Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scaling theory of polyelectrolyte solutions

We extend and generalize the scaling picture of de Gennes et al. and Pfeuty to both unentangled and entangled regimes of intrinsically flexible polyelectrolyte solutions. In semidilute solution the electrostatic persistence length of a polyelectrolyte is assumed to be proportional to the Debye screening length. If the salt concentration is low, the unentangled semidilute concentration regime spans three to four decades in polymer concentration. In this regime the dynamics of the chain is Rouse-like with viscosity weakly increasing with concentration η∼c 1/2 (Fuoss law), relaxation time decreasing with concentration τ Rouse ∼c -1/2 , and diffusion coefficient independent of concentration. Polyelectrolytes should form entanglements at the same relative viscosity as neutral polymer solutions (η≅50η s ). In the entangled regime of salt-free polyelectrolytes we predict the viscosity η∼c 3/2 , relaxation time to be independent of concentration, and diffusion coefficient D self ∼c -1/2 . Our predictions are found to compare favorably with experiments
Virulence Gene Pattern of Pasteurella multocida Isolates of Buffalo in Association to Capsule Biosynthesis Genes

Background: Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of many economically important diseases in a wide range of hosts. The mechanisms by which these bacteria can invade the mucosa, evade innate immunity and cause systemic disease are slowly being elucidated. Many key virulence factors are yet to be identified, including those required for initial attachment and invasion of host cells and for persistence in a relatively nutrient poor and hostile environment. This has led to intensive research to understand host adaptation mechanisms and virulence factors in order to develop effective vaccines. Methods: The present study was carried out to know the distribution of virulence genes viz., haemoglobin binding proteins (hgbA and hgbB), outer membrane protein (ompH), fimbrial antigen (ptfA), filamentous haemagglutinin (pfhA) and transferrin binding protein (tbpA) by PCR in P. multocida CapA isolates from apparently healthy or carrier animals and CapB isolates from field Haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) cases to monitor the epidemiological associations of virulence genes in Cap A and Cap B isolates.Result: The study revealed that all the six virulence associated genes were present in Cap B isolates. None of the Cap A isolates harboured tbpA and pfhA genes. These two genes were closely related to serotype B causing Haemorrhagic septicemia and were epidemiologically associated with disease status.
Temporo-spatial gait adaptations while walking on different surfaces in Latino-Hispanic adults with controlled type II diabetes

Those with Type 2 Diabetes with and without peripheral neuropathy (PN) display evident gait deficiencies, and kinematic alterations while stepping on various surfaces. Purpose: To verify if such modifications would emerge performing diverse tasks in the regulated stages of diabetes such as controlled type 2 diabetics without PN. Methods: We recruited and allocated 30 adult participants in two groups, 15 controlled diabetics (cDMII) and 15 controls (CoG). Gait temporospatial criteria were measured during even walkway and described concerning a ramp/slope surface, and a stair-step. Results: A Repeated measure ANOVA was employed to compare even surface gait parameters with slope and stair (ascending and descending) surfaces within each group. Our results highlight that cDMII shows distinct and initial traces of impaired gait parameters, notably on single-limb support time reduction with a double-limb time increment during ramp compared to even surface. Conclusion: Our conclusions suggest even at the early stages of diabetes, when glucose levels are regulated, adjustment while shifting and adapting to different, more challenging surfaces appear, notably in dynamic balance variables. Therefore, making this prompt detection of variations is clinically valuable for providing treatment interventions to diminish the risk of falls and trauma in those who have diabetes.
Meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies with multiple thresholds: Comparison of different approaches

