Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Colloidal Soft Matter Physics

Colloidal soft matter is a class of materials that exhibit rich equilibrium and non-equilibrium 0thermodynamic properties, it self-assembles (spontaneously or driven externally) to form a large diversity of structures, and its constituents display an interesting and complex transport behavior. In this contribution, we review the essential aspects and the modern challenges of Colloidal SoftMatter Physics. Our main goal is to provide a balanced discussion of the various facets of this highly multidisciplinary field, including experiments, theoretical approximations and models for molecular simulations, so that readers with various backgrounds could get both the basics and a broader, more detailed physical picture of the field. To this end, we first put emphasis on the colloidal physics, which allows us to understand the main driving (molecular and thermodynamic) forces between colloids that give rise to a wide range of physical phenomena. We also draw attention to some particular problems and areas of opportunity in Colloidal Soft Matter Physics that represent promising perspectives for future investigations.
Chemical Characterization and In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Caralluma europaea Essential Oil and Its Synergistic Potential with Conventional Antibiotics

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial part of Caralluma europaea and to evaluate the synergistic potential between essential oil and antibiotics. Methodology: The chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and synergetic interaction between antimicrobial agents and essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial part of C. europaea were evaluated. The chemical composition was analyzed by a Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system. Antioxidant activity was measured employing three methods: scavenging of free radical DPPH, reducing power assay and the inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation. The antimicrobial activity of essential oil against microbial strains was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by the presence or absence of inhibition zones diameters, and MIC values. The in vitro association between essential oil and some commercial antibiotics was also investigated. Results: The GC/MS analysis shows that a total of 21 constituents were identified and the main compounds were Terpinolene (19.5%), α-Terpinene (16.2%) and Linalool (15.3%). Antioxidant study showed that essential oil exhibited antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.32 mg/ml to 1.45 mg/ml. The results of antimicrobial activity showed that the essential oil had an inhibitory effect against the majority of tested microorganisms except K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa. Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. Furthermore, essential oil approved an interesting antifungal activity against yeast species. Out of 25 combinations tested 64% showed total synergism, 20% had a partial synergistic interaction and 16% showed no effect. The best synergistic effect was obtained with the combination essential oil-gentamycin. Conclusion: Our results are of a great importance and suggest that C. europaea essential oil contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties with possible applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Incidence of bloodstream infections in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study of risk factors and outcomes.

Introduction Prior evidence found that bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common in viral respiratory infections and can lead to heightened morbidity and mortality. We described the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of BSIs in patients with COVID-19. Methods This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of adults consecutively admitted from March to June 2020 for COVID-19 with BSIs. Data were collected by electronic medical record review. BSIs were defined as positive blood cultures (BCs) with a known pathogen in one or more BCs or the same commensal organism in two or more BCs. Results We evaluated 290 patients with BCs done; 39 (13.4%) had a positive result. In univariable analysis, male sex, black/African American race, admission from a facility, hemiplegia, altered mental status, and a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were positively associated with positive BCs, whereas obesity and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were negatively associated. Patients with positive BCs were more likely to have severe COVID-19, be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), require mechanical ventilation, have septic shock, and higher mortality. In multivariable logistic regression, factors that were independent predictors of positive BCs were male sex (OR=2.8, p=0.030), hypoalbuminemia (OR=3.3, p=0.013), ICU admission (OR=5.3, p<0.001), SBP<100 mmHg (OR=3.7, p=0.021) and having a procedure (OR=10.5, p=0.019). Patients with an abnormal chest X-ray on admission were less likely to have positive BCs (OR=0.3, p=0.007). Conclusions We found that male sex, abnormal chest X-ray, low SBP, and hypoalbuminemia upon hospital admission, admission to ICU, and having a procedure during hospitalization were independent predictors of BSIs in patients with COVID-19.
Establishment of Hematological Reference intervals for healthy Children in Elobied City, Sudan

