the study To estimate the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in hemodynamically stable cirrhotic patients and to evaluate the potential association with patients’ clinical characteristics, cirrhosis etiology and liver disease severity. Material and methods The cross-sectional study included 132 stable liver cirrhosis patients. Severity of liver disease was graded using the Child-Pugh classification and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. The adrenal function was evaluated by measuring basal and peak cortisol after 60 minutes following the short Synacthen test (SST). Differences in terms of demographic data, clinical information and liver disease severity were compared between cirrhotic patients with and without AI. Results Out of 132 cirrhotic patients, 86 patients had evidence of AI based on the peak serum cortisol value while the prevalence was lower (67 patients out of 132) when basal cortisol level was taken as the basis. A total of 82 patients were classified as Child-Pugh class C, with an average MELD score of 20 ±7.1. Most patients with AI had Child-Pugh class C. Patients with AI had a higher prevalence of ascites, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy, a higher MELD score and a lower serum sodium level compared to patients with normal adrenal function. AI was not related to the etiology of cirrhosis but was related to the severity of liver disease and the degree of hyponatremia. Conclusions Adrenal insufficiency is common among hemodynamically stable patients with cirrhosis. It is related to the severity of liver disease and the degree of hyponatremia.
Bicycle Touring 480 km in Seven Days: Effects on Body Composition and Physical Fitness—A Case Study

Bicycle touring as a modality of physical activity that involves whole-body cardiorespiratory and metabolic functions could be a potential strategy to improve body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of 7-days bicycle touring activity on body composition and physical fitness. A total of 13 individuals (three women) participated in this quasi-experimental study. The participants were evaluated at baseline and were tracked for up to 12 days after the intervention. The intervention consisted of a 480 km bicycle touring route performed over 8 days. Body weight and body composition (i.e., fat mass and lean mass) were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Physical fitness was measured using the International Fitness Scale questionnaire. We conducted a repeated-measures analysis of variance to determine changes in body weight and body composition and paired sample t-tests to analyse changes in physical fitness. Significant differences in fat mass were observed between the baseline and both post-intervention (p = 0.003) and re-test values (p = 0.031). Significant differences were also noted in lean mass between the baseline and post-intervention values (p = 0.003), whereas no significant changes were observed when compared the baseline and re-test values (p = 0.178). Significant differences were obtained in cardiorespiratory fitness when comparing the baseline with the post-intervention values (p = 0.016), whereas no significant differences were noted in general fitness, muscular strength, speed/agility, and flexibility (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, a 7-day bicycle touring intervention can significantly reduce fat mass and increase lean mass and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy individuals.