Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of Hybrid Rubberized Composite Slabs

Abstract Rubberized concrete is made up of scrap tyre rubbers where the fine aggregate is partially replaced by it, as the waste rubber is being a threat to the environment. It is estimated that only 4% of the waste tyre is used in the application of civil engineering and also there is shortage of fine aggregates. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the preliminary concrete properties of M25 and M30 concretes. The fine aggregate is replaced by pre-treated crumb rubber with 10, 15 and 20 % of total weight. Various tests are conducted on the rubberized concrete specimens such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and slump test. The investigation is carried out to determine the impact load behavior of hybrid rubberized composite slabs. In addition 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of replacement of rubber fibers for total weight of coarse aggregate is also made. The specimen of size 300 mm x 300 mm x 50 mm thickness is subjected to drop hammer test to find its performance against the impact loads. The number of blows for the first crack and complete failure of slab was found and the characteristics were studied.
A Visualization Method Based on Graph Database in Security Logs Analysis

Network security logs can provide evidence for forensic investigators. However, the network logs are facing the problems of high repetition rate, high false alarm rate, uniform format and so on, which make it difficult for forensic researchers to find useful information. In this paper, the association rules mining algorithm is used to analyze the network security logs, so as to eliminate the redundant data and to find the implied association between the logs data. Then the graph database is used to visualize the log information. Forensic analysts can obtain effective evidence by observing the graph database, which can improve the efficiency of the forensic analysts to discover the sensitive event information.
The development of a medical biomarker test to aid in rapid screening for the presence of infectious diseases

The Development of a Medical Biomarker Test to Aid in Rapid Screening for the Presence of Infectious Diseases DJ Bradford Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private bag X1, Matieland 7602. Research assignment: Masters Thesis April 2019 The widespread threat of antimicrobial resistance poses a major problem worldwide. A low-cost rapid biomarker test to aid in the screening of infectious diseases could potentially play a major role in promoting antimicrobial stewardship, thus combating antimicrobial resistance. Here, the prototype development of such a test is reported. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were the chosen biomarkers for the test, based on recommendations from literature. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) were chosen for the sensing platform, and were subsequently designed and fabricated using a desktop inkjet printer. The OECT was made sensitive to the target biomarkers by immobilising antibodies, as biorecognition elements, onto the sensor surface. The sensor was then characterised and tested using a National Instruments data acquisition device (DAQ) controlled by a series of LabVIEW programs. The CRP sensors displayed sensitivity to CRP concentrations between 0.3125 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL, whilst the PCT sensors showed no discernible response to the PCT protein. Further work is recommended to enable exact quanti cation of CRP concentrations, as well as enable the correct detection of PCT proteins. iii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za
Effects of ad libitum consumed, low-fat, high-fiber plant-based diet supplemented with plant-based meal replacements on cardiovascular risk factors

Background Sustainable nutritional strategies to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular diseases are highly needed. Inclusion of meal replacements may increase adherence to plant-based diets (PBDs). Objective The aim of this study was to test the effects of a transition from a western-type diet to a new nutritional paradigm with a PBD from predominately unrefined whole food sources, eaten ad libitum and including nutrient-enriched plant-based meal replacements twice daily. Design This was a single-arm, prospective interventional trial for 10 weeks in 36 participants with extension to 36 weeks in 18 participants. The main endpoint was serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol measured at baseline, after 10 weeks (phase 1), and after 36 weeks (phase 2). Secondary endpoints included total, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose, uric acid, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Results The mean reduction in LDL-cholesterol was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–0.8) mmol/L (−15%, P < 0.001) at the end of phase 1, with no further change by the end of phase 2. Similar reductions were noted for non-HDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol was reduced by 0.16 mmol/L (95% CI, 0.1–0.2). There was a borderline reduction in fasting glucose (5.2 to 5 mmol/L in phase 1, P = 0.08) and a small significant rise in serum uric acid levels of 15 (95% CI, 1–28) μmol/L, P < 0.05. Median baseline value for IGF-1 concentration was 156 μg/L. Participants with baseline IGF-1 below median had a significant increase in IGF-1 value from baseline 110 ± 31 to 132 ± 39 at the end of phase 1 (mean change of +22 μg/L, 95% CI, 11–33, P = 0.001). Participants with baseline IGF-1 above median had no significant change in IGF-1. Significant reductions in body weight, body fat, and visceral fat were observed. Conclusions Supplemented, unrefined PBD eaten ad libitum was effective in improving total and LDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, and IGF-1 in low baseline IGF-1 subgroup. This trial is registered as NCT02905448 at https://clinicaltrials.gov, registered 19.9. 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02905448.
Atomic absorption spectrometry for the quantification of cadmium in thermoformed and biodegradable flexible films made from cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz)

