Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES DUE TO WASTEWATER IRRIGATION IN A SEMIARID REGION OF RAJAS THAN, INDIA

Irrigation with wastewater has become a common prac tice in the arid and semi arid regions due to scarc ity of fresh water. This leads to adverse effect on soil a nd human health. The present study was conducted to valuate the effect of wastewater irrigation on agricultural fields at two wastewater irrigated sites at Jaipur city in Ra jasthan, India. The aim of the study was to estimate the accumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni) in soils and vegetables due to wastewater irrigation. The study revealed that concentration o f Pb and Ni in soil was under permissible limits wh ereas the concentration of Cr and Cd was found to be above th e permissible limits given by WHO. Vegetables ( Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Abelmoschus esculentus (lady finger) and Solanum melogena (brinjal) were found to accumulate all the heavy metals in high co ncentration. Among all the vegetables, spinach was found to accumulate highest concentration of all the metals. This study suggests that the consumption of veget abl s grown on wastewater irrigated site can prove to be hazardous for human health leading to several fatal diseases including cancer.
LEVERAGING SIMPLE MODEL PREDICTIONS

There has been recent interest in improving performance of simple models for multiple reasons such as interpretability, robust learning from small data, deployment in memory constrained settings as well as environmental considerations. In this paper, we propose a novel method SRatio that can utilize information from high performing complex models (viz. deep neural networks, boosted trees, random forests) to reweight a training dataset for a potentially low performing simple model such as a decision tree or a shallow network enhancing its performance. Our method also leverages the per sample hardness estimate of the simple model which is not the case with the prior works which primarily consider the complex model’s confidences/predictions and is thus conceptually novel. Moreover, we generalize and formalize the concept of attaching probes to intermediate layers of a neural network, which was one of the main ideas in previous work (Dhurandhar et al., 2018b), to other commonly used classifiers and incorporate this into our method. The benefit of these contributions is witnessed in the experiments where on 6 UCI datasets and CIFAR-10 we outperform competitors in a majority (16 out of 27) of the cases and tie for best performance in the remaining cases. In fact, in a couple of cases, we even approach the complex model’s performance. We also conduct further experiments to validate assertions and intuitively understand why our method works. Theoretically, we motivate our approach by showing that the weighted loss minimized by simple models using our weighting upper bounds the loss of the complex model.
Theory and practice of the quintile ranking of schools in South Africa: A financial management perspective

Equitable funding of public schools to reduce the disparities in education inherited by the post-apartheid government of South Africa in 1994 has become a priority. The Amended National Norms and Standards for School Funding (ANNSSF) required the ranking of schools into one of five quintiles of which Quintile 1 represents the poorest schools and Quintile 5 the most affluent. This amendment determines that schools serving impoverished communities should receive more funding. However, challenges exist regarding the implementation of the system, as well as the calculation base for maintenance allocation. In this study we used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 24 respondents from urban and township schools in Gauteng. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Gauteng Department of Education, the university’s Ethics Committee and the school governing bodies. We handled financial information from schools with utmost confidentiality. We identified themes from interview transcriptions and we analysed schools’ financial statements. The main findings relate to inaccuracies in quintile ranking, which result in inadequate and unfair school funding, which impact on schools’ maintenance and learning and teaching. It is recommended that a more holistic approach should be followed to achieve equity in education. Keywords: disparity; education funding; no-fee schools; poverty score; quintile ranking; school fee exemption formula
Linking Ethical Leadership to Employee Voice Behavior: The Role of Leader-Member Exchange

This study presents the findings of a research which examined the relationship between ethical leadership, leader-member exchange and employee voice behavior. Further, the research determined the impact of ethical leadership and leader-member exchange on employee voice behavior. Although these interrelations are very important for motivating employee voice behavior, a little empirical study investigates these relationships together. Finally, the research tested the most important factor that effects on employee voice behavior. This article investigates these relationships using SEM with data 465 employees of service companies located in Vietnam. Findings of the study revealed that ethical leadership promoted employee voice behavior mediated through leader-member exchanges. Based on the study findings, implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Secondary teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge to promote students’ data-based decision-making ability: The cases of Japan and Thailand

Introduction Statistics has become very important at all levels of citizenry in today’s society. Thus, to be part of modern society in a competent and critical way requires citizens to be able to interpret such data in a broad sense, in order to make informed decisions. In the educational context, many statistics educators, curriculum developers and international agencies around the world agree on the increasing importance for students to gain competence in using, handling and interpreting data to inform decision-making at personal, professional, and societal levels (Garfield & Ben-Zvi, 2008).
Smooth solutions to the Lp dual Minkowski problem

