Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To What Extent Does Distributed Leadership Support Principal Instructional Leadership? Evidence from TALIS 2013 Data

ABSTRACT In the literature, studies examined either distributed leadership’s (DL), or principal instructional leadership’s (PIL) effect on student learning. However, few studies examined the relationship between DL and PIL, and it is unknown to what extent DL supports PIL. We explored this gap by examining both principals’ and teachers’ perception data of the two constructs from the TALIS 2013. The SEM and Multilevel SEM revealed consistent findings that DL supports PIL, with an impressive school-level effect size (r 2 = 30.1%, 95%CI = [27.8%, 32.4%]) based on aggregated teachers’ perception data. We provided implications regarding the research approach, leadership practice, and educational policies.
Investigation of the combustion, thermal and mechanical characteristics of rigid polyurethane foam added with talc and intumescent flame retardant

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of talc/intumescent flame retardant additions on thermal, burning, and mechanical characteristics of the rigid polyurethane foams. At this purpose, the talc which mainly includes SiO2, MgO and CaO and an intumescent flame retardant which is composed of ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol was incorporated into the foam at various weight loadings. The cone calorimeter tests, UL94 tests, thermogravimetric analyses and thermal conductivity measurements were done for investigation of the thermal and burning characteristics. In general, additions of the talc and the talc/the intumescent flame retardant enhanced the thermal and the fire resistance of the foams. However, the best fire resistance was achieved with a composition which include 10 wt % the intumescent flame retardant and 5 wt % talc. The addition of this composition resulted in 32% reduction in the total heat release value.
Salinity in Jatropha curcas: A Review of Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Factors Involved

Jatropha curcas is a woody-shrub species of the Euphorbiaceae family that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. The great interest in its cultivation lies in the potential for achieving elevated yields of a high-quality oil. Another characteristic that makes J. curcas promising is its ability to produce green energy even in high-salinity soils. For a commercial cultivation to be considered effectively competent to withstand these conditions, it must produce enough to offset production costs. There is no doubt that J. curcas is considered promising, but numerous pilot projects for the commercial planting of J. curcas have failed worldwide, mainly due to a lack of reliable scientific knowledge about the species, its food security, and (mainly) its instability in commercial fruit production. The main goal of this review was to compile published results on tolerance/resistance or sensitivity to salt stress in J. curcas. Updating the knowledge on this theme may allow for researchers to trace strategies for future studies of stress physiology in this promising oil seed species.
Automated Classification of Cognitive Workload Levels Based on Psychophysiological and Behavioural Variables of Ex-Gaussian Distributional Features

The study is focused on applying ex-Gaussian parameters of eye-tracking and cognitive measures in the classification process of cognitive workload level. A computerised version of the digit symbol substitution test has been developed in order to perform the case study. The dataset applied in the study is a collection of variables related to eye-tracking: saccades, fixations and blinks, as well as test-related variables including response time and correct response number. The application of ex-Gaussian modelling to all collected data was beneficial in the context of detection of dissimilarity in groups. An independent classification approach has been applied in the study. Several classical classification methods have been invoked in the process. The overall classification accuracy reached almost 96%. Furthermore, the interpretable machine learning model based on logistic regression was adapted in order to calculate the ranking of the most valuable features, which allowed us to examine their importance.
Simulation Study of Different OPM-MEG Measurement Components

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging technique that measures the magnetic fields of the brain outside of the head. In the past, the most suitable magnetometer for MEG was the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), but in recent years, a new type has also been used, the optically pumped magnetometer (OPM). OPMs can be configured to measure multiple directions of magnetic field simultaneously. This work explored whether combining multiple directions of the magnetic field lowers the source localization error of brain sources under various conditions of noise. We simulated dipolar-like sources for multiple configurations of both SQUID- and OPM-MEG systems. To test the performance of a given layout, we calculated the average signal-to-noise ratio and the root mean square of the simulated magnetic field; furthermore, we evaluated the performance of the dipole fit. The results showed that the field direction normal to the scalp yields a higher signal-to-noise ratio and that ambient noise has a much lower impact on its localization error; therefore, this is the optimal choice for source localization when only one direction of magnetic field can be measured. For a low number of OPMs, combining multiple field directions greatly improves the source localization results. Lastly, we showed that MEG sensors that can be placed closer to the brain are more suitable for localizing deeper sources.
Discrepancy Between Desired Time in Bed and Desired Total Sleep Time, Insomnia, Depression, and Dysfunctional Beliefs About Sleep Among the General Population