A simple method for determining the presence of cadmium (Cd) in thermoformed and biodegradable flexible films and flour and starch samples from cassava, using graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), is proposed. The biopolymers used in contact with foods can contain Cd due to contamination from the origin of the material used to make them. The nitric: perchloric acid digestion with reflux was optimized, and the statistical quality parameters were standardized. The GF-AAS instrumental conditions and the graphite furnace heating program were adjusted through pyrolysis and atomization curves, and the optimal temperatures were 530 and 1750°C, respectively. In addition, under optimal conditions, the working range was from 0.1 µg/L to 1.0 µg/L, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.02 and 0.07 µg/L, respectively. The precision was evaluated using intermediate precision and repeatability of the method, which showed standard deviations of 1.6–4.8% and 2.1–4.8%, respectively. The percentage of recovery of Cd ranged from 96.2% to 97.3%. The results obtained support the suitability of the method for determining the presence of Cd in these samples. Cd concentrations in flexible films and starch were below the quantification limit. The other samples (thermoformed and flours) contained less than 1 mg/kg (maximum level set by the NTC 4096), indicating that these polymers meet this standard and therefore can be used for food containers and packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Changes in the occupational structure of Nordic employment: Upgrading or polarization?

4 Preface . 5 Introduction . 6 Labour Markets and Occupational Change . 7 Upgrading or polarization of labour markets. 8 Data and Methods . 10 Polarization or upgrading of the occupational structure? 14 Occupational change within sectors of the economy . 18 Change within manufacturing . 20 Long-term trends in Nordic manufacturing employment . 21 Recent changes in the occupational structure of Nordic manufacturing jobs . 21 Change in private and public employment . 24 Employment change within occupational-wage quintiles . 28 Growth in the top . 28 Decline in middle and lower occupations . 28 The mixed patterns of the lowest paid quintile . 32 The distribution of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics within quintiles . 34 Concluding discussion . 36 Literature . 40 Appendix . 42
Comparative evaluation of neuro-linguistic programming

ABSTRACT In this paper, we aim to highlight the characteristics of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and suggest possible directions for future research and study. The majority of NLP studies argue for more rigorous empirical support and standardised regulatory governance, in order to overcome academic biases and general misunderstandings. However, its popular practice for just under half a century and its global usage, suggest there is grounding for NLP to be accepted into the “mainstream” of psychology. We compare NLP with more “accepted” approaches (cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and coaching), and explore its practice regulations. While its efficiency (thorough analysis and applicability) was identified as its strength, more rigorous research and universal regulations of practice are needed for NLP to move onto the next level of acceptance.
Comparison of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 Levels in Saliva and Serum of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Healthy Subjects

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth common cancer worldwide. A hallmark of cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that allows cancer cells to invade the surrounding tissue. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of MMP-2 and 9 in serum and salivary of HNSCC patients and compare it with a healthy group. Methods: Twenty patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC, who had not received any treatment, referred to Omid and Ghaem hospitals, Mashhad, Iran, and twenty healthy controls were voluntarily included in this study. Salivary and blood samples were collected from both groups and the concentration of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS using Student t-test or Mann-Whitney with significance level of ≤ 0.05. Results: In cancer patients, the serum level of MMP-9 was significantly higher than that of in the healthy group (P < 0.001). However, salivary MMP-9 was higher in cancer patients, this difference was not significant (P = 0.736). There was no significant difference between the study groups for the levels of serum (P = 0.283) and salivary MMP-2 (P = 0.764). There was a correlation between salivary and serum levels of both markers in cancer patients (P = 0.046 and P = 0.011 for MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively), on the contrary, there was not a correlation between them in the healthy controls (P = 0.628 and P = 0.064, for MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively). A direct correlation between the salivary level of MMP-9 and tumor grade was also detected (P = 0.045). Conclusions: The salivary analysis indicates that an altered composition for MMPs in HNSCC, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for oral cancer. The serum level of MMP-9 appears to be a reliable marker for early diagnosis in HNSCC patients. © 2019, Author(s).
Cancer: How many genes does it take?