Hemogram Reference intervals are established since a healthy population is critical to accurately interpret laboratory tests, which include Hemoglobin estimation, Red blood cells count and indices, White blood cells count and differential in addition to Platelets count. This study aims to establish the reference interval of the complete hemogram amongst healthy Sudanese children in Elobied city, Sudan. A descriptive cross-sectional study included 354 healthy children, aged between 3 to 17 years, who were categorized into three groups according to age. A questionnaire was fulfilled, EDTA anti-coagulated venous blood sample was collected from each child then the complete hemogram was performed automated hematological analyzer (Sysmex Xp 300), Finally, Data was analyzed by a software program (SPSS version 21). The hematological reference intervals for healthy children [Hb g/dl, HCT%, RBCs count x106μL, MCV/fL ,MCH /pg. , MCHC g/dl ,WBCs count x10³/μL, Neutrophil count%, Eosinophil count %, Basophile count %, lymphocyte count ,Monocytes count%, RDW CV and PLTs count×10³/μL] are [(12.4±1.2),(37±4),(5.0 ±0.4), (82±5.0), (26±3.0), (32±3.0) ,(7.0±2.0) (47±10), (1±0.1) ,(0±0),(45± 10),(7 ± 4), (13±1.8) &(227±91)] respectively. The hematological RI for healthy children in Elobied was established in this study to be representative of this population, there was a significant gender-based difference in all the evaluated hematological parameters, they were found to be higher in males than in females except for basophil (%). Finally, the results of this study would shed a light on the importance of establishing RI for the children population in Elobied.
“We are different, that’s a fact, but they treat us like we’re different-er”: Understandings of autism and adolescent identity development

Purpose A key development in early adolescence is the active construction of individual identity; for autistic young people, integrating the idea of “being autistic” forms part of this process. The purpose of this paper is to explore identity development from a contextualist perspective, foregrounding young people’s experiences within mainstream educational settings. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal, qualitative methodology was used: semi-structured interviews were conducted annually with 14 autistic young people, their parents and teachers between school years 6 and 9. Findings Young people felt different from their neurotypical peers and their acceptance of their diagnosis changed over time as they managed their developing personal and public identities. In pursuit of being treated “normally,” many camouflaged their differences at school, which sometimes involved opting out of school-based support. Adults described their own understandings of autism and discussed the responses of others in the school environment to autistic differences. Originality/value The influence of sociocultural discourses of autism on young people’s identity development is discussed and implications for both school based and post-diagnostic support for young people and their families explored.
Do Physical Education Teachers Use Socioconstructivist Communication Patterns in Their Classes?

Purpose: This study aims to identify socioconstructivist communication patterns used by physical education teachers and their evolution after participating in a training intervention. Method: The authors analyzed 812 units (messages containing constructivist discursive strategies) employed by two physical education teachers in two teaching modules using observational methodology. The data were analyzed by polar coordinate analysis. Results: In the pretraining phase, Teacher 1 presents two discursive patterns with questions–answers–literal incorporation of student-answers into the teachers’ communication, and another formed by praise questions. Teacher 2 generated praise-questions only. In the posttraining phase, Teacher 1 maintains one of the initial patterns and generates another consisting of questions-incorporation of students’ actions into the teacher’s communication. Teacher 2 incorporates two new patterns composed of information demands that are associated with the use of a specific frame of reference, or meta-statement. Discussion: The use of polar coordinate analysis revealed the presence of communication patterns and their evolution. Conclusion: The training intervention has resulted in changes in the communicative patterns of teachers. The custom-made instrument has allowed knowing the discursive strategies
Research on Identification of Multiple Cropping Index of Farmland and Regional Optimization Scheme in China Based on NDVI Data

The multiple cropping index of farmland is a significant characterization of land use intensity. Based on the NDVI data, this paper calculated the multiple cropping index of farmland in China using the S-G filtering method, and proposed an optimized regionalization scheme for the farmland use. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2018, the multiple cropping index of farmland in China underwent the fluctuation of rising first, then falling and rising continuously, which was closely associated with the agricultural support policies enforced in China. Counties whose multiple cropping indexes decreased from 2009 to 2018 were mainly located in areas primarily producing grain, which exerted a greater influence on food security. The gap between the multiple cropping index and potential multiple cropping index of farmland is increasingly widening from north to south in China. Accordingly, four types of grain producing zones were delineated: key development zone, potential growth zone, appropriate development zone, and restricted development zone. Some suggestions, such as rotation, fallow, determination of yield by water and offsetting the quantity balance of farmland by increasing the multiple cropping index, are put forward based on different zones.
Nasal Obstruction Evaluation After LeFort I Osteotomy: A Pilot Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Previous literature has documented changes in nasal obstruction after acute LeFort I osteotomy. However, there is a paucity of studies that evaluate distraction-mediated LeFort I (DO-LFI) without concomitant intranasal interventions using the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale in Class III patients. The purpose of this study is to objectively evaluate nasal obstruction quality of life through the NOSE scale in patients undergoing DO-LFI. Inclusion into the study required both a preoperative (1 year ≤ date of service) and postoperative (≥6 months and ≤2 years) NOSE scale administration. Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scales were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test. There was a significant difference in composite NOSE scales, x̃ = 8.0 (interquartile range: 4.0–11.0), x̃ = 1.0 (interquartile range: 1.0–3.0), P < 0.017, preoperatively and postoperatively respectfully. Additionally, when looking at individual components of the NOSE scale, nasal congestion or stuffiness, and trouble breathing through nose were significantly improved after DO-LFI (P < 0.017). Nasal blockage or obstruction (P > 0.084) and trouble breathing when exercising (P > 0.076) trended towards significant improvement, as well. Trouble sleeping did not differ, P > 0.611. We elucidate, in this pilot study, that there is an association between DO-LFI and patient reported nasal obstructive symptoms. Future prospective studies utilizing the NOSE scale are needed to determine causality.
Effects of spaced, repeated retrieval practice and test-potentiated learning on mathematical knowledge and reasoning