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the factors that can influence the severity of insomnia in the general population. We also aimed to examine whether sleep effort mediates the association between dysfunctional beliefs about sleep or the discrepancy between desired time in bed and desired total sleep time (DBST) and insomnia severity in individuals. Methods A total of 387 participants enrolled in this e-survey study. The symptoms were rated using the insomnia severity index (ISI), Patients Health Questionnaire-9 items, Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep-2 items, Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale, and Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items. In addition, we defined a new sleep index named the DBST index. A linear regression analysis was performed to explore the factors predicting ISI scores, and mediation analysis was implemented to explore whether persistent preoccupation with sleep mediated the influence of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and DBST on insomnia severity. Results A linear regression analysis investigated depression (β=0.17, p<0.001), sleep effort (β=0.50, p<0.001), dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (β=0.13, p=0.001), and DBST (β=0.09, p=0.014) (adjusted R2=0.50, F=65.7, p<0.001). Additionally, we observed that persistent preoccupation with sleep partially mediated the influence of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and DBST on insomnia severity. Conclusion Depression, preoccupation with sleep, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and DBST influenced the insomnia severity of the general population. We also observed that a persistent preoccupation with sleep partially mediated the influence of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep and the DBST index on insomnia severity.
Application of Plagiarism Screening Software in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum

Plagiarism is an area of increasing concern for written ChE assignments, such as laboratory and design reports, due to ease of access to text and other materials via the internet. This study examines the application of plagiarism screening software to four courses in a university chemical engineering curriculum. The effectiveness of plagiarism screening software and student views on instructor use of the software are examined. Best practices for instructors using plagiarism screening software are suggested.
Minimally invasive repeat liver resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review of the current literature

Background: The diffusion of minimally invasive liver surgery led to its application to the most complex resections. Some reports reported the possibility to perform a laparoscopic or robotic repeat hepatectomy. The present study aims to review the available series of patients undergoing a minimally invasive repeat liver resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A systematic review was carried out through the PubMed and Embase databases. All English language original articles (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series) pertinent to minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) repeat resection for recurrent HCC and published before December 2021 were considered. The following exclusion criteria were used: topic out of the scope of the review; mixed series including HCC patients without the possibility to extract specific data for HCC; studies on animals or simulation; case reports; and reviews. The quality of comparative studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Short- and long-term results were identified and summarized. Results: Eastern centers) with a total of 1,143 patients. Only two studies reported procedures; 492 were performed after a previous open hepatectomy. Most had a small recurrence (only had multifocal HCC; the median tumor size 30 mm in one study and ranged between 12 and 25 mm in the Major hepatectomy was performed in 3% of patients (33/1,065, missing data in 78 patients), resection of posterosuperior segments in 29% (303/1,046), and anatomic resection in 19% (92/475). Overall, the conversion rate was 6% (32/495). blood loss ranged from 50 to 200 mL. Only three patients (0.3%) had 90-day mortality. The overall and severe morbidity rates were 5–27% and 0–9%, respectively. Ascites occurred in 14/1,024 patients (1.4%) and bile in 20/1,021 (2%). Liver failure and were anecdotal (two and one cases). Ten studies compared the outcomes of laparoscopic and open repeat hepatectomies: the first group had less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and, in two series, lower morbidity rates. status and survival rates were similar between groups but rarely analyzed. Four studies compared the laparoscopic repeat hepatectomies vs. laparoscopic first resections: the two had similar results except for a longer operative time for the repeat procedures. low risk of liver failure and ascites and, in comparison with open resections, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. Further data is needed to confirm its oncological adequacy.
Deep Cryogenic Treatment Characteristics of a Deformation-Processed Cu-Ni-Co-Si Alloy

This paper investigated the influence of deep cryogenic treatments (DCT) on the tensile strength, elongation to fracture and conductivity of a deformation-processed Cu-Ni-Co-Si alloy. The tensile properties were measured using a mechanical testing machine. The conductivity was evaluated using a low-resistance tester. The microstructure and precipitated phases were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The tensile strength, elongation to fracture and conductivity of the Cu-1.34Ni-1.02Co-0.61Si alloy before and after cold rolling at 47% reduction increased with increasing DCT time and tended to be stable at about 36 h. The microstructure became more uniform after the DCT. The grain size was refined and was smallest after DCT for 48 h. The DCT promoted the precipitation of the solid solution elements Ni, Co and Si from the Cu matrix to form many fine and evenly distributed 20–70 nm spherical second-phase particles in the grains and grain boundaries.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Tart Cherry Consumption in the Heart of Obese Rats

