Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between depression, anxiety, stress and perceived quality of life in a Malaysian B40 urban community during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study

Background: In Malaysia, B40 communities are those with a median monthly household earning of under RM 3166. With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown, the livelihoods of those in these areas has been severely impacted. This has increased their vulnerability to psychological afflictions and has led to a poorer perception of their quality of life (QoL) in comparison to the rest of the population. We investigated the association between perceived levels of depression, anxiety and stress and their impact on quality of life (QoL) among B40 residents in a low-cost urban housing area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2020 and February 2021 in the Seri Pantai housing settlement. The validated Malay versions of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life, brief (WHOQOL-BREF) were distributed to the participants using Google forms. The statistical significance of the association between subscales of depression, anxiety, stress and QoL domains were assessed using the Pearson’s correlation test. Results: Of the 180 participants, the majority were Malays (87.2%) and females (82.2%). The average scores were the highest for stress (5.66 ± 4.59) and the score in the environment domain of QoL (59.27 ± 17.23) was the lowest. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the subscales of DASS-21 and the four domains of the QoL, with the social relationships and psychological domains showing a highly significant association (p < 0.001). The strongest correlation was observed between the psychological domain and depression (r= -.520) followed by psychological domain and stress (r= -.496). Conclusion: The strongest correlation was observed between psychological domain and depression. This suggests a need to address potential devastating mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the QoL of residents in B40 communities.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of band offsets of MgO/Mg2Si and SiO2/Mg2Si heterojunctions

MgO and SiO2 are the natural oxide layer on the surface of Mg2Si and the excellent gate dielectric layer materials. MgO/Mg2Si and SiO2/Mg2Si heterojunctions were successfully prepared by magnetron sputtering. The valence band offset (VBO) and conduction band offset (CBO) of the two heterojunctions were measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method, and the values were 2.64 and 3.90 eV for MgO/Mg2Si and 3.24 and 4.43 eV for SiO2/Mg2Si, respectively. Different degree of band bending occurs on the two interfaces. As a result, the band diagrams of the both interfaces are all Type‐I (Straddled) band alignment. Such high VBO and CBO can provide suitable barrier heights for both electrons and holes (>1 eV); therefore, both MgO and SiO2 can be suitable candidates for the preparation of Mg2Si‐based thin film transistors.
Comparison of physicochemical properties and aqueous solubility of xanthone prepared via oil-in-water emulsion and complex coacervation techniques

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to enhance aqueous solubility of xanthone with natural polymers using oil-in-water emulsion and complex coacervation as the microencapsulation techniques. There was no interaction between xanthone and the wall material; and xanthone crystallinity was decreased as observed via fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) after microencapsulation. Oil-in-water emulsion and coacervation increased xanthone solubility by 37-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively. However, O/W emulsion method required a high ratio of oil to xanthone. The solubilizing effect of oil and wall material, particle size reduction, and decreased crystallinity were responsible for enhancing the aqueous solubility of xanthone.
Females prefer males producing a high-rate song with shorter timbal–stridulatory sound intervals in a cicada species

Abstract Uncovering mate choice and factors that lead to the choice are very important to understanding sexual selection in evolutionary change. Cicadas are known for their loud sounds produced by males using the timbals. However, males in certain cicada species emit 2 kinds of sounds using respectively timbals and stridulatory organs, and females may produce their own sounds to respond to males. What has never been considered is the mate choice in such cicada species. Here, we investigate the sexual selection and potential impact of predation pressure on mate choice in the cicada Subpsaltria yangi Chen. It possesses stridulatory sound-producing organs in both sexes in addition to the timbals in males. Results show that males producing calling songs with shorter timbal–stridulatory sound intervals and a higher call rate achieved greater mating success. No morphological traits were found to be correlated with mating success in both sexes, suggesting neither males nor females display mate preference for the opposite sex based on morphological traits. Males do not discriminate among responding females during mate searching, which may be due to the high energy costs associated with their unusual mate-seeking activity and the male-biased predation pressure. Females generally mate once but a minority of them re-mated after oviposition which, combined with the desirable acoustic traits of males, suggest females may maximize their reproductive success by choosing a high-quality male in the first place. This study contributes to our understanding mechanisms of sexual selection in cicadas and other insects suffering selective pressure from predators.
A cross sectional study to evaluate indications and outcomes of caesarean section in a district hospital of West Bengal

