Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Density Distribution in Ribbons from Roll Compaction

The most important quality attribute in roll compaction/dry granulation is the ribbon porosity, as it predominantly determines the granule porosity and granule size distribution. The porosity, however, is not distributed homogeneously over the ribbon. In this study the porosity distribution was investigated using X-ray micro-computed tomography and demonstrated that characteristic distribution patterns exist over all three spatial directions, the ribbon length, width, and thickness. In detail the distribution patterns depend on the sealing system.
Spatial Variability of Soil Phosphorus Indices under Two Contrasting Grassland Fields in Eastern Canada

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for grassland production systems. However, continuous applications of P fertilizers result in soil P accumulations, increasing the risk of P losses in runoff and erosion. This study aims to investigate the field-scale variability of soil-test P (STP) in two contrasting grassland fields using descriptive statistics and geostatistics for accurate recommendations on soil sampling strategy and sustainable approaches to P management. A young grassland (YG; 2 years) and an old grassland (OG; 10 years under permanent pasture) were classified as humo-ferric podzol and received organic fertilizers. Soil samples were collected in 16-m by 16-m triangular grids at two depths (0–5 and 5–20 cm). They were analyzed for available P and other soil elements extracted using the Mehlich-3 method (M3). The agri-environmental P saturation index (P/Al)M3 was calculated. Phosphorus accumulation was observed in OG (0–5 cm) as a result of long-term manure applications. Repeated applications of organic fertilizers can impact the long-term buildup of soil P, thus decreasing soil P va-riability and spatial dependence in permanent grasslands. A soil sampling strategy focusing on the 0–5 cm layer should be retained in permanent grasslands for sustainable P recommendations in Eastern Canada.
Neural Network-Based Model for Predicting Preliminary Construction Cost as Part of Cost Predicting System

A model for early construction cost prediction is useful for all construction project participants. This paper presents a combination of process-based and data-driven model for construction cost prediction in early project phases. Bromilow’s “time-cost” model is used as process-based model and general regression neural network (GRNN) as data-driven model. GRNN gave the most accurate prediction among three prediction models using neural networks which were applied, with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of about 0.73% and the coefficient of determination R2 of 99.55%. The correlation coefficient between the predicted and the actual values is 0.998. The model is designed as an integral part of the cost predicting system (CPS), whose role is to estimate project costs in the early stages. The obtained results are used as Cost Model (CM) input being both part of the Decision Support System (DSS) and part of the wider Building Management Information System (BMIS). The model can be useful for all project participants to predict construction cost in early project stage, especially in the phases of bidding and contracting when many factors, which can determine the construction project implementation, are yet unknown.
Comparison of survival outcomes according of patients with metastatic gastric cancer receiving trastuzumab with systemic chemotherapy

Purpose Currently, trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is the standard first-line therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) or esophagogastric junction cancer. However, it is not clear whether the prognosis of HER2-positive mGC treated with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy is better than that of HER2-negative mGC treated with chemotherapy as the first-line therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective study comparing the prognosis of mGC according to first-line treatment with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy only, at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital from 2011 to 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Results The median overall survival of trastuzumab group was 26.1 months and that of chemotherapy group was 14.8 months (P=0.047). Trastuzumab group had a longer median progression-free survival than chemotherapy group (23.4 vs. 9.2 months, P=0.026). By univariate analysis, sex, age, World Health Organization (WHO) histology, HER2 status, primary tumor site, extent of disease, number of lesions, number of metastatic, measurability of disease, prior gastrectomy, and chemotherapy group are statistically significant. Using multivariate analysis, number of lesions, number of metastatic, prior gastrectomy, and trastuzumab group (hazard ratio, 0.594; 95% confidence interval, 0.384–0.921; P=0.020) were found to be independent prognostic factors of overall survival. Conclusion The result suggests prognosis of HER2-positive mGC treated by trastuzumab plus chemotherapy could be better than that of HER2-negative mGC treated by chemotherapy only. Well-designed prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the results of this study. HER2 testing should be performed routinely in all patients newly diagnosed with mGC.
Evaluation of potential drug interactions with sodium zirconium cyclosilicate: a single-center, open-label, one sequence crossover study in healthy adults