In this paper, we consider the Lp dual Minkowski problem by geometric variational method. Using anisotropic Gauss-Kronecker curvature flows, we establish the existence of smooth solutions of the Lp dual Minkowski problem when pq ≥ 0 and the given data is even. If f ≡ 1, we show under some restrictions on p and q that the only even, smooth, uniformly convex solution is the unit ball.
Effects of subsidies on growth and welfare in a quality‐ladder model with elastic labor

This paper develops a quality-ladder growth model with elastic labor supply and distortionary taxes to analyze the effects of different subsidy instruments: subsidies to the production of ﬁnal goods, subsidies to the purchase of intermediate goods, and subsidies to research and development (R&D). The model is calibrated to the US data to compare the growth and welfare implications of these subsidies. The main results are as follows. First, a coordination of all instruments attains the social optimum. Second, as for the use of a single instrument, the R&D subsidy is less growth-enhancing and welfare-improving than the other subsidies. Finally, as for the use of a mix of any two instruments, subsidizing the production of ﬁnal goods and the purchase of intermediate goods is most effective in promoting growth but least effective in raising welfare.
A complete picture of protein unfolding and refolding in surfactants†

Interactions between proteins and surfactants are of relevance in many applications including food, washing powder formulations, and drug formulation. The anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is known to unfold globular proteins, while the non-ionic surfactant octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12E8) can be used to refold proteins from their SDS-denatured state. While unfolding have been studied in detail at the protein level, a complete picture of the interplay between protein and surfactant in these processes is lacking. This gap in our knowledge is addressed in the current work, using the β-sheet-rich globular protein β-lactoglobulin (bLG). We combined stopped-flow time-resolved SAXS, fluorescence, and circular dichroism, respectively, to provide an unprecedented in-depth picture of the different steps involved in both protein unfolding and refolding in the presence of SDS and C12E8. During unfolding, core–shell bLG-SDS complexes were formed within ∼10 ms. This involved an initial rapid process where protein and SDS formed aggregates, followed by two slower processes, where the complexes first disaggregated into single protein structures situated asymmetrically on the SDS micelles, followed by isotropic redistribution of the protein. Refolding kinetics (>100 s) were slower than unfolding (<30 s), and involved rearrangements within the mixing deadtime (∼5 ms) and transient accumulation of unfolded monomeric protein, differing in structure from the original bLG-SDS structure. Refolding of bLG involved two steps: extraction of most of the SDS from the complexes followed by protein refolding. These results reveal that surfactant-mediated unfolding and refolding of proteins are complex processes with rearrangements occurring on time scales from sub-milliseconds to minutes.
COUPLED SIMULATION OF FRACTURE MECHANICS AND TRANSPORT OF CHLORID IN CRACKED CONCRETE SUBMITTED TO PERMANENT LOADING

Several models for chloride ingress are being developed in order to calculate service life of the reinforcement. This work presents a numerical solution to approach the behavior of a highly corroded beam in presence of chloride environment during 26 years. In order to make the study, a comparison of the numerical pattern of fracture with the real specimen found during the experimental test was made and also was compared the real curve charge-displacement with the numerical simulation. In this work, we apply cohesive and embedded theories of fracture to study the cracking process induced by corrosion. The volume change resulted from oxidation is implemented as a radial displacement imposed at the concrete-steel interface. The numerical model reproduces also the patterns of the opening of cracks observed in the experimental data of a 26 years old concrete beam exposed to chloride environment supplied by The Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) in France where this work was carried out.
4-Hydroxychalcone Induces Cell Death via Oxidative Stress in MYCN-Amplified Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy that arises from cells of sympathoadrenal lineage during the development of the nervous system. It is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor and is responsible for 15% of childhood deaths from cancer. Fifty percent of cases are diagnosed as high-risk metastatic disease with a low overall 5-year survival rate. More than half of patients experience disease recurrence that can be refractory to treatment. Amplification of the MYCN gene is an important prognostic indicator that is associated with rapid disease progression and a poor prognosis, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on identifying anticancer properties of naturally occurring chalcones, which are secondary metabolites with variable phenolic structures. Here, we report that 4-hydroxychalcone is a potent cytotoxin for MYCN-amplified IMR-32 and SK-N-BE (2) neuroblastoma cells, when compared to non-MYCN-amplified SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to the non-neuroblastoma human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK293t. Moreover, 4-hydroxychalcone treatment significantly decreased cellular levels of the antioxidant glutathione and increased cellular reactive oxygen species. In addition, 4-hydroxychalcone treatment led to impairments in mitochondrial respiratory function, compared to controls. In support of this, the cytotoxic effect of 4-hydroxychalcone was prevented by co-treatment with either the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a pharmacological inhibitor of oxidative stress-induced cell death (IM-54) or the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenger, Mito-TEMPO. When combined with the anticancer drugs cisplatin or doxorubicin, 4-hydroxychalcone led to greater reductions in cell viability than was induced by either anti-cancer agent alone. In summary, this study identifies a cytotoxic effect of 4-hydroxychalcone in MYCN-amplified human neuroblastoma cells, which rationalizes its further study in the development of new therapies for pediatric neuroblastoma.
IMPLEMENTATION OF SELF-CARE SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY TO ENHANCE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

