Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exclusionary Experiences of Minoritized Students in Engineering, Their Description of Locations and Actors

This research category full paper aims to contribute to the body of research in sense of belonging in engineering education through a qualitative participatory research design in which students with minoritized identities contribute to an institutional goal of designing initiatives that address local problems of exclusion. While a lot has been explored about the dynamics of sense of belonging in the classroom, and faculty have been identified as key actors to enhance such sense of belonging, it is important to recognize that perceptions of exclusion or lack of sense of belonging can take place in any institutional space, and that institutions can have the leverage to enact inclusionary policies that can enhance student sense of belonging. Therefore, the overarching goals is to integrate the voices of minoritized students in the creation of potential solutions as a particular engineering institution in the U.S. northeast. This paper focuses on the descriptions of negative experiences described by our participants, responding to the research questions, where did racially minoritized students describe having had exclusionary experiences? And who were the actors involved in such exclusionary experiences? Our results show that while a significant number of exclusionary experiences (i. e. when students felt like they did not belong) still happen in the classroom, many of them are also taking place in alternative academic settings that have less accountability and can lead to enacting exclusionary cultures such as labs, office hours, and libraries. In addition, participants reported having exclusionary experiences in areas of student living, such as dining halls and student residences. These experiences included episodes of sexism and racism and shaped how minoritized students perceived their belonging at an engineering school and the whole institution. Furthermore, faculty were not the only actors involved in exclusionary experiences, but graduate teaching assistants, staff, and peer students were also part of such episodes. These results bring policy making possibilities to institutions that want to enhance equity and inclusion.
How does water near clay mineral surfaces influence the rock physics of shales?

Clays and clay‐bearing rocks like shale are extremely water sensitive. This is partly due to the interaction between water and mineral surfaces, strengthened by the presence of nanometer‐size pores and related large specific surface areas. Molecular‐scale numerical simulations, using a discrete‐element model, show that shear rigidity can be associated with structurally ordered (bound or adsorbed) water near charged surfaces. Building on these and other molecular dynamics simulations plus nanoscale experiments from the literature, the water monolayer adjacent to hydrophilic solid surfaces appears to be characterised by shear stiffness and/or enhanced viscosity. In both cases, elastic wave propagation will be affected by the bound or adsorbed water. Using a simple rock physics model, bound water properties were adjusted to match laboratory measured P‐ and S‐wave velocities on pure water‐saturated kaolinite and smectite. To fit the measured stress sensitivity, particularly for kaolinite, the contribution from solid‐grain contact stiffness needs to be added. The model predicts, particularly for S‐waves, that viscoelastic bound water could be a source of dispersion in clay and clay‐rich rocks. The bound‐water‐based rock physics model is found to represent a lower bound to laboratory‐measured velocities obtained with shales of different mineralogy and porosity levels.
Virtual Hiring Managers: Student Perceptions and Agent Preferences

Increasingly, interactive digital systems are being developed to offer learning opportunities with practical scenarios for individuals in fields ranging from health to the military. We created an application to provide those starting their careers with practice for job interviews. The platform, called Virtual Interview Ready (VI-Ready), allows engagement with 3D agents acting as hiring managers. To better understand the user experience and preferences of the (n = 5) agents available, we conducted an exploratory study with post-secondary students. The framework of impression management guided the inquiry as we employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis. Twenty undergraduate and graduate students (n = 20) interacted with the system, and then they completed a survey about VI-Ready and its agents. Among other findings, 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the virtual hiring manager was likeable. In addition, the qualitative analysis revealed three themes related to the agent interpretations: perceived personality, communications, and appearance. Students mentioned the voice of the agent enhanced the experience, and they found the agent competent and “approachable. ” The responses also illustrated a mixture of predilections for engaging with a hiring manager who looked like the participant (based on concordance with the agent's perceived social identities) versus others who did not feel the appearance of the agent mattered. Several students mentioned that since they are not able to select who their hiring manager would be in real life, they did not think being able to choose the look of the agents would impact their practice experience. The outcomes of this research may be helpful for those developing new technologies to enhance students' career paths. Insights around user preferences can also be applied to inform future agent designs.
Heterogeneous treatment effects of Cerebrolysin as an early add-on to reperfusion therapy: post hoc analysis of the CEREHETIS trial