Abstract Background Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC; formerly ZS-9) is an oral potassium binder for the treatment of hyperkalemia in adults. SZC acts in the gastrointestinal tract and additionally binds hydrogen ions in acidic environments like the stomach, potentially transiently increasing gastric pH and leading to drug interactions with pH-sensitive drugs. This study assessed potential pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions between SZC and nine pH-sensitive drugs. Methods In this single-dose, open-label, single-sequence cross-over study in healthy adults, amlodipine, atorvastatin, clopidogrel, dabigatran, furosemide, glipizide, levothyroxine, losartan or warfarin were each administered alone and, following a washout interval, with SZC 10 g. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to the last time point (AUC0–t) and AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) were evaluated. No interaction was concluded if the 90% confidence interval for the geometric mean ratio (SZC coadministration versus alone) of the PK parameters was within 80–125%. Results During SZC coadministration, all PK parameters for amlodipine, glipizide, levothyroxine and losartan showed no interaction, while reductions in clopidogrel and dabigatran Cmax, AUC0–t and AUCinf (basic drugs) were <50% and increases in atorvastatin, furosemide and warfarin Cmax (acidic drugs) exceeded the no-interaction range by ˂2-fold. Conclusions SZC coadministration was associated with small changes in plasma concentration and exposure of five of the nine drugs evaluated in this study. These PK drug interactions are consistent with transient increases in gastric pH with SZC and are unlikely to be clinically meaningful.
Empathy as a Mediator Between Parental Attitudes and Adolescents’ Aggressive Behaviour

This study was designed to examine relationships between adolescents’ empathy and aggression and parental attitudes. Two hundred and one high school students aged 16-18 completed the Polish Retrospective Parental Attitude Questionnaire, Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results showed that paternal attitudes have a great influence on the level of aggression in children, either raising (inconsistency and excessive demands) or lowering it (acceptance and autonomy). In contrast, the role played by empathy is considerably lower and only supports the relationship between parental attitudes and level of aggression. It also turned out that empathy partly plays the role of a mediator between fathers‘ parental attitudes and the level of aggression in adolescents.
STEM EDUCATION DURING THE COVID-19: TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ABOUT STRATEGIES, CHALLENGES AND EFFECTS ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING

This research aims to examine: (a) how Physics teachers who participated in a STEM project, adopted and implemented a STEM activity in the context of a pandemic; (b) from the perspective of Physics teachers, what were the effects on students' learning of a STEM activity implemented in the context of the pandemic; (c) what challenges had Physics teachers faced in implementing the STEM activity during the pandemic. A qualitative and interpretive methodology was used. The participants are four Physics teachers who implemented a STEM activity on sound, during the pandemic. Data were collected through interviews and written reflections. The study has shown how, in a crisis context such as COVID-19, which affected schools all around the world, teachers were able to deal with it and kept developing a STEM activity, revealing the main challenges and effects on student learning, from the teachers’ points of view. Moreover, it was clear that carrying out with success a STEM activity, in such an adverse scenario, was strongly related with teachers who found new strategies and keep students motivated, by guiding them proficiently, and that requires to merge scientific and technological knowledge. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic context, physics teachers, online teaching, STEM activity
Dynamics of spermatial nuclei in trichogyne of the red alga Bostrychia moritziana (Florideophyceae)

Copyright © 2020 The Korean Society of Phycology 389 http://e-algae.org pISSN: 1226-2617 eISSN: 2093-0860 Dynamics of spermatial nuclei in trichogyne of the red alga Bostrychia moritziana (Florideophyceae) Eunyoung Shim, Hana Park, Soo Hyun Im, Giuseppe C. Zuccarello and Gwang Hoon Kim* Department of Biological Sciences, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Korea School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Investigating the learning sequence of decimal magnitude and decimal operations

