Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Solvents and Stabilizer Molar Ratio on the Growth Orientation of Sol-Gel-Derived ZnO Thin Films

This work targets to control the growth orientation of sol-gel-derived ZnO thin films in order to allow different modes of excitation (longitudinal and transverse) when targeted to be used in piezoelectric applications. For that, the effect of solvents and stabilizer molar ratio on the structural and optical characteristics of the obtained films is investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The XRD results show clearly that the synthesized films exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure without any secondary phases and that the crystallite average size, estimated by the Scherrer formula, is ranged between 13 and 30 nm. The main finding of this work is to show that the control of the crystalline growth orientation is possible simply by varying the solvent nature and/or the stabilizer molar ratio. These later parameters are therefore considered as key factors when seeking to develop the ZnO-based transducers. Actually, the ZnO thin films synthesized with propanol as solvent are oriented only along the c-axis; meanwhile, when using the isopropanol or ethanol, other preferential orientations appear. Additionally, the effect of MEA molar ratio (r) has been studied on the propanol-derived films (the unfavorable case). It has been found that this parameter has a direct effect on the crystalline growth orientation of these films and that a new preferential orientation (100) appears at low r. On the other hand, SEM images show the formation of homogeneous nanocrystalline thin films with an average grain size ranged between 19 and 35 nm. Moreover, the ZnO thin films exhibit a high transparency in the visible region, and the measured transmittance is ranged from 85 to 97%. However, the change of ZnO film orientation has no significant effect on the direct bandgap energy which is closed to 3.30 eV.
Facts and Myths about GM Food—The Case of Poland

The importance of biotechnology for the global economy is growing, including developments in the field of genetically modified organisms (GMO), which have revolutionized the cultivation of several major food crops. Despite the many benefits from introducing genetic modifications to crops, the Polish society shows a strong distrust towards GMO-based food. The negative attitude of the society towards genetically modified (GM) food could be considered irrational. It is not supported by adequate knowledge and is based on fears, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence of threats of GM products towards the environment, health, or human life. Details of these perceptions were revealed within Polish society from surveys of three groups of respondents: consumers, students, farmers. Data from the surveys have been compared with the answers to the same questions by five biotechnology experts from Polish academic institutions. A general observation from the analysis of the survey results and past studies quoted in the literature review is that the level of understanding and acceptance of GMO technologies is still low in Polish society, and, to a large extent, is based on stereotypes rather than on scientific knowledge. They show broad support for the general benefits of GMOs, which does not vary between the three groups of respondents surveyed, but noticeably differs with the experts’ views. GMOs have allies, but also opponents who have their own beliefs shaped largely by unreliable information disseminated through the Internet and social media. Providing more reliable targeted information on GMOs based on scientific evidence can have an important role in changing polarized attitudes towards GM food.
Association between pre-operative sagittal alignment and radiographic measures of decompression following cervical laminectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background The primary purpose of this study was to determine the association between pre-operative cervical sagittal alignment and the extent of cord decompression in the form of increased spinal cord width and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space in front of and behind the cord in patients undergoing laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Secondary objectives included an assessment of the correlation between increasing numbers of levels decompressed and the post-operative cervical spine sagittal alignment, the effect of laminectomy on the change in alignment, as well as effect of laminectomy on pre-existing spinal cord signal abnormality. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent cervical laminectomies, without fusion, between 2015 and 2020. Chart review was used to collect baseline variables. Cervical sagittal alignment, width of the spinal cord, and the CSF space in-front and behind the cord was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for each patient. The correlation between change in measured parameters and pre-operative cervical sagittal alignment was assessed using Spearman's correlation. Results Thirty-five patients were included. Average age was 65.29±10.98 years old. The majority of patients (80%) underwent laminectomies at 3-4 levels. Average pre-operative sagittal alignment determined by the Cobb angle was 6.05°±14.17°, while the average post-operative Cobb angle was 3.15°±16.64°. The change in Cobb angle was not statistically significant (P=0.998). Eleven patients (32%) had pre-operative kyphotic sagittal alignment. The average time from surgery to post-operative MRI scan was 20.44±13.18 months (range, 3-39; median, 18.5; IQR, 23.5). There was no statistically significant association between increasing levels of decompression and change in alignment (P=0.546). Cord signal abnormality persisted after decompression. There was a moderate correlation between lordotic pre-operative cervical sagittal alignment and change in space in-front of the cord (correlation coefficient 0.337, P=0.048) and change in cord width (correlation coefficient 0.388, P=0.021). Conclusions Severity of pre-operative kyphotic sagittal alignment is associated with decreased spinal cord drift and extent of decompression. The pre-operative sagittal alignment is not significantly associated with the change in post-operative alignment. Increasing number of levels decompressed does not worsen a kyphotic cervical spine sagittal alignment.
Bioinspired mineralization in hydrogels for sustainable materials processing