Effects of spaced, repeated retrieval practice and test-potentiated learning on mathematical knowledge and reasoning in an authentic educational setting are investigated in the study. Research participants were a cohort of second-year pre-service mathematics teachers. A revised taxonomy table was utilized to measure the knowledge and reasoning proficiency of participants. Findings indicate that the intervention was effective in enhancing categories, where familiar algorithmic reasoning and procedural knowledge were required. It was less effective with categories requiring flexible and creative use of conceptual and procedural knowledge. Theories of storage and retrieval strength and conceptual knowledge are used to explain the findings.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Capital Structure on Listed Companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange 2017-2019 Period

Achieve the objectives of companies requires financial decisions that include capital structure. Capital structures in food and beverage companies are relatively low, so it doesn't necessarily make capital structures optimal. This research is conducted to examine factors that influence the capital structure of food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the 2017-2019 periods. The purpose of this research is to test both simultaneously and partially the influence of profitability, tangibility, firm size, sales growth, asset growth, business risk, firm activity, and liquidity on the capital structure. 14 of 26 companies have been selected as research samples from food and beverage companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2017-2019, so 42 observations have been obtained. The method of analysis that using in this research is the multiple regressions analysis technique. This research shows that simultaneously profitability, tangibility, firm size, sales growth, asset growth, business risk, firm activity, and liquidity have a significant influence on the capital structure. The result of partial research shows that firm size and liquidity significantly influence the capital structure. Meanwhile, profitability, tangibility, sales growth, asset growth, business risk, and firm activity have no significant influence on the capital structure.
Kinetic model parameter estimation using genetic algorithms of the oxidation of phenol in water catalyzed by the laccase enzyme for the design of a biosensor

Abstract Predicting the dynamic response of key processes that take place in industrial biochemical systems such as the measurement of operating parameters by means of biosensors, before the biosensors themselves are prototyped, is of utmost importance. The advantages of performing mathematical modeling of biosensor systems in their development stages include cost reduction, easier response tuning and faster performance optimization. In most cases, the mathematical models for enzyme kinetics depend on multiple parameters. Finding the numerical values of such parameters usually requires carrying out a vast number of experiments, which is time intensive, expensive and involves the usage of specialized laboratory equipment. This work proposes the utilization of genetic algorithms as an alternative methodology for kinetic model parameter estimation of the oxidation of phenol in water, catalyzed by the laccase enzyme. The corresponding kinetics mathematical model of the oxidation reaction is used as a case study, to compare the results obtained using the genetic algorithms approach proposed with those found in the literature. The algorithm estimated the values of several parameters of the model, such as reaction rate constants, rate constant of transformation of oxygen by the electrode and stoichiometric coefficient, among others. The results found in this investigation by means of genetic algorithms show an agreement of 91%–99% with the data available in the literature. This approach also proved to be more accurate than the basic polynomial regression estimation method, which is commonly used and was implemented for comparison purposes. The proposed technique for parameters estimation in enzyme reaction models enabled the design of a phenol biosensor for concentrations ranging from 5 to 30 ppm. This technique has a high potential of application in the biosensor industry because of its cost savings, high speed and good accuracy.
Roles of the School Psychologist–Current versus Preferred Roles in the Greek Schools: A Case Study from the Island of Crete