Simple Summary Obesity is a well-known condition responsible for being a risk factor for cardiovascular disease progression. The intake of bioactive phytochemicals, contained in red fruits, is attracting great attention since their benefits have been attributed mostly to their possible antioxidant properties. We aimed to assess the potential effects from the daily supplementation of tart cherries, both seeds and juice, in obese animals. Our results showed that tart cherries reduced oxidative stress and mitigated the inflammation in the hearts of obese rats. Indeed, we propose this fruit in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases related to obesity. Abstract Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, frequently related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Dietary antioxidant compounds improve heart health. Here, we estimate the oxidative grade and inflammation in the heart of dietary-induced obese (DIO) rats after exposure to a high-fat diet compared to a standard diet. The effects of tart cherry seed powder and seed powder plus tart cherries juice were explored. Morphological analysis and protein expressions were performed in the heart. The oxidative status was assessed by the measurement of protein oxidation and 4-hydroxynonenal in samples. Immunochemical and Western blot assays were performed to elucidate the involved inflammatory markers as proinflammatory cytokines and cellular adhesion molecules. In the obese rats, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was accompanied by an increase in oxidative state proteins and lipid peroxidation. However, the intake of tart cherries significantly changed these parameters. An anti-inflammatory effect was raised from tart cherry consumption, as shown by the downregulation of analyzed endothelial cell adhesion molecules and cytokines compared to controls. Tart cherry intake should be recommended as a dietary supplement to prevent or counteract heart injury in obese conditions.
Comparing the efficiency and robustness of state-of-the-art experimental designs for stated choice modeling: A simulation analysis

Among the ways to construct experimental designs having been proposed, orthogonal design, uniform design, and D-efficient design are state-of-the-art methods. This article provides detailed comparisons on the efficiency and robustness among these methods with three case studies in multinomial logit and mixed multinomial logit models. ND-error values and the departures of D-errors corresponding to misspecification of prior information are used as measurements of design efficiency and design robustness, respectively. Design methods are described, and designs with various numbers of runs are constructed. The results indicate that (a) when parameter priors are available, D-efficient design method outperforms the other two methods, in terms of design efficiency, while uniform design and orthogonal design methods are comparable with each other; (b) there will be efficiency loss when D-efficient design that constructed for specific model is implemented in other ones; (c) all three methods have comparable robustness against misspecifications in parameter prior values; however, the effect of misspecification in prior distribution is massive when D-efficient design is used in mixed multinomial logit model; and (d) when parameter priors are unknown, uniform design is suggested to be used in the construction of experimental designs.
Constitutive and Adaptive Traits of Environmental Stress Tolerance in the Threatened Halophyte Limonium angustebracteatum Erben (Plumbaginaceae)

Limonium angustebracteatum is a halophyte endemic to the E and SE Iberian Peninsula with interest in conservation. Salt glands represent an important adaptive trait in recretohalophytes like this and other Limonium species, as they allow the excretion of excess salts, reducing the concentration of toxic ions in foliar tissues. This study included the analysis of the salt gland structure, composed of 12 cells, 4 secretory and 8 accessory. Several anatomical, physiological and biochemical responses to stress were also analysed in adult plants subjected to one month of water stress, complete lack of irrigation, and salt stress, by watering with aqueous solutions of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mM NaCl. Plant growth was inhibited by the severe water deficit and, to a lesser extent, by high NaCl concentrations. A variation in the anatomical structure of the leaves was detected under conditions of salt and water stress; plants from the salt stress treatment showed salt glands sunken between epidermal cells, bordered by very large epidermal cells, whereas in those from the water stress treatment, the epidermal cells were heterogeneous in shape and size. In both, the palisade structure of the leaves was altered. Salt excretion is usually accompanied by the accumulation of salts in the foliar tissue. This was also found in L. angustebracteatum, in which the concentration of all ions analysed was higher in the leaves than in the roots. The increase of K+ in the roots of plants subjected to water stress was also remarkable. The multivariate analysis indicated differences in water and salt stress responses, such as the accumulation of Na and Cl, or proline, but K+ homeostasis played a relevant role in the mechanism of tolerance to both stressful conditions.
System Requirements for Electrically Conductive Concrete Heated Pavements