Methods for standard meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies are well established and understood. For the more complex case in which studies report test accuracy across multiple thresholds, several approaches have recently been proposed. These are based on similar ideas, but make different assumptions. In this article, we apply four different approaches to data from a recent systematic review in the area of nephrology and compare the results. The four approaches use: a linear mixed effects model, a Bayesian multinomial random effects model, a time‐to‐event model and a nonparametric model, respectively. In the case study data, the accuracy of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury was assessed in different scenarios, with sensitivity and specificity estimates available for three thresholds in each primary study. All approaches led to plausible and mostly similar summary results. However, we found considerable differences in results for some scenarios, for example, differences in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of up to 0.13. The Bayesian approach tended to lead to the highest values of the AUC, and the nonparametric approach tended to produce the lowest values across the different scenarios. Though we recommend using these approaches, our findings motivate the need for a simulation study to explore optimal choice of method in various scenarios.
The Concept of Do Not Resuscitate for the Families of the Patients at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital

Aim: Do not resuscitate (DNR) is an order in medical practice for the patients who are suffering from a grave medical condition, and their life is in danger to end. DNR decision-making varies from one hospital to another. This study is aimed to assess the knowledge of the patients' relatives about DNR concept and their opinion about the DNR decision-making. Materials and Methods: This was a nonintervention cross-sectional study conducted, during 2016, among 420 patients' relatives in the Emergency Department at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital in KSA. Data were collected by interviewing the participants. Data were further analyzed using SPSS software. The Chi-square test was used to determine the associations. Results: Variation in responses related to the DNR concept was observed. Around 44% of participants thought that DNR involved maximum intervention in the hospital, including intensive care. Further, the majority (55.2%) of the participants were assured about the quality of the services the patient would receive. Furthermore, 51% of the participants believed that ultimately, it should always be the doctor who decides on a DNR decision. Meanwhile, 36.4% of the relatives opined that the family members should be involved in the discussion regarding the DNR order. Conclusion: We observed a gap in the understanding of the concept and decision-making of DNR-order among the participants. Health-care providers should provide a greater explanation about DNR orders to the families of the patients to avoid any misunderstandings, and also support them psychologically to avoid any stress they might encounter in such situations.
Observation of ArHF(3000) and its combination modes by laser‐induced fluorescence

Laser‐induced fluorescence is used to obtain the second overtone spectrum of ArHF. The method exploits intracavity circulating power of a Ti–sapphire ring laser to pump the weakly bound complex generated in a supersonic slit jet from v=0 to v=3. Fundamental (Δv=−1) emission is monitored using an infrared PbS detector. Intense fluorescence allows recording of the rotationally resolved sub‐Doppler spectra of (3000)←(0000), (3100)←(0000), and (3110)←(0000) transitions. We determine vibrational band origins of ν0=11 339.034 cm−1, 11 412.438 cm−1, 11 422.378 cm−1 and rotational constants of B=0.103 30 cm−1, 0.102 76 cm−1, 0.101 18 cm−1 for the (3000), (3100), and (3110) bands, respectively. Both the band origins and the rotational constants indicate that the weak Ar–HF van der Waals bond is strengthened as the HF stretch is vibrationally excited to higher states. All the observations are in near perfect accord with extrapolations of related constants in the HF stretching states of v=0–2.
Impact of Long-term Soft Relining of Mandibular Complete Dentures on Brain Activity and Cognitive Function of Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND: Stability and retention of mandibular complete denture are a chronic complaint in elderly patients and it may have potential effect on dementia. AIM: The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the long-term soft liner (LTSL) for mandibular dentures on brain activity and cognitive function of completely edentulous elderly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty elderly completely edentulous denture wearer patients were selected to participate in the study. Patient’s brain activity and cognitive function were investigated before and after the relining of the mandibular complete dentures with an LTSL material. Patient’s brain activities were investigated by electroencephalograms, while patient’s cognitive functions were evaluated by the aid of mini-mental state examinations. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of obtained results revealed a significant difference in patient’s brain activity as well as a cognitive function before and after the relining of the mandibular complete dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term soft-lined mandibular dentures seemed having an impact on brain activity and cognitive function for elderly completely edentulous denture wearers.
Nonesterified Fatty Acids and Depression in Cancer Patients and Caregivers

