Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What We Talk about When We Talk about Rigor: Examining Conceptions of Academic Rigor

ABSTRACT Academic rigor has long been considered important for students’ learning and development in higher education. However, findings about students’ outcomes from previous studies of rigor are mixed, in part because of varying conceptions of what constitutes rigor. In quantitative research, rigor is often operationalized in one of two ways: through students’ workload in courses or through their instructors’ expectations for course learning in the form of cognitive challenge. This study employed data from a multi-institutional, longitudinal study of undergraduates in the United States to examine the relationship of both conceptions of rigor with students’ cognitive development, including their critical thinking skills and two measures of self-motivated learning (need for cognition and positive attitudes toward literacy). Workload was related to four-year growth in positive attitudes about reading and writing, while cognitive challenge was related to self-motivated learning in year one and all three aspects of cognitive development in year four. In particular, the amount of reading that students completed was the only measure of workload positively associated with outcomes, while both challenge in class and in exams and assignments played a role. These findings have implications for instructors, instructional developers, institutional leaders, and researchers in higher education.
Effects of Electrolytes, Water, and Temperature on Cross-Linking of Glutaraldehyde and Hydrolyzed Specified Risk Material

The effects of salt, water, and temperature on the cross-linking of peptones with glutaraldehyde were studied. At low reaction temperatures, amine groups from peptones form Schiff bases with carbonyl groups of glutaraldehyde. The resulting C═N bond is weak and can be easily broken by heat or dissolution in water. As the reaction temperature is increased, the more stable C—N bond is formed. A network with low water solubility and significantly improved thermal stability is produced. The presence of salt (sodium chloride) increases the miscibility of peptones and glutaraldehyde solution but also increases the water solubility of the final product. The presence of water also has a dual effect. Water acts as a medium to disperse peptones into glutaraldehyde and is also a hydrogen source to drive the reaction forward. However, water is a byproduct of the reaction. Its presence suppresses the reaction from the standpoint of thermodynamic equilibrium, and it must therefore be driven off (by heat).
Impact of Women and Independent Directors on Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Economy

The purpose of our study is to investigate the impact of women and independent directors on corporate social responsibility and financial performance. We use the fixed effect regression model as a baseline methodology. The data set includes information from 2010 to 2019 regarding Chinese non-financial companies, from which we use yearly information. The RSK rating is used for the assessment of corporate social responsibility reporting, ranging from 0 to 100, and other data are taken from the China stock market and accounting research (CSMAR) database. We use a two-stage least square (TSLS) regression model to control the possible problem of endogeneity. The empirical results show that gender diversity in boards significantly and positively affects CSR reporting. We do not find an effect due to non-executive directors on CSR reporting. The presence of non-executive directors on a board is mostly trivial in the case of China, as they do not have much influence with regard to decision making, especially related to CSR reporting. The control variables, such as board size, board member meeting frequency and leverage, are also found to have a significant effect on CSR reporting. Therefore, our results add a new aspect to the emerging literature on CSR reporting, especially in China. Furthermore, our results are robust with regard to the alternative variables under consideration. Our study has important implications. Our research enriches the existing literature on CSR and highlights the importance of female and independent directors having an impact on decisions related to the increased reporting of CSR activities. Our study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a pioneering investigation of the effect of female and independent directors on CSR reporting, as well as shedding light on the relationship in the context of an emerging economy.
Frequency of conjunctivitis among farmers of district vehari, Punjab, Pakistan

Conjunctivitis is very common type of ocular problem occurring worldwide due to many type of microorganism and if not managed appropriately and timely can lead to corneal perforation or blindness Objective: To find out the frequency of conjunctivitis among farmers in District Vehari. ­ Method: It was community based, cross sectional descriptive study, quantitative method was applied. The villages were selected randomly and subjects were communicated by door to door approach and examined personally with the help of ophthalmoscope and torch light. Result: A Total 200 Farmers were examined during the study period in which 33 (16.5%) Farmers were found to have conjunctivitis. Among these 29 (14.5%) patients had bacterial and 4 patients (2%) had viral conjunctivitis. And no patient was found to had allergic conjunctivitis. Conclusion: Protective measures are very important to protect eyes from any sort of pathogens and in this study maximum population were not using any protective measures while doing almost 6 hours outdoor work. Literacy rate was very poor because maximum number of patients were not getting treatment from qualified eye specialist instead of having bacterial conjunctivitis.
Glass powder replacement in self-compacting concrete and its effect on rheological and mechanical properties

