Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geotechnical Studies in Relation to Seismic Microzonation of Union Territory of Chandigarh

The paper highlights the outcome of site response studies undertaken around Union Territory of Chandigarh, based on geotechnical approach. Twenty-four boreholes were drilled down to 30 m depth in order to determine the variation in the geotechnical properties of the geological units present around Chandigarh. Standard Penetration Test (SPT), as per BIS Code, was conducted in all the boreholes for determination of N values of the subsurface geological units at 1 to 3 m intervals. Shear Wave Velocities of the subsurface layers were computed based on the empirical relation. The average shear wave velocity of the sediments down to 30 m depth at different sites around Chandigarh Urban Centre varies from less than 216 to 305 m/s. The predominant frequencies at which the seismic waves are expected to resonate in the soil column of 30 m depth were also computed using frequency-shear wave velocity relationship. Based on the analysis of the geotechnical properties of subsurface soil samples, their disposition with respect to each other and also with ground water table conditions liquefaction potential around Union Territory has also been assessed.
Lower Executive Function Ability May Lead to Higher Perceived Mental Workload in Driving Scenarios

Driver mental workload may represent a mismatch between task demands and available mental resources. If driving mental workload arises from a mismatch involving executive functions, then drivers with more executive function ability should perceive less mental workload in driving situations. To test this hypothesis, 33 participants rated the mental workload associated with 16 driving scenarios and also carried out three cognitive assessment games designed to measure executive functions (response inhibition, working memory updating, switching/shifting). We found a significant relationship between two of the executive function abilities (response inhibition, and switching/shifting, but not working memory updating) and mental workload ratings. With an increase in the age of participants, we observed lower response inhibition and higher perceived mental workload after viewing representations of driving scenarios. These results demonstrate that previous results showing higher perceived mental workload for older drivers may be, at least partly, due to decreases in executive function ability as people age.
A prospective study of MRI biomarkers in the brain and lower limb muscles for prediction of lower limb motor recovery following stroke

The aim of this prospective observational longitudinal study was to explore and decipher the predictive value of prospective MRI biomarkers in the brain and lower limb muscles for 3-month lower limb motor recovery following stroke. In the brain, we measured the integrity of the corticospinal tract (fractional anisotropy/“FA”). In the muscles, we measured volume, fatty replacement (fat fraction analysis and proton spectroscopy) and oedema. Measurements were taken at two time points: (1) within 4 weeks of stroke (baseline measurement, clinical and imaging) and (2) 3 months following stroke (follow up measurement, clinical only). Clinical measurements consisted of assessments of functional ability and strength (Fugl-Meyer score, motor NIHSS, Functional Ambulation Category/“FAC”, and muscle dynamometry). Twenty-three patients completed imaging and clinical assessments at baseline and follow-up; five patients had partial imaging assessment. The results provided some evidence that damage to the corticospinal tract would result in less motor recovery: recovery of the Fugl-Meyer score and dynamometric ankle plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and knee extension correlated positively and significantly with fractional anisotropy (0.406–0.457; p = 0.034—p = 0.016). However, fractional anisotropy demonstrated a negative correlation with recovery of the Functional Ambulation Category (−0.359, p = 0.046). For the muscle imaging, significant inverse correlation was observed between vastus lateralis fat fraction vs. NIHSS recovery (−0.401, p = 0.04), and a strong positive correlation was observed between ratio of intra- to extra-myocellular lipid concentrations and the recovery of knee flexion (0.709, p = 0.007). This study supports previous literature indicating a positive correlation between the integrity of the corticospinal tract and motor recovery post-stroke, expanding the limited available literature describing this relationship specifically for the lower limb. However, recovery of functional ambulation behaved differently to other clinical recovery markers by demonstrating an inverse relationship with corticospinal tract integrity. The study also introduces some muscle imaging biomarkers as potentially valuable in the prediction of 3-month lower limb motor recovery following stroke.
Defoliation and fertilisation differentially moderate root trait effects on soil abiotic and biotic properties

