Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring First-Year Students' Demands and Resources in the South African Context

Abstract:The growing concern about the mental health and psychological distress of first-year students warrants a greater understanding of their well-being. This study explored the insights of 16 staff and service providers who engage with first-year students at a South African peri-urban campus and built on quantitative studies using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to understand student well-being. In-depth interviews offered insight into the demands and resources experienced by a largely rural student population. Five themes emerged: (a) transition to university life, (b) the nature of the academic environment, (c) the economic experiences of studying, (d) accommodations and facilities, and (e) the complex lives of first-year students. The study informs the JD-R model from a student context. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Numerical Simulation of the 1981 Sichuan Flood. Part I: Evolution of a Mesoscale Southwest Vortex

Abstract During the period 11–15 July 1981, heavy rainfall occurred over the Sichuan Basin in China, resulting in severe floods that took a large toll in human life and property damage. Mesoscale analyses by Kuo, Cheng and Anthes have shown that the flood was directly related to the development of a long-lived mesoscale southwest (SW) vortex over the basin. In this paper we present the results of numerical experiments aimed at 1) testing the capability of a limited-area mesoscale model to predict the evolution of the SW vortex and the accompanying heavy precipitation, 2) examining the structure of the simulated vortex using the model data, and 3) elucidating the role of various physical processes in the evolution of the SW vortex. Principal findings are: 1) The control experiment, which utilized an 80-km grid spacing and simple physical parameterizations, was able to simulate the evolution of the mesoscale SW vortex and the accompanying heavy precipitation. The simulation captured many observed features a.
Breeding ecology, population size and nest site preferences of Red-billed Tropicbirds at St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACT We describe the population size and breeding ecology of the Red-billed Tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus, a poorly studied pantropical seabird, at St Helena, South Atlantic. The population size of 81–246 pairs and 272–564 individuals identifies the study population as the largest colony of Red-billed Tropicbirds in the South Atlantic, but also an internationally important part of the global population. We estimated the survival from laying to fledging of 158 nests between 2004 and 2017 at only 33%, among the lowest values reported globally for the species. Most nest failures occurred during incubation, with predation identified as the predominant cause of fledging failure. Intervals between breeding attempts were longer after successful nesting attempts than failed attempts. Previous breeding interval and nest cavity fidelity further influenced the interval between breeding attempts, while the presence of replacement clutches did not. Multiple nest site and cavity characteristics were important predictors of cavity use, nest site selection and productivity. Management options for reducing mammalian predators to ensure the long-term viability of this important population at St Helena are discussed.
Error Estimates of Version 5.0 of MSU–AMSU Bulk Atmospheric Temperatures

Abstract Deep-layer temperatures derived from satellite-borne microwave sensors since 1979 are revised (version 5.0) to account for 1) a change from microwave sounding units (MSUs) to the advanced MSUs (AMSUs) and 2) an improved diurnal drift adjustment for tropospheric products. AMSU data, beginning in 1998, show characteristics indistinguishable from the earlier MSU products. MSU–AMSU error estimates are calculated through comparisons with radiosonde-simulated bulk temperatures for the low–middle troposphere (TLT), midtroposphere (TMT), and lower stratosphere (TLS.) Monthly (annual) standard errors for global mean anomalies of TLT satellite temperatures are estimated at 0.10°C (0.07°C). The TLT (TMT) trend for January 1979 to April 2002 is estimated as +0.06° (+0.02°) ±0.05°C decade–1 (95% confidence interval). Error estimates for TLS temperatures are less well characterized due to significant heterogeneities in the radiosonde data at high altitudes, though evidence is presented to suggest that since 19.
Anti-money laundering measures and financial sector development: Empirical evidence from Africa

