Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Study of Thermoresponsive Amphiphilic Copolymers via RAFT Polymerization

Synthesis and study of well-defined thermoresponsive amphiphilic copolymers with various compositions were reported. Kinetics of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) (co)polymerization of styrene (St) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEO5MEMA) was studied by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, which allows calculating not only (co)polymerization parameters but also gives valuable information on RAFT (co)polymerization kinetics, process control, and chain propagation. Molecular weight Mn and dispersity Đ of the copolymers were determined by SEC with triple detection. The detailed investigation of styrene and PEO5MEMA (co)polymerization showed that both monomers prefer cross-polymerization due to their low reactivity ratios (r1 < 1, r2 < 1); therefore, the distribution of monomeric units across the copolymer chain of p(St-co-PEO5MEMA) with various compositions is almost ideally statistical or azeotropic. The thermoresponsive properties of p(St-co-PEO5MEMA) copolymers in aqueous solutions as a function of different hydrophilic/hydrophobic substituent ratios were evaluated by measuring the changes in hydrodynamic parameters under applied temperature using the dynamic light scattering method (DLS).
Pydiflumetofen Co-Formulated with Prothioconazole: A Novel Fungicide for Fusarium Head Blight and Deoxynivalenol Control

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of small grain cereals worldwide, resulting in reduced yield and quality as well as the contamination of harvested grains with mycotoxins. The key mycotoxin of concern is deoxynivalenol (DON), which has legislative and advisory limits in numerous countries. Cereal growers have a number of control options for FHB including rotation, cultivation, and varietal resistance; however, growers are still reliant on fungicides applied at flowering as part of an IPM program. Fungicides currently available to control FHB are largely restricted to triazole chemistry. This study conducted three field experiments to compare a new co-formulation of pydiflumetofen (a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) with the tradename ADEPIDYN™) and prothioconazole (a triazole) against current standard fungicides at various timings (flag leaf fully emerged, mid-head emergence, early flowering, and late flowering) for the control of FHB and DON. Overall, the co-formulation showed greater efficacy compared to either pydiflumetofen alone or current fungicide chemistry. This greater activity was demonstrated over a wide range of spray timings (flag leaf fully emerged to late flowering). The availability of an SDHI with good activity against FHB and the resulting DON contamination of harvested grain will give growers an additional tool within an IPM program that will provide a greater flexibility of spray application windows and reduce fungicide resistance selection pressure.
Phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant activities in flower and leaves of Cassia fistula and Terminalia arjuna

Abstract: The plants Cassia fistula and Terminalia arjuna are medicinally important and produce leaves and colourful blossoms that belong to the Caesalpinioideae of the legume family and the family of Combretaceae. The antioxidant, hydrogen peroxide, and phytochemical assessment (qualitative and quantitative) of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Cassia fistula and Terminalia arjuna flowers and leaves were investigated in this work. In qualitative phytochemical evaluation, the presence of ten different chemicals of varying degrees and classes was observed, and alkaloids, steroids, tannis, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and terpinoids were confirmed during qualitative screening. During quantitative analysis, the Cassia fistula L. leaves showed the highest TFC (32.783A ± 0.073) and the TPC was observed highest in Terminalia arjuna flowers (42.800A ± 0.028). The highest DPPH percentage was recorded in C. fistula flowers (21.825A ± 0.069) compared to its lowest value observed in C. fistula leaves (10.660B ± 0.053). The highest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity among both plants was found in C. fistula (12.526A ± 0.146) and the lowest in its leaves (7.1470B ± 0.045). The methanolic extracts showed promising antioxidant activity. The presence of bioactive components in the leaves and flowers of Terminalia arjuna and Cassia fistula suggests that these flowers and leaves might be used as a phytochemical source and are also effective and safe as natural remedies. The biochemical analysis proved that the extracts of Cassia fistula and Terminalia arjuna plants have glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids that play a role in antioxidant activity.
Identifying Higher-Order Thinking Skills on Lesson Plan: How Do Teachers Construct the Lesson Plan?

