Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Early Reading Acquisition in Children of Low Socioeconomic Status

Abstract The aim of the present study was to identify the predictors of early-grade reading acquisition in monolingual speakers of a transparent language. Eighty students attending preschool (M = 5 years, SD = 0.40), first grade (M = 6 years, SD = 0.59) and second grade (M = 7 years, SD = 0.55) in a public institution participated in the study. All were evaluated with the Early Grade Reading Acquisition test, an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire and the language domain of the Child Neuropsychological Assessment battery. Multiple regression analysis showed that phonological awareness and years of education are the factors that explain reading performance of children in their early years of school. These findings highlight the importance of improving oral skills prior to early reading acquisition and contribute to enhancing the early reading skills of monolingual children with limited socioeconomic opportunities.
Mechanism of Selective Flotation of Sodium-Calcium Borates with Anionic and Cationic Collectors

Abstract The major boron minerals, colemanite and ulexite, are frequently found together in boron deposits. Similarities in their chemical compositions create problems in the selective flotation of these minerals. The surface properties of the above boron minerals have been determined by solubility, microflotation, and zeta potential measurements using typical anionic and cationic surfactants. The isoelectric point (iep) of colemanite is 10.5, while ulexite exhibits no iep in a practical pH. Anionic surfactants thus easily float colemanite but fail to float ulexite at a natural pH. This knowledge is used to find the optimum conditions for the selective separation of colemanite from ulexite at a natural pH of 9.3. Cationic surfactants work well but are adversely affected by the presence of clay-type minerals in the boron ore which hinder the floatability of borates by the formation of a slime coating. The mechanism of slime coating onto boron minerals is also elucidated.
Harmonic Phasor Estimation Based on Frequency-Domain Sampling Theorem

Harmonic phasor estimation can be used both in power system protection and monitoring applications, such as islanding detection, high-impedance fault location, and harmonic state estimation. A key challenge for harmonic phasor estimation is that different harmonics have different harmonic frequency bandwidths. As a result, a harmonic phasor estimator (HPE) that can adapt to such variations is needed. Although the sinc interpolation function-based estimator (SIFE) has such ability, it has disadvantages that: 1) it needs numerous simulations to select the model parameter and 2) it cannot obtain zero-error results under nominal frequency condition. In this article, a novel HPE is proposed based on the frequency-domain sampling theorem, where the harmonic phasor is modeled based on several imaginary exponential functions. The proposed HPE is compared with the SIFE in frequency response, model parameter selection scheme, and simulation tests. The results show that the proposed HPE has the following three advantages: 1) it has an easier scheme for model parameter selection; 2) it has zero-error results under nominal frequency condition; and 3) it has higher accuracy under harmonic frequency deviation and harmonic modulation conditions.
Background Noise and Reverberation Times and Acoustical Quality in A University Classrooms in Jeddah, KSA

This study investigated the acoustical quality of seven classrooms and learning spaces at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. The physical characteristics of sounds measured in these classrooms included Background Noise Levels (BNLs dBA) and Reverberation Times (RTs seconds). Measurements were conducted in unoccupied conditions. In addition, information about rooms' sizes, design, components and building materials were collected. Results of BNLs and RTs indicated poor acoustical condition in the new classrooms, while old classrooms provided fair or acceptable acoustical quality for learning and teaching based on their RTs. BNLs in the new classrooms ranged from 42 to 71 dBA, and RTs ranged from 1 to 1.4 seconds, which all were higher than the allowable BNL (35 dBA) and RT (0.6 seconds) (ANSI 12.60.2010) according to their rooms sizes. This poor acoustical condition were found to be associated with ventilation noise, reflective surfaces, and classroom design. In conclusion, recommendations to improve the acoustical quality for better learning and teaching in the investigated new classrooms were highlighted in this paper.
Poly(vinyl alcohol): Physical Approaches to Designing Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Poly(vinyl alcohol) is a non-toxic, biosynthetic polymer and biocompatible polymer that has the ability to form hydrogels either via chemical or physical crosslinking. Whilst chemical crosslinking provides greater control on the properties of the resultant hydrogel, physically crosslinked hydrogels or blends with other biocompatible polymers are more suited for biomedical applications. In this paper we report a systematic study on the effect of varying concentrations of PVA, physical methods of crosslinking, and PVA-gelatin and PVA-PVP blends on the physical and mechanical properties of the hydrogels.
DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF RED CHILLI

