Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effectiveness of Group Games in Enhancing Inhibitory Control in Preschoolers

ABSTRACT Research Findings: Promoting inhibitory control in preschoolers could increase the likelihood of positive developmental trajectories. Nevertheless, to date only a limited number of studies have focused on inhibitory control training, reporting mixed results. To examine the efficacy and the transfer effects of the training on preschoolers, seven group games based on body movement were developed and administered across 15 sessions of 30 minutes each at preschool three times a week for over five weeks. Fifty-one children aged four to five years were randomly assigned to either a control group consisting of 14 girls and 13 boys (Mage = 4.58; S.D. = 0.32) or a training group with 13 girls and 11 boys (Mage = 4.60; S.D. = 0.30). The training group had four subgroups consisting of six children each. The pretests and delayed posttests examined executive functions and pre-academic skills while immediate posttests examined only executive functions. There was three months interval between immediate and delayed posttests. Improvements in inhibitory control, other executive functions, and mathematical cognition in the experimental group were greater than those in the control group. Practice or Policy: This design of group games for inhibitory control in preschoolers is effective and it can be improved by expanding game categories and enhancing training environment.
Transmittance properties of contact lens multipurpose solutions and their effects on a hydrogel lens

Purpose The aim was to assess the compatibility of different multipurpose solutions (MPSs) with one type of silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lens by, assessing the changes in both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light transmissibility of the hydrogel lens caused by the MPSs. Methods The light transmittance from 200-700 nm were measured for the lotrafilcon B blister pack solution (BPS), six MPSs namely, ReNuMultiPlus Multi-Purpose Solution (Bausch and Lomb Inc., Rochester NY, USA.); Complete RevitaLens Multi-Purpose (Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Quarryvale Co. Dublin, Ireland); All In One Light (Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Twickenham, England); SOLO-care AQUA™ (Ciba Vision Corporation Duluth, Georgia, USA.); Biomedics All-in-one solution (CooperVision, Hamble, UK); and HippiaMultiPlus All-in-one solution (Interojo Inc., Kyeonggi-do, Korea), and a lotrafilcon B SiH lens (before and after storage), using a spectrophotometer. Results The UV transmitted through the BPS and the MPS were similar (p >.05, for all), except for the HippiaMultiPlus which was lower (p < 0.001) by 19.8%. Mean transparency values were statistically (p<.001) significantly different between the BPS and the MPSs. All MP solution/SiH lens combinations resulted in relatively high UV transmittance values especially in the UVC spectrum, and significantly increased (p <.001) the visible light transmittance values of the SiH lens. Greater changes in transparency were observed in the ReNu/SiH lens (28.5%) and the Complete RevitaLens/SiH lens (24.9%) combinations. Conclusion The six MPSs showed significant variations in the transmitted UV and visible light. Similar to the BPS, all MPSs were equally transparent, but showed very poor UVA & UVB attenuation, except for the Hippia MultiPlus. The MPS/SiH lens combinations did not significantly affect the lens transparency but it significant increased the lens transmittance of UV radiation, after storage. Further in-vivo studies are needed to validate if this effect is constant.
The axisymmetric computational study of a femoral component to analysis the effect of titanium alloy and diameter variation.

This work presents a numerical approach in order to predict the influence of implant material stiffness in a femoral component design when submitted in compression. The implant success depends on the transferred load to the neighboring bone. The finite element method can be used to analysis the stress and strain distribution in the femoral component allowing to improve the implant selection. For this purpose, 2D axisymmetric computational models of an implant-cement-bone (Model 1), implant-bone (Model 2) and core implant-bone (Model 3) were constructed using the finite element method with ANSYS program. The finite element model was assumed a state of ideal osseointegration, where the cortical bone, cement and implant were assumed as perfectly bonded. Three different implant diameters were chosen and two materials considered, a typical titanium alloy and iso-elastic titanium alloy with low stiffness. The finite element analysis was carried out to calculate the von Mises stress, the shear stress and the strain energy density in all studied models. Also, an analytical procedure, based on the elastic stress theory and applied to composite materials for an axial load, was used to measure the load transferred to the bone. In all results, Model 3 with the vertical graded iso-elastic alloy in vicinity to the bone with high diameter has a good performance.
Optimization of Anodization Parameters in Ti-30Ta Alloy