In line with 21st-Century learning, the 2013 Curriculum highlights the development of critical thinking, problem analysis, problem-solving, decision making, and creating something new. Professional teachers need to facilitate students in developing these abilities. This research describes how the teachers plan the higher-order thinking skills (HOTs). This research is qualitative research with a descriptive design. The respondents were four teachers with 0-40 years of teaching experience. The data were collected qualitatively through documentation and interviews. The results showed that HOTs were not clearly expressed in the teacher's lesson plans at teaching experience levels of 0 to 10 years and 10 years to 20 years. Teachers with 20 to 30 years of teaching experience and 30 to 40 years of experience have expressed HOTs explicitly and completely in all parts of the lesson plan. Teachers have an important role in facilitating higher-order thinking skills that can be seen through the lesson plans. The lesson plan must describe the development of higher-order thinking skills holistically. Teachers need to review each lesson plan to be coherent in every part and relevant to 21st-century learning.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING ONLINE VIDEO AND BLOG CONTENT IN MARKETING CASE STUDIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS’ LEARNING – A THREE-YEAR COMPARISON

ABSTRACT Fast-growing and evolving online content has enabled responsive curriculum updates to support students’ learning of how to apply concepts to understand and solve real world problems. Written case studies have long served this purpose in a wide variety of disciplines, and many educators have seen value in presenting cases through the use of online resources under the assumption that this approach will result in positive learning outcomes. Studies designed to compare the two methods have had mixed results with regard to student performance. This paper shows comparison results of using case study assignments presented either as traditional written descriptions or as a combination of online resources including video clips, blogs, and vlogs. Research results indicate that learning outcomes for case study assignments presented through online resources improved significantly for the learners. Various types of students gained benefits differently. Higher achievers gained more than average achievers, and struggling students obtained necessary gains sufficient to pass the case study assignments. Marketing educators should consider incorporating modern online content in curriculum design components such as case study assignments to improve student learning.
Liver Stiffness, Albuminuria and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with NAFLD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

An association between liver stiffness, a surrogate measure of liver fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proposed. However, most studies were small and had low statistical power. We systematically searched PubMed-MEDLINE and Scopus from inception to August 2021 for cross-sectional or cohort studies reporting the association between liver stiffness diagnosed by vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and renal dysfunction. The primary outcome was CKD, defined as a composite of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Measures of association from individual studies were meta-analyzed using random effects models. Of the 526 titles initially scrutinized, 7 cross-sectional studies fulfilled the criteria and were included. For CKD, risk was higher in patients with liver fibrosis assessed by VCTE, compared with patients without (n = 5 studies: OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.89–3.29; test for overall effect z = 6.475, p < 0.001). When increased UACR was considered as an outcome, elevated liver stiffness was associated with a significantly increased risk as well (n = 3 studies: OR 1. 98 95% CI 1.29–3.05; test for overall effect z = 3.113, p = 0.002). Neither analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0% and I2 = 46.5%, respectively for the two outcomes). This meta-analysis indicates that elevated liver stiffness is associated with increased odds of kidney outcomes among patients with NAFLD. Wider use of VCTE to screen for advanced fibrosis might help identify patients at risk of end-stage renal disease.
A new ‘biased coin design’ for the sequential allocation of two treatments

Summary. Efron's biased coin design is a well‐known randomization technique that helps to neutralize selection bias in sequential clinical trials for comparing treatments, while keeping the experiment fairly balanced. Extensions of the biased coin design have been proposed by several researchers who have focused mainly on the large sample properties of their designs. We modify Efron's procedure by introducing an adjustable biased coin design, which is more flexible than his. We compare it with other existing coin designs; in terms of balance and lack of predictability, its performance for small samples appears in many cases to be an improvement with respect to the other sequential randomized allocation procedures.
A STUDY ON THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF FoMO ON SOCIAL MEDIA (INSTAGRAM ) INDUCED TRAVEL ADDICTION AND RISK TAKING TRAVEL BEHAVIORAL INTENTION IN YOUTH

The effect of social media on youth is immense. Fear of missing out (FoMO) is a common repercussion found in youth due to extreme usage of social media platforms. They suffer from FoMO in the context of travel and tour. This behavior leads to impulsive travel decisions plus risk-taking travel attitude. The present study examines the impact of Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction on youth's Risk-Taking Travel Behavioral Intention with FoMO as a mediating variable. An online survey conducted amidst 420 South Indian students revealed that Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction (SMTA) had a direct positive impact (β = 0.29, p <0.05) on Risk Taking Travel Behavioural Intention (RTTBI). It was also observed that Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction had a direct positive impact on FoMO (β = 0.58, p <0.05), and FoMO had a direct positive impact (β = 0.19, p <0.05) on Risk-Taking Travel Behaviour Intention. Further, FoMO was also observed to mediate the connection between Social Media (Instagram) induced Travel Addiction and Risk-Taking Travel Behavioural Intention. It is proposed that parents, teachers, and educational institutes regulate risk-taking travel behavior in youth. Furthermore, it is suggested that the youths be provided with coping/resilience strategies to deal with social media addiction. The limitations, implications for future research, and recommendations are also discussed in the paper.
Functionally graded viscoelastic core characteristics on vibroacoustic behavior of double-walled cylindrical shells in a subsonic external flow