Biominerals have been widely studied due to their unique mechanical properties, afforded by their inorganic-organic composite structure and well-controlled growth in macromolecular environments. More recently, growing concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability and the emerging relevance of green chemistry make biomineralization an even more attractive process to study. In this thesis, we focus on the earlier stages of mineral nucleation and growth, where the organic, hydrogel-like matrix dominates the bulk of the material and the mineral is distributed throughout the matrix as nanoand/or microparticles. The phase, morphology, and size of the particles can be controlled using the choice of the hydrogel, functional moieties on the gel polymer backbone or ends, and soluble additives. Depending on the choice of organic matrix and inorganic mineral, the matrix can be dissolved to leave highly uniform particles with tailored properties for a variety of industrial applications, or the matrix can be left intact, creating a hydrogel-mineral composite with improved mechanical properties through organic-inorganic interfacial interactions or additional functionality, such as magnetic properties. In particular, we studied a gelatin-calcium carbonate mineralization system and demonstrated the use of rheology as a mechanoscopic characterization technique for monitoring mineral growth in hydrogels. We also investigated mineralization in metal-coordinate hydrogels, specifically magnetite in Fe-catechol crosslinked gels. We showed that magnetite mineralization occurs at the network crosslinks, leading to mechanical reinforcement of the hydrogel while introducing magnetic properties to the material. Finally, we used tannic acid to modify the growth of calcium carbonate particles, which we employed as green additives for reducing the friction and wear of lubricants. Thesis Supervisor: Niels Holten-Andersen Title: Associate Professor
Finnish teachers’ approaches to personal worldview expressions: A question of professional autonomy and ethics

ABSTRACT This research investigates Finnish teachers’ personal worldviews, by focusing on understanding what kinds of approaches teachers use concerning the visibility of their personal worldviews in an educational context. This issue is discussed in the light of teachers’ professional autonomy and ethics, since these are two fundamental dimensions of teacher professionalism that are discussed a lot. The research was conducted using a qualitative attitude approach, and included interviews (N = 20) from Finnish in-service basic education class teachers. The results show that teachers use three different approaches where their personal worldview and its visibility in their work are concerned. When reflecting on worldview questions, there was uncertainty about balancing between practicing teacher autonomy and following teachers’ official responsibilities. Teachers’ personal worldview expressions were limited to the institutional worldview, which means in practice adopting norms and language of the worldview majority, and professional ethics was highlighted even more than autonomy when reflecting on the visibility of worldviews.
Sediments and Water Column Contamination by Heavy Metals in Ekulu River, Nigeria: Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment

Acid mine drainage from a defunct coal mine, agricultural run-off and indiscriminate waste disposal constitute major threat to the quality of Ekulu river of Enugu State, Nigeria. In this study, Ekulu river sediments and water column pollution by heavy metals and the associated ecological and human health exposure risks were assessed. The heavy metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. The parameters used in assessing the pollution of the sediments were contamination factor, contamination degree, geochemical accumulation index and pollution load index whereas the ecological risk of the heavy metals in the sediments was assessed using potential ecological risk index. The parameters employed in assessing the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of exposure by humans to the heavy metals were hazard index and risk index. The results obtained indicate that the chromium and lead input into the sediments around the defunct coal mine area during the wet season was significant and most probably due to the discharge of acid coal mine drainage into the river. Elevated values of ecological and human health exposure risks around 4 km distance away (Damija) from the defunct coal-mine area are most likely due to anthropogenic activities.
Migration and Climate Change Impacts on Rural Entrepreneurs in Nigeria: A Gender Perspective