Background: There is drastic rise in caesarean section (CS) rate worldwide in last decade as compared to optimal CS rate (10-15%) recommendation by WHO. This study was conducted to assess incidence and feto-maternal outcome in CS delivery.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in pregnant women admitted over one year from September 2017- August 2018 in West Bengal. Demographic details and indication of CS were recorded along with documentation of feto-maternal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with help of Epi Info (TM) 7.2.2. 2. Z-test and corrected Chi square (χ2) test. p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Out of total 10831 deliveries, 2914 (27%) women underwent CS. Demographic analysis shows maximum number of patients to be between 20-25years (51.7%), rural (58%), primigravida (51.3%), term pregnancy (87.7%). Non-progression of labour or NPL (45%) was most common indication of CS followed by previous CS (26.2%) and fetal distress (17.9%). Post CS wound infection was seen in 33 (1.1%) women. Two maternal deaths were recorded. Still born was documented in 0.8% while 6.8% fetus were referred to paediatric ICU.Conclusions: Rise in CS rates was mainly reported in 20-25 years age group, rural patients, in term pregnancy of primigravida patients. Most common indication for CS was NPL followed by previous CS and fetal distress. Mostly patients showed no complication in postpartum period. Only few patients had wound infection, hysterectomy and post-partum haemorrhage. More than 99% fetus survived without any complications.
Resilience as a protective factor for well-being and emotional stability in elite-level football players during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background: In Denmark, the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown resulted in a compact season finisher for elite footballers, potentially impacting their mental health.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the protective role of resilience and the impeding role of trait anxiety on elite footballers’ level and variability of well-being and emotional stability.Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five male elite-level players (Mage = 25.04 ± 4.82) completed baseline measures on trait anxiety and resilience. Additionally, well-being and positive and negative affect were assessed before games (n = 24) over 62 days. Separate two-level regression analysis using Bayesian statistics was conducted to test potential relationships. Results: Results show a credible positive relationship between the average level of well-being and within-person variability over time as well as the average level in positive affect. This indicates that resilience might be a protector for mental health. In addition, higher levels of trait anxiety (i.e., subscale concentration disruption) were associated with higher levels of negative affect and higher variability over time. This indicates that trait anxiety might facilitate negative affect. No other credible relationships were found. Conclusion: High resilience and low trait anxiety are identified as relevant factors for mental health within elite footballers during COVID-19. Implications for practice are discussed.
Effectiveness of Propolis Aqueous Extract on Chemical Constituents of Calendula Plants

This study was performed in order to investigate how the foliar spray of propolis aqueous extract can influence the vegetative growth and flowering characters, chemical constituents and oil composition of Calendula plants. The aqueous extract was applied at four levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 gL). It was revealed that propolis was of a positive effect upon all studied parameters; there was an increase done due to the application of the aqueous extract of propolis. The highest results were obtained due to the application of 5, 10 and 15 g L from the aqueous extract of propolis compared to 20 g L and the control plants. 5 and 10 g L gave the highest records of vegetative characters. While, 15 g L had the highest records of all flowering attributes. In chemical composition optimum results ranged between 10 and 15 gL. The highest percentage of the most important components of the essential oil; sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (cadinene, α-Muurolene and Muurolene) and sesquiter phenols (αcadinol, α-Cadinol (Epi) and α-Muurolol (Epi)) resulted from 15 g L. Hence, it could be suggested that propolise aqueous extract could be sprayed on calendula plants at a rate not exceeding 15 g L to get higher results.
Local governance and the crisis of water and sanitation provision in medium-sized urban centres: Evidence from three cities in Nigeria

Local governance encompasses the involvement of local governments and other community-based organizations in participatory decision-making for efficient delivery of public services. In the developing world, however, the weakness of the local government and local governance has inhibited the efficient and effective delivery of these services. Relying on water and sanitation data and interviews of relevant officials, this study analyses the structure of governance of water supply and sanitation (WSS) at the community levels in selected medium-sized urban centres in Nigeria. Results showed that majority of the city dwellers lacked access to safe water and sanitation, an indication of convoluted, poorly regulated provision regimes and the waning capacity of local governments to galvanize local actions towards the efficient provision and management of these services at community levels. Multiple provision regimes, weak coordinating and regulatory frameworks characterize WSS governance. Further, the sub-national authorities’ encroachment on local government funds which deprived these tiers of government the resources they could have used in providing these essential services presents a major setback. Local governments require financial and constitutional autonomy to provide basic services to the people and supervise and coordinate the activities of other governmental and non-governmental actors involved in service provision.
First-Principles Modeling in Poisson-Boltzmann Electrolytes

Implicit solvation approaches have become a standard means for modeling chemical reactions in electrolytes. In this thesis, we develop a finite ion size and Stern layer modified Poisson-Boltzmann (SMPB) model suitable for full-potential density functional theory calculations. The SMPB approach accounts not only for solvation effects, but notably also models the influence of dissolved ions. Particular focus lies on the solution of the non-linear partial differential SMPB equation and the derivation of a transferable ionic parameter set.
Functional root trait‐based classification of cover crops to improve soil physical properties

Cover crop use is a well‐established soil conservation technique and has been proven effective for erosion control and soil remediation in many arable systems. Whereas the obvious protection mechanism of cover crops occurs through the canopy, plant roots perform multiple functions. It is important to consider the soil functions delivered by different root systems in order to increase the uptake of cover crops for sustainable soil and water management. A classification of cover crop root systems up to 0.6 m deep based on functional traits will allow us to better study their potential role in soil bio‐engineering, soil structural improvements for hydrological services and soil resource protection. This was a glasshouse experiment, using large 1‐m3 containers filled with loam soil, loose topsoil and compacted subsoil, in which seven cover crop species (oat, rye, buckwheat, vetch, radish, mustard, phacelia) were grown for 90 days. Root cores were taken at the end of the experiment, washed and imaged to determine root traits (total root length density, average root diameter, root specific length and root surface area) for both the topsoil and subsoil layers. Root identity was determined from a distinctive combination of single root traits and related to three soil functional variables, representing soil structural improvement, runoff mitigation and erosion control. The results showed that total root length and root surface area correlate well with aggregate stability and soil macroporosity. Buckwheat, mustard and rye had significantly greater aggregate stability, as well as 10, 8 and 7% greater microporosity, respectively, at the interface with the compacted layer when compared to the control bare soil. Furthermore, average root diameter negatively correlated with soil macroporosity, indicating that cover crops with a fine root system are more beneficial for creating pore‐space than those with thicker taproots. Selecting cover crop species with the right root traits is therefore crucial to improve soil health.
Atomically Dispersed Pt on the Surface of Ni Particles: Synthesis and Catalytic Function in Hydrogen Generation from Aqueous Ammonia–Borane

The development of cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts is of scientific importance and practical need in the conversion and utilization of clean energy. One of the strategies fulfilling that demand is to achieve high exposure of a catalytically functional noble metal to reactants to maximize its utilization efficiency. We report herein that the single-atom alloy (SAA) made of atomically dispersed Pt on the surface of Ni particles (Pt is surrounded by Ni atoms) exhibits improved catalytic activity on the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia–borane, a promising hydrogen storage method for onboard applications. Specifically, an addition of 160 ppm of Pt leads to ca. 3-fold activity improvement in comparison to that of pristine Ni/CNT catalyst. The turnover frequency based on the isolated Pt is 12000 molH2 molPt–1 min–1, which is about 21 times the value of the best Pt-based catalyst ever reported. Our simulation results indicate that the high activity achieved stems from the synergistic effect bet.
Direct ink writing of vancomycin‐loaded polycaprolactone/ polyethylene oxide/ hydroxyapatite 3D scaffolds

Novel inks were formulated by dissolving polycaprolactone (PCL), a hydrophobic polymer, in organic solvent systems; polyethylene oxide (PEO) was incorporated to extend the range of hydrophilicity of the system. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) with a weight ratio of 55-85% was added to the polymer-based solution to mimic the material composition of natural bone tissue. The direct ink writing (DIW) technique was applied to extrude the formulated inks to fabricate the predesigned tissue scaffold structures; the influence of HAp concentration was investigated. The results indicate that in comparison to other inks containing HAp (55%, 75%, and 85%w/w), the ink containing 65% w/w HAp had faster ink recovery behavior; the fabricated scaffold had a rougher surface as well as better mechanical properties and wettability. It is noted that the 65% w/w HAp concentration is similar to the inorganic composition of natural bone tissue. The elastic modulus values of PCL/PEO/HAp scaffolds were in the range of 4 to 12 MPa; the values were dependent on the HAp concentration. Furthermore, vancomycin as a model drug was successfully encapsulated in the PCL/PEO/HAp composite scaffold for drug release applications. This paper presents novel drug-loaded PCL/PEO/HAp inks for 3D scaffold fabrication using the DIW printing technique for potential bone scaffold applications.
Customizing the following behavior models to mimic the weak lane based mixed traffic conditions

This study aims to model traffic flow under weak lane based heterogonous (mixed) traffic conditions. Unlike homogeneous traffic, when a follower (subject) vehicle in mixed traffic moves closer to its leader vehicle, it tends to adjust its longitudinal movement or change its lane and acts discretely. Due to this phenomenon, traffic flow modeling under such conditions is always challenging. A new driver behavioral logic is conceptualized for the vehicles’ movement within a combination of surrounding vehicles. In which the following behavior was dissected with the lateral shift distance between vehicles. Two car-following models for homogeneous traffic conditions, the IDM and Gipps models were adapted with relevant lateral behavior parameters to different vehicle classes under mixed-traffic conditions. The new driving behavior logic was incorporated externally in place of default logic. The results showed that the performance of the adapted models was better accurate than the classical models.
PENGARUH QUALITY OF WORK LIFE TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. POS INDONESIA (PERSERO) KPRK LHOKSEUMAWE DENGAN MOTIVASI INTRINSIK DAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING

ABSTRAK Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh Quality Of Work Life (QWL) terhadap kinerja karyawan dan menilai efek mediasi dari motivasi intrinsik dan kepuasan kerja antara Quality Of Work Life (QWL) terhadap kinerja karyawan di PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) KPRK Lhokseumawe. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik sampling jenuh, karena sampling dilakukan untuk semua anggota populasi yaitu sebesar 115 responden. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis jalur dengan metode SEM (pemodelan persamaan struktural) menggunakan Amos. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masing- masing variabel Quality Of Work Life (QWL), motivasi intrinsik dan kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Variabel motivasi intrinsik memediasi Quality Of Work Life (QWL) dengan variabel kinerja karyawan secara parsial mediasi dan variabel kepuasan kerja memediasi Quality Of Work Life (QWL) dengan kinerja karyawan secara full mediasi. Kata Kunci: Quality Of Work Life (QWL), Motivasi Intrinsik, Kepuasan Kerja dan Kinerja Karyawan.
Calibration of Undrained Shear Strength Partial Factor Using Probability
Theory

Design in accordance with Eurocode 7 applies the partial factors of geotechnical parameters to take into account uncertainties of various sources. The prescribed values of partial factors are unique, even though the degree of uncertainty can vary significantly. This can lead to an unequal reliability level of structures designed using the same procedures and methods. This paper analyses the influence of undrained shear strength variability on the reliability index (β), using reliability theory and statistical methods. Analyses were performed in the case of a shallow footing designed in accordance with Eurocode 7, design approach 3. It is shown that reliability indexes of a shallow footing could be lower than the target values prescribed in Eurocode. To meet these values, additional elaboration and calibration of undrained shear strength partial factor (γcu) was proposed.
Influence of informal financial literacy training on financial knowledge and behavior of rural farmers: Evidence from Uganda

Financial literacy plays an important role in influencing financial behavior and knowledge of individuals. In this study, the impact of informal financial literacy training on rural smallholder farmers was assessed. Propensity score matching approach was used to assess training effects on distinct dimensions of financial knowledge. The study used a sample of farmers who are members of village savings and loans associations. Findings indicate higher scores (70.6% for training beneficiaries and 68.5% for the control group) in financial goals and the lowest scores (48.0% for training beneficiaries and 43.0% for control group) in planning and managing finances. Although the descriptive statistics show higher scores for the trained farmers, overall financial literacy scores in the different dimensions for trained farmers were not significantly different from those that were not trained. The result was attributed to spillover effects through networks given the period between training and evaluation. More financial education programs could be useful to empower communities with knowledge for informed financial decision making. Key words: Financial literacy, financial decisions, smallholder rural farmers, informal training
Repellent and insecticidal effects of essential oils of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss and Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (Mill.) J.W. Moore leaves on Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Essential oils from leaves of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nym. ex AW HillFuss (Apiaceae) and Pimenta racemosa var. racemosa (P. Mill.er) J.W. Moore (Myrtaceae) were evaluated for their repellent properties, insecticidal and fumigant activities against Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae). The essential oils of these plants were obtained by Clevenger-type hydro distillation method with yield of 0.47 and 1.09% w/w for P. crispum and P. racemosa, respectively. Essential oils of both plants exhibited a low repellent activity (class I and II of repellency) against D. porcellus at all tested concentrations. The P. crispum and P. racemosa essential oils were toxic to D. porcellus in contact, ingestion and fumigant assays. The D. porcellus adults were more susceptible to contact action of P. crispum (LD50 = 1.15 µL/adult) than P. racemosa (LD50 = 414.38 µL/adult) at 72 h, whereas in ingestion assay, P. crispum essential oil was the most effective toxin (LC50 = 3.88 µL/g) at 21 days interval time. Strong feeding deterrence (68.97%) was achieved in D. porcellus adults by using P. crispum essential oil at a concentration of 0.4 µL/g of yam chips. In the fumigation assays, P. crispum (LC50 = 7.22 µL/L air) essential oil was more toxic than P. racemosa (LC50 = 3.39×106 µL/L air) against D. porcellus adults within 7 days. These findings, suggest that P. crispum essential oil was more active against D. porcellus adults and showed its potential for development as natural anti-feeding agent, and fumigant insecticide for managing D. porcellus adults in stored yam chips. Key words: Contact Contact toxicity, Feeding feeding deterrence, Fumigant fumigant toxicity, Repellent repellent activity, Storage storage insects.