Ice and snow on airport pavements can contribute to flight cancellations and delays. Traditional deicing methods that involve chemical or salt application can cause environmental or structural damage to airport infrastructure. Electric heated pavements, in which electric heating energy is transferred to the pavement via embedded insulated conductors or conductive materials to maintain surface temperatures above freezing, have gained attention as a promising technology for mitigating snow and ice accumulation. The objective of the study was to identify the requirements of an electrically conductive concrete (ECON) heated pavement system to achieve cost-effective performance. A small-scale prototype ECON heated slab was designed and constructed with the optimized ECON mixture recently developed at Iowa State University and then tested to determine its performance and efficiency. The energy consumption and energy cost of the prototype ECON slab were found to be the lowest of the electric heated pavement systems developed to date. The cost-effective two-layer design also can be implemented for large-scale ECON-based heated pavements by using a precast concrete technique, concrete overlay, and two-lift paving. From the prototype ECON slab results, a design flow chart and three-dimensional visualizations were developed to discuss the design and construction procedures for real, large-scale applications.
The role of imported intermediates in productivity change

We address the role of imported intermediates in productivity by applying a methodology that proposes an equivalence between input–output analysis and data envelopment analysis, and decomposes sectoral productivity gains into two factors: efficiency change and technical change. We illustrate this by using data for Spain in the 2008–2015 period with three levels of labor skills, capital, and twenty-eight industries, and compare the results of two different settings: one including only domestic intermediates and the other incorporating total (i.e. both domestic and imported) inputs. We find differential results regarding productivity, efficiency, and technical changes that are attributable to imported intermediates. We also find that the main drivers of productivity change are high-skilled labor and the manufacturing sector. Our results suggest the importance of both trade and educational policies that respectively foster international economic complementarities and promote higher qualification of labor.
Application of Material Standards and ISO Quality Management Systems

Since the early 1970’s, the pipeline construction and operation industry has supported the development and implementation of various material standards and specifications. The emphases within the pipeline energy industry was to standardize manufacturing and performance testing processes in the provision of a product which would ensure public safety and reliability of service. The pipeline segment of the energy industry has succeeded in incorporating minimum quality levels by way of industry standards, codes, regulatory requirements and propriety company standards. In addition to these minimum product requirements quality assurance programs have been introduced to enhance the likelihood of conformance to the applicable requirements. In 1975, Canada became the first country to prepare and publish quality system standards for commercial use (Z299 standards). International quality system standards development proliferated in the following years, leading to the establishment of the ISO/TC 176 work team which subsequently led to the issue of the internationally accepted ISO 9000 series of standards.This paper will review both the concept and stages of development of CSA pipe and coating standards. It will also analyze the impact that international standards for Quality Management Systems are having in establishing systematic approaches to assessing levels of quality during material manufacture. Finally, a vision of the possible road to the future will be drawn and the positive impacts for the pipeline industry will be projected from a full life cycle cost perspective.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Evaluation of CAG repeat length in the androgen receptor gene and polycystic ovary syndrome risk in Iranian women: A case-control study

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder, which affects about 15-20% of women of reproductive age. The most important etiopathogenesis factor in its incidence is hyperandrogenism; over 70 candidate genes are known to be associated with this syndrome, such as the androgen receptor (AR) gene which encodes a steroid receptor and is located on the Xq11-12 chromosome. The N-terminus of exon 1 of AR contains a polymorphic trinucleotide repeat (CAG)n region that encodes glutamine tract. There are some studies showing that shorter AR CAG repeats are significantly related to enhanced AR sensitivity. Objective This study investigated the frequency of the polymorphic expansion of the trinucleotide CAG repeats of AR in PCOS. Materials and Methods 160 Iranian women aged 17-40 yr participated in this case-control study: 80 women as PCOS patients and 80 women as healthy controls according to the Rotterdam criteria. Other similar phenotype factors such as hyperandrogenism were not considered as PCOS. The frequency of polymorphic expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in PCOS patients was compared with the frequency in non-PCOS controls in using two primer sets for nested polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction products were visualized on polyacrylamide gel and then were confirmed by a sequencing process. Results The results did not show a significant correlation between the frequency of CAG repeats in AR and PCOS incidence. Conclusion In contrast to some previous reports, the present data showed that the CAG length in PCOS cases did not significantly differ from that of controls. So, the AR (CAG)n does not appear to be a major factor for PCOS in Iranian women.