Background: There has been intensive research into enhancing the effects of reperfusion therapy to mitigate hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in stroke patients. Using neuroprotective agents alongside intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) appears a promising approach. Cerebrolysin is one of the candidates since it consists of neuropeptides mimicking the action of neurotrophic factors on brain protection and repair. Objectives: We looked at treatment effects of Cerebrolysin as an early add-on to IVT in stroke patients with varying HT risk. Methods: It was post hoc analysis of the CEREHETIS trial (ISRCTN87656744). Patients with middle cerebral artery infarction (n = 238) were selected from the intention-to-treat population. To stratify participants according to their HT risk, the DRAGON, SEDAN and HTI scores were computed for each eligible subject using on-admission data. The study endpoints were any and symptomatic HT, and functional outcome measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on day 90. Favorable functional outcome (FFO) was defined as an mRS ≤2. The performance of each stratification tool was estimated with regression approaches. Heterogeneous treatment effect analysis was conducted using techniques of meta-analysis and the matching-smoothing method. Results: The HTI score outperformed other tools in terms of HT risk stratification. Heterogeneity of Cerebrolysin treatment effects was moderate (I2, 35.8%–56.7%; H2, 1.56–2.31) and mild (I2, 10.9%; H2, 1.12) for symptomatic and any HT, respectively. A significant positive impact of Cerebrolysin on HT and functional outcome was observed in the moderate (HTI = 1) and high (HTI ≥2) HT risk patients, but it was neutral in those with the low (HTI = 0) risk. In particular, there was a steady decline in the rate of symptomatic (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 4.3%, p = 0.077 vs. 21.1%, p < 0.001) and any HT (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.2%, p = 0.737 vs. 32.7%, p < 0.001). Likewise, an mRS score reduction (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.8%, p = 0.903 vs. 126%, p < 0.001) with a reciprocal increase of the fraction of FFO patients (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.2% p = 0.757 vs. 35.5%, p < 0.001) was found. Conclusion: Clinically meaningful heterogeneity of Cerebrolysin treatment effects on HT and functional outcome was established in stroke patients. The beneficial effects were significant in those whose estimated on-admission HT risk was either moderate or high.
Role of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Clinical Research: The Never-Ending Matter

Background : Chronic kidney disease (CKD) burden is crucial both on a global scale and at individual patient level, affecting morbidity and mortality directly and through its effect on both cardiovascular damage and CKD progression to end-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD). Unfortunately, the awareness of CKD is poor, with few CKD patients conscious of the severity of their health status. The principal biomarker of kidney function is estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods : We searched the literature and present a review article with the aim of summarizing the role of eGFR in clinical research. In particular, we report the eGFR role as a prognostic, enrichment and endpoint biomarker and its role in the early detection of CKD. Results : eGFR has a major role as a biomarker in clinical research. As a prognostic marker, eGFR reduction is associated with cardiovascular events, ESKD and mortality. As an enrichment biomarker, eGFR values are pivotal for selecting patients to be included in randomized and observational studies; it helps to test a pre-defined drug in early CKD or in more advanced CKD allowing also to avoid screening failures and to shorten the duration of clinical trials. Moreover, eGFR decline (expressed as a percentage of reduction from baseline or continuous slope) can be considered a good endpoint in clinic trials overcoming delays whilst waiting for hard endpoints to develop. Conclusions : eGFR is a strong clinical measure for both observational and intervention studies. It is also helpful in screening the general population for kidney disease and, in particular, to increase awareness of CKD.
Parameterization of the GPFARM-Range Model for Simulating Rangeland Productivity