ABSTRACT Red chilli is widely consumed as a food additive throughout the world. It is blanched/treated to minimize quality loss during processing. This paper reports on various pre-treatments applied before drying and their influence on drying kinetics as well as product quality. Inactivation of peroxidase enzyme was achieved by blanching chillies at 90°C for 3 min in hot water. The physical appearance of the dried product was found to be the best when the blanched samples were soaked in gum acacia solution (0.2% m/v) for 15 min at room temperature. The pre-treated chillies were dried in a tray dryer at selected temperatures (55, 60, 65 and 70°C). Results indicated that drying took place in the falling rate period; the drying kinetics were adequately described by the Page's model. The activation energy for drying was determined to be 41.95 and 41.06 kJ/mol respectively, for blanched and gum-treated chillies. Total pigment content decreased while non-enzymatic browning increased with increase in drying air temperature.
Investigating Primary Cilia during Peripheral Nervous System Formation

The primary cilium plays a pivotal role during the embryonic development of vertebrates. It acts as a somatic signaling hub for specific pathways, such as Sonic Hedgehog signaling. In humans, mutations in genes that cause dysregulation of ciliogenesis or ciliary function lead to severe developmental disorders called ciliopathies. Beyond its role in early morphogenesis, growing evidence points towards an essential function of the primary cilium in neural circuit formation in the central nervous system. However, very little is known about a potential role in the formation of the peripheral nervous system. Here, we investigate the presence of the primary cilium in neural crest cells and their derivatives in the trunk of developing chicken embryos in vivo. We found that neural crest cells, sensory neurons, and boundary cap cells all bear a primary cilium during key stages of early peripheral nervous system formation. Moreover, we describe differences in the ciliation of neuronal cultures of different populations from the peripheral and central nervous systems. Our results offer a framework for further in vivo and in vitro investigations on specific roles that the primary cilium might play during peripheral nervous system formation.
The nature and properties of engineering materials

Atoms and Molecules Structure of Solids Phase Transformations and Phase Equilibria Defects and Imperfections in Solids Rate Processes and Crystallization Surfaces and Interfacial Phenomena Mechanical Properties Metals Ceramics and Related Materials Polymers Electronic Properties Magnetic Properties Thermal Properties Corrosion Appendixes Tables.
Quasi contact metric manifolds with Killing characteristic vector fields

An almost contact metric manifold is called a quasi contact metric manifold if the corresponding almost Hermitian cone is a quasi Kähler manifold, which was introduced by Y. Tashiro [9] as a contact O*-manifold. In this paper, we show that a quasi contact metric manifold with Killing characteristic vector field is a K-contact manifold. This provides an extension of the definition of K-contact manifold.
Contribution to the Structure of BOF-Slags and its Influence on Their Volume Stability

Abstract Utilizing steelmaking slags as a material for road construction requires sufficient volume stability, which can be jeopardized by the hydration of free lime, For this reason a detailed investigation was carried out on the effect of free lime content and porosity on volume stability. It was shown that the free lime particles can be present as residual free lime and as lime precipitated during solidification. Both kinds of free lime can be further subdivided into grainy and spongy residual free lime and into free lime precipitated on C2F-grain boundaries, precipitated within C3S-crystals and by decomposition of C3S. It has been found that all different kinds can react with H2O forming Ca(OH)2. Water or water vapour reaches the lime particles via cracks, crevices and channels. Testing the volume stability was performed both on bituminous bound and unbound slag samples. At low free lime contents higher porosities are permissible than at high free lime contents. From the results a correlation between .
Atividade antioxidante de óleos essenciais de espécies de Croton do nordeste do Brasil

Three Croton species, C. zenhtneri, C. nepetaefolius and C. argyrophylloides, were collected at two different times, 6:00 and 13:00 h, their essential oils were extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry. The percentage yield of oil constituents changes along the day. The oils were submitted to the antioxidant test thiobarbituric acid reactive species, using BHT and a-tocoferol as the reference compounds. All oils exhibited good antioxidant activities. In general, C. zenhtneri and C. argyrophylloides essential oils showed higher antioxidant activity than C. nepetaefolius.
N,N′‐Bis(2‐hydroxy­cyclo­hexyl)‐trans‐cyclo­hexane‐1,2‐di­amine: a structure reanalysed at low temperature

The title compound, C18H34N2O2, has been prepared and its solid-state structure redetermined at low temperature. The crystalline structure contains only RSSR and SRRS diastereo­meric pairs occurring in alternating layers within the crystal, reinforcing the idea that a high degree of diastereoselectivity is attained in the reaction of poly­amines and cyclo­hexene oxide. The compound crystallizes in space group C2/c and the molecule sits on a crystallographic twofold axis.
Experience and overall satisfaction of foreign patients with the health care services received in Latvia

