Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency Assessment between Entrapment and Covalent Bond Immobilization of Mutant β-Xylosidase onto Chitosan Support

The Y509E mutant of β-xylosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus (XynB2Y509E) (which also bears xylanase activity) has been immobilized in chitosan spheres through either entrapment or covalent bond formation methods. The maximum immobilization yield by entrapment was achieved by chitosan beads developed using a 2% chitosan solution after 1 h of maturation time in CFG buffer with ethanol. On the other hand, the highest value in covalent bond immobilization was observed when employing chitosan beads that were prepared from a 2% chitosan solution after 4 h of activation in 1% glutaraldehyde solution at pH 8. The activity expressed after immobilization by covalent bonding was 23% higher compared to the activity expressed following entrapment immobilization, with values of 122.3 and 99.4 IU.g−1, respectively. Kinetic data revealed that catalytic turnover values were decreased as compared to a free counterpart. Both biocatalysts showed increased thermal and pH stability, along with an improved storage capacity, as they retained 88% and 40% of their activity after being stored at 4 °C for two months. Moreover, XynB2Y509E immobilized by covalent binding also exhibited outstanding reusability, retaining 92% of activity after 10 cycles of reuse. In conclusion, our results suggest that the covalent bond method appears to be the best choice for XynB2Y509E immobilization.
APPLICATION OF HYBRID AND VMS-LES TURBULENTMODELS TO AERODYNAMIC SIMULATIONS

The aim of this paper is to propose a new hybrid RANS/LES approach for the simulation of turbulent flows, wich can be interpreted as a general case of the NLDE(Non-Linear Disturbance Equation) aproach. The solution of NavierStokes equations is decomposed into a mean part (RANS), a perturbed/corrected part that takes into account the turbulent large-scale fluctuations and a third part made by the unresolved (SGS) fluctuations. This approach is used to simulate the flow around a circular cylinder at Reynold number 140000; results are compared with experiments and with our "classical" hybrid model (see for example [11]).
Geometrical structure analysis of a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer

The present work focuses on the geometrical features of a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer based on vectorline segment analysis. In a turbulent vector field, tracing from any non-singular point, along either the vector or the inverse direction, one will reach a local extremum of the vector magnitude. The vectorline between the two local extrema is defined as the vectorline segment corresponding to the given spatial point. Specifically the vectorline segment can be the streamline segment for the velocity vector case, or the vorticity line segment for the vorticity vector case. Such a quantitatively defined and space-filling vectorline segment structure reflects the natural vectorial topology. Because of inhomogeneity in the wall-normal direction, vectorline segments corresponding to the grid points at specified wall-normal distances are sampled for statistics. For streamline segments, the probability density function (p.d.f.) of the normalized segment length in different flow regions matches a model solution, and for vorticity line segments such a p.d. f. in the log-law region and beyond matches the same model solution, which indicates some universality of different flow regions and different vector field structures. Typically the joint p.d. f. of the characteristic parameters of streamline segments presents clear asymmetry, which is closely related to the skewness of the velocity derivative. Moreover, the orientation statistics of vectorline segments, characterized by the coordinate difference between the segment starting point and ending point, have been provided to quantify the flow anisotropy.
An Examination of Infection Incidence and Management in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Five-Year Review from a Saudi Arabian Center

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition often associated with an increased susceptibility to infections. The infections in patients with SLE, primarily involving the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract, can significantly complicate disease management. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence, management, and patient outcomes associated with infections in a group of 74 SLE patients at a single center in Saudi Arabia, spanning a 5-year period. Material/Methods An observational, retrospective study was conducted at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patient medical records from January 2016 to December 2020 were examined. All adult SLE patients (age >14 years, as per hospital policy), confirmed by SLICC criteria, and admitted due to infections (determined by quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment or qSOFA scores) were included in the study. Results Of the 74 SLE patients studied, 79.7% were administered hydroxychloroquine. A majority (83.8%) were classified as low-risk for sepsis-associated mortality based on qSOFA scores (0–1), a fact noted by 41.9% of rheumatology fellows. The sputum cultures most frequently identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae, yeast, and Haemophilus influenzae (each accounting for 33.3% of cases). Furthermore, 4.1% of patients had extended-spectrum beta-lactamases infections, and 2.7% tested positive for COVID-19. A history of sepsis was more commonly observed among non-survivors (P=0.010). Conclusions The majority of patients were classified as low-risk for sepsis-associated mortality based on qSOFA scores, with two-thirds prescribed antibiotics within 1 h. The primary causes of death were multiorgan failure and cardiac arrest.
SPREAD PARAMETERS OF THE BORER XYLOTRECHUS ARVICOLA (OLIVIER) (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) IN A ‘TEMPRANILLO’ VINEYARD IN LA RIOJA (SPAIN): A LONG-TERM STUDY