In the international literature it is frequently reported that school psychologists would like to reduce their involvement in evaluation and assessment activities in favor of an increase in other services and roles. The present study examines the perceptions of teachers and school psychologists regarding the roles of school psychologists on the island of Crete, Greece. For this purpose, an online questionnaire about the current and preferred roles of the school psychologist was distributed. Two hundred and seventy-nine (279) teachers and fifty-seven (57) school psychologists participated in this research study. The analysis and comparison of the participants’ responses revealed significant differences in their beliefs about the current and preferred roles of the psychologist. Emphasis was placed by psychologists on systematic interventions such as consultation and by teachers on counseling for their personal problems. Overall, respondents in this study recognized the usefulness of the school psychologist in the educational sector. A unified framework of reference for the range of the schools’ psychological services would enhance common understanding and facilitate the professional role of school psychologists and effective student referral to the related professional services.
Dimensionless Numbers Relationships for Outer Air Seal of Low Pressure Turbine

The dimensional analysis and the numerical parametric study of the typical outer air seal from a low-pressure turbine were performed in the framework of the presented paper. The most crucial variables for the flow through the outer air seal were identified and further dimensionless numbers were derived. The dependent quantities resulting from the analysis were: the axial Reynolds number (formulated with the bulk velocity, corresponding to the mass flow through the seal), the outlet swirl ratio (incorporating the exit flow angle, important for mixing) and the windage heating (related to the internal losses). Additionally, the discharge coefficient was cross-checked enabling further comparison with the available literature. The comprehensive numerical parametric study included all important contributors for the flow through the seal with a parameter operating range appropriate for engine outer air seals.
Management of Project-Based Learning Model at Sekolah Alam Junior High School

The purpose of this research is to learn more about how project-based learning models are planned, implemented, and evaluated at Sekolah Alam Cikeas Junior High School. This study employed a descriptive method and a qualitative approach. Observation, interviews, and documentation studies were used to gather data. This research shows thatthe management of project-based learning environmental education programs is carried out by the Sekolah Alam Cikeas Junior High School very well.The quality of the learning implementation has exceeded the quality of the implementation of environmentally sound learning when compared to other schools. The implementation of Project-Based Learning at Sekolah Alam Cikeas Junior High School, which focuses on character and moral development, will produce students who can compete in academics and overall quality.Management that has been done in an organised manner makes Project Based Learning implemented in a more measured manner and produces output as expected without wasting existing resources.
On the formation mechanism of cirrus banding: radiosonde observations, numerical simulations, and stability analyses

The structures and formation mechanisms of cirrus banding are investigated by analyzing radiosonde observations, conducting high-resolution numerical experiments, and performing linear stability analyses. In all 29 cases of cirrus bands that were analyzed, radiosonde observational data indicate that statically unstable layers exist. The detected banding clouds were aligned nearly parallel to the vertical shear vector in the unstable layer. In high-resolution numerical experiments using the cloud-resolving model SCALE-RM, cirrus bands forming in the outflow layer of a tropical cyclone are explicitly simulated. The existence of statically unstable layers and band-parallel background vertical wind shear are commonly identified in the simulations. Sensitivity experiments and heat budget analyses demonstrated that the unstable stratification within the cirrus clouds was maintained by the cloud-radiation interactions. To reveal the behavior of fluid instabilities in the cirrus bands, linear stability analyses in a basic state constructed from the radiosonde observations were performed. The fastest-growing disturbance is highly similar to that of the previously known thermal-shear instability in a uniform and isolated unstable layer and the results obtained by radiosonde observations and numerical simulations. All of the results consistently indicate that thermal-shear instability is responsible for the formation of cirrus banding. Our results not only follow previous modeling studies but also provide observational support, quantification of the destabilization by the cloud-radiation interactions, as well as a theoretical basis of the thermal-shear instability in a complex environment near cirrus bands.
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Social-Emotional Wellbeing of Preschool Children and Their Families

In the spring of 2020, as a result of the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many children dropped out of daycare and early education in Finland, and parents had to balance work and childcare for months. The wellbeing of families during the lockdown has been studied to some extent, but few studies have focused on children under school age. In May 2020, we sent a survey to the 82 families originally recruited in our study on supporting social-emotional development in early childhood education units, which had been interrupted by the pandemic. Twenty families responded to questionnaires about the impacts of the lockdown on the wellbeing of the children and their parents. Parents reported a decline in children’s prosocial behavior compared to the time before the pandemic and assessed that the children who stayed at home were lonelier than children who remained in daycare. Otherwise, being at home or in care was not associated with children’s physical or mental wellbeing. Parents had experienced increased mental strain and increased problems in marital relationships and the disruption of children’s participation in daycare was associated with deterioration in the parent–child relationship. Due to the small sample size, these results should be interpreted with caution.