ABSTRACT Background Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are known to have inflammatory effects. The inflammatory hypothesis of depression suggests that omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids might be negatively and positively correlated with depression, respectively. Objective An exploratory study was conducted to determine the association between dietary free fatty acids and depressive symptoms in cancer patients and caregivers. Methods Associations between depression and the NEFA pool were investigated in 56 cancer patients and 23 caregivers using a combination of nonparametric tests and regularized regression. Plasma NEFAs were measured using thin layer and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Depression was characterized both as a continuous severity score using the GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (GRID Ham-D), and as a categorical diagnosis of major depression by structured clinical interview. Results Initial hypotheses regarding the relation between depression and omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids were not well supported. However, elaidic acid, a trans-unsaturated fatty acid found in hydrogenated vegetable oils, was found to be negatively correlated with continuous depression scores in cancer patients. No significant associations were found in caregivers. Conclusions An unexpected negative association between elaidic acid and depression was identified, supporting recent literature on the role of G protein–coupled receptors in depression. Further research is needed to confirm this result and to evaluate the potential role of G protein agonists as therapeutic agents for depression in cancer patients.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dan Konsep Diri Terhadap Kinerja Guru

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dan konsep diri terhadap kinerja guru SMP/MTs Negeri dan Swasta di kecamatan Sanga Desa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan jenis penelitian korelasional. Populasi penelitian sebanyak 132 orang yaitu guru PNS, guru tidak tetap, dan guru honorer di SMP/MTs negeri dan swasta di Kecamatan Sanga Desa. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 99 orang. Teknik pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah cluster sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Data analisis menggunakan teknik analisis korelasi dan regresi ganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) kepemimpinan kepala sekolah berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kompetensi profesional guru SMP/MTs negeri dan swasta di kecamatan Sanga Desa; (2) konsep diri berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kompetensi profesional guru SMP/MTs negeri dan swasta di kecamatan Sanga Desa; dan (3) kepemimpinan kepala sekolah dan konsep diri secara bersama-sama berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kompetensi profesional guru SMP/MTs negeri dan swasta di kecamatan Sanga Desa
From positive to negative: a time to event analysis in Regione Lombardia.

Objectives. To assess the time span from positive to negative SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by RT-PCR, and to evaluate the reliability of the test-based criteria as the required condition for the reintroduction of the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive patient in the community. Methods. We used information concerning negativization and the respective times. Cumulative probabilities of negativization during the follow-up were evaluated by Crude Cumulative Incidences (CCIs). Non-parametric estimates of CCIs and respective 95% C.I. s were obtained.Results. We report only the results for 52,186 individuals. 33486 subjects resulted negative or potentially negative with a CCI of 75.2% at 70 days from the first swab (95% CI: 74.8% to 75.7%). 11,000 subjects deceased before 14/05/2020 without diagnosis of negative status (CCI 21.9%; 95% CI: 21.5% to 22.3%), at 56 days from the first swab (maximum observed time to death). Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 positivity is a condition that frequently lasts more than 30 days. Since the determination of isolation based only on a status of positivity could be excessive, more solid studies are required to determinate the significance of a prolonged state of positivity and the consequences on the policies of dismission of quarantine and isolation.
Critical concentration of iron in relation to essential oil yield and quality parameters of Japanese mint

Abstract Seedlings of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) were grown in culture solutions containing 0.0, 0.56, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6, 11.2, and 22.4 μg. ml-1 Fe for 90 days under glasshouse conditions. The trials carried out indicated that the fresh weight of the herb, dry matter yield, menthol, and oil contents increased significantly with graded levels of Fe application, the optimum results being obtained at 5.6 μg. ml-1. Fe uptake was maximum at 11.2 μg. ml-1 and showed a significant quadratic trend. Oil and menthol contents were positively correlated with both fresh weight and dry matter yield of the herb indicating the influence of growth parameters on the quality and content of total oil. The critical iron concentration on a dry weight basis was calculated to be 6.72 μg. ml-1.
OAC-HAS: outsourced access control with hidden access structures in fog-enhanced IoT systems