Research is mixed on whether understanding decimal magnitude supports operations with decimals or whether operations can be learned before and while students develop understanding of decimal magnitude. In the present study, we used a large scale, longitudinal design to investigate students’ knowledge of decimal comparison and operation before and after decimal comparison alone was introduced in the curriculum. Student performance on a decimal comparison task did not increase, but there was an increase in performance on decimal subtraction and decimal multiplication tasks, topics which were not part of the mandated curriculum during the relevant period of instruction.
Chemical compositions and biological activities of the essential oils from gamma irradiated celery (Apium graveolens L.) seeds

Celery seed oils can help in detoxification processes of the body as it facilitates the elimination of toxins and other harmful substances out of the body. This study aimed to assess biological activity of essential oils extracted from un-irradiated and irradiated celery seeds by gamma rays. Celery seeds were irradiated with different dose levels of gamma radiation; control, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 kGy. The highest increase of essential oil extracted was registered with a dosage level of 10.0 kGy (2.42%). The GC-MS analysis showed that, there were new compounds detected in the irradiated samples and others compounds were increased or decreased. The FTIR spectra showed alterations in functional groups of essential oils extracted from celery seeds upon gamma-irradiation. Total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity increased proportional to the increase in the irradiation dose level and the maximum increase obtained in the irradiation dose level 10.0 kGy. This may be an evidence on the biological value, there were anticancer activity against 2 cell lines, breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell line (A549). The best IC50 in A549 was 145 µg/ml in sample with irradiation dose level 5.0 kGy while the best IC50 in MCF-7 was 124 µg/ml in irradiated sample with dose 5.0 kGy. Also, the highest inhibition zone of S. aureus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae were obtained with the oil extracted from seeds irradiated with 5 kGy dose level, where E. coli and C. albicans were more pronounced for the oil gotten from the seeds irradiated with 10.0 kGy. The irradiation process for celery seeds may be promising for biological value of celery oils.
On Being the First: The Role of Family in the Experiences of First-Generation College Students

The aim of this study was to explore family relationship experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) as they transition to and persist through college. The sample includes eight undergraduate FGCS (aged 18–22). Seven participants identified as female, and one identified as Questioning. Participants’ descriptions of their social class ranged from “poor” to “upper middle class. ” Four participants identified as White; others identified as White and Mexican, White and Hispanic, African American, and Mixed Race (White and Black). Participants for this study were recruited from a large public university in the Southeastern United States. Researchers used a qualitative phenomenological design. Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, data were collected through in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis guided by Structural Symbolic Interactionism. Parents, despite lacking college experience, offered supports, both instrumental (educational opportunities; monthly financial assistance) and emotional (encouraging calls; frequent visits), which students considered essential to their success. Many participants also stated that setting an example and forging a path for younger siblings helped to motivate them to persevere through hardships. Strength-based approaches are necessary when developing programs for and research on FGCSs and their families.
Bis(p-aminobenzoato)bis(hexadecanoato)dicopper(II): A low-temperature and thermally-stable functional metallomesogen

