Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetics investigation of alumina ceramics corrosion in nitric acid

ABSTRACT The most widely used ceramic material is aluminium oxide, known as alumina. Due to its superior properties such as chemical stability, high wear resistance, refractoriness and so on, it is ideal for applications in aggressive environment. This type of environment often includes exposure to corrosive solids, liquids and gases. When ceramics come in contact with corrosive medium, several corrosion mechanisms can occur, depending on a number of parameters. Therefore, the corrosion behaviour of cold isostatically pressed (CIP) high purity alumina ceramics was observed under different conditions: 0.5, 1.25 and 2 mol dm−3 of nitric acid at 25°C, 40°C and 55°C through 10 days. Purity of used alumina ceramics was 99.8345 wt. % with 0.1655 wt. % of both sintering aid (MgO) and impurities (SiO2, CaO, Na2O and Fe2O3). The results show that Al2O3 ceramics exhibit good corrosion resistance in nitric acid. Al2O3 corrosion behaviour varies depending on the temperature, time and HNO3 concentration. In view of the reaction kinetics, it proceeds in the near-parabolic law in HNO3 aqueous solution and decreases with an increase of the HNO3 concentration.
Risk factors for the population’s mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify risk factors for mental health in the population in times of COVID-19 through the analysis of levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness and perception of stress in individuals. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach, carried out through online data collection using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Langer Mindfulness Scale in a sample of 955 individuals from different regions of Brazil. Results: Women, younger people and individuals with low socioeconomic conditions had higher levels of perceived stress; on the other hand, older men and individuals with high socioeconomic status had higher levels of mindfulness. Conclusion: Socio-cognitive mindfulness was not a protective factor for perceived stress in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new discrete Cucker-Smale flocking model under hierarchical leadership

This paper studies the flocking behavior in a new discrete-time Cucker-Smale model under hierarchical leadership. The features of this model are that each individual has its own intrinsic nonlinear dynamics and the interaction between individuals follows a hierarchical leadership structure. Based on a specific matrix norm, we prove that the conditional flocking indeed occurs. Numerical experiments are given to confirm the theoretical results.
Who is most likely to offend in my store now? Statistical steps towards retail crime prevention with Auror

Auror is establishing itself both locally and internationally as a leader in retail crime solutions. In mid-2015 a study group of mathematicians and statisticians teamed up with Auror to analyse data from the first two and a half years of their venture to identify and prevent retail theft. The aim was to explore methods for nominating the top ten individuals most likely to offend in a particular store at a particular time. Various methods were employed to explore the relationships between retail crime incidents, including generalised linear models, regression trees and similarity matrices. The relationships identified were then used to inform predictions on individuals most likely to reoffend. The focus of the current analysis is to model the behaviour of reoffenders. At the time of the study group the project was still in the early phases of data collection. As data collection proceeds, prediction methods will likely give better and better intelligence to aid crime prevention efforts. References http://www.auror. co/we-have-exciting-news/ (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.stuff. co.nz/national/crime/9806920/High-tech-blitz-on-2m-a-day-shoplifters (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://theregister.co.nz/news/2015/06/retail-crimewatch (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.saynotoshoplifting. org/the-issue-why-care (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.auror. co/the-global-picture-of-shoplifting/ (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.scoop. co.nz/stories/BU1410/S00104/connecting-the-dots-on-retail-theft.htm (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.auror. co/two-at-a-time-is-great-prevention/ (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.auror. co/collaboration_success/ (Accessed 9 Apr 2017). http://www.innovators. org.nz/winners-a-finalists/winners-2015 (Accessed 9 Apr 2017) Seni, G. and Elder J. F. (2010) Ensemble Methods in Data Mining: Improving Accuracy Through Combining Predictions Morgan and Claypool, California. doi:10.2200/S00240ED1V01Y200912DMK002 Powers, D. M. W. (2011). Evaluation: From Precision, Recall and F-Measure to ROC, Informedness, Markedness and Correlation. Journal of Machine Learning Technologies 2 (1) 37–63. Ricci F. , Rokach, L. and Shapira, B. (2015) Recommender Systems Handbook . Springer, New York. ISBN 978-1-4899-7637-6 McGloin J. M. and Kirk D. S. (2010) An Overview of Social Network Analysis Journal of Criminal Justice Education 21 (2) 169–181 doi:10.1080/10511251003693694 McCullagh, P. and Nelder, J. A. (1989) Generalized Linear Models (second edition) Chapman and Hall/CRC London. ISBN 9780412317606 Akaike, H. (1974), A new look at the statistical model identification IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control 19 (6) 716–723. doi:10.1109/TAC.1974. 1100705 Moore, D. F. (2016) Applied Survival Analysis Using R Springer International, Switzerland. eBook ISBN 9783319312453 Hand, D. J. and Yu K. (2001) Idiot's Bayes: Not So Stupid after All? International Statistical Review 69 385–398
A developmental study of eye movements in Hebrew word reading: the effects of word familiarity, word length, and reading proficiency

