Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inclusive Education in Higher Education: The Perspective of Lecturer

This study examined lecturers' perspectives regarding the practice of inclusive education. The quantitative study design with survey was applied. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling technique. A total of 30 lecturers who teach students with disabilities from one university were selected to complete the online survey. The survey questions were developed based on the concept of inclusive education’s implementation that have gone through a validity and reliability testing. Data were analyzed using simple statistics by calculating the percentage. Findings on the curriculum show that the majority of lecturers support the adoption and flexibility on curriculum. Similarly, they support the regulation and management themes as well as the support system, albeit improvements are required. Meanwhile, on the collaboration theme, majority of them showed an optimistic responses. Findings from this should enforce the continuous improvement on inclusive education practice in higher education.
TRANSLANGUAGING: CO-CONSTRUCTING MEANINGS IN A MULTILINGUAL SETTING

Being an expatriate teacher in Brunei made me consider different strategies and techniques in language teaching. This paper attempts to discuss my reflections on the use of translanguaging as a pedagogical tool in a student-centered learning environment with multilingual learners whose native languages are beyond my linguistic repertoire. Translanguaging has gained a lot of attention since its coinage in Southeast Asia, but there appears to be a paucity of this concept in language research specifically in Brunei context. In the same vein, Barr and Tagg’s learning paradigm was used to frame the discussion and expound on how translanguaging as a pedagogy could be a powerful tool in an environment where students are expected to co-construct knowledge with their teacher. In doing so, I posit that translanguaging empowers both teachers and students in constructing meanings however, if the teacher is not in any way familiar of their first language, students’ communicative competence might also be at risk.
Solar blind deep ultraviolet β-Ga 2 O 3 photodetectors grown on sapphire by the Mist-CVD method

In this report, we demonstrate high spectral responsivity (SR) solar blind deep ultraviolet (UV) β-Ga2O3 metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors grown by the mist chemical-vapor deposition (Mist-CVD) method. The β-Ga2O3 thin film was grown on c-plane sapphire substrates, and the fabricated MSM PDs with Al contacts in an interdigitated geometry were found to exhibit peak SR>150A/W for the incident light wavelength of 254 nm at a bias of 20 V. The devices exhibited very low dark current, about 14 pA at 20 V, and showed sharp transients with a photo-to-dark current ratio>105. The corresponding external quantum efficiency is over 7 × 104%. The excellent deep UV β-Ga2O3 photodetectors will enable significant advancements for the next-generation photodetection applications.
Antibacterial potential and modes of action of the methanol extracts of Elephantopus mollis Kunth (Asteraceae) against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria overexpressing efflux pumps

Background: Bacterial drug resistance still constitutes a major clinical issue. In the present study, the in vitro antibacterial potential, and modes of action of Elephantopus mollis were investigated. Methods: The antibacterial activity of methanol extracts of the various parts of E. mollis, their association with an efflux pump inhibitor, phenylalanine-arginine β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and the potentiating effect of several standard antibiotics were determined using the broth microdilution method. The effects of E. mollis leaf extract on H+ proton pump/ATPase function and bacterial growth kinetics were determined using standard methods. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out using standard qualitative methods. Results: The crude extract (botanicals) from E. mollis leaf and flower had antibacterial activity with a 100% inhibition spectrum against bacterial strains and isolates with MICs ranging from 16 to 256 µg/mL and 64 to 1024 µg/mL respectively. Botanicals from the leaf extract showed excellent activity with a MIC of 16 µg/mL against K. pneumoniae KP55, a MIC of 32 µg/mL against K. pneumoniae (K2), and P. stuartti (NEA16). Botanicals from the leaf extract inhibited the exponential growth phase and H+-proton pump/ATPases of K. pneumoniae ATCC11296. In the presence of PAβN, the activity of E. mollis extracts was improved on 90% (leaves and flowers) and 63% (roots) of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains and isolates. The various extracts of E. mollis potentiated the activities of the antibiotics: doxycycline, levofloxacin, vancomycin, imipenem, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin against at least 70% of bacterial strains and isolates, with factors of increase in activity ranging from 2 to 128. Extracts from all parts of E. mollis contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols. Conclusion: The results show that E. mollis is a source of antibacterial phytomedicine that can be used to treat bacterial infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria expressing MDR phenotypes. Keywords: Antibiotics; Asteraceae; bacteria; efflux pumps; Elephantopus mollis; multidrug resistance.
G-torseurs en théorie de Hodge p-adique

Résumé Étant donné un groupe réductif $G$ sur une extension de degré fini de $\mathbb {Q}_p$ on classifie les $G$-fibrés sur la courbe introduite dans Fargues and Fontaine [Courbes et fibrés vectoriels en théorie de Hodge $p$-adique, Astérisque 406 (2018)]. Le résultat est interprété en termes de l'ensemble $B(G)$ de Kottwitz. On calcule également la cohomologie étale de la courbe à coefficients de torsion en lien avec la théorie du corps de classe local.
COVID-19 and Access to Medical Professional Careers: Does Gender Matter?