Root functional traits are known to influence soil properties that underpin ecosystem functioning. Yet few studies have explored how root traits simultaneously influence physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, or how these responses are modified by common grassland perturbations that shape roots, such as defoliation and fertilisation. Here, we explored how root traits of a wide range of grassland plant species with contrasting resource acquisition strategies (i.e. conservative vs. exploitative strategy plant species) respond to defoliation and fertilisation individually and in combination, and examined cascading impacts on a range of soil abiotic and biotic properties that underpin ecosystem functioning. We found that the amplitude of the response of root traits to defoliation and fertilisation varied among plant species, in most cases independently of plant resource acquisition strategies. However, the direction of the root trait responses (increase or decrease) to perturbations was consistent across all plant species, with defoliation and fertilisation exerting opposing effects on root traits. Specific root length increased relative to non‐perturbed control in response to defoliation, while root biomass, root mass density, and root length density decreased. Fertilisation induced the opposite responses. We also found that both defoliation and fertilisation individually enhanced the role of root traits in regulating soil biotic and abiotic properties, especially soil aggregate stability. Synthesis: Our results indicate that defoliation and fertilisation, two common grassland perturbations, have contrasting impacts on root traits of grassland plant species, with direct and indirect short‐term consequences for a wide range of soil abiotic and biotic properties that underpin ecosystem functioning.
Continuous, large‐scale simulation model for flood risk assessments: proof‐of‐concept

In this paper we present the Regional Flood Model (RFM), a process‐based model cascade developed for large‐scale basins. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that flood risk assessments, based on a continuous simulation approach, including rainfall–runoff, 1D river network, 2D hinterland inundation and damage estimation models, are feasible at the scale of large catchments. RFM is applied to the German part of the Elbe catchment including around 2700 river‐km. For this proof‐of‐concept study, simulations are performed continuously over the period of 1990–2003. Simplification of equations and parallelisation enable the continuous 2D hydrodynamic inundation simulation with reasonable run‐times on a relatively high resolution of 100 m. As uncertainties are introduced with each module along the model chain, results are evaluated, where possible, with observed data. Results indicate that uncertainties are significant, especially for hydrodynamic simulations. This is basically a consequence of low data quality and disregarding dike breach effects in the simulations. Reliable information on overbank cross‐sections and dikes is expected to considerably improve the results. We conclude that the large‐scale simulation of catchment processes, inundation and damage, driven by long‐term climate data, is viable within a continuous simulation framework. It has the potential to provide a spatially consistent, large‐scale picture of flood risk.
The Impact of High-Resolution SALLJEX Data on Global NCEP Analyses

A data assimilation study was performed to assess the impact of observations from the South American Low-Level Jet Experiment (SALLJEX) on analyses in the region east of the Andes Mountains from western Brazil to central Argentina. The Climate Data Assimilation Systems (CDAS)-1 and -2 and the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) were run with and without the additional SALLJEX rawinsondes and pilot balloon observations. The experiments for each data assimilation system revealed similar features, with a stronger low-level flow east of the Andes when SALLJEX data were included. GDAS had the strongest low-level jet (LLJ) when compared with observations. In the experiments that used additional rawinsonde and pilot balloon data, the LLJ was displaced westward in comparison to the analyses run without the SALLJEX data. The vertical structure of the meridional wind in the analyses was much closer to observed rawinsonde profiles in the experiments that included SALLJEX data than in the control experiments, and the results show that, although there are more pilot balloon observations than rawinsonde observations in the SALLJEX dataset, most of the improvements in the analyses can be obtained by only including rawinsonde observations. This was especially true for GDAS. The results of this study can serve as a benchmark for similar data impact studies using higher-resolution data assimilation systems.
Higher Pedestrian Fatalities in Larger Cities? Scaling Analysis of Over 115 to 161 Large U.S. Cities

We examine the scaling relationship of pedestrian fatality counts as a function of the population size of 115 to 161 large U.S cities during the period of 1994 to 2011. We also examine the relationship of non-pedestrian and total traffic fatality counts as well. We used both annual and panel data bivariate and multivariate regression models.We found the scaling relationship display economy of scale or sublinear for pedestrian fatality. The relationship displays superlinear relationship in case of non-pedestrian fatality. When the relationship was examined by the subgroup of cities with different population sizes, the most pronounced scaling relationships was discovered for the group of mega cities. Implication from these findings will be presented.
Earth'future climate

Climate change occurs on time–scales ranging from annual changes associated with El Niño, through decadal changes, to multidecadal trends linked to global warming. It affects us all in our daily lives, impacts the performance of much of industry, and leads to billions of pounds of damage worldwide each year. In many countries the general public is becoming concerned as press reports, personal experience and anecdotal information all point to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Many opinions have been expressed on the subject from the doomladen to the dismissive. This paper aims to state clearly the current scientific position on climate change, and to provide informed scientific projections for Earth's climate into the next millennium. This will help decision makers, managers of weather risk, and all with an interest in our future climate.
Unravelling the hidden complexity in diversity and pigment composition of a colonial flagellate Synura sphagnicola (Chrysophyceae, Stramenopiles)