The present study is concerned with an analytical solution for calculating sound transmission loss through an infinite double-walled circular cylindrical shell with two isotropic skins and a polymeric foam core. Accordingly, the two-walled cylindrical shell is stimulated applying an acoustic oblique plane wave. The equations of motion are derived according to Hamilton’s principle using the first-order shear deformation theory for every three layers of the construction. Additionally, by the aid of employing the Zener mathematical model for the core of polymeric foam, mechanical properties are determined. To authenticate the results of this study, the damping of the core layer goes to zero. Therefore, the numerical results in this special case are compared with those of isotropic shells. The results prove that the presented model has high accuracy. It is also designated that decreasing the power-law exponent of the core leads to improving the sound transmission loss through the thickness of the construction. Besides, in addition to probe some configurations versus alterations of frequencies and dimensions, the convergence algorithm is provided. Consequently, it is realized that by increasing the excitation frequency, the minimum number of modes to find the convergence conditions is enhanced. The results also contain a comparison between the sound transmission loss coefficient for four different models of a core of a sandwiched cylindrical shell. It is comprehended that the presented model has a transmission loss coefficient more than the other types of the core at high frequencies.
Field Trip and Its Effect on Traditional Ecological Knowledge Literacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Primary School

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is the best indigenous practice acquired through centuries of experience in contact with nature. The rural area in Tawangmangu District, located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, Indonesia, is rich in TEK, such as folklore, traditional ceremonies, performing arts, planting systems, and harvesting systems that are starting to be abandoned young. Teaching TEK by bringing students to learning resources allows literacy to occur in cognitive and affective aspects. This study was conducted to determine the effect of teaching through field trips on improving the literacy of local elementary school students in TEK literacy. The study was conducted through a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. Learning in the experimental class is carried out outside the home with field trips in small groups (4-6 students), while the control class is carried out using a distance learning system via WhatsApp and radio broadcasts at each student's home. The results show a significant effect of the field trip method on TEK literacy, both in cognitive and affective aspects. d Cohen's analysis shows the effect is quite significant. The level of mastery of TEK material in the field trip class is significantly higher than in the non-field trip class. In addition, students in the field trip class also showed higher pro-environment attitudes than students in the non-field trip class. It is recommended that environmental or local cultural education be held through field visits in small groups to reduce student boredom following distance learning during the pandemic in rural areas.
The use of liquefied petroleum gas (lpg) and natural gas in gas turbine jet engines

This paper compares the performance of JP-8(Jet Propellant) fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas in the F110 GE100 jet engine. The cost of natural gas usage in gas turbine engines is lower than JP-8 and LPG. LPG cost is more than JP-8. LPG volume is bigger than JP-8 in the same flight conditions. Fuel tank should be cryogenic for using natural gas in the aircraft. Cost and weight of the cryogenic tanks are bigger. Cryogenic tanks decrease the move capability of the aircraft. The use of jet propellant (JP) is the best in available application for F110 GE 100 jet engine.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging Disclosed Spatial Distribution of Defense-Related Metabolites in Triticum spp.

Fusarium Head Blight is the most common fungal disease that strongly affects Triticum spp. , reducing crop yield and leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites. Several studies have investigated the plant metabolic response to counteract mycotoxins accumulation. However, information on the precise location where the defense mechanism is taking place is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the specific tissue distribution of defense metabolites in two Triticum species and use this information to postulate on the metabolites’ functional role, unlocking the “location-to-function” paradigm. To address this challenge, transversal cross-sections were obtained from the middle of the grains. They were analyzed using an atmospheric-pressure (AP) SMALDI MSI source (AP-SMALDI5 AF, TransMIT GmbH, Giessen, Germany) coupled to a Q Exactive HF (Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Bremen, Germany) orbital trapping mass spectrometer. Our result revealed the capability of (AP)-SMALDI MSI instrumentation to finely investigate the spatial distribution of wheat defense metabolites, such as hydroxycinnamic acid amides, oxylipins, linoleic and α-linoleic acids, galactolipids, and glycerolipids.
Pressure Sensor Placement for Leak Localization in Water Distribution Networks Using Information Theory

This paper presents a method for optimal pressure sensor placement in water distribution networks using information theory. The criterion for selecting the network nodes where to place the pressure sensors was that they provide the most useful information for locating leaks in the network. Considering that the node pressures measured by the sensors can be correlated (mutual information), a subset of sensor nodes in the network was chosen. The relevance of information was maximized, and information redundancy was minimized simultaneously. The selection of the nodes where to place the sensors was performed on datasets of pressure changes caused by multiple leak scenarios, which were synthetically generated by simulation using the EPANET software application. In order to select the optimal subset of nodes, the candidate nodes were ranked using a heuristic algorithm with quadratic computational cost, which made it time-efficient compared to other sensor placement algorithms. The sensor placement algorithm was implemented in MATLAB and tested on the Hanoi network. It was verified by exhaustive analysis that the selected nodes were the best combination to place the sensors and detect leaks.
Alleviation of Dyslipidemia via a Traditional Balanced Korean Diet Represented by a Low Glycemic and Low Cholesterol Diet in Obese Women in a Randomized Controlled Trial

A traditional balanced Korean diet (K-diet) may improve energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. To evaluate this, we conducted a randomized crossover clinical trial, involving participants aged 30–40 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups—a K-diet or westernized Korean control diet daily, with an estimated energy requirement (EER) of 1900 kcal. After a 4-week washout period, they switched the diet and followed it for 4 weeks. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratios based on energy intake were close to the target values for the K-diet (65:15:20) and control diet (60:15:25). The glycemic index of the control diet and the K-diet was 50.3 ± 3.6 and 68.1 ± 2.9, respectively, and daily cholesterol contents in the control diet and K-diet were 280 and 150 mg, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters involved in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism were measured while plasma metabolites were determined using UPLC-QTOF-MS before and after the 4-week intervention. After the four-week intervention, both diets improved anthropometric and biochemical variables, but the K-diet significantly reduced them compared to the control diet. Serum total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. The waist circumference (p = 0.108) and insulin resistance index (QUICKI, p = 0.089) tended to be lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. Plasma metabolites indicated that participants in the K-diet group tended to reduce insulin resistance compared to those in the control diet group. Amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids, tyrosine, tryptophan, and glutamate, and L-homocysteine concentrations were considerably lower in the K-diet group than in the control diet group (p < 0.05). Plasma glutathione concentrations, an index of antioxidant status, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations, were higher in the K-diet group than in the control diet group. In conclusion, a K-diet with adequate calories to meet EER alleviated dyslipidemia by decreasing insulin resistance-related amino acids and increasing ketones in the circulation of obese women.
Permutation Entropy-Based Interpretability of Convolutional Neural Network Models for Interictal EEG Discrimination of Subjects with Epileptic Seizures vs. Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures

The differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) may be difficult, due to the lack of distinctive clinical features. The interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) signal may also be normal in patients with ES. Innovative diagnostic tools that exploit non-linear EEG analysis and deep learning (DL) could provide important support to physicians for clinical diagnosis. In this work, 18 patients with new-onset ES (12 males, 6 females) and 18 patients with video-recorded PNES (2 males, 16 females) with normal interictal EEG at visual inspection were enrolled. None of them was taking psychotropic drugs. A convolutional neural network (CNN) scheme using DL classification was designed to classify the two categories of subjects (ES vs. PNES). The proposed architecture performs an EEG time-frequency transformation and a classification step with a CNN. The CNN was able to classify the EEG recordings of subjects with ES vs. subjects with PNES with 94.4% accuracy. CNN provided high performance in the assigned binary classification when compared to standard learning algorithms (multi-layer perceptron, support vector machine, linear discriminant analysis and quadratic discriminant analysis). In order to interpret how the CNN achieved this performance, information theoretical analysis was carried out. Specifically, the permutation entropy (PE) of the feature maps was evaluated and compared in the two classes. The achieved results, although preliminary, encourage the use of these innovative techniques to support neurologists in early diagnoses.