Although the effects of climate change are universal, some groups are more negatively affected than others, which has raised global concerns. The most affected are families involved with agriculture or that use natural resources in rural areas as a means of livelihood. This study aimed to assess the responses of rural dwellers to climate change and migration, determine the extent of climate change as a driver of migration, assess the viability of migration as an option for climate change adaptation, and evaluate the gender perspective of migration and the impact of climate change on entrepreneurial development in rural areas. A qualitative method was employed to solicit responses from respondents in selected rural areas under four different vegetation zones through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using Atlas.ti. A difference was found in gender reactions to migration due to socio-cultural factors and family responsibilities. In addition, different types of migration patterns were found to exist among men and women. The study also revealed that climate change is a major driver of migration, affects livelihood practices differently in the vegetation zones, and has a negative impact on the entrepreneurship development of the rural areas. Finally, this study provides insights into the effect of migration type on the entrepreneurship development by gender.
SURVIVE: let the dead help the living—an autopsy-based cohort study for mapping risk markers of death among those with severe mental illnesses

Abstract Background: Forensic autopsy strategies may improve differential diagnostics both post-mortem and ante-mortem and aid in clinical settings concerning preventive efforts for premature mortality. Excess mortality and reduced life expectancy affect persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI) for multi-faceted reasons that remain controversial. Somatic conditions, medical treatment and lifestyle diseases, which are primarily examined in the living, contribute to premature deaths. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear, though, and the benefits of a focused, standardised autopsy remain unproven. We have developed and implemented an optimised molecular–biological autopsy for deceased persons with SMI. Our aim is to map the occurrence of 1) somatic diseases and organ changes; 2) metabolic syndrome; 3) use and abuse of alcohol, pharmaceuticals and psychoactive substances; 4) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors in the metabolism of pharmaceuticals; and 5) genetic variations (acquired and/or congenital) in sudden cardiac death. Additionally, we hope to contribute to diagnostic treatments and preventive measures to benefit those living with SMI. Methods: SURVIVE: let the dead help the living is a prospective, autopsy-based study on 500 deceased persons with SMI subjected to forensic autopsies under the Danish Act on Forensic Inquests and Autopsy. The autopsies followed an extended, standardised autopsy protocol comprised of whole-body computed tomography scanning, magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and brain and an extended forensic autopsy, including a wide panel of analyses (toxicology, microbiology, genetics, histology and biochemical analysis). Additionally, post-mortem data were linked to ante-mortem health data extracted from Danish national health registers. Discussion: The SURVIVE autopsy procedure, including tissue sampling and bio banking, has been shown to be effective. We expect that the SURVIVE study will provide unique opportunities to unravel the mechanisms and causes of premature death in persons with SMI. We also expect that identifying prognostic biomarkers for comorbidities will contribute to prevention of premature deaths and comorbidities in persons with SMI.
Spatial Analysis of Agronomic Data and UAV Imagery for Rice Yield Estimation

In this study, a spatial analysis of agronomic and remote sensing data is carried out to derive accurate rice crop yield estimation. The variability of a series of vegetation indices (VIs) was calculated from remote sensing data obtained via a commercial UAS platform (e-Bee) at four dates (per stage of development), and the development of estimation models was conducted. The study area is located in the region of Chalastra (municipality of Thessaloniki, North Greece) and the primary data were obtained during the 2016 growing season. These data include ultra-high resolution remote sensing multispectral images of 18 plots totaling 58 hectares of Ronaldo and Gladio rice crop varieties, 97 sample point data related to yield, and many other pieces of information recorded in the producer’s field log. Ten simple and compound VIs were calculated, and the evolution of their values during the growing season as well as their comparative correlation were studied. A study of the usability of each VI was conducted for the different phenological stages of the cultivation and the variance of VIs and yield; the more correlated VIs were identified. Furthermore, three types of multitemporal VI were calculated from combinations of VIs from different dates, and their contribution to improving yield prediction was studied. As Ronaldo is a Japonica type of rice variety and Gladio is Indica type, they behave differently in terms of maturation time (Gladio is approximately 20 days earlier) and the value of every VI is affected by changes in plant physiology and phenology. These differences between the two varieties are reflected in the multitemporal study of the single-date VIs but also in the study of the values of the multitemporal VIs. In conclusion, Ronaldo’s yield is strongly dependent on multitemporal NDVI (VI6th July + VI30 Aug, R2 = 0.76), while Gladio’s yield is strongly dependent on single-date NDVI (6 July, R2 = 0.88). The compound VIs RERDVI and MCARI1 have the highest yield prediction (R2 = 0.77) for Ronaldo (VI6th July + VI30 Aug) and Gladio (R2 = 0.95) when calculated in the booting stage, respectively. For the Ronaldo variety, the examination of the multitemporal VIs increases yield prediction accuracy, while in the case of the Gladio variety the opposite is observed. The capabilities of multitemporal VIs in yield estimation by combining UAVs with more flights during the different growth stages can improve management and the cultivation practices.
A Systematic Analysis of the Interaction between Rain-on-Grid-Simulations and Spatial Resolution in 2D Hydrodynamic Modeling