The study evaluates foreign patients' experience and satisfaction in relation to the health care received in Latvia. By applying the gap model of service evaluation, the study reveals the difference between expected and received service outcome in Latvia, and draws conclusions about the importance of individual and patient experience factors related to the overall patient satisfaction. The study concludes that in all groups of factors matrix proposed in the study: (1) general travel or destination factors; (2) communication factors; (3) factors related to the choice of service and (4) factors related to the choice of health care institution, patients evaluated the perceived health care outcome higher than the expected outcome. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that there is a significant gap in foreign patients' knowledge regarding the possibilities of receiving a high-level health care service in Latvia. The results also reveal the most important determinants of patient experience and related satisfaction.
Design of a new flame-containing molecular emission cavity for speciation of sulfide, sulfite, sulfate, thiosulfate and thiocyanate in wastewater: catalytic behaviour of hydrogen ion

A new flame-containing molecular emission cavity analysis (MECA) system was designed for the speciation of S2−, SO32−, SO42−, SCN−, and S2O32− in wastewater based on the catalytic properties of H+. For speciation of sulfur, SO32− and S2O32− were detected via the formation of SO2 during direct introduction to an air-bubbling Cu(II)/HNO3 and Al(III)/OH− solutions, respectively. Total quantity of SO32−, S2−, SO42−, and SCN− was also determined via introduction of the real sample to the other vessel containing Ar-bubbling HClO4 (0.5 M) via generation of SO2 as well as aerosols of H2S, H2SO4, and HSCN using a sonicator. For determination of sulfate, S2−, SO32−, and SCN− were masked using a 0.01-mol L−1 Ag(I), followed by introduction of the filtered solution through the injection port. SCN− was also detected by oxidation with I3− (0.5 mmol L−1) during evaluation of the enhancement in the molecular emission of generated SO42−. In addition, S2− was evaluated via difference between the molecular emissions of sulfur compounds. No molecular emission was also observed for S4O62−. The only observed interference was evaluated during the introduction of 500-fold excess of PO43−.
Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Improved C4 Xero-Halophyte Kochia prostrata Physiological Performance under Saline Conditions

A significant increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and associated climate aridization and soil salinity are factors affecting the growth, development, productivity, and stress responses of plants. In this study, the effect of ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 concentrations were evaluated on the C4 xero-halophyte Kochia prostrata treated with moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. Our results indicated that plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration had different responses to osmotic stress and salinity. The synergistic effect of elevated CO2 and osmotic stress increased proline accumulation, but elevated CO2 did not mitigate the negative effects of osmotic stress on dark respiration intensity and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. This indicates a stressful state, which is accompanied by a decrease in the efficiency of light reactions of photosynthesis and significant dissipative respiratory losses, thereby resulting in growth inhibition. Plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration and salinity showed high Na+ and proline contents, high water-use efficiency and time required to reach the maximum P700 oxidation level (PSI), and low dark respiration. Maintaining stable water balance, the efficient functioning of cyclic transport of PSI, and the reduction of dissipation costs contributed to an increase in dry shoot biomass (2-fold, compared with salinity at 400 ppm CO2). The obtained experimental data and PCA showed that elevated CO2 concentration improved the physiological parameters of K. prostrata under salinity.
Energy and Distance Optimization in Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks

The aim of a mobile recharger operating in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is to keep the network’s average consumed energy and covered distance low. As shown in the literature, the covered distance is minimized when the mobile recharger’s base is located as per the solution of a median problem, while the network’s average energy consumption is minimized as per the solution of a different median problem. In this work, the first problem is analytically investigated, showing that its solution depends on the traffic load and the topology characteristics. Furthermore, it is shown that, under certain conditions, the solution for both problems is identical. These analytical results motivate the introduction of a new on-demand recharging policy, simple to be implemented and depending on local information. The simulation results confirm the analytical findings, showing that the solutions of both median problems are identical under certain conditions in WSN environments. Additionally, the proposed recharging policy is evaluated against a well-known policy that exploits global knowledge, demonstrating its advantage for prolonging network lifetime. For both recharging policies, it is shown that energy consumption and covered distance are minimized when the mobile recharger is initially located at the solution of the said median problems.
Radiation effects and defects in lithium borate crystals

The paper presents the results of a study of the formation and decay of lattice defects in wide band-gap optical crystals of LiB3O5 (LBO), Li2B4O7 (LTB) and Li6Gd(BO3)3 (LGBO) with a sublattice of mobile lithium cations. By means of thermoluminescence techniques, and luminescent and absorption optical spectroscopy with a nanosecond time resolution under excitation with an electron beam, it was revealed that the optical absorption in these crystals in the visible and ultraviolet spectral ranges is produced by optical hole-transitions from the local defect level to the valence band states. The valence band density of the states determines mainly the optical absorption spectral profile, and the relaxation kinetics is rated by the interdefect non-radiative tunnel recombination between the trapped-hole center and the Li0 trapped-electron centers. At 290 K, the Li0 centers are subject to thermally stimulated migration. Based on experimental results, the overall picture of thermally stimulated recombination processes with the participation of shallow traps was established for these crystals.
Evaluation of Extractants and Quantity–Intensity Relationship for Estimation of Available Potassium in Some Calcareous Soils of Western Iran