Previous studies examining the link between visual word recognition and eye movements have shown that eye movements reflect the time-course of cognitive processes involved in reading. Whereas most studies have been undertaken in Western European languages written in the Roman alphabet, the present developmental study investigates a non-European language—Hebrew, which is written in a non-alphabetic (abjadic) script. We compared the eye-movements of children in Grades 4 to 6 (N = 30) and university students (N = 30) reading familiar real words and unfamiliar (pseudo)words of 3 letters and 5 letters in length. Using linear mixed models, we focused on the effects of word familiarity, word length, and age group. Our results highlight both universal aspects of word reading (developmental and familiarity (lexicality) effects) as well as language-specific word length effect which appears to be related to the unique morphological and orthographic features of the Semitic abjad.
Measurement of β+ emitters production cross sections of interest for range verification in proton therapy

The uncertainty in the dose curve delivered during the treatment of tumors with protons, i.e. the position of the Bragg peak, makes it necessary to apply safety margins from 1% to 3% in the beam range. This means nearly 1 cm in a 30 cm deep tumor, which certainly limits the benefits of having a sharp Bragg peak. Reducing this uncertainty would allow a reduction of the treatment volume and thus result in a better utilization of the advantages of protons compared to conventional radiotherapy. Among the different techniques that are being proposed for range verification, some of which have already been clinically tested), the measurement of the distribution of β+ radioactive nuclei (known as PET isotopes) produced by the proton beam along its path allows detecting variations of only a few millimeters in the proton beam range. For this purpose, a better database of production cross sections of β+ emitters as function of the energy of the incident proton for a wide range of elements present in the body (mainly C, O, N, P and Ca) is needed, specially in the low energy range (up to 20 MeV). This applies, among others, to the commonly used long-lived PET isotopes 11C and 13N. The objective of this work is to measure the production cross sections of 11C and 13N in C, O and N at different energies from 7 to 18 MeV. For this purpose, stacks of targets containing these elements have been irradiated with the 18 MeV proton beam of the CNA cyclotron, and the 511 keV photons emitted in the annihilation of the positrons from the β+ decays of the isotopes of interest have been measured. This measurement was performed both with NaI(Tl) scintillator detectors and a PET/CT system. A total of six reaction cross sections have been sucessfully measured with uncertainties in the order of 15-20%. These have been compared to the data available in EXFOR showing an overall good agreement regarding the 16O(p,*)13N and 14N(p,*)11C reactions, and sizable differences in the case of the other reactions. Last, a series of improvements for future measurements have been identified and discussed.
Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of complete chloroplast genomes from seven Neocinnamomum taxa (Lauraceae)

The genus Neocinnamomum is considered to be one of the most enigmatic groups in Lauraceae, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. The genus contains valuable oilseed and medicinal tree species. However, there are few studies on the genus Neocinnamomum at present, and its interspecific relationship is still unclear. In order to explore the genetic structure and evolutionary characteristics of the Neocinnamomum chloroplast genome and to resolve the species relationships within the genus, comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the whole chloroplast genome sequences of 51 samples representing seven Neocinnamomum taxa. The whole Neocinnamomum chloroplast genome size ranged from 150,753-150,956 bp, with a GC content of 38.8%-38.9%. A total of 128 genes were annotated within the Neocinnamomum chloroplast genome, including 84 protein coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes. Between 71-82 SSRs were detected, among which A/T base repeats were the most common. The chloroplast genome contained a total of 31 preferred codons. Three highly variable regions, trnN-GUU-ndhF, petA-psbJ, and ccsA-ndhD, were identified with Pi values > 0.004. Based on the whole chloroplast genome phylogenetic tree, the phylogenetic relationships among the seven Neocinnamomum taxa were determined. N. delavayi and N. fargesii were the most closely related species, and N. lecomtei was identified as the most basal taxon. In this study, the characteristics and sequence variation of the chloroplast genomes of seven Neocinnamomum taxa were revealed, and the genetic relationship among the species was clarified. The results of this study will provide a reference for subsequent molecular marker development and phylogenetic research of Neocinnamomum.
The Relationship between Fixation Stability and Retinal Structural Parameters in Children with Anisometropic, Strabismic and Mixed Amblyopia