A novel copper (II) mixed carboxylates namely bis ( p -aminobenzoato) bis (hexadecanoato)dicopper(II), [Cu 2 ( p -H 2 NC 6 H 4 COO) 2 (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 14 COO) 2 ], from one-pot self-assembly of the corresponding ions was designed to function as a low-temperature and thermally-stable metallomesogen applications. The as-prepared copper (II) complex was characterized by means of CHNS analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical polarized microscopy (OPM), magnetic Gouy balance, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) for the determination of its elemental compositions, chemical boding, optical properties, thermal stability, phase transition, magnetic properties and electrochemical behavior of the complex, respectively. Its melting and decomposition temperatures are 115 o C and 256 o C, respectively, and formed a smectic C mesophase on cooling from the isotropic liquid phase. Its room-temperature effective magnetic moment is 2.89 B.M. , indicating a paramagnetic complex with negligible electronic communication between the two Cu(II) centers. Cyclic voltammetry shows two sets of overlapping peaks at -0.33 V and -0.38 V corresponding to Cu(II)Cu(II)-Cu(II)Cu(I) and Cu(II)Cu(I)-Cu(I)Cu(I) indicating diffusion-controlled, quasireversible reaction accompanied by extensive structural reorganizations.
Seroprevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and Its Associated Risk Factors in Dairy Cattle in and Around Assela Town, South East Ethiopia

Background: Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is one of the most economically important diseases of cattle population worldwide and caused by Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). A cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2019 to April, 2020 to investigate the sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) infection. in and around Asella town, Ethiopia. Semi structured questionnaire survey was designed to assess the different variables related to herd managements through personal interview of the farmers. Serum samples were collected from a total of 45 non-vaccinated cattle herds (225 individual cattle) during the study period. Samples were examined for detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) kit (ID Screen® BVD p80 Antibody) following the manufacturers protocol. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors for BVDV seropositivity. Results: In the present study, 8.4% (95% CI: 5.2-12.9) and 22.2% (95% CI: 11.2-37.1) seroprevalence of BVDV antibody was observed at individual and herds level, respectively. Among the animal and management risk factors observed in multiple logistic regression analysis, higher seroprevalence of was observed in cows with history of abortion 53.8% (95% CI: 25.1-80.8%), cattle reared in semi intensive farming system 28.3% (95% CI: 16.0-43.5) (P<0.05). In this study, abortion (adjusted OR: 30.5, P<0.05), repeated breeder (adjusted OR: 6.95, P<0.05) and intensive farming systems (adjusted OR: 0.13, P<0.05) were identified as potential variables for the seroprevalence of BVDV. Conclusion: The study revealed immense exposure of cattle in and around Asella town to BVDV infection that varied with reproductive problem and farming system of the animals. Further studies will be required to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of BVDV infection in cattle and other livestock species in the study area.
Cash waqf model for micro enterprises’ human capital development

Purpose The present paper aims to propose a viable alternative model for human capital development (HCD), termed as the integrated cash waqf micro enterprises investment (ICWME-I) model, which is expected to contribute to the development of micro enterprises in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper for the development of the ICWME-I model. It is purely qualitative in nature, using content analysis. It comprehensively reviews the literature related to HCD issues faced by micro enterprises and existing studies related to cash waqf (Islamic endowment) to construct the ICWME-I model. Findings The proposed ICWME-I model is specially designed for HCD of micro enterprises. It is an appropriate initiative to upgrade micro enterprises through HCD programmes by ensuring proper utilization of cash waqf funds to build modern training centres at subsidized costs with state-of-the-art facilities. The training centres would subsidize the participation fees of micro enterprises and provide them with facilities to undertake education and training programmes, as well as other kinds of activities for upgrading, improving and enhancing human capital capacity and skills of micro enterprises. The potential challenges of the ICWME-I model are also highlighted in this study. Research limitations/implications This paper attempts to construct the ICWME-I model based on an extensive review of literature related to micro enterprises, cash waqf and HCD. Among its major limitations is the fact that the ICWME-I model is not empirically validated and tested in this research. This can be carried out in future studies. Practical implications The present study could have an enormous impact on micro entrepreneurs via HCD programmes. The most important impact would be on government budgets, as this ICWME-I model is expected to generate its own funds from cash waqf for micro enterprises’ HCD. Originality/value This paper brings forward an original and viable model to develop human capital for micro enterprises development. This model involves the building of training centres using cash waqf raised from donors.
Scaling the Roots Mechanical Reinforcement in Plantation of Cunninghamia R. Br in Southwest China