The current metallic biomaterial still presents failures associated with the bulk alloy and the interface of material/human body. In previous studies, titanium alloy with tantalum showed the elastic modulus decrease in comparison with that of commercially pure (cp) titanium. In this study, surface modification on Ti-30Ta alloy was investigated. Titanium and tantalum were melted, homogenized, cold-worked by a rotary swaging process and solubilized. The anodization process was performed in electrolyte contained glycerol + NH4F 0.25% at 30 V using seven different durations—4 h, 5 h, 6 h, 7 h, 8 h, 9 h, and 10 h and annealed at 530 °C for 1 h. The surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and contact angle. From the results, we conclude the time of anodization process influences the shape and morphology of the anodized layer. The 5 h-anodization process produced a smooth and porous surface. The 4-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-h conditions showed nanotubes morphology. All surfaces are hydrophilic (<90°). Likewise, all the investigated conditions present anatase phase. So, this surface modification presents potential for biomedical application. However, more work needs to be done to better understand the influence of time on the anodization process.
Patient recruitment to a diabetic retinopathy screening trial through optimised patient information materials: an embedded study within a trial (SWAT)

Background: Printed participant information about trials is often technical, long and difficult to navigate. Optimisation and user testing can improve information materials, and may improve participant understanding and rates of recruitment. Methods: A study within a trial (SWAT) was undertaken within the ISDR trial. Potential participants in the ISDR trial were randomised to receive either the standard trial information or revised information that had been optimised through information design and user testing. Results: A total of 3,169 patients were randomised in the SWAT. Recruitment rates to the ISDR trial were 25.3% in the optimised information group and 26.1% in the standard information group (odds ratio 0.951; 95% CI 0.752 to 1.201; p=0.672). Clinic attendance rates were 71.6% in the optimised information group and 69.3% in the standard information group (OR 1.145; 95% CI 0.885 to 1.480; p=0.304). Conclusions: Optimisation of participant information through information design and user testing did not affect rate of recruitment to the host ISDR trial. Registration: ISRCTN ID ISRCTN87561257; registered on 08 May 2014.
Factors to consider when designing effective learning: Infusing computational thinking in mathematics to support thinking-doing

Abstract This study examined what factors might have a positive impact on students’ learning outcomes in mathematical understanding and computational thinking skills. Specifically, whether the proposed instructional design combining computational perspectives and an embodied approach in mathematics learning improves (a) mathematics learning, (b) problem-solving skills in programing, and (c) computational thinking. The study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with 115 second- to fourth-grade students. Findings suggested that embodied activities combined with the practice of taking computational perspectives in solving mathematics problems led to improved knowledge in mathematics, programing concepts, and computational thinking among young learners. This paper also discusses how to make the computational thinking process more concrete and relevant within the context of mathematics to promote computational thinking skills.
Characterization of Microbial Dynamics and Volatile Metabolome Changes During Fermentation of Chambourcin Hybrid Grapes From Two Pennsylvania Regions

Microbial diversity present on grapes in wineries, and throughout fermentation has been associated with important metabolites for final wine quality. Although microbiome-metabolome associations have been well characterized and could be used as indicators of wine quality, the impact of regionality on the microbiome and metabolome is not well known. Additionally, studies between microbiome and metabolome have been conducted on single species grape such as Vitis vinifera instead of other species and interspecific hybrids. Although the Pennsylvania wine industry is relatively young compared to California, the industry has been experiencing rapid growth over the past decade and is expected to continue to grow in the future. Pennsylvania’s climate of cold winters and high levels of rainfall throughout the growing season favors cultivation of interspecific hybrid grapes such as Vitis ssp. Chambourcin, one of the most commonly grown hybrid varieties in the state. Chambourcin is a prime candidate for studying the impact of regionality on microbiome-metabolome interactions as interspecific hybrid varieties could shape the future of winemaking. Here, we identify for the first time the regional distribution of microbial communities and their interactions with volatile metabolome during fermentation (0–20 days) by integrating high throughput Illumina sequencing (16S and ITS) and headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analyzing 88 samples from nine wineries in the Central and East Pennsylvania regions, we observed high microbial diversity during early stages of fermentation (1–4 days) where non-Saccharomyces yeasts such as Starmerella and Aureobasidium and non-Oenococcus bacteria, Sphingomonas, likely contribute to microbial terroir to the resulting wines. Furthermore, key differentiators between two regions in Pennsylvania, as identified by LEfSe analysis, include the fungal genera Cladosporium and Kazachstania and the bacterial genera Lactococcus and Microbacterium. Moreover, 29 volatile fermentation metabolites were discriminated significantly (variable importance in projection > 1) between the two regions as shown by Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis. Finally, Spearman’s correlation identified regional differences of microbial-metabolite associations throughout fermentation that could be used for targeted microbiome manipulation to improve wine quality and preserve regionality. In summary, these results demonstrate the microbial signatures during fermentation and differential microorganisms and metabolites further support impact of regionality on Chambourcin wines in Pennsylvania.
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation reconstructions and instrumentally observed multidecadal climate variability: A comparison of indicators