: In this study, we aim to taxonomically evaluate a unique example of cryptic diversity in a freshwater protist species Synura sphagnicola , occurring at two evolutionary levels. First, we characterize two species, S. sphagnicola and S. rubra sp. nov., that diverged from one another approx. 14 Mya. These species are morphologically well differentiated by the morphology of silica scales. Second, we propose seven evolutionary young, but ecologically and geographically well differentiated lineages as separate sub–species, sphagnicola , agilis , borealis (within S. sphagnicola ), rubra , ampla , bella and caelica (within S. rubra ). In addition, we examine the autofluorescence and pigment composition of two selected strains, identifying fucoxanthin as a predominant carotenoid. We further show that the red droplets in the cytoplasm, a prominent feature of both species, are formed by a previously unknown pigment. Finally, we identify chlorophyll–c 2 in S. sphagnicola . Since the lack of this pigment represents a major distinguishing character to discriminate between classes Synurophyceae and Chrysophyceae, we formally synonymize these taxa.
Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts Preference for paintings is also affected by curvature

: Preference for curvature has been demonstrated using many types of stimuli, but it remains an open question whether curvature plays a relevant role in responses to original artworks. To investigate this, a novel set of paintings was created, consisting of three variations—curved, sharp-angled, and mixed—of the same 16 indeterminate subjects. The present research aimed to differentiate between liking and wanting decisions. We assessed liking both online (Study 1) and in the lab (Study 2, Task 2)
Implementasi tapis Kalman pada tongkat adaptif untuk deteksi objek disabilitas netra berbasis LiDAR

Akurasi perhitungan pembacaan jarak terhadap objek ditentukan oleh faktor pantulan dari bidang, sudut kemiringan, bahan, dan jenis sensornya. Pada penelitian ini, dibuat tongkat adaptif pendeteksi objek untuk disabilitas netra berbasis sensor LiDAR. Tapis Kalman digunakan untuk meminimalisir kesalahan hasil pembacaan sensor LiDAR pada saat menentukan perhitungan jarak. Data hasil pembacaan sensor dilakukan proses perbaikan menggunakan tapis Kalman sebelum dikeluarkan menjadi nilai jarak. Tahapan tapis Kalman terdiri dari proses prediksi dan koreksi. Pada proses prediksi, data mentah pembacaan jarak dihitung varian kesalahannya dengan mengatur matriks Q. Selanjutnya dilakukan perbaikan dengan menentukan penguatan Kalman. Hasil perbaikan dapat dilakukan dengan mengatur nilai R. Hasil pengujian pada jarak 50 cm sampai 400 cm, penggunaan Kalman menghasilkan rata-rata selisih sekitar 0,7% lebih baik dibandingkan dengan tanpa tapis Kalman.
The Impact of Elevated Troponin Levels on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review

The association between high cardiac troponin (cTn) levels and stroke characteristics and outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical implications of elevated cTn levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Research Gate databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published in English up to May 2023. This study included all reports on serum cTn levels and AIS. Two independent reviewers assessed study quality and bias using study-specific tools before inclusion. The systematic review included a total of 14 articles with 16906 participants, including one systematic review, one randomized controlled trial (RCT), and 12 observational studies. The results of this systematic review indicate that the prevalence of high cTn levels is averaged at 17.9%, or 1 in 5 individuals, who have an AIS. The review emphasizes the detrimental effects of increased cTn levels on outcomes for in-hospital and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular outcomes in patients with AIS. These results demonstrate that serum cTn has the potential to be a useful tool for risk classification and prognostic assessment in individuals with AIS. AIS patients with elevated serum cTn at baseline have an increased risk of mortality. Early and routine evaluation of serum cTn may contribute to the timely detection of co-morbid cardiovascular injury and prevent unfavorable outcomes in patients with AIS.
Late Pleistocene Climatic Variations at Achenheim, France, Based on a Magnetic Susceptibility and TL Chronology of Loess

New field investigations of the Achenheim sequence (Alsace, France) allow for the characterization of variations in the low-field magnetic susceptibility over most of the last climatic cycle, i.e., the past 130,000 yr. New stratigraphic data and thermoluminescence measurements permit reassessment of the previous chronological interpretation of the Upper Pleistocene at Achenheim. A high-resolution analysis of magnetic susceptibility discloses the occurrence of a fine-grained “marker” horizon which was also found recently in another section. This horizon is interpreted as a small-scale dust layer deposited prior to the main interval of loess deposition. The horizon, deposited at the marine isotope stage (MIS) 5/4 boundary, has been found in other loess sequences and is especially prevalent in central Europe. It is characterized by low susceptibility values and a grayish color. New thermoluminescence dates indicate that the loess deposition took place after the MIS 5/4 boundary, i.e., after 70,000 yr. These results are consistent with the Greenland GRIP ice-core dust record which also demonstrates a dusty atmosphere after 72,000 yr ago. On a more regional scale, the Achenheim loess sequence demonstrates a reliable correlation between the western side of the Eurasian loess belt and the dust record of the Greenland ice cores.
Hydrophobic Barriers for Directing Physarum polycephalum Propulsion and Navigation