Abstract The effect of replacement of Portland cement using glass powder on fresh and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) was investigated in this study. A standard SCC mix design was used with substitution with either fly ash or glass powder of different fineness and replacement levels. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus were measured at 7, 28, 90, 180, 365, and 545 days. Rheological testing found that SCC containing glass powder had consistently higher yield shear stress than the control despite testing being conducted at optimum slump flow levels. Replacement of Portland cement with glass powder was found to reduce strength performance in the shorter-term but longer-term strengths were comparable. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of SCC containing glass powder were consistent with design guidelines and can be reliably predicted from compressive strength as is typically used in structural design.
Association of serum vitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance which after activation becomes hormone. This vitamin is found in two forms; vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol which is manufactured by plants or fungus and vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol which is the most effective form in human body. Vitamin D plays significant role in bone mineralization through the maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Several evidence suggests that vitamin D influences several pathophysiological processes and is also known to modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. Vitamin D deficiency is responsible for the risk of several chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among pregnant women. Several important functions in pregnancy, including glucose homeostasis, placental function, inflammatory response and infection control has been linked with Vitamin D. Increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and small-for-gestational-age is related with vitamin D deficiency. Macrosomia, birth trauma, respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, hypoglycemia, an increased rate of primary cesarean section , preterm labor, are the complications of infant of mother with GDM. Infants of mothers with GDM are at a higher risk of obesity ABSTRACT
Prenatal Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane Exposure Impaired Proliferation of Neuronal Progenitor, Leading to Motor, Cognition, Social and Behavioral Functions

Cyclic siloxane octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) has raised concerns as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). D4 is widely used in detergent products, cosmetics, and personal care products. Recently, robust toxicological data for D4 has been reported, but the adverse effects of D4 on brain development are unknown. Here, pregnant mice on gestational day 9.5 were treated daily with D4 to postnatal day 28, and the offspring mice were studied. The prenatal D4-treated mice exhibited cognitive dysfunction, limited memory, and motor learning defect. Moreover, prenatal D4 exposure reduced the proliferation of neuronal progenitors in the offspring mouse brain. Next, the mechanisms through which D4 regulated the cell cycle were investigated. Aberrant gene expression, such as cyclin-dependent kinases CDK6 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27, were found in the prenatal D4-treated mice. Furthermore, the estrogen receptors ERa and ERb were increased in the brain of prenatal D4-treated mice. Overall, these findings suggest that D4 exerts estrogen activity that affects the cell cycle progression of neuronal progenitor cells during neurodevelopment, which may be associated with cognitive deficits in offspring.
Interaction between Casein and Soybean Soluble Polysaccharide during Acidification

Interactions between stabilizer and casein were believed to influence the texture and stabilizing behavior of fermented milk. In this study, interactions between Soybean Soluble Polysaccharide (SSPS) and casein were studied by investigated the properties of potentiometric titration, turbidity, ζ-potential and particle size. Attractive interaction of SSPS with caseins was initiated at pH 5.3. By adding SSPS, the values of turbidity and ζ-potential were much lower than casein alone at the same pH during acidification. It was confirmed that the process of desorption during neutralization was irreversible which resulted from the decrease of ζ-potential and the changes of particle diameter. The study of interactions between negatively charged SSPS and casein could have important theoretical and practical implications in the stabilizing behavior in acid milk drinks.
STUDIES ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF VOLATILE OIL OF DICTYOPHORA ECHINOVOLVATA

The volatile oil of Dictyophora echinovolvata is extracted by water-steaming method.The extraction rate is 0.45%. The chemical compositions of the volatile oil have been identified by means of the Gas Chromategraphy-Mass Spectrometry. Twenty nine compositions have been identified from 36 separated peaks.The major components are Oxacyclotetradecan-2-one,13-methyl-(23.53%), 9,12- Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (17.56%), Selinene(12.37%), Hexadecanoic acid(8.20%), 9-Hexadecenoic acid (7.84%), (-)-Lepidozenal (7.82%), etc. The identified components make up to 97.76% the quality of volatile oil. Antimicrobial activity of the volatile oil has been preliminarily tested. The results showed that P.chrysogenum and S.cerevisiae were most sensitive, next came R.nigricans and A.niger ,and then C.albicans, S. aureus and E. coli.
The bud rot pathogens infecting cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., marijuana) inflorescences: symptomology, species identification, pathogenicity and biological control