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has an important role in the Earth's climate system, but it remains unclear how the instrumentally observed multidecadal variability of the Earth's climate is related to the AMOC. We carried out a comprehensive evaluation of five representative indicators of the AMOC, including one atmospheric index based on the effect of accumulated atmospheric forcing on the AMOC and four oceanographic indices using surface and subsurface oceanographic variables in the North Atlantic Ocean. We compared reconstructions of the AMOC against measurement records and analysed the relationships with the multidecadal variability of the annual mean surface air temperature anomalies over the North Atlantic, Northern Hemisphere and South Atlantic. All the AMOC indicators show a weakening trend during the most recent decade, which is in good agreement with the RAPID measurement record of the AMOC. Besides, the atmospheric reconstruction shows the best agreement with the observed low‐frequency variation in the AMOC since 2004. The multidecadal variability in hemispheric/regional surface temperatures is closely related to all the AMOC reconstructions and opposite relationships are observed between the North Atlantic and South Atlantic oceans. The multidecadal surface air temperature anomalies associated with the variations in the AMOC are most pronounced for the atmospheric reconstruction index, which leads the variations in the surface air temperature by 4–5 years. Among the oceanographic indicators, the reconstructions using subsurface oceanographic variables performed best in terms of the relationship with the variations in the multidecadal surface air temperature.
Application of an Imaging Fourier-Transform Spectrometer for the Means of Combustion Diagnostics

Abstract : A passive remote sensing technique for accurately monitoring the combustion efficiency of petrochemical ares is greatly desired. A Phase II DOE-funded SBIR lead by Spectral Sciences, Inc. is underway to develop such a method. This paper presents an overview of the current progress of the Air Force Institute of Technology's contribution to this effort. A Telops Hyper-Cam Mid-wave infrared (MWIR 1800-6667 cm(-1) or 1:5-5:5 mum) imaging Fourier-transform spectrometer is used to examine a laminar calibration ame produced by a Hencken burner. Ethylene fuel (C2H4) was burned at four different equivalency ratios Phi = 0:80; 0:91; 1:0 and 1:25. Presented is qualitative spectrally-resolved visualization of a Hencken burner ame and the spatial distribution of combustion by-products.
THERMAL EXPANSION OF THE OXIDES OF YTTRIUM, CERIUM, SAMARIUM, EUROPIUM, AND DYSPROSIUM

The linear expansion of high-purity oxides of yttrium, cerium, samarium, europium, and dysprosium was determined by the interferometric method for the temperature range 25 to 1,000 deg C. Single-crystal magnesium oxide and single- crystal aluminum oxide were used as reference materials. The bulk density and crystal form of the nonreference materials also were determined. The coefficients of linear expansion in the range 25 to 1,000 deg C were found to be 8.10 x 10/sup -6/ for yttria, 12.10 x 10/sup -8/ for ceria, 10.81 x 10/sup -6/ for samaria (monoclinic), 10.35 x 10/sup -6/ for europia (monoclinic), and 8.13 x 10/sup -6/ for dysprosia, each given in centimeters per centimeter per degree Centigrade. A detailed investigation of the interferometric technique for measuring thermal expansion in this temperature range was made. The interferometer was found to be a precise tool but only when adequate precautlons were taken. These precautions are described. (auth)
Are Bank Risk Disclosures Informative? Evidence From Debt Markets

This study examines whether financial reporting with a specific focus on risk disclosures have a predictive (informative) effect on banks’ credit ratings (BCRs) and, consequently, ascertains whether governance structures can moderate such an association. Using one of the largest banklevel datasets collected from 12 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries over the 2006-2013 period to-date, our findings are as follows. First, we find that risk disclosures have a predictive effect on BCRs. Second, we find that the relationship between risk disclosures and BCRs is contingent on the quality of governance structures. Specifically, we find that the informativeness of risk disclosures on BCRs is higher in banks with larger board size, greater independence, higher government ownership, and better Shariah supervisory board, but lower in banks with greater block ownership, higher foreign ownership and the presence of CEO duality. The central tenor of our findings remains unchanged after controlling for a number of firm- and country-level factors, alternative risk disclosure measures, firm- and national-level governance proxies, different types of banks, and potential endogeneities. The findings have important implications for investors, especially bondholders, standard-setters, regulators, and central governments
The Bodily Discourse in Modern Chinese Buddhism—Asceticism and Its Presentation in Buddhist Periodicals

This article focuses on accounts of bodily asceticism published in Buddhist periodicals in Republican China (1912–1949) in order to explore the mentality and motivation of publicly presenting this seemingly fanatic and backward tradition in an era marked by modernization. By zeroing in on practices of self-immolation, bodily mutilation, and blood writing, as presented in periodicals advocating either reform or preservation of Buddhist tradition, the article reveals that Buddhists with different visions for the modern form of Chinese Buddhism, despite their multifaceted responses, reached a consensus: ascetic practices were part of the tradition worthy of preservation and a strong testament of Buddhist morality. Arguments and eulogies about specific cases, preserved in these periodicals, made Buddhist asceticism an integral part of Chinese Buddhism’s modern transformation, which contributes to the rethinking of religion and modernity discourse.
A Single Blind Randomised Clinical Study Of Outcome Of Local Injection Of Platelet Rich Plasma Vs Methyl Prednisolone Acetate In Management Of Lateral Epicondylitis