Introduction: The Self-care Symptom Management (SSM) is educational guidelines with the goal of enhancing patients' self-care abilities to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate self-care guidelines for symptom management of patient with caner receiving chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life (QOL). Methods: The study adopts a quasi-experimental design, with one group as pre and post intervention tests. The study was conducted in a public hospital in Port Said, Egypt, on 100 cancer patients. The tools of data collection were an interview questionnaire form to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics for studied cases, assessment of knowledge and reported practice related to cancer and chemotherapy sheet. The patients were given information regarding the side effects of chemotherapy with an outline of symptom management strategies by researchers. The extent of the severity of side effects of chemotherapy and the management of symptoms were assessed using both the therapy-related symptom checklist and the self-care method. The QOL of patients is measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: The commonest side effects of chemotherapy included: hair loss (84%), nausea (91%), vomiting (81%), fatigue (85%), and pain (82%). Selfcare guidelines is effective on alleviating side effects of chemotherapy and improve quality of life. Conclusion: Knowledge of the side effects of chemotherapy and self-care management is essential for patients with cancer. The study recommended the importance of teaching methodology for symptom management. This is not only to ameliorate a patient's affliction but also to optimize their quality of life during the period of chemotherapy course.
Deep ReLU networks and high-order finite element methods

Approximation rate bounds for emulations of real-valued functions on intervals by deep neural networks (DNNs) are established. The approximation results are given for DNNs based on ReLU activation functions. The approximation error is measured with respect to Sobolev norms. It is shown that ReLU DNNs allow for essentially the same approximation rates as nonlinear, variable-order, free-knot (or so-called “[Formula: see text]-adaptive”) spline approximations and spectral approximations, for a wide range of Sobolev and Besov spaces. In particular, exponential convergence rates in terms of the DNN size for univariate, piecewise Gevrey functions with point singularities are established. Combined with recent results on ReLU DNN approximation of rational, oscillatory, and high-dimensional functions, this corroborates that continuous, piecewise affine ReLU DNNs afford algebraic and exponential convergence rate bounds which are comparable to “best in class” schemes for several important function classes of high and infinite smoothness. Using composition of DNNs, we also prove that radial-like functions obtained as compositions of the above with the Euclidean norm and, possibly, anisotropic affine changes of co-ordinates can be emulated at exponential rate in terms of the DNN size and depth without the curse of dimensionality.
Effect of an Instructional Package on Nurses’ Performance Regarding Obstetrical Emergencies

Aim: to study effect of an instructional package on nurses' performance regarding obstetrical emergencies. Setting: The study was conducted at obstetrics and gynecological emergency department at Benha University Hospital. Design: Quasi-experimental study was utilized. Sampling: A convenient sample included nurses. Tools of data collection: were Self-administered questionnaire and Observational check list. Results: The minority of nurses had good knowledge regarding obstetrical emergencies before implementation of the instructional package. While, most of them had good knowledge immediately after implementation of the instructional package that slightly decline at follow up phase of the instructional package implementation (p= ). More than one tenth of the studied nurses had competent practice regarding obstetrical emergencies before implementation of the instructional package. While, more than three quarters of them had competent practice immediately after implementation of the instructional package that slightly decline at follow up phase of instructional package implementation (p= ). Also, there was a highly statistically significant differences in relation to total nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding obstetrical emergencies before, immediately after and at follows up phases of instructional package implementation (p< ). Conclusion: The instructional package has positive effect on nurses’ knowledge and practices immediately after and at follow up phase than before implementation of the instructional package. Recommendation: Developing awareness programs for nurses to enhance their knowledge regarding obstetrical emergencies.
Malignant Thyroid-type Papillary Neoplasm in Struma Ovarii: A Case Report

