Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INCREASED MYOPIA PREVALENCE IN YOUNGSTERS AS A RESULT OF ONLINE LEARNING

Myopia is a condition in which distant objects cannot be clearly displayed on the retina by the optical system of the eye, because the incoming light is refracted in front of the retina or yellow spot. Along with genetic factors, another important aspect that affect myopia is lifestyle. When a pandemic strikes, it alters people's behavior. Outdoor activities have decreased significantly, while the use of gadgets has increased as a result of youngsters learning online, which needs the use of gadgets. This study aims to determine the increase in the incidence of myopia in children due the online learning process. The type of research conducted is in the form of literature review. Searches for data that meets literature reviews that match the topic are conducted online. Online searches conducted through scientific journal sites have a diverse and quality database, namely PubMed, Schocar, and Libgen published in the last 6 years (2015-2021). Researchers found 8 journals using keywords relevant to the study. The findings highlight that the use of smartphones can cause DED, myopia and blurred vision. Due the pandemic Covid-19 situation that occur today requires children to take part in online learning programs from home via smartphone screens. Indirectly, short distance activities and lack of exposure to natural sunlight increase asthenopia conditions and increase myopia cases for children. If not addressed early on, these risks becoming an explosion of myopia cases, while the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unknown. Therefore, myopia preventive measures are required during pandemic outbreaks that are relevant and effective.
Assessing Nurse Practitioner Practices Regarding Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare Services

Background. Nurse practitioners are well-positioned to identify patterns of genetic risk and refer individuals for genetic healthcare services. This study aimed to assess nurse practitioners’ knowledge, competency, attitudes, adoption, and confidence regarding genetics and genomics in their practice. Methods. We employed a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design. Data was collected online using the Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Survey. Results. Of 106 participants, 84.1% (n=89) were working in a clinical setting. The knowledge score was 9.55± 1.4 out of 12; 59% (n=62) of participants rated their knowledge of genetics as “good” or “excellent. ” Only 8% (n=7) referred patients for genetics services, and 19.8% (n=21) were collecting full family history in practice. Conclusion. Although the knowledge level of nurse practitioners was high, adoption of genetics was low in collecting and utilizing family history and referral to genetic services. There is a need for research investigating factors influencing the adoption of genetics activities into practice. Key words: Nurse Practitioner, Genetics, Genomics, Practice
Joint Clustering and Power Allocation in Coordinated Multipoint Assisted C-NOMA Cellular Networks

We consider a wireless network consisting of two adjacent cells, where the joint transmission (JT) coordinated multipoint (CoMP) is established to assist the user equipments (UEs) located at the edge of each cell. In addition, full-duplex (FD) cooperative non-orthogonal-multiple-access (C-NOMA) is invoked within each cell to improve the data rates of the UEs and to assist those at the cell edge. The UEs are categorized into two groups, namely, cell-center UEs (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$CUs$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) and cell-edge UEs (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$EUs$ </tex-math></inline-formula>). The <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$CUs$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are the UEs located around the center of each cell. Meanwhile, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$EUs$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are the UEs located at the edge of each cell, where the JT-CoMP is applied since they have less distinctive received power from two cells. In this paper, a framework to jointly optimize the power control and the UEs clustering of CoMP-assisted FD C-NOMA system is formulated as an optimization problem to maximize the network sum-rate while guaranteeing the required quality-of-service of UEs. The formulated problem is a non-convex mixed-integer non-linear program that cannot be solved in a straightforward manner. To tackle this issue, the formulated problem is decomposed into an inner power allocation problem and an outer UEs clustering problem. For the inner problem, a computational-efficient solution is obtained. Meanwhile, the outer problem is reformulated as a one-to-one three-sided matching game. Then, a low-complexity near-optimal clustering algorithm is proposed. The simulation results demonstrate that 1) the optimality of the power control solution; 2) the CoMP-assisted FD C-NOMA has a superior performance compared to CoMP-assisted half-duplex (HD) C-NOMA and CoMP NOMA schemes for moderate values of self-interference. It has been also shown that the proposed solution achieves around 96.5% of the average achievable network sum-rate of the optimal solution.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae from Freshwater Fish and Pork in Hong Kong Wet Markets