(1) Background: Amblyopia is an ocular condition leading to structural and functional changes. The relationship between these changes is complex and remains poorly understood. (2) Methods: Participants included 31 children aged 5 to 9 years with strabismic (n = 9), anisometropic (n = 16) and mixed (n = 6) unilateral amblyopia, and 14 age-matched non-amblyopic children. The 95% and 63% Bivariate Contour Ellipse Area (BCEA), axial length, Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) area, center macular thickness and volume were assessed. The relationship between these parameters was explored. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the four groups in best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) (p < 0.001), BCEA 95% (p = 0.002) and BCEA 63% (p = 0.002), but not in the FAZ area, central macular thickness, central macular volume and axial length. Eyes with amblyopia had poorer BCVA and larger fixation instability than controls. Inter-ocular differences were more significant in patients with strabismic amblyopia, particularly in BCVA (p = 0.003), central macular thickness (p < 0.001) and central macular volume (p = 0.002). In amblyopic eyes, BCEA 95% and 63% were correlated with BCVA, but not with the FAZ area. (4) Conclusion: Amblyopia is associated with a reduction in fixation stability and BCVA, although there is a general lack of correlation with structural changes, suggesting a complex interaction between anatomy and function in amblyopia.
Bronchiectasis Assessment in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: A Non-Invasive Approach Using Forced Oscillation Technique

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from the dysfunction of motile cilia, which can cause chronic upper and lower respiratory infections leading to bronchiectasis. However, there is a need for additional tools to monitor the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is an effort-independent lung function test that can be used to evaluate respiratory mechanics. In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the radiographic findings associated with respiratory impedance (resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs)) measured by FOT in six adult PCD patients and one pediatric with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. We compared the radiographic findings on a high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) scan with the FOT results. Our findings suggest that respiratory impedance measured by FOT may be a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring the progression of bronchiectasis in PCD patients with the (RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT (intronic)) founder mutation. However, further research is necessary to validate these results and determine the sensitivity and specificity of bronchiectasis monitoring in PCD patients with other genetic mutations.
COMPUTER LITERACY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN UNIVERSITIES OF SOUTHERN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN

Computer literacy is ability to understand & utilize computer technologies. After COVID-19 pandemic the role of computer technologies immensely increased. Findings from the recent research suggest that computer literacy can positively affect the academic performance of students. However, most of such research has been conducted in the western countries with less studies in Pakistan, keeping this in view this study has examined dynamic linkages amid computer literacy and academic performance in universities of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. For this purpose, a web-based survey was conducted among the students in three universities. Data was analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Data analyses revealed a positive link between computer literacy and academic performance. Based on such findings this study suggests positive linking between the computer literacy and academic performance in Pakistan. The results offered valuable information in reaching the desired conclusion. In this connection, tt is thus recommended that further research is needed to fully comprehend the nature of the linkages amid computer literacy and academic performance in Pakistan.
The Influence of the Demonstration Method with the Help of Geogebra Software on the Ability to Understand Mathematical Concepts

The background of this research is the inability of students to understand mathematical concepts. The researcher chose the demonstration method with the help of GeoGebra Software to overcome the lack of understanding of mathematical concepts. The purpose of this research is to find out whether there is an effect of the demonstration method with the help of GeoGebra Software on the ability to understand mathematical concepts. This research is a Quasi-experimental study where the design applied is Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The population of this study were 79 students of class IX at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Purwokerto. The research sample consisted of 26 students from class IXA which were used as the experimental class and 27 students from class IXB which were used as the control class. The test instrument is used to measure the ability to understand each student's mathematical concepts. The N-Gain test shows that the control group has an average N-Gain of 0.29 which is in the low category, while the experimental group has an average N-Gain of 0.61 which is in the medium category. The average difference in the percentage of pretest and posttest scores on all indicators of mathematical understanding ability in the control class was 9.75% while in the experimental class was 13.68%. From the t test, the value of sig = 0.004 < α = 0.05 means that there is a difference in the average N-Gain value of the experimental class and the average N-Gain value of the control class. The conclusion from this study is that there is an influence of the demonstration method with the help of GeoGebra Software on the ability to understand mathematical concepts in class IX SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Purwokerto.
Scientific substantiation of approaches to physical rehabilitation of children with recurrent bronchial obstruction