ABSTRACT Fog computing is recently a novel distributed computing paradigm that performs a significant achievement in the latency-sensitive smart Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, the security and privacy issues, such as data leakage, still challenge the wide deployment of fog computing infrastructure. To guarantee data confidentiality and meanwhile achieving fine-grained access control, Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (CP-ABE) promises to provide a flexible access policy for securely sharing data among users, fog nodes, and cloud center. However, due to the complicated cryptographic operations, CP-ABE has met a significant drawback that requires heavy computation resources on the user-side. In this paper, we propose an outsourced access control scheme with hidden access structures, named OAC-HAS, in fog-enhanced IoT systems. The contributions of our OAC-HAS scheme are three-folds. Firstly, we introduce a fog-cloud computing (FCC) environment which has the outsourcing capability. Then, we design an outsource verification mechanism to guarantee the correctness of executing cryptographic operations on the fog nodes. Finally, we also provide a privacy guarantee that prevents information leakage from the access structures. Security analysis and experimental results show that the proposed OAC-HAS scheme achieves flexible access policy, privacy-preserving, and high efficiency in fog-enhanced IoT systems.
Raman spectra of various diamonds

We measured Raman spectra of diamonds in ureilite meteorites and of diamonds synthesized under static high pressure, under shock-induced high pressure, and by chemical vapor deposition. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) and wavenumber position of a Raman line of F2g (at 1332 cm−1) are compared. Both the wavenumber and FWHM of the Raman line of ureilite diamonds are somewhat scattered around 1332 cm−1 compared with those of diamonds produced under static high pressure. The latters show spectral features similar to the diamonds from the earth. The peak positions of some ureilite diamonds are shifted to smaller wavenumber than 1332 cm−1, possibly due to lonsdaleite (hexagonal diamond). The peak position of the shock-produced diamonds is significantly shifted to smaller wavenumber, probably due to lonsdaleite and the FWHM is largely deviated. The FWHM of CVD diamonds is narrower than that of the shock-produced diamonds but larger than that of the diamonds synthesized under static high pressure. The peak position of some CVD diamonds tends to shift to higher wavenumber unlike shock-produced diamonds. The values of the FWHM of ureilite diamonds is closer to those of CVD diamonds than those of shock-produced diamonds.
Performance of the Kraft Mill Biosolids Compost and Their Quality Evaluation

Abstract The goal of this article is the evaluation of the compost quality from Kraft mill organic matter by germination Raphanus sativus and Lepidium sativum. The evaluation of compost was measured in terms of stability, maturity and phytotoxicity. Two compost piles were elaborated, one with a ratio of C/N = 23.67 and the other with C/N = 18.67. Each pile was divided into 2 sections, pile 1 (compost 1 and 2) and pile 2 (compost 3 and 4). Wood bark was added to each pile as a structuring material, resulting in mixtures conformed by treatment sludge with bark. The results obtained show that all the mixtures reached thermophilic temperatures (>50 °C), resulting in stable and mature compost with humic and fulvic acid ratios > 1.9. The gemination index showed no presence of toxic substances, with germination percentages over 80% for all the tests of Raphanus sativus and Lepidium sativum, while the N:P:K ratio of 0.5 of Compost 4 positively and significantly boosted the growth of both species with respect to control. It was concluded that Compost 4, with C/N ratio = 23.67 with structuring material presented positive and significant results (p > 0.05) with respect to Compost 1, 2 and 3.
Necessidade de fertilizante e calcário em área sob sistema plantio direto considerando variabilidade espacial