The degree of mechanical reinforcement provided by plants depends upon its roots distribution in the soil and mechanical properties of the roots. The mechanical properties and distribution of root traits (root diameter and number) in the soil of the standing forest depends on the tree stem diameter. This variation of root traits with tree stem diameter is rarely investigated. Therefore, this research presents the effect of tree stem diameter on the distribution of roots within the standing forest of Cunninghamia in the Longchi forest area, Sichuan province, China. In this area, shallow landslides take place frequently. We investigated the root traits distribution for trees with different stem diameters, i.e., 220 mm, 320 mm, 450 mm, and 468 mm, to show the variation of roots distribution in the soil with stem diameter. The root architecture of the selected trees was studied by step excavation method of the root zone accompanied by measurement of roots physical parameters (roots number and roots diameter) and indices (roots area ratio (RAR), roots biomass (RB), and roots distribution (RD)). We measured the root’s maximum tensile strength by performing root tensile tests in the laboratory. The field and laboratory-measured data were used to estimate the root cohesion by both the commonly used model Wu and Waldron Model (WWM) and Fiber Bundle Model (FBM). The results indicate that the tree stem diameter correlates with both the root distribution and the tensile strength. The roots indices and root cohesion increase with an increase in the diameter of the tree. Further, RAR decreases with depth and lateral distance from the tree stem, while the maximum values were observed in 10 cm depth. The relationship between roots diameter and roots tensile strength is established through power function. The average root cohesion estimated for a tree with stem diameter 220 mm is 23 kPa, 29 kPa for 320 mm, 54 kPa for 450 mm, and 63 kPa for 460 mm. This effect of stem diameter on the increase of soil shear resistance should be considered while evaluating the stability of slopes in standing forests. The comparison between WWM and FBM for investigated species suggests that WWM estimates the cohesion values greater than FBM by 65%.
Levels of Benzoic Acid, Sulphur (IV) Oxide and Sorbic Acid in Carbonated Drinks Sold in Lagos, Nigeria

Residual sulphite as sulphur dioxide causes severe systemic reaction characterised by difficulty in breathing and cardiovascular collapse. Few studies have described exposure of humans to excessive preservatives from food and beverage products in Nigeria. Little is also known about the levels of preservatives such as benzoate, sorbates, sulphur (IV) oxide, sorbic acid and ascorbic acid in carbonated drink (CD) ,fruit juices (FJ), sport drinks(SD) and dairy drinks. Commonly consumed carbonated drinks (14), fruit juices (14), sport drinks (2) and dairy drinks (3) purchased in various markets in Lagos metropolis were analysed for the preservative contents using standard methods. Residual sulphite levels expressed as sulphur (IV) oxide in CD ranged from 4.0 – 15.2 mg/L, FD ranged from ND-13.6 mg/L. SD ranged from 3.6-13.6 mg/L while in DD it ranged from ND – 4.7 mg/L. Benzoic and citric acid contents for CD, FJ, SD and DD ranged from 222-702 mg/L & 0.38-0.89% m/v ; 168-799 mg/L & 0.26-0.89% m/v; 451-494 mg/L & 0.24-0.32% m/v; 132-318 mg/L & 0.36-0.7% m/v, respectively. The pH of the drinks ranged from 2.46-5.58. 55% of the samples analysed have benzoic acid content below the regulatory limit. Values of pH, ascorbic acid and sulphur (IV) oxide for all samples were in conformity with standards. Benzoic acid and ascorbic acid concentration was higher in Sport drinks than other samples while levels of sulphur (IV) oxide and citric acid were more in carbonated drinks. The citric acid values of about 21% of the samples analysed had value above required limit of 0.5%m/v. The sum total of the preservatives levels are within the regulatory limit, however, 71.4% of the carbonated and 100% of the fruit drinks have benzoic acid level above the national permitted level of 250 and 150 mg/L respectively.