Abstract Bud rot pathogens cause diseases on Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis, hemp) worldwide through pre- and post-harvest infections of the inflorescence. Seven indoor or outdoor cannabis production sites and three hemp fields were sampled for bud rot and stem canker presence during 2019–2020. Among 178 isolates recovered from diseased tissues, sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA, the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) gene and the heat shock 60 (HSP) gene identified the following: Botrytis cinerea (162 isolates), B. pseudocinerea (2), B. porri (1), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (5), Diaporthe eres (3) and Fusarium graminearum (5). Pathogenicity studies conducted on fresh detached cannabis buds inoculated with spore suspensions or mycelial plugs showed that B. cinerea, S. sclerotiorum and F. graminearum were the most virulent, while B. pseudocinerea, B. porri and D. eres caused significantly less bud rot. Optimal growth of Botrytis species occurred at 15–25°C. In vitro antagonism tests showed that Bacillus spp. , Trichoderma asperellum and Gliocladium catenulatum inhibited B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum colony growth. When applied as a spray 48 h prior to B. cinerea inoculation, all biocontrol agents significantly (P < 0.01) reduced disease development on detached inflorescences. Prolific growth and sporulation of T. asperellum and G. catenulatum were observed on bud tissues. The pathogens B. porri, S. sclerotiorum, D. eres and F. graminearum are described for the first time as cannabis bud rot pathogens. Inoculum from neighbouring fields of diseased garlic, cabbage, blueberry and hay pasture, respectively, likely initiated infection of inflorescences. Several biological control agents show potential for disease reduction through competitive exclusion.
Fostering Ph.D. aspirations among upward transfer students in computing

ABSTRACT Background Students who transfer from community colleges in pursuit of four-year degrees (i.e., upward transfer students) represent a diverse and talented group that is critical to advancing gender equity in STEM. However, research has not yet explored factors that promote Ph.D. aspirations among upward transfer computing students, resulting in missed opportunities to support this unique group. Objective We examine the predictors of upward transfer computing students’ Ph.D. aspirations, focusing on how these patterns might be unique for upward transfer women. Method Relying on longitudinal survey data from upward transfer students across 15 research universities, we use logistic regression with interaction terms to identify the predictors of Ph.D. aspirations. Findings We found that Ph.D. aspirations were especially frequent among upward transfer women, 14% of whom aspired to earn a Ph.D. Other results highlight the importance of faculty encouragement for graduate study in predicting all upward transfer students’ Ph.D. aspirations. Beyond the direct role of such faculty encouragement, perceptions of computing faculty uniquely predicted Ph.D. aspirations for upward transfer women. Implications Our findings provide insight into how to bolster more equitable access to faculty mentorship, support students throughout the transfer process, and create inclusive faculty policies, which impact students’ perceptions of academia.
Investigation of Alkali-Silica Reactivity in Sustainable Ultrahigh Performance Concrete

Considering its superior engineering properties, ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a strong contender to replace normal strength concrete (NSC) in diverse construction applications. While the mechanical properties of UHPC have been thoroughly explored, there is still dearth of studies that quantify the durability of UHPC, especially for sustainable mixtures made with local materials. Therefore, this research aims at investigating the alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) potential in sustainable UHPC in comparison with that of NSC. Sustainable UHPC mixtures were prepared using waste untreated coal ash (CA), raw slag (RS), and locally produced steel fibers. UHPC and benchmark NSC specimens were cast for assessing the compressive strength, flexural strength, and ASR expansion. Specimens were exposed to two curing regimes: accelerated ASR conditions (as per ASTM C1260) and normal water curing. UHPC specimens incorporating RS achieved higher compressive and flexural strengths in comparison with that of identical UHPC specimens made with CA. ASR expansion of control NSC specimens exceeded the ASTM C1260 limits (>0.20% at 28 days). Conversely, experimental results demonstrate that UHPC specimens incurred much less ASR expansion, well below the ASTM C1260 limits. Moreover, UHPC specimens incorporating steel fibers exhibited lower expansion compared to that of companion UHPC specimens without fibers. It was also observed that the mechanical properties of NSC specimens suffered more drastic degradation under accelerated ASR exposure compared to UHPC specimens. Interestingly, UHPC specimens exposed to accelerated ASR conditions attained higher mechanical properties compared to that of reference identical specimens cured in normal water. Therefore, it can be concluded that ASR exposure had insignificant effect on sustainable UHPC incorporating CA and RS, especially for specimens incorporating fibers. Results indicate that UHPC is a robust competitor to NSC for the construction of mega-scale projects where exposure to ASR conducive conditions prevails.
Relationship between Exposure to Cigarette Smoke in Houses and The Incidence of Hypertension in Housewives