Xylotrechus arvicola (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a polyphagous xylophagous beetle that is becoming a pest of increasing importance for vineyards in Spain, also because of the wood fungi developing in the galleries excavated by its larvae, which cause a progressive decline of the affected grapevines, until death. Between 1993 and 2015, a survey of the infestation caused by X. arvicola and the symptoms caused by pathogenic wood fungi was performed in a ‘Tempranillo’ variety vineyard in La Rioja region (Spain). Maps showing the overtime spread of the borer and the diffusion of symptoms of grapevine decline and Eutypa dieback were obtained. Results indicated that the borer colonization began in the centre of the plot, followed by the first symptoms caused by the wood fungi a few years later. The statistical analysis showed that the evolution of infestation is characterized by a linear increase of new holes whereas the pattern of their allocation in the vines follows a bimodal distribution which, to some extent, can be simulated by a Poisson’s model. Based on these observations, a methodology to estimate the state of the infestation over time is proposed. The procedure - based on a linear regression of the average number of holes per vine over a set of years - can be applied in a relatively simple way and provides the probability for a grapevine to have a certain number of exit holes in a definite year with a mean error of around 5%
A COMMON FIXED POINT THEOREM FOR FOUR SELF MAPS IN COMPLEX VALUED AND VECTOR VALUED METRIC SPACES

In this paper we prove a common fixed point theorem for four self maps f, g, S and T in complex valued metric spaces where both {f, S} and {g, T} are weakly compatible self maps of a nonempty set X. Our result generalizes the results of Sandeep Bhatt et al [2]. We also introduce the concept of a vector valued metric space as a generalization of complex valued metric space and prove some fixed point theorems in these spaces.
The Affective Side of Mathematics Education: Adapting a Mathematics Attitude Measure to the Context of Ethiopia

The purpose of this study is to determine the factorial validity of an adapted “Attitudes towards Mathematics Inventory (ATMI)” measure. The ATMI was originally developed by Tapia and Marsh (2004) in the western culture to measure attitudes towards Mathematics. This paper reports the psychometric prosperities of the adapted Amharic version of the ATMI based on a sample of 385 Ethiopian university students enrolled for Mathematics classes. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) procedure is employed to test the factorial validity of the ATMI-Amharic. The results reveal that the original four-factor model (Self-confidence, Enjoyment, Motivation, and Value) is retained for the adapted ATMI-Amharic since no statistically significant difference (χ2= 1.827, p = 0.401; RMSEA < 0.0001) was found between the base and the observed models. Further, a test of factorial invariance across gender groups and year-levels also yielded that the model has measurement invariance revealing the ATMI-Amharic is independent of gender and number of years in college. Besides, the coefficient alphas for the four subscales (α = 0.78-0.89) and for the overall measure (α = 0.94) are found to be high. The implications of the findings in relation to the psychometric properties of the ATMI-Amharic and its use in Ethiopian context are discussed.
Randomness Generation for Secure Hardware Masking - Unrolled Trivium to the Rescue

Masking is a prominent strategy to protect cryptographic implementations against side-channel analysis. Its popularity arises from the exponential security gains that can be achieved for (approximately) quadratic resource utilization. Many variants of the countermeasure tailored for different optimization goals have been proposed over the past decades. The common denominator among all of them is the implicit demand for robust and high entropy randomness. Simply assuming that uniformly distributed random bits are available, without taking the cost of their generation into account, leads to a poor understanding of the efficiency and performance of secure implementations. This is especially relevant in case of hardware masking schemes which are known to consume large amounts of random bits per cycle due to parallelism. Currently, there seems to be no consensus on how to most efficiently derive many pseudo-random bits per clock cycle from an initial seed and with properties suitable for masked hardware implementations. In this work, we evaluate a number of building blocks for this purpose and find that hardware-oriented stream ciphers like Trivium and its reduced-security variant Bivium B outperform all competitors when implemented in an unrolled fashion. Unrolled implementations of these primitives enable the flexible generation of many bits per cycle while maintaining high performance, which is crucial for satisfying the large randomness demands of state-of-the-art masking schemes. According to our analysis, only Linear Feedback Shift Registers (LFSRs), when also unrolled, are capable of producing long non-repetitive sequences of random-looking bits at a high rate per cycle even more efficiently than Trivium and Bivium B. Yet, these instances do not provide black-box security as they generate only linear outputs. We experimentally demonstrate that using multiple output bits from an LFSR in the same masked implementation can violate probing security and even lead to harmful randomness cancellations. Circumventing these problems, and enabling an independent analysis of randomness generation and masking scheme, requires the use of cryptographically stronger primitives like stream ciphers. As a result of our studies, we provide an evidence-based estimate for the cost of securely generating n fresh random bits per cycle. Depending on the desired level of black-box security and operating frequency, this cost can be as low as 20 n to 30 n ASIC gate equivalents (GE) or 3 n to 4 n FPGA look-up tables (LUTs), where n is the number of random bits required. Our results demonstrate that the cost per bit is (sometimes significantly) lower than estimated in previous works, incentivizing parallelism whenever exploitable and potentially moving low randomness usage in hardware masking research from a primary to secondary design goal.
MAPPING THE MENTAL LEXICON OF EFL LEARNERS: A NETWORK APPROACH

: The present paper explores the lexical profiles of monolingual and bilingual learners acquiring English as a second and third language, respectively. Those profiles allow to get insights into learners’ lexical access and lexical organization in the new language. To shed more light in this issue, a lexical fluency task was used to gather data. Results showed lack of significant differences in all the measures taken, but some very interesting differences appear when graph theory metrics are applied. Thus, educational bilinguals show higher levels of lexical organization and stronger connections among the nodes. This can be indicative of a mental lexicon which is better organized, more compact, and more stable. Additionally, educational bilinguals’ networks display highest clustering coefficient and shortest path length. In semantic terms, this means that educational bilinguals can navigate their lexicon more efficiently and in a way that better resembles native lexical search. These findings open up new avenues for insightful studies concerning lexicon organization in different types of learners, with bilingualism being a relevant modulating factor.
Determinants for participation in independent learning policy and independent campus programs

This paper proposes a framework for participation determinants in lifelong learning through the Independent Learning Policy and Independent Campus or Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka/Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM). The framework is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), self-determination theory (SDT), theory of planned behavior (TPB), and institutional theory. This study contributes to the literature by identifying specific factors and indicators to improve along with their impacts on the participation when the organizers of such initiatives wish to increase participation. Indonesia is the biggest country in South-East Asia with a large economy and influence in the world. Conditions, progress, and setbacks in Indonesia will influence other countries. Many job applicants do not meet the requirements for the job they applied for. Therefore, the Indonesian Ministry of Education initiated the MBKM programs to develop human quality, especially the university students to enhance their skills to meet the job requirements. The 740 respondents completed the online survey with 150 questions to represent reflective indicators. The results were analyzed with the partially least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) method and found the influential factors driving participation in MBKM are social influence, supporting factors, government decisions, utility, and recognition. further analysis indicated that convenience and financial incentive factors do not affect participation.
Reconsidering Misinformation in WhatsApp Groups: Informational and Social Predictors of Risk Perceptions and Corrections

In a survey study of WhatsApp users across 3 different countries ( N = 3,664), we tested how misinformation processes on messaging apps are driven by the levels of information shared versus social dynamics within messaging groups. Integrating recent perspectives, we offer a conceptual model that distinguishes (1) the informational activity of users and (2) trust among group members as predictors of misinformation outcomes within WhatsApp groups. Specifically, we focus on how content-sharing practices of users and characteristics of messaging groups (size, type, homogeneity) explain information exposure and group trust, which then predict misinformation risk perceptions and corrections. Structural equation models revealed that contributing content (vs. checking content) positively predicted (mis)information exposure, which then positively predicted risk perceptions and social corrections. Additionally, smaller, closer, and homogeneous groups were associated with greater group trust, which then predicted lower risk
Pan Arab Journal of Rhinology Pan Arab Journal of Rhinology

Back ground and objectives: Septoplasty is conservative approach to nasal septal surgery. In this operation much of the septal framework is retained. Only the most deviated parts are removed, rest of septal framework is corrected and repositioned by plastic means. There is a wide concept that this surgery is usually done after the age of 18 years so as not to interfere with nasal skeleton growth, however if the a child has sever deviation causing marked nasal obstruction, septoplasty can be performed to provide a good airway. This study was conducted prospectively to confirm whether this procedure can be done safely before age of 18 years and to postulate the different factors which may affect the outcomes of this surgery at particular this age group. Patients and Methods: Seventy-five patients aged 6-65 years of different types of DNS, namely c-shaped, s-shaped, anterior caudal dislocation, and nasal spur with and without external deformities of the nose, presented with variable pictures of clinical presentation of DNS at ENT department – Althowra central hospital and Altarahom private center – Albyda city – Libya at period in between September 2005 to January 2013 who operated by septoplasty as closed technique. The patients were divided into two groups, group-A which was including twenty-five patients of age 6-17 years, and remaining fifty patients of ages 18-65 were classified as group-B. The outcomes of the surgery were studied and compared between the two groups in relation to different demographic, anatomical, pathological as well as surgical factors. The patients postoperatively were followed up for 3-6 months and assessed for outcomes of the surgery which are flap hematoma , flap abscess, flopping of flap, septal perforation, synaechia, degree of improvement, recurrence, atrophic rhinitis, and external nasal deformities. Results: 87% of young patients who underwent the septoplasty procedure got improvement of their representing symptoms, they followed from 3-6 months and no post-septoplasty complication discovered among them. On the other hand the other remaining 13% presented with recurrence as post-operative complication. All these results where correlated with multi-factorial presentations and compared with those of older ages. Conclusion: Generally speaking, the outcomes of septoplasty at age before 18years are not significantly varying from those at older ages. Thus this procedure can be performed safely at younger ages.
Experimental nutrient enrichment of forest streams reduces ecosystem nitrogen and phosphorus storage