Abstract The study’s main objective was to evaluate the link between anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and financial sector development (FSD) in Africa and to test the nonlinearities in the AML regulations-FSD nexus. Panel data of 51 African countries from the World Bank’s indicators, the IMF, and the Basel Institute on Governance over the period 2012 to 2019 were used. The study employs the two-step system GMM and the dynamic panel threshold regression in estimating the model. The Hansen test and Arellano—Bond test for AR (2) were conducted to check for the robustness of the model specification. The study employed STATA 15 in analysing the study. The analysis shows that anti-money laundering regulation positively influences African financial sector development. However, the study found a significant positive coefficient for AML below the threshold value at a 1% significant level and a significant negative coefficient for AML above the threshold. This indicates that AML laws favour financial sector development below the threshold, but this link disappears for regimes with high AML requirements in Africa. This suggests that excessive AML structures might discourage financial sector development in Africa due to the cost associated with AML. Financial institutions in Africa should invest in technology solutions to support financial crime compliance efforts in combating criminal crimes involving digital payments, cryptocurrency, third parties and trafficking of proceeds and other crime-related activities such as drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism, arms dealing, confiscation of their illegal funds and bribery.
Detection of EBV-encoded Small RNA from Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Patients by RT-PCR Method

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a pathogenic role in several lymphomas including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In this study, we detected EBV from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues of DLBCL patients by RT-PCR and compared the sensitivity of the RT-PCR method to in situ hybridization (ISH) method. The RNA was extracted from 91 FFPE samples with DLBCL and amplified with primers targeting EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) by RT-PCR. When using the RT-PCR method, 13 of 91 patients (14.3%) were positive and among these 13 cases, 7 cases (7.7%) were from > 50-year-old patients that is classified as EBV positive DLBCL of the elderly. In previous results using ISH method, 3 of 91 patients (3.3%) were positive and 2 case (2.4%) were older than 50-year-old. These results indicate that RT-PCR method used in this study shows a higher sensitivity than ISH method. The ratio of male versus female among the EBV positive samples was 1.2:1 with the ratio of male higher. If RT-PCR method having high sensitivity is used simultaneously as well as the ISH method providing the information of the EBV positive cellular location, it is expected that EBV will be more accurately detected.
M2 macrophage-derived exosomes suppress tumor intrinsic immunogenicity to confer immunotherapy resistance

ABSTRACT T-cell-based immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICB) can be undermined by local immunosuppressive M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, modulating macrophages has proved difficult as the molecular and functional features of M2-TAMs on tumor growth are still uncertain. Here we reported that immunosuppressive M2 macrophages render cancer cells resistant to CD8+ T-cell-dependent tumor-killing refractory ICB efficacy by secreting exosomes. Proteomics and functional studies revealed that M2 macrophage-derived exosome (M2-exo) transmitted apolipoprotein E (ApoE) to cancer cells conferring ICB resistance by downregulated MHC-I expression curbing tumor intrinsic immunogenicity. Mechanistically, M2 exosomal ApoE diminished the tumor-intrinsic ATPase activity of binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) to decrease tumor MHC-I expression. Sensitizing ICB efficacy can be achieved by the administration of ApoE ligand, EZ-482, enhancing ATPase activity of BiP to boost tumor-intrinsic immunogenicity. Therefore, ApoE may serve as a predictor and a potential therapeutic target for ICB resistance in M2-TAMs-enriched cancer patients. Collectively, our findings signify that the exosome-mediated transfer of functional ApoE from M2 macrophages to the tumor cells confers ICB resistance. Our findings also provide a preclinical rationale for treating M2-enriched tumors with ApoE ligand, EZ-482, to restore sensitivity to ICB immunotherapy.
Exploration of fermion zero modes and spherically symmetric gauge fields