A regiao dos Campos Gerais do Parana e pioneira no sistema plantio direto, apresentando rendimentos elevados e alta tecnificacao. Neste sentido, surgem tecnicas para auxiliar na otimizacao desses processos, a exemplo da agricultura de precisao ou manejo localizado de solo e culturas. Com este trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar as necessidades localizadas de fertilizante e calcario em lavoura comercial sob sistema plantio direto e comparar os resultados com a recomendacao tradicional. As amostras de solo foram coletadas em malha retangular, formada por quatro linhas de quinze pontos equidistantes 40 m, totalizando 60 pontos (9,6 ha). Os dados de capacidade de troca cationica (CTC), saturacao por bases (V%), fosforo (P) e potassio (K) foram analisados pela estatistica descritiva e pela geoestatistica. Foi possivel observar grandes diferencas nas necessidades de nutrientes e de calagem. Consideraram-se apenas formulas NPK comercialmente disponiveis. Conforme a recomendacao tradicional para a area em estudo, deixou-se de aplicar 175 kg de P2O5 e se aplicaram 138,9 kg de K2O a mais que o requerido. A necessidade de calagem entre os 60 pontos variou de zero a 4 Mg ha-1, totalizando 7,84 Mg. Sugere-se um estudo economico mais detalhado para uma possivel adocao pelo produtor.
Exploring parent and student engagement in school self-evaluation in four European countries

The purpose of this paper, which is part of a three-year EU Erasmus+-funded study titled ‘Distributed Evaluation and Planning in Schools’ (DEAPS), is to provide an analysis of policies, structures, processes, supports and barriers that exist to enable or inhibit the involvement of students and parents in school evaluation in four European countries (Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Turkey). Document analysis was used for this study and some 348 peer-reviewed articles, and 28 national and transnational policy documents were included in the analysis. Based on this review it would be reasonable to suggest that the student/parent voice agenda around evaluation in schools remains, by and large, aspirational. It is extolled in policy but in practice is mainly tokenistic with very little evidence of impact on the work of schools. In light of this, it is argued that government and school-level policies and strategies need to be reconsidered to enhance students’ and parents’ engagement in school evaluation. As a first step, significant further empirical research on the limitations on and conditions necessary for stakeholder voice in education is required.
Hopping Conductivity and Polarization Effects in a Fullerene Derivative Salt

Impedance spectroscopy is employed to probe the frequency-dependent conductivity and dielectric response of the C60O24Na 24 fulleride. The conduction properties of this organic material match the so-called universal behavior of the ac conductivity in disordered media [Dyre, J. C. ; Schroder, T. B. Rev. Mod. Phys. 2000, 72, 873-892]. In the whole temperature range studied, electrical conduction is due to intermolecular hopping processes of electronic charge carriers, characterized by an effective activation energy ranging between 0.7 eV at room temperature and 0.9 eV at 475 K. A single dielectric loss feature is observed, associated with the hopping of charge carriers surrounded by a polarization cloud. The polarizability of the material is mainly due to the distortion of the ionic O-Na bonds of the fullerene derivative, which are tight enough that no ionic contribution to the conductivity is observed up to the highest temperature probed (550 K). © 2014 American Chemical Society.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY OF THE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THE STATE OF BAHIA, BRAZIL

The main aim of this research is to verify the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of the civil construction industry in the State of Bahia. The CSR became relevant as business environment is increasingly more complex and competitive, and society has demanded from organizations concrete actions about issues such as sustainability and social development. Those actions are aligned with the ten principles suggested by the United Nations Global Compact. To carry out this research, a multiple case study strategy was used through interviews with key respondents from six construction companies based in the State of Bahia. The findings showed that CSR is a relevant issue as far as business strategies are concerned for 67% of companies surveyed. Despite the theme is not a consensus, this study showed that several actions have been developed informally related to CSR, especially those linked to the welfare of communities surrounding construction sites and the use of modern technologies that help reducing environmental impact, the management of construction waste (debris).