Correspondence re: Zimonjic et al. 2001. “Derivation of human tumor cells in vitro without widespread genomic instability. ” Cancer Res no. 61 (24):8838-44. Submitted to Cancer Research 8/19/2002, rejected 8/29/2002
Transformational leadership with innovative behaviour

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine simultaneously multiple mediating mechanisms through which transformational leadership affects innovative work behaviour (IWB). Specifically, the authors test job autonomy, affective commitment and supportive management as the three mediating paths through which transformational leadership predicts innovative wok behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 358 employees working in large retail banks in Accra, the capital of Ghana. A partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to estimate the measurement and structural models.FindingsJob autonomy and supportive management rather than affective commitment mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and IWB. In addition, transformational leadership positively relates to job autonomy, affective commitment, supportive management and IWB.Practical implicationsBy adopting leadership behaviours that seek to offer employees freedom on the job, a feeling of attachment to the organisation and positive perception of leadership support, managers and HR professionals can potentially foster employee innovation. This could stimulate organisational innovation and business success in the financial sector.Originality/valueAlthough it is important to understand the mechanisms or processes through which transformational leadership behaviour promotes IWB, research in this area is scanty and scarce. This study theorises and empirically examines job autonomy and support management as novel mechanisms through which transformational leadership behaviour translates into workers’ innovative behaviour in formal banking institutions.
Approaching single molecule sensing: predictive sweat sensor design for ultra-low limits of detection

Sweat provides direct information of the real-time emotional and cognitive state of the subject, with applications ranging from situational awareness and mission effectiveness of armed forces to disease diagnosis for clinicians. Development of a broad class of human performance monitoring devices to quantify sweat biomarkers necessitates non-invasive, real-time monitoring of ultra-low concentrations (μM to fM) of hormones, proteins, and neurotransmitters. Field effect transistors are the predominant sensor approach whereby the gate electrode is modified with a selective bio-recognition element (BRE). However, FETs have diminished sensitivity in high ionic strength environments associated with sweat. Alternatively, BRE-modified photonic integrated circuits (PICs) have high sensitivity in high ionic strength fluids, low cost at the manufacturing scale, and enable a number of novel device concepts to achieve ultra-low levels of detection. One major technological challenge is to predict the limit of detection (LoD), or sensor response function, for a particular PIC geometry in a microfluidic chamber. LoD is highly dependent on analytic capture efficiency, fluid dynamics and affinity, analyte/light interaction, and analyte concentration. This work presents finite element simulations to emulate microfluidic BRE sweat sensors and provide a predictive limit of detection for different sensing structures or elements. Specifically, the optimum mass transfer and kinetics for sensing approaching single molecule detection is discussed, including flow characteristics, biomarker size, adsorption and desorption kinetics, and sensor geometry. Key metrics include capture efficiency (molecules being captured over molecules entering channel ), time to reach steady state, and temporal adsorption site occupancy to predict PIC system LoD. It is found that these systems are kinetically controlled, with capture efficiencies remaining below 1% even for kads/kdes ratios of 1010 . The need for adsorption kinetics measured for flow systems instead of stationary fluid systems is stressed, as these parameters are what need to be optimized to greatly increase analyte capture.
An outline of some future research issues for internet pragmatics

Internet communication has evolved a lot since it first became popular in the early nineties of the last century. Pragmatics has also evolved and has tried to come to terms with the non-stop changes that internet is constantly producing in our lives and especially in how we communicate and interact. We are probably now at a stage of internet development in which we can make some sound predictions regarding certain challenges that a pragmatics of internet communication will have to face in the next few years to deal with the radical changes that are taking place in today’s internet use. This article will be devoted to listing some of these research issues and to discussing what pragmatics can do to address them accurately, ranging from those issues centred upon the interpretation of online discourses to those involving interfaces and their options for contextualisation.
21 cm cosmology in the 21 st century

Imaging the Universe during the first hundreds of millions of years remains one of the exciting challenges facing modern cosmology. Observations of the redshifted 21 cm line of atomic hydrogen offer the potential of opening a new window into this epoch. This will transform our understanding of the formation of the first stars and galaxies and of the thermal history of the Universe. A new generation of radio telescopes is being constructed for this purpose with the first results starting to trickle in. In this review, we detail the physics that governs the 21 cm signal and describe what might be learnt from upcoming observations. We also generalize our discussion to intensity mapping of other atomic and molecular lines. (Some figures may appear in colour only in the online journal) This article was invited by K Kirby.
The Burgeoning Role of the Gastrointestinal Microbiota