One of the major limitations to rangeland model usage is the lack of parameter values appropriate for reliable simulations at different locations and times. In this chapter we seek to show how the GPFARM-Range, a rangeland model, which has been previously parameterized, tested, and validated for the central locations of the Great Plains, could be reparameterized to extend its domain of application to other locations of the Plains. Two main parameter determination methods are proposed: (i) manual adjustment of default parameter values and (ii) direct empirical parameter determination from some experimental data. It was recommended that in view of the level of information and expertise required for the second method, at this point the users should follow the first method—comparing the simulated output with observed data in a statistical sense such that the sum of squared deviations between the simulated and observed is minimized. It is noteworthy, however, that the published literature is a major source of data that could be used for parameterizing models. A number of texts are suggested for consultation to assist in the empirical determination of parameter values. It is shown that by varying the default values of only a few key parameters, the GPFARM-Range model could simulate forage growth under varying weather and grazing conditions at Miles City, located in northern part of the Great Plains. S.G. K. Adiku (sadiku@mail.colostate.edu) and L. Garcia (luis.garcia@colostate.edu), Dep. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523; L.R. Ahuja (laj.ahuja@ars.usda.gov), G.H. Dunn (gale.dunn@ars.usda.gov), and P.N. S. Bartling (pat.bartling@ars.usda.gov), USDA-ARS, Agricultural Systems Research Unit, Fort Collins, CO 80526; J.D. Derner (justin.derner@ars.usda.gov), USDA-ARS, High Plains Grasslands Research Station 8408 Hildreth Road Cheyenne, WY 82009-8899; A.A. Andales (allan.andales@ colostate.edu), Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523. doi:10.2134/advagricsystmodel2.c7
Talent Management Focus on Small and Medium Enterprises A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review explores the employee perspective on talent management within the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. Out of a total of 208 articles initially considered, the final analysis focuses on seven key articles for comparative evaluation. The research delves into various aspects of talent management, including recruitment strategies, employee development initiatives, and retention policies implemented by SMEs. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how talent management is perceived and experienced by employees in the unique setting of SMEs in Indonesia. By synthesizing findings from the selected articles, the review addresses crucial factors such as the role of technology, shifts in organizational culture, and specific challenges faced by employees in managing talent within SMEs. Through this systematic approach, the research contributes theoretical insights and practical implications for enhancing talent management practices in the SME sector. The findings aim to offer valuable guidance to SME leaders, human resource practitioners, and researchers seeking to optimize talent management strategies in the dynamic business landscape of Indonesia. The research that integrates the employee perspective into talent management is still relatively scarce, especially with a focus on small and medium-sized micro enterprises in Indonesia. This literature review specifically concentrates on the employee's standpoint within the context of talent management. A systematic literature review approach is employed in this study, assisted by the VOS Viewer application. The PRISMA method is used for the review. Out of the 154 Scopus articles reviewed, including empirical studies, conceptual articles, and book chapters, 7 articles specifically address the employee perspective in talent management research in SMEs. The literature review identifies that, although recent literature involves employees as key participants in strategic talent management, conceptual and empirical articles in this stream are still limited and require further conceptual and empirical development.
By Carrot or by Stick: The Influence of Encouraging and Discouraging Facial Feedback on Implicit Rule Learning

Implicit learning refers to the process of unconsciously learning complex knowledge through feedback. Previous studies investigated the influences of different types of feedback (e.g., social and non-social feedback) on implicit learning. This study focused on the social information presented in the learning situation and tried to explore the effects of different social feedback on implicit rule learning. We assigned participants randomly into an encouraging facial feedback group (happy expression for correct answer, neutral but not negative expression for incorrect answer) and a discouraging facial feedback group (neutral but not happy expression for correct answer, negative expression for incorrect answer). The implicit learning task included four difficulty levels, and social feedback was presented in the learning phase but not the testing phase in two experiments. The only difference between the two experiments was that the sad face used as negative feedback in Experiment 1 was replaced with an angry face in Experiment 2 to enhance the ecological validity of the discouraging facial feedback group. These two experiments yielded consistent results: the performances in the encouraging facial feedback group were more accurate in both the learning and the testing phases at all difficulty levels. These findings indicated that the influence of encouraging social feedback for a better implicit learning achievement was stable and established a new groundwork for future research on incentive-based education, making it critical to investigate the impact of various forms of encouraging-based education on learning.
The role of F-clinohumite in volatile recycling processes in subduction zones

It is not well understood how much water and other volatiles are really contained in different mantle rocks or minerals, and how these volatiles are transported down into the deeper mantle in subduction zones. Here we present new experimental data showing that a common mineral found in subduction zone rocks, the hydrated Mg-silicate clinohumite, is much more stable in the mantle than previously anticipated. We show that even small amounts of F – substituting for OH – are sufficient to stabilize clinohumite to temperatures well above the normal mantle geotherm. Based on this finding we propose that in subduction zones, clinohumite effectively transports water and other volatiles from shallow depths to the transition zone of the mantle. This can drastically increase the amount of fluorine and water recycled into the deep mantle.
An Analog Integrated, Low-Power, Area-Efficient, Gilbert, Modulo-based Classifier with Application to Lung-Cancer Classification