A large number of 2D models were originally developed as 1D models for the calculation of water levels along the main course of a river. Due to their development as 2D distributed models, the majority have added precipitation as a source term. The models can now be used as quasi-2D hydrodynamic rainfall–runoff models (‘HDRRM’). Within the direct rainfall method (‘DRM’), there is an approach, referred to as ‘rain-on-grid’, in which input precipitation is applied to the entire catchment area. The study contains a systematic analysis of the model behavior of HEC-RAS (‘Hydrologic Engineering Center—River Analysis System’) with a special focus on spatial resolution. The rain-on-grid approach is applied in a small, ungauged, low-mountain-range study area (Messbach catchment, 2.13 km2) in Central Germany. Suitable model settings and recommendations on model discretization and parametrization are derived therefrom. The sensitivity analysis focuses on the influence of the mesh resolution’s interaction with the spatial resolution of the underlying terrain model (‘subgrid’). Furthermore, the sensitivity of the parameters interplaying with spatial resolution, like the height of the laminar depth, surface roughness, model specific filter-settings and the precipitation input-data temporal distribution, is analyzed. The results are evaluated against a high-resolution benchmark run, and further criteria, such as 1. Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, 2. water-surface elevation, 3. flooded area, 4. volume deficit, 5. volume balance and 6. computational time. The investigation showed that, based on the chosen criteria for this size and type of catchment, a mesh resolution between 3 m to 5 m, in combination with a DEM resolution from 0.25 m to 1 m, are recommendable. Furthermore, we show considerable scale effects on flooded areas for coarser meshing, due to low water levels in relation to topographic height.
Financial knowledge, attitude and investment practices among Indian doctors

Background: Doctors are particularly vulnerable to financial problems because of their unsatisfactory levels of financial knowledge and the lack of awareness in terms of investments. This study aimed to evaluate financial knowledge, attitude and investment practices among Indian doctors.Methods: An online questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted across 286 registered Indian medical practitioners (N=286). The data was collected by a pre-validated online questionnaire. The financial knowledge score was calculated using 4 questions to determine financial knowledge. The attitude was assessed using responses to 4 questions on investment using Likert scale. Financial practices were determined using responses to their preferred investment options. Data was analyzed using non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis test, median value), Chi-square test and Pearson’s coefficient.Results: It was found that male doctors had higher financial knowledge as compared to female doctors (p=0.011). Financial knowledge was significantly associated with the age (p≤0.0001) of the study population. The influence of the nature of employment over the financial attitude of Indian doctors was statistically significant (p=0.009). A statistically significant association was seen between financial knowledge and financial practices (p=0.012). Conclusions: There is a need to create an optimal level of financial awareness among Indian doctors. Increasing the financial knowledge of doctors through financial awareness programs initially may have a positive implication on their financial practices later on.
Effect of selenium application on mineral macro- and micronutrients and antioxidant status in strawberries

The application of selenium (Se) as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) at 0, 2, and 4 mg L-1 concentrations in nutrient solution to strawberry plants was evaluated. Selenium did not modify the dry weights of the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, or the fresh weights of the stems and fruits. The 4 mg L-1 concentration caused decreases in the fresh weights of the roots and leaves and in the yield. The mineral content of different plant organs changed but was not adversely affected by Se applications, with the 2 mg L-1 treatment having a lower impact on mineral concentration variation, as well as temporary positive effects on the fruits’ antioxidant status. The fruit pH was not adversely affected by application of Se. Se application in nutrient solution proved to be an adequate technique to increase the Se content in all plant organs. Se concentration exhibited a differential distribution, with the highest levels in the roots, followed by the leaves and crowns; the fruits had the lowest levels, reaching an average concentration of 31.2 mg kg-1 of dry weight. By contrast, fruits from the untreated plants obtained an average concentration of only 6.35 mg kg-1, with no decreases in the concentrations of other mineral elements in treated plants.