The most well-known abuse condition is identified with inordinate wrist expansion and generally alluded to as tennis elbow, however it is in reality increasingly regular in non-tennis players. METHODS- A prospective, comparative study was conducted with 50 patients after Ethical approval. Quantitative data is presented with Mean and Standard deviation. Examination among the investigation bunches is finished with the assistance of unpaired t test according to consequences of ordinariness test. Majority of the patients (80%) in Group A and (76%) in Group B were from the age group of 31-40 years. The mean age in Group A was 36.4±5.44 years and in Group B were 36.8±5.87 years. Majority of the patients in both groups were female. There was dominance of right side (68% and 72%) as compared to left side (32% and 28%) in both groups. The mean duration of symptom in Group A was 2.24±0.72 months as compared to 1.92±0.81 months in Group B. 20% and 12% patients in Group A had Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension respectively whereas 16% and 24% patients in Group B had Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension respectively. The mean baseline VAS score in Group A was 7.6±0.51 and Group B was 7.7±0.38 which decreased to 5.1±0.81. The mean baseline MGS score in Group A was 74.6±10.32 which increased to 91.6±4.08 in 2 weeks. And in Group B was 74.5±10.31 which increased to 99.8±2.646 in 2 weeks. The MGS score improved more in Group B after 2 weeks (p=0.005), 4 weeks (p=0.002) and 6 weeks (p=0.022). However, toward the finish of 3 months, a half year and a year, improvement in MGS Score was fundamentally better in Group A as compared to Group B.Along these lines, we presumed that PRP as an unrivaled treatment choice in instances of tennis elbow. In any case, keeping in see the constrained time of follow up in the current examination we prescribe longer follow up studies to additionally unite our discoveries and set up the long haul viability of PRP in instances of sidelong epicondylitis.
New Evidence Using a Dynamic Panel Data Approach: Cereal Supply Response in Smallholder Agriculture in Ethiopia

Increasing agricultural production is essential to improving food availability and farm household incomes in developing economies. This study investigated the dynamic supply responses of major cereal crops to price and nonprice factors in Ethiopia using the Ethiopian Rural Household Survey (ERHS) panel dataset from 1994 to 2009. According to the Nerlovian expectation and adjustment approach in conjunction with the system GMM (generalized method of moments) estimator, both the planted areas and produced yields of major crops (teff, wheat, and barley) are influenced by price and nonprice factors in Ethiopia. The supply of major cereal crops is affected positively by their own prices and negatively by the prices of substitute crops. Nonprice factors such as education, farm size, fertilizer, land quality, and precipitation also affect supply of major cereals. Both the short-term and long-term acreage and yield response elasticities of teff and barley are positive. Moreover, the adjustment coefficients are positive for teff, barley, and wheat. The results suggest that Ethiopian farmers are capable of analyzing market signals and responding positively to price increases of staple crops. The findings also imply that the Ethiopian agricultural sector has been responsive to the cereal price increases observed since 2006. The remarkable growth of Ethiopian agriculture over recent decades is partly explained by the increase in agricultural prices. This study recommends that a fine-tuned balance between government interventions and market solutions is important, in addition to improving farmers’ agronomic practices, for increasing agricultural production.
Effect of Energy Drinks on the Inorganic Composition of a Composite Resin Material

Composite resins are used in Dentistry to perform direct aesthetic restorations, and are a material whose properties can be influenced by the diet of the individual, especially in the face of the action of beverages with acid pH, such as energy drinks. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two energy beverages on the chemical composition of a nanoparticulate composite resin, at two-time intervals. Filtek Z350XT (3M/ESPE) composite resin was used to produce thirty-six specimens (discs) of 6.0mm x 1.5mm dimensions. The specimens were initially immersed in distilled water for 24h at 37oC and then randomly divided into two groups (n=18); according to the immersion time: 1 month (T1) and 3 months (T2); and in three subgroups (n=6) referring to immersion solutions: distilled water (control) and two energy beverages (RedBull and Monster). The inorganic composition of the specimens was measured by a spectrometry. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The main inorganic elements of this restorative material were respectively: zirconium (Zr), silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca), which reduced its percentage after immersion time. RedBull was the most active solution, promoting losses of the mineral Si after 1 month of immersion, of Zr, after 3 months, and of Ca after 1 month and after 3 months. Monster influenced losses only in Si, after 1 month. Distilled water did not induce significant losses. Thus, the two energy beverages reduced the inorganic percentage of the nanoparticulate composite resin evaluated in this research.