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) arising in a coexistent struma ovarii (SO) is a rare malignancy. It manifests with abdominal symptoms such as palpable mass, pain, distension, and possibly ascites. It is usually diagnosed postoperatively, and its histopathological diagnostic criteria remain identical to that of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Due to the relative rarity of the disease, definitive guidelines for its overall management are still undefined. We present a case of a 51-year old female with suspicion of a left ovarian tumor due to her presenting symptoms: raised serum CA-125 levels and abnormal abdominopelvic CT scan findings. She underwent complete surgical debulking of the mass (total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), omentectomy, appendectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy). The mass was postoperatively diagnosed by histopathology as PTC in SO (stage IA). Furthermore, our patient did not receive any adjuvant treatment. The patient has been disease-free for 24 months post-surgery and is scheduled for regular biannual follow-ups.
Life History Traits Conferring Larval Resistance against Ocean Acidification: The Case of Brooding Oysters of the Genus Ostrea

ABSTRACT As oceans and many estuaries become more acidic, identifying adaptable or nonadaptable species (“winners” or “losers”) will enable better predictions of community and ecosystem function alterations due to climate change. Marine bivalves are frequently subjects of ocean acidification (OA) research because of their perceived vulnerability, which also threatens loss of their valuable ecosystem services. Studies indicate that larvae of many broadcast spawning oyster and mussel species are physiologically sensitive to alterations in carbonate chemistry. Running counter to this trend are recent investigations of brooding oyster species (genus Ostrea) that suggest their offspring may be considerably more resistant to OA stress. Although the precise mechanism conferring OA resistance to Ostrea larvae is unknown, a strong candidate appears to be exaptation of traits developing embryos that require to cope with adverse carbonate conditions they typically encounter in the brood chamber. New and previously reported data on Ostrea brood chamber conditions are discussed in the context of OA. Novel technical and experimental approaches are offered to address current knowledge gaps in future studies.
Behavioral Defenses of Shellfish Prey under Ocean Acidification

ABSTRACT Biological interactions between predators and prey constitute a key component of the ecology and evolution of marine systems, and animal behavior can affect the outcome of predator–prey interactions. It has been recently demonstrated that CO2-induced ocean acidification can alter the behavior of marine organisms and potentially alter predator–prey dynamics. This study combines both quantitative (meta-analysis) and qualitative approaches to review the effects of ocean acidification on behavioral prey defenses in marine invertebrates. A systematic literature search identified 34 studies that experimentally assessed behavioral defenses under elevated pCO2 spanning three phyla: crustaceans, echinoderms, and molluscs. A meta-analysis suggested that exposure to elevated seawater pCO2 can negatively affect behavioral defenses in bivalve molluscs and malacostracan crustaceans. By contrast, defenses of cephalopod molluscs seem to be positively impacted by elevated pCO2, whereas gastropods and echinoids appear unaffected. A qualitative assessment of studies on combined effects of ocean acidification and warming revealed that combined effects typically differ from ocean acidification–only effects. Based on a qualitative assessment of three studies to date, neurological interference of GABAA receptors under elevated pCO2 may play a major role in ocean acidification effects on prey defense behaviors; however, more research is needed, and other mechanistic underpinnings are also important to consider. Ultimately, the results of this study suggest that behavioral prey defenses in some shellfish taxa may be vulnerable to ocean acidification, that the effects of ocean acidification are often different under warming scenarios than under present-day temperature scenarios, and that GABAA interference may be an important mechanism underpinning behavioral responses of shellfish prey under ocean acidification. Despite the importance of shellfish behavioral defenses in the ecology and evolution of marine biological communities, however, research to date has only scraped the surface in understanding ocean acidification effects. Increased research efforts on the effects of multiple stressors, acclimation and adaptation, environmental variability, and complex situational and ecological contexts are needed. Studies of fish behavioral defenses under ocean acidification can help streamline hypotheses and experimental approaches, particularly given the similar effects of elevated pCO2 on GABAA function.
Morphological Characteristics of Antennal Sensilla in Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

ABSTRACT Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is extremely adaptable and highly invasive in China as a defoliator of ornamental and forest trees. To better understand the chemical orientation of this insect towards its host products, we determined the structure and distribution of antennal sensilla of H. cunea by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the male antenna was bipectinate and the female antenna was serrate, and they made of three parts, a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum of more than 58 flagellomeres. Based on their morphology, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea (ST1, ST2, ST3), sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica and Böhm bristles were distinguished on the antennae in both sexes. The putative functions of these sensilla also were discussed with reference to their morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure. We expect these results to help develop further electrophysiological investigations aiming to a better understanding of H. cunea olfaction.