Objective: To know to what extent home confinement resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the results of the Medical Intern Resident Program (MIR) exam and whether or not a gender gap has occurred as a consequence. Method: Econometric modeling of the final result obtained in the MIR exam and identification of the explanatory factors that determine it and its relevance, effect and meaning. Results: From the results obtained in the MIR test of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 calls, it can be seen that examinations and academic records together with demographic and calendar factors are determinants to explain the observed behavior of the final result. In relation to the gender factor, the existence of a differential fixed effect in favor of women is shown, although the interaction with the exam shows the opposite result. The nationality variable allows us to visualize a scenario of academic homogeneity. The effect of the calendar directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic makes it possible to quantify the negative impact exerted on the final result. Conclusions: (1) The work reflects the impact of factors such as sex, nationality or the COVID-19 pandemic on access to specialized health training in Spain. (2) In contrast to previous studies, we found a significant difference in behavior between men and women, favorably linked to the female sex. However, the so-called sprint effect associated with the male sex was detected. (3) The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the final score are visualized. The existing differential with respect to the control category is quantified and the dominance of the hierarchical position of the temporal component within the set of explanatory factors is visualized.
Severity and Cobb angle of scoliosis patients quantified with markerless trunk surface topography using k-NN search and multivariate regression analysis

ABSTRACT Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complex 3D condition that affects the shape of the torso by increasing bilateral asymmetries. To analyse the 3D torso shape and consequently the severity of scoliosis, markerless surface topography (ST) has been successfully applied in combination with asymmetry contour maps. The main benefits are a reduction of X-ray radiation to patients and an impression of the 3D torso asymmetric shape pattern. The purpose of this work is to improve the classification accuracy for severity based on k-NN search and to provide a prediction tool for the Cobb angle based on multivariate linear regression.
Observational aspects of gamma-ray burst afterglows

For our understanding of the physics of GRB explosions as well as their implications on star formation and cosmology, it is crucial to observe the luminous afterglow emission. Optical/nearinfrared afterglow observations provide accurate physical scales to GRBs, and allow us to put constraints on the properties of the ultra-relativistic outflow. In the recent years, systematic follow-up campaigns have led to an increasing sample of high-quality afterglow light-curves, multi-wavelength SEDs and spectra. This new data shed light on the properties of the complete population of long GRBs, including those events that previously have escaped detection. I will give an overview of the state-of-the-art of the field and highlight new observational results.
Effect of Trehalose/OEO/Tween 80/Tween 20 Addition on Physical Stability of Edible Packaging during Storage in Different Humidity Conditions

Edible packaging has been a topic of much discussion during recent years, mainly due to its lower environmental impact. This study aimed to investigate the properties of an edible packaging made from a combination of carrageenan, orange essential oil (OEO), and trehalose (Tre) under different humidity conditions. The films were analyzed based on their water content, solubility, and textural properties, such as strength and breaking strain. The results of the study showed that the addition of trehalose reduced the water content and increased the strength of the packaging, regardless of the humidity conditions. The inclusion of orange essential oil also contributed to lower water content, which led to more water-resistant packaging (during standard humidity conditions (45%)—c: 15.31%; Tre3OT80: 4.04%, Tre1OT80: 4.48%). The findings of this study have important implications for the production of stable and environmentally friendly edible packaging. The results demonstrate the potential of trehalose and orange essential oil as additives to enhance the properties of edible packaging, particularly in terms of its resistance to moisture. The best results were found in Tre1OT80 and Tre3OT80 samples. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of considering storage conditions in the development of edible packaging, as different humidity levels can significantly affect the packaging’s properties and shelf life. The findings have practical applications for the food industry, particularly in the development of sustainable packaging solutions and for further studies where the application of this packaging can be analyzed for different foodstuffs.
Control of Type I Error Rates in Bayesian Sequential Designs

Bayesian approaches to phase II clinical trial designs are usually based on the posterior distribution of the parameter of interest and calibration of certain threshold for decision making. If the posterior probability is computed and assessed in a sequential manner, the design may involve the problem of multiplicity, which, however, is often a neglected aspect in Bayesian trial designs. To effectively maintain the overall type I error rate, we propose solutions to the problem of multiplicity for Bayesian sequential designs and, in particular, the determination of the cutoff boundaries for the posterior probabilities. We present both theoretical and numerical methods for finding the optimal posterior probability boundaries with α-spending functions that mimic those of the frequentist group sequential designs. The theoretical approach is based on the asymptotic properties of the posterior probability, which establishes a connection between the Bayesian trial design and the frequentist group sequential method. The numerical approach uses a sandwich-type searching algorithm, which immensely reduces the computational burden. We apply least-square fitting to find the α-spending function closest to the target. We discuss the application of our method to single-arm and doublearm cases with binary and normal endpoints, respectively, and provide a real trial example for each case. MSC 2010 subject classifications: Primary 62C10; secondary 62P10.
Wilder than intense: higher frequency, variability, and viral flows of porcine circovirus 3 in wild boars and rural farms compared to intensive ones in northern Italy

Introduction Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) was firstly reported in 2017. Although evidence of its pathogenic role has been provided, its clinical relevance seems lower than Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2), as well as its evolutionary rate. Different studies have reported a high PCV-3 prevalence in wild boars, sometimes higher than the one observed in commercial pigs. Nevertheless, to date, few studies have objectively investigated the relationships between these populations when inhabiting the same area. Moreover, the role of small-scale, backyard pig production in PCV-3 epidemiology is still obscure. Methods The present study investigated PCV-3 occurrence in 216 samples collected from the same area of Northern Italy from commercial and rural pigs, and wild boars. PCV-3 presence was tested by qPCR and complete genome or ORF2 sequences were obtained when possible and analysed using a combination of statistical, phylogenetic and phylodynamic approaches. Results A higher infection risk in wild boars and rural pigs compared to the commercial ones was demonstrated. The phylodynamic analysis confirmed a larger viral population size in wild and rural populations and estimated a preferential viral flow from these populations to commercial pigs. A significant flow from wild to rural animals was also proven. The analysis of the Italian sequences and the comparison with a broader international reference dataset highlighted the circulation of a highly divergent clade in Italian rural pigs and wild boars only. Discussion Overall, the present study results demonstrate the role of non-commercial pig populations in PCV-3 maintenance, epidemiology and evolution, which could represent a threat to intensive farming.
The Trend, Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Tuberculosis Undergoing Thoracic Surgery in the Kyrgyz Republic between 2017 and 2021

Surgery has played an important role in managing complicated tuberculosis in former Soviet Union countries, including the Kyrgyz Republic. However, published information is limited. This study aimed to document the trend, characteristics and outcomes of tuberculosis patients who underwent thoracic surgery, using routinely collected data. Between 2017 and 2021, 4–7% of tuberculosis patients in the Kyrgyz Republic underwent thoracic surgery in two centres in Bishkek and Osh. In 2021, case records were retrieved in 264 (78%) of 340 patients undergoing thoracic surgery in the country. The most common indications for surgery were pleural exudate/empyema in 127 (44%) and tuberculoma in 83 (32%). Most patients (73%) underwent surgery within 30 days of starting TB treatment. Two-thirds of patients underwent radical surgery, and surgical outcomes were excellent in 99% of patients with one death. Post-operatively, 63 (23%) patients had no TB detected by the histology, with the two most common specified conditions being lung cancer and pulmonary hydatid disease. TB treatment was stopped in these patients. Of the 201 patients with confirmed TB after surgery, TB-treatment success was documented in 163 (81%), died/failure/lost to follow-up in 10 (5%) and not evaluated in 28 (14%). This study shows that thoracic surgery is feasible, safe and effective in the routine programme setting. Recommendations are made to strengthen referral and monitoring systems.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise training on Insulin Resistance among Non-Diabetic Heart Failure Patients

Insulin resistance (IR) is more particular to exist in patients with heart failure and is strongly in relation to level of physical activity. Aerobic exercises have been shown to ameliorate the insulin signaling through different molecular mechanisms. Aim: Evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on insulin resistance among non-diabetic heart failure patients. Design : A quasi-experimental. Setting : The research was performed at Cardio-thoracic Surgery Hospital at New Minia City which affiliated to main Minia University Hospitals. Subjects : A purposive sample of eighty patients with chronic heart failure were recruited and assigned into either study group or control group (40 patients for each group). Tools of data collection: Patient interview questionnaire and Insulin resistance assessment. Results : The mean scores of waist circumference measurements for the study group decreases significantly from 96.9±11.2, at baseline to, 84.2±6.76 post 12 -week of aerobic exercises training when compared to the control group which is relatively constant. Moreover, there were a statistically significant decrease in the results of the laboratory investigations indices for IR post-12-week of aerobic exercises training in study group as compared to control group. Conclusion : Aerobic exercises have a favorable effect on controlling the prognostic determinants of IR which was obvious in the improvement of anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations.
Prevalence of Hypertension in Primary School Children in Some Rural Areas at Sharqia Governorate

Background: Increased carotid intima-media thickness and ventricular hypertrophy are two examples of the target organ damage that can occur in children with hypertension, which also raises the chance of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Objective: To determine prevalence of high blood pressure (HTN) among primary school children in the City of Dyarb Negm, Sharqia Governorate and determining the causes of high blood pressure in kids. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional study that we carried out from September 2018 to March 2019. The sample was calculated to be (817) students. All children were subjected to questionnaire filled by parents asking about: Personal data and family medical history. Measurements taken for each student were weight, height, and blood pressure. Results: HTN were (37 cases) 4.5% (3.2% stage 1 and 1.3% stage 2) and pre HTN (76 cases) 9.2%, and normal were 86.4%. Pre hypertension and HTN cases were significantly associated with high social class and HTN was significantly associated with low social class. HTN and Pre HTN cases were significantly associated with obesity and overweight. Diabetes mellitus (DM), HTN and obesity positive family history were significantly associated with HTN then Pre HTN. Conclusion: HTN among studied group was found in 37 cases (4.5%; 3.2% 1 st grade and 1.3% 2 nd grade). This study provides important evidence of the association between obesity, based on BMI and high blood pressure. HTN was significantly associated with high salt intake, higher number of meal and high caloric diet. Family history of HTN and obesity were significantly associated with HTN then Pre HTN.
Synergistic Effects of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance, Surface Plasmon Polariton, and Waveguide Plasmonic Resonance on the Same Material: A Promising Hypothesis to Enhance Organic Solar Cell Efficiency

This work explores the utilization of plasmonic resonance (PR) in silver nanowires to enhance the performance of organic solar cells. We investigate the simultaneous effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), surface plasmon polariton (SPP), and waveguide plasmonic mode on silver nanowires, which have not been thoroughly explored before. By employing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, we analyze the plasmonic resonance behavior of a ZnO/Silver nanowires/ZnO (ZAZ) electrode structure. Our investigations demonstrate the dominance of LSPR, leading to intense electric fields inside the nanowire and their propagation into the surrounding medium. Additionally, we observe the synergistic effects of SPP and waveguide plasmonic mode, contributing to enhanced light absorption within the active layer of the organic solar cell. This leads to an improvement in photovoltaic performance, as demonstrated by our previous work, showing an approximate 20% increase in photocurrent and overall power conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell. The incorporation of metallic nanostructures exhibiting these multiple plasmonic modes opens up new opportunities for improving light absorption and overall device efficiency. Our study highlights the potential of these combined plasmonic effects for the design and optimization of organic solar cells.
In Vivo Identification of H3K9me2/H3K79me3 as an Epigenetic Barrier to Carcinogenesis

The highly dynamic nature of chromatin’s structure, due to the epigenetic alterations of histones and DNA, controls cellular plasticity and allows the rewiring of the epigenetic landscape required for either cell differentiation or cell (re)programming. To dissect the epigenetic switch enabling the programming of a cancer cell, we carried out wide genome analysis of Histone 3 (H3) modifications during osteogenic differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The most significant modifications concerned H3K27me2/3, H3K9me2, H3K79me1/2, and H3K4me1 that specify the process of healthy adult stem cell differentiation. Next, we translated these findings in vivo, assessing H3K27, H3K9, and H3K79 methylation states in biopsies derived from patients affected by basalioma, head and neck carcinoma, and bladder tumors. Interestingly, we found a drastic decrease in H3K9me2 and H3K79me3 in cancer specimens with respect to their healthy counterparts and also a positive correlation between these two epigenetic flags in all three tumors. Therefore, we suggest that elevated global levels of H3K9me2 and H3K79me3, present in normal differentiated cells but lost in malignancy, may reflect an important epigenetic barrier to tumorigenesis. This suggestion is further corroborated, at least in part, by the deranged expression of the most relevant H3 modifier enzymes, as revealed by bioinformatic analysis. Overall, our study indicates that the simultaneous occurrence of H3K9me2 and H3K79me3 is fundamental to ensure the integrity of differentiated tissues and, thus, their combined evaluation may represent a novel diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target.