Background. The main objectives of the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases in children are to control the disease, achieve a stable remission of the process, restore the function of external respiration, the nervous system, increase the body’s tolerance to the action of allergens. Kinesiotherapy is one of the most effective methods in non-drug rehabilitation. The purpose of our study was the pathogenetic justification of the use of kinesiohydrotherapy by the method of controlling the function of external respiration at the stage of rehabilitation of children with recurrent bronchial obstruction. Results. A comparative analysis of spirometric indicators in children with recurrent bronchial obstruction before and after kinesiohydrotherapy in the experimental and control groups showed the effectiveness of the method of comprehensive rehabilitation with the inclusion of kinesiohydrotherapy with special breathing exercises on land and in the pool. After a one-year rehabilitation period, violations of the ventilation capacity of the lungs by the obstructive type maintained in mild form. Сhildren with recurrent bronchial obstruction who did not effectively use physical rehabilitation with additional medical recommendations and physiotherapy as in experimental group, still had violations of the function of external respiration during the recovery period. Clinically, the children of control group continued to have frequent relapses of bronchial obstruction on the background of acute respiratory infections. Therefore, they belong to the group with a prolonged course of bronchial obstruction and the risk of transition to bronchial asthma. After the course of treatment, the cough became much less frequent, there were no night attacks, and the body temperature was steadily normal. Auscultation of wheezing was not heard, breathing had a harsh tinge. Conclusions. Thus, the use of therapeutic water procedures and respiratory physical exercises, i.e. kinesiohydrotherapy, is an effective method in the rehabilitation of children with recurrent bronchial obstruction.
Leishmaniasis Increase and Causes in Kabul City

Parasites of the genus Leishmania are pathogenic for humans and animals and cause leishmaniosis. This disease can be seen in three forms: cutaneous, cutaneous-mucous, and visceral. Identification of Leishmania species in clinical infections is very important for advancing awareness, control, and prevention of the disease. Kabul province in Afghanistan is one of the important places infected with Leishmania parasites. In this study, the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniosis and its treatment methods in traditional medicine were studied in areas of Kabul province, Afghanistan. The population investigated in this study was primarily patients with cutaneous leishmaniosis who were referred to health centers (Leishmaniosis Hospitals) in endemic areas of the disease in the capital Kabul province. In addition to the capital of Kabul province, information on patients was also collected from different districts like Kart e now, Arzanqimat, Darlman, Desabz, Sarobi. Data collection of leishmaniasis patients was done using a questionnaire. After the statistical analysis of the obtained data, it was observed that women are significantly more affected by cutaneous leishmaniosis than men. It was also observed that gender, income, health facilities, travel, level of education, etc are effective in people suffering from this disease. Based on the collected information, the people of Kabul province use medicinal plants such as milk thistle, Asterberg, alkaloid plant, and Bolag oti to control leishmaniosis or Salak.
Retrieval of Near-Shore Bathymetry From Multispectral Satellite Images Using Generalized Additive Models

Deriving shallow-water depth from multispectral satellite imageries appears very promising in near-shore bathymetric mapping for its high efficiency and low costs. Lyzenga’s linear band method, which currently is the most widely used algorithm in the field, performs a linear regression between some known water depths and image-derived input variables. In real-world situations, the linear assumption in Lyzenga’s method cannot be exactly satisfied because of complex environmental factors, and its performance is, therefore, often limited. In this letter, we improve Lyzenga’s method by introducing generalized additive models to describe the nonlinear relationship between water depths and image-derived regressors. The performance of the new method was evaluated by using Landsat-8 multispectral data over the coastal areas of Oahu Island, Hawaii. The experimental results of two independent validation regions show that the depth-retrieval accuracy of the proposed algorithm was about 20% better than that of Lyzenga’s method, and the performance improvement was most pronounced in the depth interval of 5–10 m.
FOOD INFLATION AND CHILD HEALTH IN AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM COUNTRIES WITH HIGH MISERY INDEX

This paper investigates the effect of food price inflation on the public health improvement as measured in terms of life expectancy, infant mortality rate, under five mortality rate and neonatal mortality rate in six selected African countries with high misery index for the period from 2000 to 2020. The Augmented Mean Group and Common Correlated Estimation Mean Group were used to determine the effect, as well as Westerlund Cointegration tests. Our findings revealed that rising food prices have a significant detrimental effect on nourishment and consequently lead to higher levels of infant under five and neonatal mortality while reducing the expected life expectancy in the African countries. High food price inflation also has a long run effect on public health. The implication of the result shows that with high rate of food prices coupled with poor child health, the Sustainable Development Goals target of ending preventable deaths of newborns and children under age of 5, and the aim of having a neonatal mortality rate of 12 or fewer deaths per 1,000 live births, and an under-five mortality rate of 25 or fewer deaths per 1,000 live births, by 2030 may not be realistic. Therefore, African Governments should gear up efforts towards reducing food price inflation, improving health expenditure, per capita income and enabling environment for safe sanitation, especially for pregnant women and little children. Also, Governments should create enabling environment for sanitation and access to safe drinking water.