This thesis consists of an introduction, four chapters, a discussion and an appendix. The introduction will provide the background to the work covered in this thesis, as well as an outline of the structure of the thesis. Chapter 1 presents a study related to fermion zero modes. The aim is to prove the existence of a zero mode that Klinkhamer and Lee observed in their study of a fermion doublet coupled to a chiral SU(2) gauge field. The proof comprises analytical and numerical analysis on the stability of the solutions obtained in the study of the Dirac equation of the fermion. Chapter 2 sketches a new mechanism for deriving a discrete and bounded fermion mass spectrum, based on the work of Klinkhamer and the present author. The model theory used consists of two fermion fields interacting with a Higgs-like scalar field. An open extra dimension is introduced to this theory so that a set of explicit classical solutions to the equations of motion is obtained. When the wave functions are required to be normalizable in the extra dimension, the masses of the four-dimensional fermions naturally become bounded and discrete. Chapter 3 consists of an investigation of a theory on the gauged Lorentz group. In Minkowskian space-time, the pure Yang-Mills theory of this group, with spherical symmetry imposed on the gauge field, reduces to a new theory in a two-dimensional space-time. The reduced theory has a scalar field with four degrees of freedom and a quartic potential, and two abelian gauge fields. A problem that remains to be solved, however, is that the potential of the scalar field is not bounded from below. In Chapter 4, a method for deriving a set of identities of the correlation functions in quantum field theories is presented. It can be used to obtain a variational equation (resembling a differential equation) for the generating functional of a given theory. When the generating functional is expanded into a Taylor series in terms of the source field(s), the variational equation makes it possible to relate the correlation functions of different processes to one another. The calculation here is non-perturbative. One of the identities derived for the λ− φ theory is tested and verified. The thesis ends with a discussion in order to address the questions left unanswered in the previous chapters. Some reflections and ideas are given here, in hope that they can stimulate interest in future research.
The Orthodontics-Periodontics Challenges in Integrated Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Orthodontics and periodontics are intricately linked since adult orthodontics often implicate the periodontium. Periodontal intervention is needed throughout all phases of orthodontic treatment, from orthodontic diagnosis to mid-treatment periodontal assessment and postoperative evaluation. Invariably, periodontal health affects orthodontic success. Conversely, orthodontic tooth movements may serve as adjunctive therapy in patients with periodontal disease. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the orthodontic-periodontic relationship for optimizing therapeutic strategies and achieving the best treatment outcomes in patients.
Navigating Migration Regimes Together: The Journeys of Brazilian Couples in Auckland, Gold Coast and Perth

ABSTRACT This article builds on data collected as a part of two research projects to provide a comparative study on the migration journeys of young Brazilian couples in Auckland (New Zealand), the Gold Coast and Perth (Australia). We employ the theoretical lens of multi-stage migration to explore how Brazilian migrant couples plan and pursue journeys across different visa statuses to transition through less precarious forms of migration. Findings suggest that they often plan and pursue their journeys together and that their decision to migrate to Australia and New Zealand is linked to the pathways provided by these countries for more secure forms of migration and visa status. The comparative perspective shows that the trajectories of Brazilian migrants in New Zealand are different to the journeys of Brazilians in Australia in relation to the most protracted stage of their visa journeys. The strategies pursued by Brazilian couples to transit to a less precarious migration status are also particular to each of these countries. This article contributes to the sociological literature on multi-stage migration by emphasising how migrants enact collective agency and navigate restrictive migration regimes together as couples, pursuing joint migration strategies that depend on the maintenance of the relationship.
Emotional factors, medical interventions and mode of birth among low-risk primiparous women in Poland

Abstract Background and objectives Birth is a critical event in women’s lives. Since humans have evolved to give birth in the context of social support, not having it in modern settings might lead to more complications during birth. Our aim was to model how emotional factors and medical interventions related to birth outcomes in hospital settings in Poland, where c-section rates have doubled in the last decade. Methodology We analysed data from 2363 low-risk primiparous women who went into labor with the intention of giving birth vaginally. We used a model comparison approach to examine the relationship between emotional and medical variables and birth outcome (vaginal or c-section), including sociodemographic control variables in all models. Results A model with emotional factors better explained the data than a control model (ΔAIC = 470.8); women with continuous personal support during labor had lower odds of a c-section compared to those attended by hospital staff only (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.09 − 0.16). A model that included medical interventions also better explained the data than a control model (ΔAIC = 133.6); women given epidurals, in particular, had increased odds of a c-section over those who were not (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 2.95 − 4.27). The best model included variables for both the level of personal support and the use of epidural (ΔAIC = 598.0). Conclusions and implications Continuous personal support during childbirth may be an evolutionarily informed strategy for reducing complications, including one of the most common obstetrical complications in modern hospital settings, the c-section.
On the Response of a Wind Turbine to Change of Wind Speed and Load