Accurate estimation of the available potassium (K+) supplied by calcareous soils in arid and semi‐arid regions is becoming more important. Exchangeable K+, determined by ammonium acetate (NH4OAc), might not be the best predictor of the soil K+ available to crops in soils containing micaceous minerals. The effectiveness of different extraction methods for the prediction of K‐supplying capacities and quantity–intensity relationships was studied in 10 calcareous soils in western Iran. Total K+ uptake by wheat grown in the greenhouse was used to measure plant‐available soil K+. The following methods extracted increasingly higher average amounts of soil K+: 0.025 M H2SO4 (45 mg K+ kg−1), 1 M NaCl (92 mg K+ kg−1), 0.01 M CaCl2 (104 mg K+ kg−1), 0.1 M BaCl2 (126 mg K+ kg−1), and 1 M NH4OAc (312 mg K+ kg−1). Potassium extracted by 0.01 M CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, 0.1 M BaCl2, and 0.025 M H2SO4 showed higher correlation with K+ uptake by the crop (P < 0.01) than did NH4OAc (P < 0.05), which is used to extract K+ in the soils of the studied area. There were significant correlations among exchangeable K+ adsorbed on the planar surfaces of soils (labile K+) and K+ plant uptake and K+ extracted by all extractants. It would appear that both 0.01 M CaCl2 and 1 M NaCl extractants and labile K+ may provide the most useful prediction of K+ uptake by plants in these calcareous soils containing micaceous minerals.
Corrective exercises specific for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis presented
with bilateral leg pain: a case report describing an adaptive program and
the recorded improvement as expressed by Cobb angle

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is considered as the most common type of scoliosis. A 13-year-old female complained of bilateral leg pain, left > right, and severe headache. She was referred to an orthopaedic physical therapy clinic. Spinal X-ray revealed right thoracolumbar scoliosis with Cobb angle of about 48°. The primary curve was in the lumbar vertebrae, directed to the left, and the secondary curve was in the thoracic vertebrae, directed to the right. Two surgeons recommended corrective surgery, while one recommended physiotherapy for 6 months. The third surgical opinion was based on magnetic resonance imaging that presented normal cervical spine, mild scoliotic deformity of lower dorsal vertebrae with right-sided convexity and of lumbar vertebrae with left-sided convexity, L4–5 broad based posterior and left posterolateral disc protrusion, and L5–S1 mild central posterior disc protrusion. At the final evaluation after 18 months of a corrective exercise program, the patient reported no symp- toms at rest or with exercises. The improvement was evidenced by Cobb angle change from 48° to 21°, pelvic shift, and general spinal flexibility and strength. The current case report describes a specific corrective exercise protocol adapted to a case of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis that presented with bilateral leg pain.
Concealed Object Detection for Millimeter-Wave Images With Normalized Accumulation Map

Automatically detecting dangerous concealed objects in the millimeter-wave images is important for imaging-aided security systems. In this paper, we proposed a normalized accumulation map-based training mechanism for concealed object detection network. The proposed normalized accumulation map, calculated as the average of binary masks representing the object location for each image, can reveal the positions of frequently-appeared concealed objects, which offers different weights for different locations when computing confidence loss. Experiments on a millimeter-wave security image dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed normalized accumulation map-based training mechanism. By introducing our training mechanism to YOLO-v2, the object detection network can achieve a 4.43% performance improvement in mean average precision.
Factors Influencing Utilization of Preventive Health Services in Primary Health Care in the Republic of Serbia

The use of preventive health services is a long-term health investment due to its potential to help individuals to take care of their health. This study aimed to explore the availability and performance of health services in primary health care (PHC) in the domain of general practice (GP), pediatrics, and gynecology, as well as to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and health determinants on the utilization of preventive health services. This descriptive study used data from the National Health Insurance Fund and the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia for 2015 and included 149 independent PHC units. The relationship between the utilization of preventive services and sociodemographic and health characteristics of the population was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate linear regression models. The higher health expenditure per capita and noncommunicable diseases mortality rate were, the more preventive health services were provided by a chosen GP. Children with a higher completion rate of primary school (p = 0.024), higher health expenditure (p = 0.017), and higher life expectancy at birth (p = 0.041) had more preventive health services. The fertility rate was positively associated with the number of preventive health services per 1000 women (p = 0.033). Our findings should serve as a starting point for where efforts should be made to achieve better health outcomes.