Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Hydrophilic PLGA/Tween 80 Films and Porous Scaffolds

Poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)/Tween 80 films and porous scaffolds were fabricated to improve the hydrophilicity and cell compatibility of the PLGA films and scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. PLGA/Tween 80 films and scaffolds with different Tween 80 compositions up to 20 wt%were fabricated by solvent casting and melt-molding particulate-leaching methods, respectively. It was observed that the 10 wt%addition of Tween 80 to PLGA to fabricate PLGA/Tween 80 film is enough for improving its hydrophilicity and cell adhesiveness as human chondrocytes were cultured on the surface. The hydrophilized PLGA/Tween 80(10 wt%)porous scaffold was also found to have improved cell compatibility compared to the control hydrophobic PLGA scaffold, which can be directly applied for tissue regeneration without any prewetting treatment.
Concentration dependence of the refractive index for n ‐ and p ‐type GaAs between 1.2 and 1.8 eV

The refractive indices of GaAs at room temperature were determined from accurate double‐beam reflectance measurements. The uncertainty in the refractive indices obtained by this technique is ±0.005. Measurements were made on high‐purity n ‐type samples, n ‐type samples with free‐electron concentrations from 5×1016 to 6.7×1018 cm−3, p ‐type samples with free‐hole concentrations from 1.5×1016 to 1.6×1019 cm−3, and p ‐type samples heavily doped with the amphoteric impurity Si. These data agree with Marple's prism refractive data for both of his samples of the same impurity concentration. Analysis of the reflectance for the high‐purity samples permitted assignment of the room‐temperature energy gap as 1.424±0.001 eV. The shape of the refractive‐index‐vs‐energy curve was found to be strongly dependent on the carrier concentration at energies near the direct energy gap.
Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes As A Target for Pink Bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.) Control Agents الانزیمات الهاضمة للکربوهیدرات کهدف لعوامل مکافحة دودة اللوز القرنفلیة Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.)

Most insect species depend on the digestive enzymes (invertase, trehalase and amylase) to utilize their uptake of carbohydrates. In the present investigation the activities of these enzymes are used as parameters to study the effect of the selected insecticides [i.e. Teflubenzuron (Nomolt 15%), emamectin benzoate (Proclaim 5% SG); azadirachtin (Saif oil 0.03% EC) and spinosad (Tracer 24% SC)] on pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella. Results showed that invertase had the highest activity (62.03 mg glucose released/gm body weight/min), while amylase had the lowest one (37.91 mg glucose released/gm body weight/min). Treatment caused a reduction effect on the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, except in the case of trehalase whereas its activity increased significantly only by Saif oil. Tested insecticides could be arranged according to their percentages of changes in the enzymes activities as follows: Nomolt & Tracer > Proclaim > Saif oil. The present study clearly showed that the amylase enzyme appeared to be the most affected enzyme with high level of significant reduction followed by invertase than trehalase, these percentages were -83.42, -48.56 & -17.56; -73.45, +0.70 & -15.55; -19.91, -24.40 & +73.85 and -75.52, -69.01 & 53.55% for Nomolt, Proclaim, Saif oil and Tracer compounds, respectively.
Socioeconomic Disparity and Risk of COVID-19 in South Korea: An NHIS-COVID-19 Database Cohort Study