Physarum polycephalum (P. polycephalum) is a unicellular protist with unique properties, such as learning and remembering in its cultured environment without a brain or central nervous system. The organism has been extensively used in morphology, taxis, and positive feedback dynamics studies. However, the lack of standardization of materials and substrate designs used in P. polycephalum studies has significantly limited conducting such studies, increasing the cost and time. In this study, we introduce a method to control the direction and migration of P. polycephalum by drawing hydrophobic lines and patterns. Our study succeeded in controlling the movement of P. polycephalum by setting a variety of hydrophobic designs such as complete barrier, single-slit barrier, taper barrier, dumbbell barrier, and one-side-opened rectangular barrier, suggesting the effectiveness of the hydrophobic barrier in regulating the propulsion and navigation of the organisms. Moreover, we demonstrated that utilizing such geometric constraints can reduce the experimental time required for toxicity testing based on P. polycephalum by more than 300%. Our techniques open new possibilities for studying the biophysical properties and behaviors of P. polycephalum, while also facilitating toxicity testing.
Exosomes Highlight Future Directions in the Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. It currently lacks specific therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the actions of exosomes derived from different cell sources, including red blood cells, macrophages, monocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and renal tubular cells, in AKI. We also investigate the effects of various exosome contents (such as miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, mRNA, and proteins) in promoting renal tubular cell regeneration and angiogenesis, regulating autophagy, suppressing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and preventing fibrosis to facilitate AKI repair. Moreover, we highlight the interactions between macrophages and renal tubular cells through exosomes, which contribute to the progression of AKI. Additionally, exosomes and their contents show promise as potential biomarkers for diagnosing AKI. The engineering of exosomes has improved their clinical potential by enhancing isolation and enrichment, target delivery to injured renal tissues, and incorporating small molecular modifications for clinical use. However, further research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms underlying exosome actions, their delivery pathways to renal tubular cells, and the application of multi-omics research in studying AKI.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVITY OF PENNSYLVANIAN BLACK FISSILE SHALE IN ILLINOIS

Black fissile shale in Pennsylvanian cyclothems in the western part of the Illinois Basin shows low-level radioactivity as measured by alpha-particle emission. Preliminary analysis showed a ten-fold variability in radioactivity among closely spaced samples, with no apparent concentration in particular zones of the thin shale units. These relations favored design of a sampling experiment for evaluation of average radioactivity of the shale and for detection of regional radioactivity gradients. Interlocked regional and local sampling designs were set up and provided 176 samples for a regional study and 32 samples for a local study, including evaluation of the experimental error. The interlocked designs furnished data for estimating stratigraphic variability of samples spaced from about 1 foot to 18 miles apart. Strip mines, mine dumps, and some well cores provided regional samples of the 3-foot black fissile shale bed overlying Coal No. 6 in an area about 200 miles long and 20 miles wide. The local samples were collected from four localities within a single mine. In both sampling designs the maximum variability occurred at the lowest sampling level, indicative of a “spotty” distribution of radioactivity in the black shale. Neither the geological evidence nor the statistical analysis suggested any strong regional gradient in radioactivity over the area studied. Both the geological and statistical data support the inference that the radioactive material was associated with the depositional environment, rather than introduced by wholly diagenetic processes.
Resveratrol and beyond: The Effect of Natural Polyphenols on the Cardiovascular System: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unhealthy dietary habits have clearly been shown to contribute to the development of CVDs. Beyond the primary nutrients, a healthy diet is also rich in plant-derived compounds. Natural polyphenols, found in fruits, vegetables, and red wine, have a clear role in improving cardiovascular health. In this review, we strive to summarize the results of the relevant pre-clinical and clinical trials that focused on some of the most important natural polyphenols, such as resveratrol and relevant flavonoids. In addition, we aim to identify their common sources, biosynthesis, and describe their mechanism of action including their regulatory effect on signal transduction pathways. Finally, we provide scientific evidence regarding the cardiovascular benefits of moderate, long-term red wine consumption.