We report the antimicrobial resistance of 191 fish and 61 pork Group B Streptococcus (GBS) procured from Hong Kong wet markets. Two-hundred-and-fifty-two GBS strains were isolated from 992 freshwater fish and 361 pig offal during 2016–2019. The strains were isolated from homogenised samples and plated on selective media, followed by identification through MALDI-TOF-MS. Molecular characterisation, an antibiotic susceptibility test, and biofilm formation were performed on the strains. The isolation rates of the fish GBS and pig GBS were 19.3% (191 strains from 992 freshwater fish) and 16.9% (61 strains from 361 pig organs), respectively. The fish GBS was predominantly serotype Ia, ST7, while pig GBS was serotype III, ST651 (45 strains). An antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that the fish GBS were mostly antibiotic-sensitive, while the pig GBS were multidrug-resistant. A biofilm formation experiment showed that over 71% of fish GBS and all pig GBS had moderate biofilm formation ability. In general, the prevalence rate of GBS in animals and the multidrug resistance phenotype presented in the strains raise concerns about its zoonotic potential and effects on public health.
The social learning of threat and safety in the family: Parent‐to‐child transmission of social fears via verbal information

Abstract Parental verbal threat (vs. safety) information regarding the social world may impact a child's fear responses, evident in subjective, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological indices of fear. In this study, primary caregivers provided standardized verbal threat or safety information to their child (N = 68, M = 5.27 years; 34 girls) regarding two strangers in the lab. Following this manipulation, children reported fear beliefs for each stranger. Physiological and behavioral reactions were recorded as children engaged with the two strangers (who were blind to their characterization) in a social interaction task. Child attention to the strangers was measured in a visual search task. Parents also reported their own, and their child's, social anxiety symptoms. Children reported more fear for the stranger paired with threat information, but no significant differences were found in observed child fear, attention, or heart rate. Higher social anxiety symptoms on the side of the parents and the children exacerbated the effect of parental verbal threat on observed fear. Our findings reveal a causal influence of parental verbal threat information only for child‐reported fear and highlight the need to further refine the conditions under which acquired fear beliefs persist and generalize to behavior/physiology or get overruled by nonaversive real‐life encounters.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Survey in Grocery Store Workers—Minnesota, 2020–2021

Grocery workers were essential to the workforce and exempt from lockdown requirements as per Minnesota Executive Order 20–20. The risk of COVID-19 transmission in grocery settings is not well documented. This study aimed to determine which factors influenced seropositivity among grocery workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of Minnesota grocery workers aged 18 and older using a convenience sample. Participants were recruited using a flyer disseminated electronically via e-mail, social media, and newspaper advertising. Participants were directed to an electronic survey and were asked to self-collect capillary blood for IgG antibody testing. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and adjusted for urbanicity, which confounded the relationship between number of job responsibilities in a store and seropositivity. Of 861 Minnesota grocery workers surveyed, 706 (82%) were tested as part of this study, of which 56 (7.9%) tested positive for IgG antibodies. Participants aged 65–74 years had the highest percent positivity. Having multiple job responsibilities in a store was significantly associated with seropositivity in our adjusted model (OR: 1.14 95% CI: 1.01–1.27). Workplace factors influenced seropositivity among Minnesota grocery workers. Future research will examine other potential factors (e.g., in-store preventive measures and access to PPE) that may contribute to increased seropositivity.
Left-behind Children: Saudi Parents' Addiction to Internet and Its Impact on Parent-child Attachment

Background: The contemporary study purpose was to examine the influence of internet addiction on Saudi parents and their children attachment through applying Use and Gratification Theory (UGT). The analysis of data studies the association between variables that may relate to parents Internet overuse and these included (parental levels of education, age, monthly income, types of employment, children's age and parental statues) and how these variables impact on the family quality of time. Methodology: A random sample of parents (n=284) from the city of Mecca was agreed to recruited. Parental questionnaire was used to measure parents' levels of social media addiction and in what way this influence parent-child attachment. Results: The findings generated from this study revealed the importance of create healthy and positive balance between parents' time spent online and their responsibility to spend quality of time with their young children. Mothers were reported to be more addicted to Internet as they experienced ongoing exposure to social media compared to fathers, therefore young children seemed to have a great risk of neglect. Conclusions/significance: Saudi parents' addition to Internet appeared to negative impact the quality of relationships and interactions with their young children, which in turn affected on their emotional health and well-being.
Standardization of Irrigation and Fertigation Requirement for Snake Gourd under Rain Shelter