Streams store nutrients in standing stocks of organic matter (OM) and associated biologically sequestered elements. Unlike standing stocks of autotrophs, detritus is depleted by nutrient enrichment, potentially reducing areal storage of detritus‐associated nutrients. To test effects of nutrient‐loading on storage of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) by autotrophic and detrital‐pool compartments, we quantified the effects of 2 yr of continuous experimental N and P additions on fine benthic organic matter (FBOM), leaves, wood, and biofilms in five forest streams. Our design tested the relative strength of N vs. P on OM nutrient content, areal OM storage, and areal nutrient storage in OM types. Enrichment increased nutrient content of all OM types; %P increased more than %N in leaves, wood, and biofilms, but not FBOM. Biofilm %P and %N increased more than in all detrital types. Areal FBOM and leaf storage declined with nutrient enrichment. Biofilm standing stocks were generally higher with enrichment but were not related to the streamwater N and P gradients. Despite increased OM nutrient content, total areal nutrient storage in leaves and wood decreased due to reduced OM storage. Although annual nutrient storage was stabilized by FBOM, seasonal variation in nutrient storage increased with enrichment. Leaf‐associated nutrient storage was reduced in most seasons, whereas FBOM and biofilm nutrient storage increased in winter and spring, respectively, relative to pretreatment. Overall, the combined responses of all OM types to enrichment resulted in reduced storage and altered seasonal availability of carbon and nutrients, which has implications for consumers and downstream processes.
An overview of the studies on resistance to downy mildew ( Plasmopara viticola ) on grapevines in Türkiye

Downy mildew caused by oomycete Plasmopara viticola , is one of the most damaging grapevine diseases. This disease can be found in all parts of the grapevines ( Vitis vinifera L.) and causes quality and yield losses. Intensive spraying has been done in the vineyards against this disease for many years and the effectiveness of the fungucides used against this disease is gradually decreasing. For this reason, studies on the determination of disease-resistant Vitis species have increased in Türkiye as in the whole world. In this context, 1006 genotypes (59 Vitis vinifera , 47 V. labrusca , 1 V. rotundifolia , 899 interspecific crosses) were evaluated for their resistance to downy mildew disease. 20 genotypes ( V. vinifera ) among them were tested only under natural infection conditions, while 67 (21 V. vinifera , 34 V. labrusca , and 12 interspecific crosses) were tested both under natural infection and by artificial inoculation. The resistance of 919 genotypes (18 V. vinifera , 13 V. labrusca , 1 V. rotundifolia , 887 interspecific crosses) was determined by artificial inoculation only. In this review, the resistance tests of genotypes performed by different researchers in Türkiye are summarized by considering the inoculation conditions of Vitis spp and the pathogen. The changes in phenolic compounds of different genotypes before and after the disease were also included in the study. At the same time, this study will make important contributions to researchers who will conduct research on resistance to downy mildew in grapevines.
Congruences among automorphic forms on the unitary group U(2,2).

Congruences among automorphic forms on the unitary group U(2,2) by Krzysztof Klosin Chair: Christopher M. Skinner Let k be a positive integer divisible by 4, ` > k an odd prime, and f a normalized elliptic cuspidal eigenform of weight k − 1, level 4 and non-trivial character. This thesis provides evidence for the Bloch-Kato conjecture in the following way. Let L(Symm f, s) denote the symmetric square L-function of f and ρf the residual (mod `) Galois representation attached to f . We prove that if ord`(L (Symm f, k)) > 0 then ` divides the size of the Selmer group H f (K, ρf |GK (−1)), where K = Q( √ −1). Our method uses an idea of Ribet [Rib76] to introduce an intermediate step showing that `-divisibility of L(Symm f, k) implies the existence of a congruence between modular forms on a group containing GL2 as a Levi subgroup of a maximal parabolic. Here we use the unitary group U(2, 2) and following Gritsenko [Gri90a] we lift f to a CAP modular Hecke eigenform Ff on U(2, 2). We then construct a different (non-CAP) Hecke eigenform on U(2, 2) with Fourier coefficients congruent to those of Ff . Using this congruence we prove that ` divides the size of the Selmer group.