Background: The relationship between socioeconomic status and risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether socioeconomic status affected the risk of COVID-19 in the South Korean population.Methods: The NHIS-COVID-19 database cohort was used in this population-based study. We collected data of COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed between January 1, 2020 and June 26, 2020 and those of the control population. The income levels of all individuals as of February 2020 were extracted and classified into four groups based on quartile ratios: Q1 (the lowest) to Q4 (the highest). Findings: In total, 122,040 individuals—7,669 and 114,371 in the COVID-19 and control populations, respectively—were included in the final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that the Q1 group had a 1.19-fold higher risk of COVID-19 than the Q4 group, whereas the Q2 and Q3 groups showed no significant differences. In the 20-39-year-old group, compared with the Q4 group, the Q3 and Q2 groups showed 11% and 22% lower risks of COVID-19, respectively. In the ≥60-year-old group, compared with the Q4 group, the Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups showed 1.39-fold, 1.29-fold, and 1.14-fold higher risks of COVID-19, respectively.Interpretation: Lower socioeconomic status was associated with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 in South Korea. This association was more evident in the older population (≥60-year-old), whereas both lower and higher socioeconomic status were associated with higher risks of contracting COVID-19 in the young adult population (20-39-year-old). Funding: NoneDeclaration of Interests: None declared.Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (X-2004-604-905) and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (NHIS-2020-1- 291). Informed consent was waived because the data analyses were performed retrospectively using anonymized data derived from the South Korean NHIS database.
Isotopic fractionation of dissolved organic carbon in shallow forest soils as affected by sorption

Isotopic fractionation of dissolved organic carbon percolating through the soil is often interpreted as due to microbial transformation. We investigated the potential effects of sorption on the δ13C of dissolved organic C in field and laboratory experiments. We sampled the organic C in soil water at two forested sites and measured sorption with intact mineral soil and individual minerals (dolomite, ferrihydrite, goethite, and quartz). The dissolved organic C was separated into hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions using a resin approach. The δ13C values of bulk soils, alkaline‐extractable organic C, and dissolved organic C and its fractions were measured. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions in forest floor seepage water were characterized by 13C‐NMR spectroscopy.
Geostatistical behavior of dendrometric variables of Eucalyptus benthamii for forest management purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of dendrometric variables of a commercial plantation of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden et Cambage planted on an Inceptisol soil in Brazil for management purposes, based on geostatistic metrics and ordinary punctual kriging. A sampling grid of 70 x 70 m spaced over a 20 ha block was established in the municipality of Bocaina do Sul, in the state of Santa Catarina. Each sampling point was a circular plot of 10 m radius, where diameter at breast height (dbh), total height (h) of the first 15 trees and the 5 thickest trees were measured and the volume (v) of each tree was calculated by the Smalian method. The variables v, dbh, h and the dominant height (hdom) of each plot were subjected to geostatistical analysis based on semivariograms to detect the spatial dependence to these dendrometric variables. Only h and hdom presented satisfactory adjustment to the experimental semivariogram, with the spherical model better representing the spatial variation of these Geostatistical behavior of dendrometric variables of Eucalyptus benthamii for forest management purposes Scientia Forestalis, 48(127), e3088, 2020 2/12 characteristics. Through kriging it was possible to estimate with high precision the variables hdom and h (r2 = 0.97, Syx = ± 0.04; r2 = 0.55, Syx = ± 0.21, respectively), in forest sites not sampled (validation data), thus providing subsidies for forest management purposes. Nevertheless, for dbh and v, it is recommended to conduct a higher sample intensity in order to identify spatial continuity.
LONELINESS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE MEDIATIONAL ROLES OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SEEKING

Introduction: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and shelter-at-home have become necessary for public health and safety in the United States. This period of social isolation may be a risk factor for mental health problems, particularly among young adults for whom rates of loneliness are already high. Young adults also engage in more social media use than other age groups, a form of socialization associated with adverse effects on mental health, including loneliness and depression. Methods: The current study examined potential mediating roles of social media use and social support seeking on the relationship between age and loneliness symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 1,674 adults who completed an online survey regarding depressive symptoms, loneliness, coping strategies, and changes to their daily lives as a result of the pandemic. Results: Results indicated that young adults were lonelier than older adults during the pandemic, showed a greater increase in social media use, and lower social support seeking. Higher increases in social media use and lower social support seeking mediated the relationship between age group and loneliness. Discussion: Findings are discussed in context of prior research and potential effects of stress and isolation during the pandemic. Clinical implications and suggestions for intervention are elaborated.
Crisis Impact on the Diversity of Financial Portfolios - Evidence from European Citizens

Since the 2008 Lehman bankruptcy, it is clearly shown that global economic and financial crises present major challenges to private households, requiring from them, a high level of shock absorption capacity. According to the old adage, “Do not put all the eggs in one basket”, resilience depends, to a large extent on financial diversification. So far, especially for Europe, little is known about whether and how the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) affected the diversity of private households’ investment portfolios. We tackle this research gap and explore the impact of the GFC on portfolio diversity of European private households. Our European focus complements Sierminska and Silber (2019) who explore the diversiﬁcation behaviour of US households after the Lehman insolvency. Our study reveals a signiﬁcant decrease in the diversity of financial portfolios. This finding is robust across distinct model speciﬁcations. In response to the GFC, evidence suggests that European households adjusted the diversity of their financial portfolio in the opposite directions to that of US households.
Understanding Parents’ Experiences When Caring for a Child With Functional Constipation: Interpretive Description Study

Background Pediatric functional constipation (FC) is a common but serious medical condition. Despite significant effects on children, families, and the health care system, the condition is typically undertreated. Parents carry the primary responsibility for complex treatment programs; therefore, understanding their experiences and needs may offer a critical perspective toward improving clinical care. Objective The aim of this study is to understand and give voice to parents’ experiences and information needs when caring for a child with FC. The ultimate objective is to build an evidence base suitable for creating a digital knowledge translation tool to better support parents caring for a child with FC. Methods This qualitative design used an interpretive description methodology to generate findings aimed at improving clinical care. One-on-one, in-depth interviews were completed either in person or through web-based teleconferencing to explore parents’ perspectives. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Results Analysis of 16 interviews generated 4 major themes: living in the shadows; not taken seriously, with a subtheme of persevering and advocating; missing information and misinformation; and self-doubt and strained relationships. One minor theme of affirmative influences that foster resilience and hope was identified. Conclusions Parents have unmet needs for support and information related to pediatric FC. To address gaps in current care provision, decision makers may consider interventions for clinicians, resources for parents, and shifting care models to better meet parents’ needs.
Atmospheric Impacts of Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier

: Hydrogen gas emissions to the atmosphere can very likely cause global warming through indirect effects. It can also possibly cause depletion of the ozone layer, and impact air pollution. These adverse effects are likely smaller than those of the fossil fuel usage hydrogen fuel would replace, however, it underlines the importance of keeping hydrogen leakage as low as possible. Current research on all these effects are uncertain, and the quality of estimates would benefit greatly from further research. Language of Report: English
Reductive Dechlorination of Nonachlorobiphenyls and Selected Octachlorobiphenyls by Microbial Enrichment Cultures

The anaerobic dechlorination of four octachlorobiphenyls [2,3,4,5,6,2{prime},3{prime},4{prime}-octachlorobiphenyl (2345--234-octaCB), 2345--2346-octaBC, 2345--2356-octaCB, and 2345--245-octaCB] and three nonachlorobiphenyls [23456--2345-nonaCB, 2345--2346-nonaCB, and 23456--2356-nonaCB] was investigated. The single congeners were added to two different previously studied microbial enrichment cultures, and the cultures were monitored over a period of 16 weeks. All seven congeners were reductively dechlorinated. The predominant dechlorination patterns for all congeners, in both cultures, showed meta-dechlorination of doubly flanked m-chlorines followed by meta-dechlorination of singly flanked m-chlorines. Some ortho- and para-dechlorination was also observed. All congeners had an initial concentration of 50 ppm in soil, and the extent of dechlorination over the 16-week period varied widely, from 38% dechlorination of congener 23456--245-octaCB to only 1.4% removal of congener 23456--2345-nonaCB.
CHEMICAL DESICCANTS FOR ANTICIPATION OF HARVEST AND PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF COWPEA SEEDS

Information about the effect of herbicides on cowpea seed quality is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using chemical desiccants at pre-harvest on the anticipation of harvest and physiological quality of cowpea seeds of the cultivar BRS-Tumucumaque, before and after storage. Two experiments were conducted: experiment 1 was conducted under a randomized block design, with four replications; the treatments consisted of seven herbicides (carfentrazone-ethyl, saflufenacil, glyphosate, paraquat, flumioxazin, glufosinate-ammonium, and diquat) and a control treatment; anticipation of harvest, and seed water content, germination, and vigor were evaluated. The seeds were stored for six months in controlled environment and not-controlled environment rooms and evaluated for water content, germination, and vigor in Experiment 2, which was conducted in a 7×2+1 factorial arrangement, with four replications; the first factor consisted of the seven herbicides, the second factor was the two storage environments, plus a control treatment. The results showed 3 to 9 days of anticipation of harvest relative to the control. The glufosinate-ammonium herbicide negatively affected seed germination and vigor. The glyphosate herbicide decreased seed germination and vigor after storage. The physiological quality of cowpea seeds at the post-harvest period and after six months of storage was not affected by the carfentrazone-ethyl and flumioxazin herbicides. Paraquat and diquat were the most efficient herbicides for the anticipation of harvest (nine days). Glyphosate and glufosinateammonium were the most harmful herbicides to seed physiological quality. The controlled environment room was the most adequate environment for seed conservation.
Impact of early COVID-19 pandemic on the US and European stock markets and volatility forecasting

Abstract This study examines the impact of early COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. and European stock indices, implied volatility (IV) indices, and forecasting accuracy of IV indices from daily data of January 2012 to December 2020, using an out-of-sample assessment of COVID-19. Our results show that COVID-19 death and recovery cases have had a significant positive impact on S&P 500, DJIA and NASDAQ 100. On the other hand, VIX, VXD and VXN show a negative association. Again, we also observe the significant impact of COVID-19 on stock trading prices and volatility expectations. Furthermore, the evidence of the point forecasts is more reliable for European IV indices than for U.S. IV indices. Finally, this study validates the informational efficiency of IV indices on the financial markets and has implications for investors regarding portfolio management and investment risk minimisation in similar future pandemic situations.
THE MOTHERHOOD EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES: AN INTERPRETIVE FIELD STUDY IN TURKEY

ABSTRACT Motherhood is an extensive research topic that can be seen in different disciplines. Problems arising from motherhood are the main research questions of this research. Social constructivism has been chosen as a philosophical basis of the research in order to understand subjective motherhood experiences of female employees through their self- expressions. Phenomenological research approach has been chosen with qualitative research design. Participants of this study consist of 33 working mothers with 0-6 years old children in Turkey. For sampling method, snowball sampling method was used as a purposive sampling strategy. Qualitative data is gathered by using an unstructured interview form with 13 questions. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis method. According to research findings, the first priority of working mothers is motherhood. Keeping a balance between motherhood and work is a real challenge for working mothers. Working mothers experience various problems at workplace. Keywords: Motherhood, working mothers, women employees, gender, Turkey
Shared Decision-Making and Medicolegal Aspects: Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care in India

It is often difficult for people with cancer to make decisions for their care. The aim of this review is to understand the importance of shared decisionmaking (SDM) in Indian clinical scenario and identify the gaps when compared to practices in the Western world. A systematic search (2000-2019) was executed in Medline and Google Scholar using predefined keywords. Of the approximate 400 articles retrieved, 43 articles (Indian: 5; Western: 38) were selected for literature review. Literature review revealed the paucity of information on SDM in India compared to the Western world data. This may contribute to patientreported physical or psychological harms, life disruptions, or unnecessary financial costs. Western world data demonstrate the involvement and sharing of information by both patient and physician, collective efforts of the two to build consensus for preferred treatment. In India, involvement of patients in the planning for treatment is largely limited to tertiary care centers, academic institutes, or only when the cost of therapy is high. In addition, cultural beliefs and prejudices impact the extent of participation and engagement of a patient in disease management. Communication failures have been found to strongly correlate with the medicolegal malpractice litigations. Research is needed to explore ways to how to incorporate SDM into routine oncology practice. India has a high unmet need towards SDM in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Physicians need to involve patients or their immediate family members in decision making, to make it a patient-centric approach as well. SDM enforces to avoid uninformed decisionmaking or a lack of trust in the treating physician's knowledge and skills. Physician and patient education, development of tools and guiding policies, widespread implementation, and periodic assessments may advance the practice of SDM.
Thermoreversible hydrogels X : Synthesis and swelling behavior of the (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonate) copolymeric hydrogels

A series of thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared from various molar ratios of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonate (NaAMPS). Factors such as temperature and initial total monomer concentration and different pH solutions were investigated. Results indicated that the more the NaAMPS content in hydrogel system, the higher the swelling ratio and the gel transition temperature; the higher the initial monomer concentration, the lower the swelling ratio. The result also indicated that the NIPAAm/NaAMPS copolymeric hydrogels had different swelling ratios in various pH environments. The present gels showed a pH-reversible property between pH 3 and pH 10 and thermoreversibility. The swelling ratios of copolymeric gels were lower in a strong alkaline environment because the gels were screened by counterions. Finally, the drug release behavior of these gels was also investigated in this article. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 1760–1768, 2000
The structure of potassium tetroxalate: a redetermination and a cautionary tale

The structure of potassium tetroxalate was carefully determined by X-ray work [Haas (1964). Acta Cryst. 17, 1511-1516], the analysis being in P1. This choice of space group has been questioned: implicitly by Groth [Chemische Krystallographie (1910), Vol. III, p. 140. Leipzig: Engelmann], who gave the crystal class as 'asymmetrisch? ', and explicitly by Emsley, Jones & Kuroda [J. Inorg. NucL Chem. (1981), 43, 2243-2246] who obtained a lower R value when refinement was in the noncentrosymmetric P1, and who claimed to have established a hydrogen-bonding scheme different from that of Haas. For these reasons, work based on an extensive set of X-ray data is reported here. With 2422 independent reflexions, the structure was refined in P1 to R = 3.0%. The present results confirm and amplify Haas's work. However, the present X-ray measurements were severely affected by extinction errors; and the H atoms were located satisfactorily only after allowance had been made for these errors. An attempt to refine a desymmetrized structure in P1 failed. [Crystal data: KHa(C204)2.2H20 , M r = 254.1, triclinic, Pi, a = 7.027(1), b = 10.595 (1), c = 6.356 (1) /~, a = 101.40 (5), fl = 100.12(5), ), = 93.80 (5) °, V = 454.2/~a, Z - 2, D o (Haas) = 1.86, D c = 1.859 Mg m -a, g(Mo Ka) = 0.618 mm-~. ]
The Improvement of Retargeting by Big Data: a Decision Support that Threatens the Brand Image?

With the emergence of Big Data and the increasing market penetration of ad retargeting advertising, the advertising industry’s interest in using this new online marketing method is rising. Retargeting is an innovative technology based on Big Data. People who have gone to a merchant site and window-shopped but not purchased can be re-pitched with the product they showed an interest in. Therefore click rates and conversion rates are dramatically enhancing by retargeting. However, in spite of the increasing number of companies investing in retargeting, there is little academic research on this topic. In this paper we explore the links between retargeting, perceived intrusiveness and brand image. As results show the importance of perceived intrusiveness, ad repetition and ad relevance, we introduce new analytical perspectives on online strategies with the goal of facilitating collaboration between consumers and marketers.
Nutrient Transformations in Sediments as Influenced by Oxygen Supply

The oxidation status of sediments greatly affects biogeochemical processes. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of various levels of O 2 on nutrient transformations in lake sediments. Decomposition of sediment organic matter was evaluated under varying levels in O 2 . Bulk sediment samples obtained from a hypereutrophic lake in central Florida were incubated in stirred microcosms at 25 o C for 100 d at four O 2 levels (.)