Aim: The study entitled “standardization of irrigation and fertigation requirement for snake gourd under rain shelter” was taken up to standardize the irrigation and fertigation requirement of snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) of Manusree variety under rain shelter. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was performed in instructional farm of PFDC, KCAET, Tavanur, Kerala, between October 2020 and January 2021. Methodology: Penman Monteith method was used for the determination of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling. There were three levels of irrigation i.e., T1 – 60%, T2 – 80% and T3 – 100% of ETc and three levels of fertigation viz: R1 – 100%, R2 – 125% and R3- 150% of recommended dose of fertilizer. Different crop and soil parameters and yield is noted in each bed. Results: The treatment T3R3 showed comparatively better performance in yield and other growth characteristics as compared to the other treatment. These plants yield longer fruits and bloomed early compared to other fertigation levels. The cultivation is found to be feasible since the benefit cost ratio is greater than one. The result of the study can be used as a guide for the farmers to plan their irrigation and cropping pattern. Also the result can be extrapolated to the future to analyse the trends in future crop water demands. Conclusion: The farming can run feasibly if we follow precision farming. Through this study we got that the optimum water content of snake gourd is 100%of Etc and 150% fertigation.
Evidence of anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of aerial parts of Centaurea tougourensis Boiss. and Reut.

Purpose: To determine the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the aerial parts of Centaurea tougourensis Boiss. & Reut. Methods: The effects of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract of the aerial part of Centaurea tougourensis on carrageenan-induced paw edema and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage were determined at 2 doses (200 and 400 mg/kg, po) in a mouse model. For each test, the animals were randomly divided into negative and positive control groups, as well as extract-treated groups. The mice were observed for any sign of inflammation for a period of 24h. Results: Reduction of paw edema by C. tougourensis extract was highly significant (p < 0.001) at a dose of 400 mg/kg 24 h after carrageenan injection, with 55.26 % inhibition, followed very closely by 53.15 % inhibition at the dose of 200 mg/kg; indomethacin group showed an inhibition of 60 %. Histological examination supported the inhibition results. A significant reduction in inflammation by the extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg was also observed. No sign of ulcer was observed with C. tougourensis at the two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg). The total polyphenol content of the n-BuOH extract was 85.44 цg gallic acid equivalent/mg of extract. Tannins were the most abundant fraction (51.87 цg tannic acid equivalent/mg of extract), followed by flavonoids (25.55 цg quercetin equivalent/mg of extract). Conclusion: The results indicate that C. tougourensis may have potential beneficial effects in the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and pain, besides its protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
The use of urea as an N‐doping 3D hierarchical preserving agent for titanium dioxide nanostructures tailored for dye‐sensitized solar cells

Earlier research found that 3D morphologies developed using a low‐cost microwave synthesis technique were not retained during the transformation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) by annealing titanium glycerolate (TGy) powder resulting in low photoelectron conversion efficiencies in dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) devices. This study overcame the challenge, and FESEM imaging showed that 3D morphologies were retained after annealing via the same microwave method and the solvent system by using urea as an aid for a structure‐preserving/structure‐tuning agent. The morphological tuning and N‐doping resulted in the 3D hierarchical titanium dioxide nanostructures, including Gomphrena globosa flower‐like and blossomed flower of Dahlia pinnata‐like morphologies, and other 3D features. The diffusion of N in the TiO2 matrix was confirmed from XPS and EDX and was also reflected in optical absorption characteristics. The binder‐free TiO2 pastes have been prepared from the synthesized TiO2 nanopowders that were employed in the screen printing. The screen‐printed photoanodes were used to assemble DSSC devices. The output performances of DSSC reveal the influence of the nitrogen doping in relation to the undoped TiO2‐based device. The G globosa flower‐like TiO2 nanostructured photoanode exhibited the most pronounced enhancement in short‐circuit current density and an increase in the maximum power conversion efficiency, by nearly a factor of 2 compared to pure TiO2.
Retrieval of Lake Ice Characteristics from SAR Imagery

Abstract Boreal lakes ecosystems can remain partially or completely covered by ice and snow during an important portion of the year. Alterations of lake and river ice properties can deteriorate the conditions of local ice roads, negatively influencing Nordic communities and economical activities. Monitoring of lake ice characteristics and dynamics is therefore crucial. In this study, Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery is exploited to evaluate changes in the ice regime over shallow and deep high-latitude lakes during the winters of 2018 and 2019. The methodology proposed, based on the combined analysis of SAR intensity and interferometric coherence maps, enables the extraction of important characteristics of ice dynamics. Overall, the lake ice thickness change derived from Differential Interferometric SAR (D-InSAR) increases with the lake depth. The D-InSAR-derived mean rate of growth, in general, agrees with the one estimated from records of in-situ ice thickness measurements. The methodology presented herein could be temporally extended to support the understanding of historical and current climate conditions. This could be done by using archived and newly available imagery to improve lake ice models.
Gatekeepers, guides and ghosts: intermediaries impacting access to schools during COVID-19