We studied on the response of small wind turbines to changes of wind speed and load. We assumed that the aerodynamic properties of a blade were described by a torque coefficient, which was measured in constant wind speed. The coefficient is a function of a tip speed ratio only. On some assumptions for the torque coefficient, we show that the value of tip speed ratio, which has the maximum torque, is smaller than the value of the tip speed ratio, which has the maximum output power. Response times for change of wind speed and load were given as a function of the torque coefficient and the moment of inertia of the blade and generator system. It is found that they are proportional to the moment of inertia and are reversely proportional to wind speed.
Parental Identity Processes Across Cultures: Commitment, In-Depth Exploration and Reconsideration of Commitment Among Parents from the United States, Israel, Poland, South Africa and Japan

ABSTRACT The goal of the present study was to assess the similarities and differences between parents from different cultures in terms of the intensity of parental identity processes described in the three-dimensional model of identity formation. The cultural measurement invariance of the questionnaire used, the Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale-Parental Identity (U-MICS-PI), was also assessed. Participants were 2340 parents (51.4% of mothers) aged from 30 to 59 (M = 43.54; SD = 8.26). The study included parents from North America (USA), the Middle East (Israel), Central Europe (Poland), Africa (South Africa), and Eastern Asia (Japan). Results indicated the full configural, partial metric, and partial scalar invariance of the U-MICS-PI. A comparison of parents from the countries analyzed revealed that the parents from the United States and South Africa were characterized by a more firm commitment and lower level of reconsideration of commitment than those from Poland and Japan.
Reading Habits of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults

Abstract:Few studies exist on the reading habits of the deaf population, and most of those that do were published more than 20 years ago. Hence, changes in reading habits due to the availability to the deaf population of online reading material and portable electronic devices have likely occurred. Additionally, in the hearing population, confinement causes changes in reading habits. We used an online questionnaire to compare the reading habits of 102 deaf and hard of hearing adult residents of Spain both before and during COVID-19 confinement. In general, more reading occurred during confinement, although not all participants showed this pattern: Regular readers read more during lockdown. Motivations for reading were largely unaffected by confinement. Furthermore, the time spent reading was not related to the availability of books at home: More was read in digital format during confinement.
A Comparison Between the Patterns of CN, O, and Na Inhomogeneities on the Red Giant Branch of Messier 71 Using Data from the Literature

Data drawn from the published literature are used to define the relations between the spectroscopic λ4215 CN-band strength of red giants in the globular cluster Messier 71 and both the sodium and oxygen abundances. The cluster giants with CN measurements included in this study have absolute magnitudes in the range -2 < M V < +2. The data are consistent with a moderate degree of anticorrelation between the CN-band strength and the [O/Fe] abundance, as well as a moderate correlation between CN-band strength and [Na/Fe], although there is scatter of up to 0.3–0.4 dex in both O and Na abundance among giants with CN bands of similar strength. The mean difference in [O/Fe] between CN-strong and CN-weak giants is 0.13 dex, the former group of stars having the lower average oxygen abundance. By contrast, the mean difference in [Na/Fe] between CN-strong and CN-weak giants is 0.17 dex, with the CN-strong group having the higher average sodium abundance. There is a similar range in λ4215 CN-band strengths among the red giants in Messier 71 and 47 Tucanae. Furthermore, the red giant branch stars in the two clusters follow very similar relations between CN-band strength and [Na/Fe] abundance. These two similarities are intriguing given that the two clusters differ by a factor of 30 or more in luminous mass, with 47 Tuc having a much higher degree of central mass concentration than M71. A difference can be discerned between the O-CN relations in the two clusters, such that for a given CN-band strength the CN-strong giants in 47 Tuc attain lower values of [O/Fe], a result that is consistent with previously noted differences in the O-Na relations of the two objects. A scenario is discussed in which both 47 Tuc and M71 were formed as the mergers of pre-existing CN-weak and CN-strong subclusters, the later having been formed following chemical evolution and self-enrichment of a large cloud complex that had earlier formed the CN-weak subcluster. Different dynamical merger routes may have lead in one instance to the high-mass 47 Tuc cluster, whereas M71 may have resulted from a merger that was accompanied by a large amount of star loss and stellar evaporation.
A mathematical model for the thermal state of a steel ladle