This study presents an alternative approach to develop low-power (744nW) analog classifiers capable of efficiently handling multiple input features while maintaining high levels of accuracy and minimizing power consumption. The proposed classifier relies on Voting and Bayes mathematical models, incorporating Gilbert two-signal four-quadrant multipliers and current comparators. The analog classifier is validated through testing with a real-world lung-cancer surgery dataset, achieving an accuracy of 75.45%. It predicts all testset samples of patients suffering from lung-cancer. Additionally, a comparison with related analog classifiers using the same dataset is conducted. The models are trained via a software-based implementation. The proposed architecture is realized using the TSMC 90nm CMOS process and simulated using the Cadence IC Suite.
Impact of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Angiotensin III and Leptin in Rabbits

Angiotensin III (Ang III) properties include chemotaxis, creation development factors, and chemokines, which are also involved in renal and cardiovascular functions. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used to treat cardiovascular illnesses. One factor that contributes to controlling blood pressure and resting metabolic rate is the protein Leptin (LEP). This study aimed to analyze ARB's (Losartan, Telmisartan, or Candesartan) effects on the levels of Ang III and LEP in rabbits. The characterization of the relationship between the two factors will be studied. The study was conducted on forty Oryctolagus cuniculus male rabbits. They were divided into four groups, randomly. Treated daily for ten days with intraperitoneal Losartan 0.7 mg/kg/day [G I], Telmisartan 0.6 mg/kg/day [G II], Candesartan 0.1 mg/kg/day [G III], and Control [G IV]. Pre- and post-treatment levels of Ang III and LEP, the changes in their histopathological characteristics, and coefficient correlations were analyzed. The three groups exhibited a drastic decrease in serum Ang III and LEP levels compared to the baseline and control. The effects of Losartan, Telmisartan, and Candesartan on the end organs of the liver, kidney, and heart, did not show any alterations. There was a weak positive correlation between the two factors. In conclusion; Losartan, Telmisartan, and Candesartan significantly decreased the activity of the RAS via their effect on Ang III and LEP levels as another mechanism for their efficacy in treating cardiovascular illnesses.
Size Variation in Rhabdomys pumilio: A case of character release?

Studied size variation in the striped mouse Rhabdomys pumilio, a diurnal herbivorous murid, across southern Africa using the greatest length of the skull (GTL) as a measure of body size. There was a positive correlation between GTL and the mean minimum temperature of the coldest month (July), contrary to Bergmann's rule, but there was no significant correlation between GTL and either mean maximal annual temperature, mean maximal temperature of the hottest month (January), altitude or annual rainfall. There were differences in size between samples of different biotic regions: Animals from the south west Cape were largest, followed by those from the Namib desert, forest, south west arid zone, and the savanna, respectively. Animals from the zone of sympatry with Lemniscomys griselda, a larger herbivorous diurnal murid, were significantly smaller than those from allpatric zones
Effects of Cranberry on Outpatients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 disease is an acute viral infection illness of the airway system resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cranberry is an evergreen group of dwarf shrubs of the Vaccinium Oxycoccus. The most important pharmacological effects of cranberry are related to its composition liking of quercetin, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. cranberry had numerous pharmacological activities encompassing antioxidant, cardioprotective, antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, and regulated glucose levels. This research aimed to estimate the potential activity of cranberry to enhance the efficacy of standard therapy for COVID-19 infection. A total of 30 patients with age ≥ 18 years suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia volunteered to do this study, allocated into two groups. The first group managed standard treatment only according to the National Institutes of Health, while the second group managed standard treatment plus cranberry 1000 mg capsule per day for 7 days. Each patient was assessed individually and follow up for 10 days. Cranberry significantly enhanced the effect of standard COVID – 19 therapies by rapidly relieving clinical symptoms of COVID – 19 infections and significantly lowered the count of WBC, CRP, D-Dimer, and ferritin in comparison with patients who only received STD therapy at P<0.05. In conclusion, Cranberry significantly improved STD therapy by reducing the inflammatory response and enhancing lung function via maintaining normal SPO2% level and relieving clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection.