Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectrophotometric prediction of pre-colored fiber blends with a hybrid model based on artificial neural network and Stearns–Noechel model

The performance of the traditional color prediction model in the color prediction of colored fiber blends is usually not very satisfactory under a variety of conditions, due to the limitation of the trail data and the assumptions used for derivation. In contrast to the traditional model, artificial neural networks (ANN) have an excellent nonlinear mapping ability; however, they also have poor generalization ability if the training data are not sufficient. In this paper a hybrid model, called the Stearns–Noechel (S-N)–ANN model, is proposed, which combines the S-N model with the ANN model. This uses the S-N model first to build the approximate relationship between the recipe and spectrophotometric response of the color blends, followed by optimization with the ANN to achieve higher prediction accuracy and better practicability. Compared with the ANN model, the S-N–ANN model needs less training time with the same training data, yet achieves higher validation and correlation coefficients, indicating that the training of the S-N–ANN model is much easier. The average color difference of the predicted spectrum obtained with the S-N–ANN model was 0.86 CMC(2:1) unit, which was much lower than that obtained with either the ANN model (∼2.21) or the traditional S-N model (∼1.66), indicating that the S-N–ANN model is a more accurate method for the color prediction of colored fiber blends.
Quality Assurance Strategies in Enhancing Learning Achievement among Public Primary Schools in Arusha Region, Tanzania

This study investigated the School Quality Assurance (SQA) strategies in enhancing learning achievement among Public Primary Schools (PPSs) in Arusha Region, Tanzania, using a cross-section descriptive design. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from 226 participants. Qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach and quantitative data through descriptive statistics, ordinal regression and Spearman’s rho correlation. The study revealed that visiting schools regularly, follow-up visits, releasing SQA feedback on time, friendly language, supporting professional development, visiting schools without prior information and involving teachers in SQA practices enhanced learning achievement. Poor transport facilities, shortages of SQAOs and inadequate SQA facilities limited the implementation. While insufficient fund caused SQAOs failure to visit every school in a year, delayed written reports made schools fail to implement SQA recommendations on time. The study recommended that the government of Tanzania should allocate required resources such as employing more qualified officers, adequate provision of funds and transport facilities to facilitate SQA practices. Furthermore, the government needs to support SQAD by continuously conducting short courses on lesson preparation and classroom management in order to support teachers in improving teaching skills. SQAOs need to handle teachers in a friendly manner that promotes trust, thus enhancing quality of their exercise.
Personalized Learning Path Recommendation Based on Weak Concept Mining

Discovering valuable learning path patterns from learner online learning data can provide follow-up learners with effective learning path reference and improve their learning experience and learning effects. In this paper, a personalized learning path recommendation method based on weak concept mining is proposed. Firstly, according to the degree of concept mastery of historical learners, concept maps of different types of learners are generated by clustering and association rule mining algorithms. A set of weak concept learning paths are then automatically generated through topological sorting algorithm. Secondly, the long short-term memory neural network based on the attention mechanism (LSTM+attention) is trained to predict the learning effect of the weak concept learning path. Finally, the personalized weak concept path that meets the expected learning effect is selected from the path prediction results. In the experiment, the proposed method is not only compared with the traditional recommendation method, but also, a comparative experiment on the impact of different learning effect prediction models is carried out. The experiment results show that our proposed method has obvious advantages in recommendation performance.
Comparison of the Effects of Three Dual-Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Backbones on Placenta Mitochondria Toxicity and Oxidative Stress Using a Mouse Pregnancy Model

Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are the backbone of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART use in pregnancy has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, in part due to NRTI-induced mitochondrial toxicity. Direct comparison on the effects of commonly used dual-NRTI regimens on placental mitochondria toxicity in pregnancy is lacking. We compared zidovudine/lamivudine, abacavir/lamivudine, and tenofovir/emtricitabine using a mouse model and examined markers of placental mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Zidovudine/lamivudine and abacavir/lamivudine were associated with lower fetal and placental weights compared to controls, whereas tenofovir/emtricitabine was associated with the least fetal and placental weight reduction, as well as lower resorption rates. Placental mitochondrial DNA content, as well as placental expression of cytochrome c-oxidase subunit-II, DNA polymerase gamma, and citrate synthase, was higher in tenofovir/emtricitabine-treated mice compared to other groups. Zidovudine/lamivudine-treated mice had elevated malondialdehyde levels (oxidative stress marker) compared to other groups and lower mRNA levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha in the placenta compared to tenofovir/emtricitabine-treated mice. We observed differences in effects between NRTI regimens on placental mitochondrial function and birth outcomes. Tenofovir/emtricitabine was associated with larger fetuses, increased mtDNA content, and higher expression of mitochondrial-specific antioxidant enzymes and mitochondrial biogenesis enzymes, whereas zidovudine/lamivudine was associated with markers of placental oxidative stress.
The Comparative Survey of Coordinated Regulation of Steroidogenic Pathway in Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and Chinese Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Steroidogenesis controls the conversion of cholesterol into steroid hormones through the complex cascade reaction of various enzymes, which play essential roles in sexual differentiation and gonadal development in vertebrates, including teleosts. Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) are important marine cultured fishes in China and have remarkable sexual dimorphism with bigger females and sex reversal scenarios from female to neo-male. Several steroidogenic genes have been analyzed individually in the two species, but there is a lack of information on the coordinated interaction of steroidogenic gene regulation. Therefore, in this study, through genomic and transcriptomic analysis, 39 and 42 steroidogenic genes were systematically characterized in P. olivaceus and C. semilaevis genomes, respectively. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis suggested a teleost specific genome duplication origin for cyp19a1a/cyp19a1b, hsd17b12a/hsd17b12b, ara/arb and esr2a/esr2b but not for star/star2 and cyp17a1/cyp17a2. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed conserved expression patterns for steroidogenic genes in P. olivaceus and C. smilaevis gonads; star/star2, cyp11a/cyp11c, cyp17a1/cyp17a2, cyp21a, hsd3b1, hsd11b and hsd20b were strongly expressed in testis, while cyp19a1a and hsd17b genes were highly expressed in ovaries. Only a few genes were differentially expressed between male and neo-male testis of both P. olivaceus and C. semilaevis, and even fewer genes were differentially regulated in the brains of both species. Network analysis indicated that cyp11c, cyp17a1 and hsd3b1 actively interacted with other steroidogenic genes in P. olivaceus and C. semilaevis, and may play a more sophisticated role in the steroid hormone biosynthesis cascade. The coordinated interaction of steroidogenic genes provided comprehensive insights into steroidogenic pathway regulation with a global biological impact, as well as sexual development in teleost species.
Effect of partial grooving on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing

Purpose This study aims to improve the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings through partial grooving on the bearing surface. Design/methodology/approach Bearing performance analysis is numerically carried out using the thin film flow physics of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0 software. Initially, the static performance analysis is carried out for hydrodynamic journal bearing system with smooth surface, and the results of the same are validated with results from the literature. In the later part of the paper, the partial rectangular shape micro-textures are modeled on bearing surface. The effects of partial groove pattern on the bearing performance parameters, namely, fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional power loss and frictional torque, are studied in detail. Findings The numerical results show that the values of maximum fluid film pressure, load carrying capacity, frictional power loss and frictional torque are considerably improved due to deterministic micro-textures. Bearing surface with partial groove along 90°-180° region results in 81.9 per cent improvement in maximum fluid film pressure and 75.9 per cent improvement in load carrying capacity as compared with smooth surface of journal bearing, with no increase in frictional power loss and frictional torque. Maximum decrease in frictional power loss and frictional torque is observed for partially grooving along 90°-360° region. The simulations are supported by proof-of-concept experimentation. Originality/value This study is useful in the appropriate selection of groove parameters on bearing surface to the bearing performance characteristics.
Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Eucommia ulmoides Leaves on PM2.5-Induced Inflammation and Cognitive Dysfunction

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the ethyl acetate from Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EFEL) on PM2.5-induced cognitive impairment in BALB/c mice. EFEL improved PM2.5-induced cognitive decline by improving spontaneous alternative behavioral and long-term memory ability. EFEL increased ferric reducing activity power (FRAP) in serum. In addition, EFEL increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents and inhibited the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung and brain tissues. EFEL also restored the mitochondrial function by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level, and ATP level in lung and brain tissues. EFEL ameliorated the cholinergic system by regulating the acetylcholine (ACh) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain tissue and the expression of AChE and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the whole brain and hippocampal tissues. EFEL reduced PM2.5-induced excessive expression of inflammatory protein related to the lung, whole brain, olfactory bulb, and hippocampus. Physiological compounds of EFEL were identified as 5-O-caffeolyquinic acid, rutin, quercetin, and quercetin glycosides. As a result, EFEL has anti-inflammation and anti-amnesic effect on PM2.5-induced cognitive impairment by regulating the inflammation and inhibiting the lung and brain tissue dysfunction, and its effect is considered to be due to the physiological compounds of EFEL.
Project Planning and Project Success: The 25% Solution

17 November 2014 – Florida, USA – CRC Press has announced the publication of a new book titled Project Planning and Project Success: The 25% Solution, by Pedro Serrador. Published in November 2014 by Auerbach Publications, this new book defines the optimum planning levels for project success, covers planning for Agile projects and explains how traditional projects can benefit, and examines how personal planning time relates to success
Citizen Stance towards Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination and Vaccine Booster Doses: A Study in Colombia, El Salvador and Spain

The infections and deaths resulting from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggered the need for some governments to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory. The present study aims to analyze the position of 3026 adults in Colombia, El Salvador, and Spain regarding the possibility of making COVID-19 vaccine mandatory and the intention to be vaccinated with the booster or possible successive doses. Data from an online survey conducted from August to December 2021 among a non-representative sample of Spanish-speaking countries were collected. Multinomial Logistic Regression Models were used. A total of 77.4% of Colombians were in favor of mandatory vaccination compared to 71.5% of Salvadorians and 65.4% of Spaniards (p < 0.000). Women and people over 65 years of age were the groups most in favor of making the vaccine mandatory (p < 0.000). A total of 79.4% said they had received a third dose or would intend to receive the third dose or future doses, if necessary, compared with 9.4% who expressed doubts and 9.9% who refused to be vaccinated or did not intend to be vaccinated. Among the measures that could be taken to motivate vaccination, 63.0% and 60.6% were in favor of requiring a negative test to enter any place of leisure or work, respectively, compared to 16.2% in favor of suspension from work without pay. The acceptance of mandatory vaccination and of third or future doses varies greatly according to sociodemographic characteristics and work environment. As such, it is recommended that policy makers adapt public health strategies accordingly.
Students' conceptual understanding of derivatives in freshmen calculus. (c2015)

The freshmen calculus curriculum has witnessed many changes in the past few years due to the development of computer technology and dynamical mathematical software. This study aims to examine the students’ conceptual understanding of derivative in a calculus I course. Fiftytwo students participated in this study consisting of 27 males and 25 females. All students attended a calculus I course at a private Lebanese University. Two groups, each of 26 students, are considered: a control group (taught by instructor X) learning derivatives using Book 1 that emphasizes the symbolic approach of the concept, and an experimental group (taught by instructor Y) learning derivatives using Book 2, which emphasizes the multiplerepresentations approach of the concept. In the experimental group, cooperative learning, technology (Autograph), and a series of activities incorporating the APOS (actionprocess, objectschema) levels were integrated in the teaching and learning of derivative. Data were collected using qualitative and quantitative methods such as the content analysis of two calculus books (Book 1 and Book 2), observations, and questionnaires on derivatives administered to all students before and after the implementation of the unit on derivatives. Moreover, data was collected using a test, consisting of five conceptual-understanding based problems on derivatives, and clinical interviews conducted with twelve students. Results show that students in the experimental group have better conceptual understanding of the derivative concept than those in the control group. Many students in the experimental group seem to have an object conception and almost a comprehensive understanding of the derivative particularly concerning the slope of a tangent line at a point, the instantaneous rate of change, and the relation between a function and its derivative. However, many students in the control group had deficiencies in their understanding, showing an action/ process conceptions of the derivative. Findings in this study are parallel to the findings of several studies. In addition, the quantitative analysis of both the questionnaires and the tests reveal significant statistical differences in the mean scores between the two groups in favor of the experimental group. Finally, the observations reveal that many students in the experimental group were more interested and motivated to learn mathematics. On the other hand, some experimental students resisted the approach used and found it difficult and demanding. This study highlights the need for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to integrate technology in teaching calculus and to consider changes in the calculus curriculum and the books adopted to encourage the use of multiple representations.
Non-Robustness of Ang’s Risk Classification in Human Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Japanese Patients

Simple Summary Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has a favorable prognosis in comparison to HPV-unrelated OPSCC. Risk classification by Ang is known to predict prognosis of HPV-related OPSCC, but it remains to be studied whether it is useful in predicting prognosis in operatively treated Japanese patients. HPV-related OPSCC treated from 2010 to 2018 in a single Japanese institution by various methods were analyzed. We found that Ang’s risk classification lost its statistical significance in predicting prognosis in the multivariate analysis and it turned out to not be a robust prognostic factor for Japanese patients with HPV-related OPSCC treated by various methods. Additionally, Ang’s risk classification was not prognostically significant in the patients treated by definitive radiation in this series. Smoking appeared to have a larger impact on prognosis in the operatively treated patients than in the radiotherapeutically treated patients. Abstract Background: Validity of the risk classification by Ang for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains to be studied in the patients treated by modalities other than chemoradiotherapy and in Japanese patients. Materials and Methods: Between 2010 and 2018, 122 patients with HPV-related OPSCC in stages III and IV by the TNM classification 7th edition (TNM-7) were treated curatively at a single institution in Japan. The median age was 62.7 years. Over 50% of the patients underwent surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. The influence of multiple factors on survival was analyzed. Results: The amount of smoking dichotomized at 10 pack-year, which was used in Ang’s risk classification, was not predictive of prognosis, and Ang’s risk classification was not significantly influential on prognosis in multivariate analysis. In the patients treated with definitive radiation therapy, Ang’s risk classification was not predictive of the prognosis in univariate analysis. The impact of smoking was significant only in the patients undergoing the definitive operation. Conclusions: Ang’s risk classification was not robust in predicting the prognosis of general Japanese HPV-related OPSCC patients. The amount of smoking might have different prognostic influences depending on the therapeutic method.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Infection Rates of Schistosome Transmitting Snails in Southern Africa

Efforts to interrupt and eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem have increased in several Southern African countries. A systematic review was carried out on the infection rates of snails that cause schistosomiasis in humans. The searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using the PRISMA guidelines from inception to 24 February 2022. The study quality was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal checklist. Pooled infection rates were estimated by using an inverse variance heterogeneity model, while heterogeneity was determined by using Cochran’s Q test and Higgins i2 statistics. A total of 572 articles were screened, but only 28 studies were eligible for inclusion based on predetermined criteria. In the selected studies, 82,471 Bulinus spp. and 16,784 Biomphalaria spp. snails were screened for cercariae. The pooled infectivity of schistosome intermediate host snails, Biomphalaria spp. , and Bulinus spp. were 1%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. Snail infection rates were higher in the 1900s compared to the 2000s. A Luis Furuya–Kanamori index of 3.16 indicated publication bias, and a high level of heterogeneity was observed. Although snail infectivity in Southern Africa is relatively low, it falls within the interval of common snail infection rates, thus indicating the need for suitable snail control programs that could interrupt transmission and achieve elimination.
Designing Better Public Transport: Understanding Mode Choice Preferences Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Transport behaviour has evidently changed following the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower usage across multiple modes of public transport and an increasing use of private vehicles. This is problematic as private vehicle use has been linked to an increase in traffic-related air pollutants, and consequently global warming and health-related issues. Hence, it is important to capture transport mode choice preferences following the pandemic, so that potential service changes can be made to address the lower usage. In total, 1138 respondents took part in an online discrete choice experiment methodology to quantify the utility of public transport service attributes in decision making around the choice of public transport. The data resulted in the development of three models using a multinomial logit model in R. For respondents on personal or commuting journeys, the mode of transport had no effect on utility. Results found that fare cost was the most important factor driving transport mode preference, when a range of choices were available. Following this, keeping fare cost consistent, faster journey times were preferred to stronger access to transport (i.e., through the provision of more bus stops/stations). The provision of operational relevant information to the journey was only significantly valued by commuters and travellers who could claim their journey as a business expense. Finally, when cost became less relevant (i.e., for travellers on expensed journeys), there was a significantly strong preference for taxi and road vehicle transport over all other transport modes. The results from this empirical research are discussed and the implications of recent transport policy are discussed, and recommendations of public transport service design are made.
The Mediating Role of School and Sibling Bullying in the Relationship between Subjective Well-Being and Mental Health Symptoms

Recently, empirical studies have indicated an association between well-being and mental health. The nature of this association remains unclear since some studies suggest it is weak, whilst others indicate it is strong. The present study seeks to contribute to this dialogue by modelling not only the relationship between well-being and internalising and externalising mental health symptoms but also by introducing a mediation model where school and sibling bullying, as risk factors, are acting as mediators. A national sample of 1244 youth (Mage = 12.47, SD = 1.69) from the Understanding Society household panel study in the UK was utilised to estimate the structural equation model. The findings showed that the direct effect of well-being on internalising symptoms was negative and strong, whereas it was negative and moderate on externalising symptoms. Furthermore, the pattern of indirect effects from subjective well-being to internalising and externalising mental health symptoms displayed some differences in the level of statistical significance and strength. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.