ABSTRACT This article reflects on the effect of gatekeepers, guides and ghosts on gaining access to research participants and field sites. Using a critically reflective approach, we examine our role as researchers and the roles of intermediaries in the process to access schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings show how gaining access is a non-linear process that is influenced by the agency of researchers and intermediaries at different contextual levels. Our analysis probes past research on gatekeepers, develops the emerging research on the role of guides and advances current understandings by introducing the concept of ghosts. Given the lack of detailed, contextualised accounts on how researchers gain access to schools during or after a crisis, our experiences add to current understandings by providing an ‘on the ground’ account on how research can be stymied or end with mixed results when it is viewed as a difficult undertaking.
Characterization of a heavily corroded bronze statue from Pharaonic Egypt

The current study aims to characterize a heavily corroded bronze statue from Pharaonic Egypt, in terms of the morphology and mechanism of corrosion. The characterization was carried out by a combination of methods, including the scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), USB digital microscope, X‐ray micro‐diffraction, and Raman micro‐spectroscopy. Insights into the morphology and corrosion mechanisms of two corrosion stages are presented. Specifically, the metallic‐wall layer was first converted into grayish‐brown corrosion mottled with green and gray spots in the central part, in which a greenish‐white corrosion phase was formed in the second stage. The EDS analysis of the greenish‐white phase revealed the predominance of tin, copper, oxygen, and carbon and a low chlorine content. The greenish‐white phase consisted of four corrosion products: romarchite, cassiterite, malachite, and a small amount of atacamite. The morphology developed upon corrosion was attributed to the selective dissolution and depletion of copper in the central layer, internal oxidation of tin, and conversion of cuprite into malachite. Moreover, the usual bronze corrosion products were formed as a superficial layer on the statue.
Response of Circulating Inflammatory Markers to Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training in Healthy Elderly People and Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic modality for management of some chronic- and age-related pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our previous studies demonstrated significant improvement of cognitive function after IHHT in the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The present study further investigated the effects of IHHT on pro-inflammatory factors in healthy elderly individuals and patients with early signs of AD. Twenty-nine subjects (13 healthy subjects without signs of cognitive impairment syndrome and 16 patients diagnosed with MCI; age 52 to 76 years) were divided into four groups: Healthy+Sham (n = 7), Healthy+IHHT (n = 6), MCI+Sham (n = 6), and MCI+IHHT (n = 10). IHHT was carried out 5 days per week for 3 weeks (total 15 sessions), and each daily session included 4 cycles of 5-min hypoxia (12% FIO2) and 3-min hyperoxia (33% FIO2). Decline in cognitive function indices was observed initially in both MCI+Sham and MCI+IHHT groups. The sham training did not alter any of the parameters, whereas IHHT resulted in improvement in latency of cognitive evoked potentials, along with elevation in APP110, GDF15 expression, and MMP9 activity in both healthy subjects and those with MCI. Increased MMP2 activity, HMGB1, and P-selectin expression and decreased NETs formation and Aβ expression were also observed in the MCI+IHHT group. There was a negative correlation between MoCA score and the plasma GDF15 expression (R = −0.5799, p < 0.05) before the initiation of IHHT. The enhanced expression of GDF15 was also associated with longer latency of the event-related potentials P330 and N200 (R = 0.6263, p < 0.05 and R = 0.5715, p < 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, IHHT upregulated circulating levels of some inflammatory markers, which may represent potential triggers for cellular adaptive reprogramming, leading to therapeutic effects against cognitive dysfunction and neuropathological changes during progression of AD. Further investigation is needed to clarify if there is a causative relationship between the improved cognitive function and the elevated inflammatory markers following IHHT.
Semi-Continuous Heterophase Polymerization to Synthesize Poly(methacrylic acid)-Based Nanocomposites for Drug Delivery

The design of nanocomposites with the potential for drug delivery is a topic of great interest. In this work, the synthesis of nanocomposites of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) grafted onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization SHP, at three different methacrylic acid (MAA) dosing rates, is reported. SHP is a polymerization technique poorly used to prepare nanocomposites containing CNTs and has the potential to produce more ordered alkyl methacrylic polymer chains, which could favor the obtaining of a homogenous nanocomposite. For the nanocomposites synthesized, a lowest addition rate monomer-starved condition was reached. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrate that functionalized CNTs are grafted onto the PMAA matrix. The ability of prepared nanocomposites to deliver hydrocortisone was evaluated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The hydrocortisone release profiles of pure PMAA and of their nanocomposites prepared at the lowest monomer fed rate were fitted with Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models, successfully. Functionalized CNTs have a crucial role to induce an effective release of hydrocortisone from the prepared nanocomposites.