Background: Hypertension is still a major health problem in the world. One of the factors causing hypertension is exposure to cigarette smoke. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between cigarette smoke exposure and the incidence of hypertension in housewives in houses in Dampit village. Methods: This research adopted an analytical observational approach. This was a cross-sectional design study. The population for this study was all housewives in Dampit village in March 2020. A total number of 115 housewives was selected using the cluster proportional random sampling technique. The dependent variable was the incidence of hypertension; the independent variables were the duration of cigarette smoke exposure in houses, the number of instances contact was made by being in close proximity to smokers, and the contact duration with smokers. Data collection was done by interviewing respondents using a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using frequency tables and Epi Info. Results: The study indicated that there was a relationship between the duration of cigarette smoke exposure (over 33 years) in houses with the incidence of hypertension in housewives (p=0.01; OR=3.52; 95%CI=1.53–8.05). Similarly, there was a relationship established between the number of occasions contact was made by being in close proximity to smokers every day (over three times every day) (p=0.01; OR=36; 95%CI=7.64–168.76) and the contact duration with smokers (p=0.01; OR=8.09; 95%CI=3.13–20.87) with the incidence of hypertension in housewives. Conclusion: There was a link between the duration of cigarette smoke exposure in houses, the number of instances of being in close proximity to smokers every day, and the contact duration with smokers with the incidence of hypertension in housewives in Dampit village.
Persistent Political Engagement: Social Interactions and the Dynamics of Protest Movements

We study the causes of sustained participation in political movements. To identify the persistent effect of protest participation, we randomly indirectly incentivize Hong Kong university students into participation in an antiauthoritarian protest. To identify the role of social networks, we randomize this treatment’s intensity across major-cohort cells. We find that incentives to attend one protest within a political movement increase subsequent protest attendance but only when a sufficient fraction of an individual’s social network is also incentivized to attend the initial protest. One-time mobilization shocks have dynamic consequences, with mobilization at the social network level important for sustained political engagement. (JEL D72, D74, I23, Z13)
Medico-legal application of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 in mild and moderate head injured patients

Abstract: Introduction: Head trauma is considered a frequent cause of death and disability in Egypt and worldwide. Evaluation of head injured patient is required in different forensic settings. Recently, biomarkers have been introduced to predict outcomes of traumatic head injury. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) is one of the novel biomarkers with neuronal specific components. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the medico-legal application of UCH-L1 as a prognostic marker in mild and moderate head injured patients. The current study was conducted on forty-five adult subjects during the period from June 2018 to December 2018. They were divided into: 15 mild head injured patients (group I), 15 moderate head injured patients (group II) and 15 healthy subjects served as controls (group III). All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, head computed tomography scan, and estimation of UCH-L1 concentration. Results: UCH-L1 concentration was significantly higher in group I and II compared to group III, moreover it was significantly higher in group II compared to group I. Significant positive correlations were observed between UCH-L1 concentration and each of hospitalization period and duration of post-traumatic amnesia in all head injured patients. The median concentration of UCH-L1 in patients who developed complications (11.90 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in patients who didn’t have complications (0.04 ng/ml). UCH-L1 could predict complications at cut off value > 0.2 ng/ml. Conclusions: Serum UCH-L1 could be useful for forensic experts to establish cause-effect relationship between poor outcome and trauma in head injured patients.
Exploring the Going Concern Statement, Readability and Length Cues as Indicators of Distress at Italian Companies

ABSTRACT This study explores the going concern statement, readability and length cues as indicators of Italian private companies in default. The results indicate that the disclosures of defaulting companies contain (1) low readability; (2) greater uncertainty and confusing information; and (3) a lengthy going concern statement compared to non-defaulting firms. This is the first study to analyse the going concern statement and its correlation with Italian default by comparing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Italian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Isolation and mass spectroscopic characterization of phytochemicals from the bark of Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd.

ABSTRACT Acacia leucophloea is a medicinal plant used traditionally for treating many diseases. In the present study, phytochemicals were isolated from the bark of A. leucophloea using multiple chromatographic techniques. The separation and isolation were done using column chromatography. The molecular masses of isolated compounds were assigned by electro spray ionization mass spectrometry. The subsequent structure characterization was carried out by a tandem mass spectrometric method. Fragmentation behavior of compounds was investigated using hexapole collision cell mass spectrometry in negative mode. Six phenolic compounds such as catechin, leuco-fisetinidin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, syringic acid, and O-methyl epicatechin were identified. Most of the compounds identified are first report from this plant.