A dynamic one-dimensional mathematical model was developed for predicting the thermal state of a steelmaking ladle. The model is intended to be used in process control applications, in which fast computational times are desirable alongside model accuracy. The calculation domain was discretized using the finite difference method, and time integration was performed using both the implicit Euler and Crank–Nicolson methods, the performances of which were compared. The model was implemented in Python programming language and validated using data from our own measurements and other studies available in the literature. The results indicate that the model can reproduce the measured temperature evolution of the ladles within 5°C at best. The worst performance was observed during cooling, where the model underestimates the temperature at the innermost measurement point by up to 200°C. With computation times of around 16–23 s for one hour of simulation, the model is computationally sufficiently fast for online applications.
Efecto sobre el rendimiento productivo y calidad de la canal de la inclusión de guisantes (Pisum sativum) y alberjón (Vicia narbonensis) en el pienso de lechones y cerdos de cebo

Las leguminosas grano presentan un perfil nutricional de gran interes para alimentacion de ganado porcino, debido principalmente a su elevado contenido proteico. Sin embargo, la presencia de factores antinutritivos (FAN), que segun el genero difieren en calidad y cantidad, condiciona la absorcion de la proteina, el nutriente mas valorado. El objetivo de esta Tesis Doctoral ha sido el estudio del efecto de los principales FAN de guisante y alberjon sobre el rendimiento productivo, de canal y de piezas nobles, cuando sustituyen a la soja, parcial o totalmente, durante la fase estarter y el periodo de engorde de cerdos grasos. Con este motivo se llevaron a cabo 4 ensayos con machos castrados y la misma linea genetica: hibrido Duroc x (Landrace x Large white). En el ensayo 1, se estudio la influencia de distintos niveles de inhibidores de proteasas (IP) en el pienso sobre la productividad de lechones durante la fase estarter (40 a 61 dias de edad). Para ello, se utilizaron tres variedades de guisantes de invierno que contenian diferentes cantidades de IP, tanto de tripsina (IT) como de quimotripsina (IQ) [unidades de tripsina inhibida/mg (UTI), unidades de quimotripsina inhibida/mg (UQI): 9,87- 10,16, 5,75-8,62 y 12,55-15,75, para guisantes Cartouche, Iceberg y Luna, respectivamente] mas elevadas que en la harina de soja 47 (HnaS) y en la soja extrusionada (SE) (UTI/mg - UQI/mg: 0,61-3,56 y 2,36-4,65, para HnaS y SE, respectivamente). El diseno experimental fue al azar, con cuatro tratamientos dieteticos que diferian en las fuentes proteicas y en la cantidad de IP, enfrentando un pienso control de soja a otros tres piensos con guisantes de invierno de las variedades indicadas, que sustituian parcialmente a la soja. Cada tratamiento se replico cuatro veces, siendo la celda con 6 lechones la unidad experimental. Los animales que consumieron el pienso con guisante Cartouche tuvieron mas ganancia media diaria (GMD) que el resto (P