With the release of the landmark publication containing the information that there were more microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract than any other cells [1] the scienti�ic community began to look at the functional role of these organisms. We edited a book on “The Microbiota in Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology; with emphasis on probiotics, prebiotics, and dysbiosis” [2] The book was published in 2018 but since that time a great deal of new information and manuscripts have appeared. Particularly in the area of probiotics and supplements containing probiotics or prebiotics so that organizations are now sponsoring national and international meetings on the subject. Until the 20th century scienti�ic interest in the �lora of the gut was largely in infectious organisms but when it was realized that the predominance of the �lora in the gastrointestinal tract scientists began to look at the role of these organisms in health and disease Our book on the microbiota was divided into essentially four areas of interest. First the distribution of bacteria in the GI tract, secondly detailed microbiology on the speci�ic bacteria used as probiotics. Thirdly on the functional role of these bacteria and fourthly on the speci�ic literature that support these facts being related to the microbiota in these conclusions. Since publication of this text important new observations have widened the �ield of interest into common cancer. Colorectal cancer and colon polyps are the fourth most common cancer in the human population so that interest is intense in the western and Asian populations.
Hypothyroidism following hemithyroidectomy: a study in a tertiary care hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Background: Hypothyroidism results from insufficient production and secretion of thyroid hormones. This may be due to disturbance within the thyroid gland itself (primary hypothyroidism) or within the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (secondary hypothyroidism). The objective of this study is to determine the incidence, risk factors and management of hypothyroidism occurring after hemithyroidectomy for benign non-toxic thyroid disease.Methods: We conducted a prospective cross sectional study of 50 euthyroid patients with benign non-toxic thyroid disease who had undergone hemithyroidectomy from January 2012 to December 2012 admitted in the department of otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. All patients were evaluated for age, sex, pre-operative and post-operative TSH levels, histopathology and follow up. Time of diagnosis and therapeutic dose of thyroid hormone were determined for patients with hypothyroidism. Results: As per this study, the incidence of permanent nerve damage was zero whereas the incidence of temporary neuropraxia was found to be around 0.5%. The incidence of temporary and permanent hypocalcemia was found to be around 0.7% and 0.2% respectively. These complications were found more in obese patients and those with malignancies.Conclusions: Taking account of the very low incidence of nerve and parathyroid injury in this series, the authors suggest that meticulous capsular dissection is superior to dissection of the entire nerve in avoiding transcient nerve damage as well as temporary hypocalcemia. However it is stated that a deliberate search for the nerve is definitely indicated in cases where there is likely to be distorted anatomy, as in infiltrating malignancies and recurrent thyroidectomies.
Prebiotic synthesis initiated in formaldehyde by laser plasma simulating high-velocity impacts

Context. It is well known that hydrogen cyanide and formamide can universally be considered as key molecules in prebiotic synthesis. Despite the fact that formamide has been detected in interplanetary and interstellar environments, other prebiotic species are far more abundant, including, for example, formaldehyde. However, several results indicate that formamide can play the role of important intermediate as well as that of a feedstock molecule in chemical abiogenesis. Diverse recently proposed scenarios of the origins of the first biopolymers show that liquid formamide environments could have been crucial for the formation of nucleobases, nucleosides, and for phosphorylation reactions, which lead to nucleotides. Aims. Here we report on a wide exploration of the formaldehyde reaction network under plasma conditions mimicking an asteroid descent in an Earth-like atmosphere and its impact. Methods. Dielectric breakdown using a high-power kJ-class laser system (PALS – Prague Asterix Laser System) along with quantum mechanical, ab initio molecular dynamics, and enhanced sampling simulations have been employed in order to mimic an asteroid impact plasma. Results. Being more abundant than formamide both in interstellar and interplanetary environments, during the era of early and late heavy bombardment of Earth and other planets, formaldehyde might have been delivered on asteroids to young planets. In the presence of nitrogen-bearing species, this molecule has been reprocessed under plasma conditions mimicking the local environment of an impacting body. We show that plasma reprocessing of formaldehyde leads to the formation of several radical and molecular species along with formamide. Conclusion. All the canonical nucleobases, the simplest amino acid (i.e., glycine), and the sugar ribose, have been detected after treatment of formaldehyde and nitrogen gas with dielectric breakdown. Our results, supported by quantum mechanical and enhanced sampling simulations, show that formaldehyde – by producing inter alia formamide – may have had the role of starting substance in prebiotic synthesis.